I have been asked by several people to host a "mini drift-in" next year. I had offered to host the main event, but I lost in the balloting by one vote. It seems that there are quite a few people who want to see the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. We, (they) have settled on a date of July 21st through the 23rd. of 2016. The place will be Sparta, WI. A town of about 12,000 with very easy access to Interstate 90....and situated at the top 1/3 of the Driftless Region. This area is called that because during the last ice age, this part of the state didn't get covered by ice, and it's pretty much untouched, and the way it was 15,000 years ago. We have steep cliffs, wandering valleys, and high ridges. Almost a miniature Rocky Mountains...I have some information posted on FaceBook under the event "Coulee Cruzin" I have plans for some great, scenic rides, some technical riding, visits to some of the largest Military memorials outside of Washington D.C. Since I still have about a year to plan, I will be adding to this post, as well as the FaceBook event as things firm up
I'm all for that! Several hundred miles shorter than the other proposed location!...providing I can make it, that is.... :D
;) with your old bones and sorry a$$ condition you might want to strt out oh about NOW and might make it on time for the proposed time frame.....
...maybe with your big mouth you ought to....shut up..... ;D :o
now, now, children....we're all family here.....
but daddy troll he started it......lol.....
♫ black sheep of the family...♫ ♫
REALLY? Then I'll finish it!
Man! I'm interested in Wisconsin, but this is starting to sound too much like my childhood! :o ::)
As a fellow cheddar-head, I'm all for it. Count me in. Time for me to get out of Harley country and head west.
Who's in the bathroom? How much longer? you've been in there for over 20 minutes! C'mon, I'm telling Daddy Troll!
Just kidding, but I am interested in riding Wisconsin.
OK, then...check out the FaceBook event for more info, and I'll post here, too for those who don't "FB"
There its done! Took that jug head out to the woodshed and tune him up some....he'll behave now...... :o
What is it under on FB; tried "Drifter Family Reunion" no sale...nothing found.
Fred, it's called
Regional Drifter Owners Reunion, "Coulee Cruzin'"
It's an event, Fred...here's a link: https://www.facebook.com/events/752623381526519/
Troll will be hosting a gathering/rally in WI July 21-23rd 2016. Stay tuned for info.
It is still too far for me as well. In late August, I am toting my trailer from Seattle to San Diego, which is 1500 miles one way.... but that would only be 2/3 s of the way to your place. Too far for me!
I support the name "Drift In" no matter where the gathering is.
I just had a meeting with the manager of the Super 8 in Sparta about the potential availability of rooms. She told me that the weekend (actually Friday) would be VERY crowded, as there are several large events planned since last year. All the area motels/hotels told me the same thing...They would have to raise their rates from the normal week day rate to $125+ tax...If we shift the dates by a little...we can still keep Rudy's Bike Night as part of the reunion, and save a lot of money on the lodging. I had originally planned to have the rooms available from Wed. the 20th for early arrival/registration, and then having the first real event on Thursday...but that would require staying over Friday night for most people...Sooooo, if we shift it to the 18th through the 21st, (Tuesday through Friday)...the room rate, inc. tax would be $72.50 per night...Since we have nearly a year to plan the dates, I can't see it making too big an impact. By making Thursday the last rally day, Rudy's Bike night in La Crosse could be our "banquet" event. Please let me know what you thing asap so I can get the dates locked in.
Any dates are fine with me other then the July 1st thru 3rd I am doing the Biker reunion. I need to be there to take care of my hero Tom for the welding job he did me......what a super hero he is.......someone can past this on face book for me......
Quote from: Troll on August 11, 2015, 11:09:29 AM
I just had a meeting with the manager of the Super 8 in Sparta about the potential availability of rooms. She told me that the weekend (actually Friday) would be VERY crowded, as there are several large events planned since last year. All the area motels/hotels told me the same thing...They would have to raise their rates from the normal week day rate to $125+ tax...If we shift the dates by a little...we can still keep Rudy's Bike Night as part of the reunion, and save a lot of money on the lodging. I had originally planned to have the rooms available from Wed. the 20th for early arrival/registration, and then having the first real event on Thursday...but that would require staying over Friday night for most people...Sooooo, if we shift it to the 18th through the 21st, (Tuesday through Friday)...the room rate, inc. tax would be $72.50 per night...Since we have nearly a year to plan the dates, I can't see it making too big an impact. By making Thursday the last rally day, Rudy's Bike night in La Crosse could be our "banquet" event. Please let me know what you thing asap so I can get the dates locked in.
Week days makes it hard for us working folks.... If all the events next year are scheduled for during the week, there is no way I could do all of them. Do it when you can do it - but keep in mind a during-the-week schedule will undoubtedly decrease your turn out by X%, whatever it turns out to be.
This last one, in Pikeville, was during the week.....I have no problem with shifting dates, just trying to save people some money.
Quote from: Troll on August 15, 2015, 12:27:22 PM
This last one, in Pikeville, was during the week.....I have no problem with shifting dates, just trying to save people some money.
I'm all for saving some money too - that's good if you can.
With Pikeville, I think it might have also affected the turn-out as well, being during the week. Seems like a lot of people showed up on Thurs-Friday, maybe not.
But like I said - you need to do it whenever it works out best. I just realized I cannot afford to take 3 weeks off work to attend 3 different week-time events- so I'll have to decide which one I can do. No matter when you have it, everyone will not be able to attend.
I know. I'm just hoping that this can act as a preview to the mail event in 2017...
The lodging is finalized, as are the dates and prices. We have 25 rooms reserved under "Coulee Cruzin" at the Sparta, Super 8, 716 Avon Rd.Sparta WI. The phone number for rooms is 608-269-8489...Ask for Coulee Cruzin. The release date for the rooms is June 18, 2016, so you have plenty of time to make up your mind and get the room reserved. The price for the room is $65.00 + tax, which comes out to $72.48 for Monday the 18th ( early bird registration) to Thursday night, the 21st. They have added the possibility of extending your room to Saturday night, but the rate will go up. There is some big Bicycle event going on in Sparta that weekend, so the price will be $125+ tax, or $139.38. You can cancel your room reservation up to 6pm on the day of arrival. Standard policy for the Super 8 chain. The owner, Erika, is really excited about having this event, and says she will do what ever we need to make it a success. The usual motel breakfast is included (waffles, etc.) and right across the street is a really good family restaurant. Thee are 4 or 5 gas stations within 1 mile of the Motel, there is one stop light to deal with, unless we go North on hwy 27, then there are two. I will publish a map with directions to the motel, but it's about 1/4 mile North from I-90 @ exit 25.
Troll, do you have a tentative schedule for the week yet?? Wondering what days are the main days that most people will be there - Mon-Sat is a long time.... Do you have a schedule of when the "official" CC days are planned?
Yes please keep us updated here as some of us are not on face book and do want to attend. Thanks.
Working on routes and events that can/could be connected. So far, there's not much to update....Had the bike out twice, and the River is half covered with ice...
So is Thursday night the last "official" night?? Any rides or other things planned for Friday?? Just need to get figured out which nights to reserve the hotel for....
Looking forward to some cheese curds....
For anybody who is still there after Thursday night, I will have a selection of shorter rides, some involving the twistiest roads in the area. Either Wed. or Friday, depending on the people there, I want to take a group to the High Ground in Neilsville, and then to the Vets Memorial park in Arcadia. That will be a full day, and over 100 miles...One of the places I want to get people to see is the Mindoro Cut, which you can Google. The road (hiway 108) is pretty intense for a few miles, as it winds through the hills and valleys....As soon as people start to show up and are ready to go, I have a few scenic tours mapped that can start as early as Monday afternoon...
So here's a basic map for the "center piece" tour. Starts in Sparta, ends in La Crosse, at Rudy's..300 miles. Pretty good sampling of the area. Can be abridged at several different point, if necessary Second map is the Memorial Park ride....
;) any updates as of yet?
As soon as the thunder storms stop today, I'm going out to pre run the big route. I've been over all these roads hundreds of times, so there will only be a need to check the condition. Spoke to the owner of Rod's Power Sports, yesterday, and he's all on board with making a special day of it...so now to the fine tuning. Looking for scenic photo spots and planning where to stop for lunch and or course, the inevitable fuel/other necessary stops...There's been a lot of construction this year, and some of the roads I had planned on are closed for that, so I modified the route a little. Here's a shot of one of the valley vistas off a ridgetop
ok just did not want to be forgotten with most people being on facebook now. Thanks.......
need anything let me know.
Just need for you to show up, if you can....Got out and ran 100 miles, or about 1/2 the Thursday ride route. Roads are pretty good, and the mileage will be manageable. I'm planning lunch and fuel stops, using a reasonable 75 miles between fuel stops for the gas guzzlers. I got 48 mpg this time around....
8) :oOh count me in I have been planning this for a year now. I am halfway packed and ready to go. 75 miles between fuel points sounds really good, I am hoarding my aMerican money so I can not be held up at the gas stations like last year. I am also eating cheese so I can learn the different types. I am getting versed on the Badgers stats so I can blend in.
Learn to speak "Packers" that will be more universal...even in the Summer!
ah yes your "football" which includes a fair catch rule......ok will do.
Plans for the Regional are proceeding. Here's a link to an perfect example of a "Rudy's Bike Night"....this was Thursday of this week. You never know who or what will show up for the event https://goo.gl/photos/SiiCoZYrFrsp9bdy8 The Honda/Yamaha dealer sponsored this one, ours will be sponsored by the Kaw dealer
Planning on making our reservations for Monday through Thursday nights. As long as nothing has changed. Still looking good? What kind of crowd are you anticipating???
I called today and have booked my room, really easy people to deal with so far. I am booked in for Monday departing Sat morning heading west to Winnipeg..............can not wait to met with some of the folks from last year............
Troll, can you help us out by listing a daily agenda?? I'm a little confused... Originally I thought this was scheduled Mon-Thurs (FB page still says Monday, July 18). But from what I'm reading, It seems rides are planned Wed-Fri??? Us working stiffs need some info to make plans.... ;D
8) I am getting nervous and wondering what is going to happen if the Trump wall is built before I cross the border or is it only going up dwon south first then doing the 49th afterwards?
Quote from: CDNRatMan on June 26, 2016, 14:50:36 PM
8) I am getting nervous and wondering what is going to happen if the Trump wall is built before I cross the border or is it only going up dwon south first then doing the 49th afterwards?
Worse yet.... what if they build it while you are down here and they won't let you back??? :o
ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh never thought of that..........I would have to move in with PC or Troll........
OK, so here's the plan. I'm going to be available for anyone who shows up, starting on Monday. I already have one guy, John Pappalardo, who is planning on being in town as early as Saturday. Ratman says he's planning on arriving on Tuesday, so that's fine...So on to the actual events calendar: Wed. morning, I want to get going by 10:am...will be a back road and valley tour with LOTS of small towns and twisty roads...should last about 4 hours or so. Thursday is the feature, again leaving at 10 am...Ridge and river run. This one will take us through 3 states, and end up at Rudy's for Bike Night. Should be back at the Motel around 10 pm....Friday is a run to the HighGround in Neilsville, and then to the Arcadia Memorial park...another most of the day event. I have several choices to present to you guys about a "family type" dinner on Friday....and then It's over...Those of you who stay for Friday, will be leaving on Saturday... I will most likely have to go to work at 0400....and hopefully, be able to stay awake for 14 hours...
I am arriving on Monday sometime after noon. I have some plans for myself to keep busy till Weds and the events get underway, I can even help met people if you want me to. I have booked till Sat so will depart early Sat. morning heading for Winnipeg.
Thanks for the update, Troll.
OK, need to re-think my plans. We were planning to be there Mon-Thurs, and leaving Friday b/c our dog-sitter has other plans Friday and through the weekend. I'll need to try to find someone to watch her (the dog) a day or so -- wouldn't really be worth going all the way out there just for Wed-Thurs.
Wow, how did I miss this thing changing From Mon-Thurs to Wed-Friday? I must have missed something somewhere.
Must be a mis-communication...Wed, Thurs and Friday were always the planned days. Sorry if I wasn't able to convey that accurately. I took the whole week off just in case people decided to come early...
I was just going from the FB event page that says it starts 7/18 and the post from last August on the FB page, where it said dates were finalized for the hotel, from Mon the 18th to Thurs the 21st.
No worries, though, we're planning to be there... just trying to maximize the days and not miss anyone.
The time is not far away, and we're looking forward to it. Can't wait for some fresh cheese curds....
8) ok so Troll and You and the lovely Mrs GreenBarn and myself........oh and this gentleman John Pappalardo. Wonder whom else is going to show up.....
I know the Erwins have said they were going to be there same as Terry and Tony Clewis also said they would be there. Not sure about Steve and Tif, will not be attending as they have a major house reno to complete.......
Finished riding the last route today. NO construction...amazing... Got the Friday Dinner restaurant set up. http://www.northcountrysteakbuffet.com/
All I have to do is call them before we leave Arcadia, and they will set us up...and it's a Friday so there's an all you can eat fish fry included...
Quote from: Troll on July 03, 2016, 17:14:57 PM
Finished riding the last route today. NO construction...amazing... Got the Friday Dinner restaurant set up. http://www.northcountrysteakbuffet.com/
All I have to do is call them before we leave Arcadia, and they will set us up...and it's a Friday so there's an all you can eat fish fry included...
All you can eat..... They haven't seen Ratman eat, have they? Between the two of us, I think we can put the hurt on a platter of fish...
Did someone say all you can eat fish........ok so now how big is a piece of fish? What size is it they call a platter? I am sure that GB and I can eat more fish then they want to serve, and Mrs Gb loves fish too........so they are going to be in the hurt locker.....
Better fried cod and butterfly shrimp...all you can eat, and as much as you can stand...
Wish I could make this one. All this talk of food is making me hungry. :o
I for one would like to meet you there, and even share the food with you.
Here's the phone number to get in touch with me about rally business, emergencies, directions, or just to say "HI!" 608 518 1641 talk or text
I do not answer the phone if I am riding or driving, but I'll get back to you when I'm not doing either of those things...
HELLO there. I just got off the phone with Super-8, making my room reservations, in the "Coulee Cruzin" group. I inquired how many rooms were reserved for the group. He could not find that information at this time, but said evidently the "group" was showing FULL. He still gave me the group rate, so no worries. Just thought I'd pass it on to get your reservations made if you want a room.
Glad to hear that. I asked the same question, and got a similar answer
well seems I called the day they were committing to reservations and talked with Mike. I gave him the Reader's Digest version of the issues with rooms last year. I also said I would call about a week prior to just check again, he said no problems.
So I called Monday and once again got Mike, he remembered me, Think I might be the only person from North Bay and Canada calling him, but he said I was all set. He also mentioned the rooms were filling fast.
I just talked to Phil Gray..he's coming from Maggie Valley...should be arriving on Monday...
:o 3 more sleeps and on the road again.......lol...oh boy........
Rode the Wed. loop. Everything is fine...got lunch set up for Thursday. Shellhorn Bar and Grill in Brownsville, MN. They will be setting up a buffet for us...
I'm in buff sounds good might be embarrassing for some however.....
Boy oh boy all packed bike is ready, I feel like a 40 year old kid on christmas eve.......
Troll, I have a request-- how about putting in an order for some cooler weather next week?? Ratman won't be worth a wooden nickle in this kind of heat.... :o
I am so tempted to just drive there - then there's the whole part about work...
Quote from: greenbarn on July 16, 2016, 21:37:46 PM
Troll, I have a request-- how about putting in an order for some cooler weather next week?? Ratman won't be worth a wooden nickle in this kind of heat.... :o
Some how I don't think the temp. is going to make any difference with that.. ;D
8) beware gentleman .........I have a new speedo...........
MPH or KPH?
:o
ok let me clear this up but after a nice day of riding I'll slip into my new banana hammock and then sit around and chat with the people and cool off........
Everyone be careful!!!!! Have speedo will travel. :o
Thanks DC for the good wishes. After riding from home to the Soo in pea soup fog it was not nice then from the US side of the Soo till Escabana or such a name in MI and 7 hours of riding in the rain I was soaked so called it a day.
This morning came clear and sunny so I finished the ride to Sparta, and Joe Bear is here and so I called his room and told him a guest was out front and needed help with his baggage...lol.. he did come down, such a nice guy....
So today we await the arrival of a few folks Troll and the obnoxious Italian from Arkansas went for a ride. Wonder if /i would get into trouble for riding over the Italian (John). Weather is getting hot and sky is looking nice and blue.
Man, I wish I could have followed Greenbarn up there today!
and I would have covered your supper as well......plus we would have made you welcome
ok so some pictures from Sparta.....
Ratman....is that you on the high wheel?
ma no, that is actually a buddy of Trolls.
So today we went for a really nice ride and we took time for a few pictures. So have a look and I have a chance to explain them to you.
So the idea was side stands up at 1000, and met for breakfast at 0830 that would give everyone time to get ready to ride....correct.........
please count the bikes in the last picture.......
So you counted the bikes and so then we set off. Well please count the bikes in the first picture in this post.........
yup one missing. Whom is missing. Mr. I been doing this for years, never forget, I am the Italian Stallion, I am the best.......
Yup my second best well third best, ok perhaps my 3567th best freind John forgot to gas up and he had to make us wait for him to go and get fuel...... :o ???
last of the day
Some beautiful scenery here in the Coulee region. Having a great time.
I do envy ya all, so much!!!
Have a safe ridin' and keep us posted with pics.
Looks like good ridin', good weather, and good friends. Y'all be careful, wish I was there. Roads look alittle rough though but that is expected up there where it snows a lot.
Always great to see a line up of Drifters! 8)
Drifter fenders......
line of Drifters
Drifter Riders
Mean Streak rider......
Ice Cream stop.....
:o ::)
John's hot date, she turned out to be cool to his charm....
oh and yes we did get a bit of a shower just as the day ended sort of....
Quote from: CDNRatMan on July 21, 2016, 23:55:59 PM
:o ::)
John's hot date, she turned out to be cool to his charm....
oh and yes we did get a bit of a shower just as the day ended sort of....
Yep, she was definitely too hot for him.... With that sun, you should have seen the blisters she left on his lips :o
Today marked the last day of Coulee Cruzin' here in Wisconsin. What a fantastic state to ride around in, people are really nice, roads are really decent, and the food good lord the food is awesome.
I for one really enjoyed my time here and want to publicly thank our own Man under the Bridge Troll for all his efforts and time in getting this organized and done for us.
Pictures are from the High Ground, please goggle that and read about it it was awesome and sad at the same time.
some more shots from today
Thanks TJ, now heading west and then north to the Peg then home....
I want to thank all of you for the kind words. This was my first attempt to do anything like this, and I do believe it went pretty well. I'm really glad you had a good time, I know I did!
Glad everyone had a good time and had safe rides.
I got an email from Teri...John had a flat tire on the way home....but he's a ROK member, so he got free roadside assistance (HINT, HINT). My Front tire is totally shot, but it DID make it to the end of the rally. I just ordered 2 new tires from J&P so I'm putting the Drifter away for the time being and putting some serious miles on the "W"... ;D
I think it was safe to say 'A good time was had by all'.
The scenery is really nice, and lots of good food all over. Tom out did himself planning the rides, and the memorial ride was really nice.
Thanks, Tom, for all the hard work! Much appreciated.
??? :-\ :o some how the Italian person getting a flat tire will all come back and get blamed on me......and I am in SD now....
Of course it will... Did you have much trouble with the fog on Saturday morning? :o
Quote from: Troll on July 24, 2016, 19:27:01 PM
Of course it will... Did you have much trouble with the fog on Saturday morning? :o
It was bad for me - left Sparta at 0605, clear for about 30 miles, but then heavy fog until about 10:00.
Quote from: greenbarn on July 24, 2016, 22:59:59 PM
It was bad for me - left Sparta at 0605, clear for about 30 miles, but then heavy fog until about 10:00.
that fog stuff was one of the things I was worrying about during the rally. Sometimes it goes down into the 50's over night and the fog is so bad you can't see 50' ahead. Glad you made it to S.D. ok