New Year: What rides/rallies are you planning?

[LarryInSeattle]

Larry, if you haven't already thought of this - you might consider trying to find a good sized auction to sell your bike in, if thats possible.  With some publicity / advertising, you could very well get way more than the bike is worth that way.  It never ceases to amaze me around here when I go to a local auction and see used firearms go for above current "new" prices!.  'Course, you have to make sure you have a reserve, too, or you could get burned.

That is a good suggestion.  I will put that in a "check into the option" file and see how it could fit in.  I thought of a pre-sale of the bike before even leaving the States. 

[greenbarn]

Larry, if you haven't already thought of this - you might consider trying to find a good sized auction to sell your bike in, if thats possible.  With some publicity / advertising, you could very well get way more than the bike is worth that way.  It never ceases to amaze me around here when I go to a local auction and see used firearms go for above current "new" prices!.  'Course, you have to make sure you have a reserve, too, or you could get burned.

[LarryInSeattle]

Are you selling the trailer with the Coke cooler on it?

Probably not.  It will stay home when I make the trip across the pond.  The bike and trailer will generate enough public interest without adding in the Coke factor.

[49Reo]

Are you selling the trailer with the Coke cooler on it?

[LarryInSeattle]

I am trying to apply enough reasonable planning to ensure that I don't have to win a lottery to do this.  Paying shipping one way on the bike and trailer then selling the bike at the end of the tour are ways to be able to fund this trip.  Everyone who is retired and living on a fixed income can appreciate trying to find means to doing something exciting.

I am anxious to find out what to expect the matching bike and trailer will sell for in Denmark.

The "Run to the Wall" will provide free camping and many free dinner and breakfast meals from the various Veteran Groups sponsoring the Memorial Day Ride.  It should be fun crossing the country with a bunch of other grey beards.

[DC]

Larry, sounds like a terrific endeavor!  Take lots of pics and definitely write that book.  This is real history bringing together two post WW2 families.

[FloridaDrifter]

I don't know about anybody else, but it does me good to hear the stories behind the rides.  Very therapeutic, keep 'em coming.

[DriftinGirl]

Sounds like an AWESOME trip. Was just reading a book written by a woman who did a trip around the world, alone, on her bike. I haven't tried to look it up yet but she kept mentioning a organization she referred to as SERVAS. Provided her with lots of local info everywhere she went and lots of overnight stays.

[greenbarn]

Certainly sounds like an epic journey to me  Larry.  Hope you get everything worked out, can't wait to read about it.

[LarryInSeattle]

I did met a lad from NY in Germany who did just that used a freight ship to bring his bike over and he worked part of the trip as kitchen staff to help pay for the ride and space for his bike.

That kind of experience with your dad will always give you fond feelings and memories.

I have heard of shipping the bike via freighter and riding as a passenger.... hopefully it will be doable.  I will research the hell out of it in the coming days.  I do want to do the "Run to the Wall" and end up in Washington DC for Memorial Day and then journey from there.  It will be a personal epic journey for me, but for others, "maybe not so much." 

[CDNRatMan]

  Sounds like such a cool plan, and you have a decent idea of what to do, I did met a lad from NY in Germany who did just that used a freight ship to bring his bike over and he worked part of the trip as kitchen staff to help pay for the ride and space for his bike.

Also an really cool family history, my dad was a Sgt in the Hungarian Army and a translator, who was in northern German at the wars end. H came over to visit me while I was stationed there, and he brought his photo album from those days and we tried to match the photos to the place and time of day and did get a lot of the same pictures....it was a really good bonding for him and I.

[LarryInSeattle]

Larry, I can dream along with you, back in the early 80's I was in Germany and we did tours all over Europe via motorbikes, we had a core group of 5 of us that hung out together and we worked and rode together. 2 Harley's, Suzuki 750 water buffalo, 1100 Yam Midnight special, and a 750 Kaw LTD (I think) it was a Kaw.
We stayed off the Autobahns and routes as much as we could, staying in the backroads and touring taking our time. Our goal was to travel easy and relax. We did do a 5 country tour in a week...lol....that was a blast. Eating is out of the way local restaurants. Camping in farmers fields or little out of the way campsites , we had a really good time.

My father was a career soldier and my Mom was a WW2 war bride.  I went to high school from 1967 - 1970 in Wurzburg American High School.  My father was a member of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (similar to the Band of Brothers, which was the 506th PIR.)  My father jumped in Holland and was also at Hitler's Nest at the end of WW2.  My uncle and my grandfather on my Mom's side (German) died during the war.  My uncle on my father's side is 100% disabled from a war injury and my other Uncle was a WW2 Army Pilot.  All are now deceased but I have cousins and other relatives in Germany to see.  My intent is to write the unique family history that my parents created and follow the action of the 509th.  There is a new book out called "Put us down in Hell."  The complete combat history of the 508th PIR.  I am reading that to put on a map where their combat activities took them.  I have some memories of stories that my father told as well.  My Mom's wedding dress was made out of his parachute.

I have quite a bit of passion about this mission.  I want to honor my Mom and Dad for what they did to initiate their relationship in the beginning and how it progressed through 29 years of military service, serving in WW2, Korea and Vietnam.  They had 5 kids and I am the only one of them to serve in the military.

I am going solo and without companionship.  This will allow me to stay in areas as long as I wish to absorb the feelings associated with this mission and to document what comes to mind.  I know I will meet people all along the way, and I do plan to visit some cousins.  I will do exactly what I want to do.  Can't do that, even with one other person along.  There is always compromise when even two people make plans.  This trip is about God, country, my parents and me.

My live in girl friend would like to see Europe, but not in the manner I plan to travel, besides, my Drifter only has a solo saddle.  (She has never seen a Drifter with a two up seat.)    When I brought the Drifter home, her first question was "Where do I sit?"  I said, any chair in the house you wish to sit in."  I did have the Goldwing at the time.

Selling the Drifter in Denmark will be my way to pay off the trip.

Quite a bit of planning required.  I want to take a freighter out of the east coast and land in Europe.  I want to travel with my bike on the freighter.  I hear it is doable.

Quite a bit of dreaming as well as planning.  A mission, an adventure and fact finding tour is swirling around in my head.

[LarryInSeattle]

Sounds like quite the riding season. Are you going to buy another Drifter when you get home?

I am not sure if I will buy another Drifter or not.

I will be 62 years old and still have a 600cc Honda Silverwing and I am currently looking to buy another 1800cc Goldwing.  I really like my Drifter, but you don't get a chance to ride anonymously, that is for sure.  Everyone has to comment on the bike everywhere.  Sometimes, when you want to make time, the last thing you want is idle chat at the gas pump with another old fogy.     In the two years I have had this bike, it seems like I am in a constant parade. 

[CDNRatMan]

  Larry, I can dream along with you, back in the early 80's I was in Germany and we did tours all over Europe via motorbikes, we had a core group of 5 of us that hung out together and we worked and rode together. 2 Harley's, Suzuki 750 water buffalo, 1100 Yam Midnight special, and a 750 Kaw LTD (I think) it was a Kaw.
We stayed off the Autobahns and routes as much as we could, staying in the backroads and touring taking our time. Our goal was to travel easy and relax. We did do a 5 country tour in a week...lol....that was a blast. Eating is out of the way local restaurants. Camping in farmers fields or little out of the way campsites , we had a really good time.

[49Reo]

Sounds like quite the riding season. Are you going to buy another Drifter when you get home?

[LarryInSeattle]

I am a moto-camper guy.  I just like to ride, sightseeing along the way and camp so that I can go a little further the following day.  The only rallies I will do for sure this year is a gathering at Baker City and the Oyster Run in Anacortes.

In 2015, I want to do the Run to the Wall, which is a Veterans ride from California to Washington DC and is there over Memorial Day weekend.  It is hosted by Vet groups all across the USA  with free camping and food for those participating.  Some of the Vet groups even provide free gas for those who will take it.  After that rally, I will put my bike and trailer on a freighter bound for Germany.  I want to tour Normandy, Germany and finish in Denmark.  I will be camping and touring the whole time in Europe.  I should be gone 2 to 3 months.  Yea.  I will sell the Drifter and trailer in Denmark and fly home.  I am excited just making the plans.  I hope my health continues to be good so that I can make this happen.  I will do a blog on this trip, with the initial planning aspects as well.  I posted this..... cuz the OP asked the question.....

[gdrudd13]

Which tour did you do? They have two listed, the free one and the steel toe tour. We were just talking this last weekend about which we would do. The steel toe one sounds kind of cool if you get to see all the fabrication stuff they say you do.

[draconarmy]

I only have one real ride planned so far. I'll be riding to Kansas City with my brother. Originally it was going to just be a ride up there for a meal at a BBQ place he likes (I can't remember the name), but I think we'll be touring the HD plant they have up there. Regardless of the brand, it should still be cool to see it. It isn't too far of a ride, about 3 hours each way cruising comfortably on the highway. Should be pretty fun even if it isn't super long.

great tour there.... its mostly vrod stuff but definatly worth the trip.  make sure you get good directions the place is kinda hard to find.

[hi8prt]

will do Greenbarn,  plenty of stuff on youtube from past rallies here a video I did of the Faro 2012 bike show "enjoy" am currently doing 2013 video " 5 months later" lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBCrxhUW5bI
cheers Phil

[greenbarn]

That looks like some BEAUTIFUL stuff at that rally - and some nice bikes, too...   Send us back some pictures, hi8prt!

[hi8prt]

Hi guy's wishing you a very happy new year from across the pond. Having done the Faro (Portugal) rally for the last two years decided on a change this year and have decided on this one in Austria "ferries booked and paid " bring it on!!!!!!!  Sept 2nd-7th
It originally was a HOG event but over the years has grown into an all brand bike rally with 120,000 attending last year
http://www.hogeuropegallery.com/ebw/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j20DFcOuBM8
cheers Phil "ride safe"     

[gdrudd13]

I only have one real ride planned so far. I'll be riding to Kansas City with my brother. Originally it was going to just be a ride up there for a meal at a BBQ place he likes (I can't remember the name), but I think we'll be touring the HD plant they have up there. Regardless of the brand, it should still be cool to see it. It isn't too far of a ride, about 3 hours each way cruising comfortably on the highway. Should be pretty fun even if it isn't super long.

[greenbarn]

I'll make sure to invite ya.

[CDNRatMan]

I guess I don't have any specific plans just yet, or not many.  I'd like to go to the 2014 Drift-in.  I was also considering putting together a mid-Ohio Drifter-Riders Covered Bridge tour.   Problem is, the number of Drifter-Riders in OHIO seems to be DWINDLING BY THE MINUTE.....  They're all buying Vaqueros and Harleys and such...

if I knew the dates I would be interested and just need a place to sleep......

[49Reo]

I know nothing, I hear nothing, I speak nothing..........

.....the "know nothing" part is believable....

The way things are going around here, I might bee able to ride to town for coffee once in a while....