FEB 5 UPDATE:
Count updated thru Post #526 is 81 relatively firm, 5 maybe, plus probably a few more form Texas, plus there are some discussing it over on Facebook. Looking like we are in the mid 90s and approaching 100.
The Tracks thread is running and has resources to download at:
https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/arkansas-gpx-files-for-2020-rally.27618/#post-393212
JAN 7 UPDATE:
The names from up to Post #435 in this thread and from Facebook have been added and we are now at 77 probables plus 5 maybes, so working head count is about 80 for now. There'll probably be some more if weather is good or if bad. Thanks because it helps coordinate with the resort and meals with the restaurant, which is largely what this update is about.
I spoke with James yesterday, who is the person doing food and he said the regular restaurant will be open for dinners regardless. They will also be open for breakfasts as of Thursday and he was curious about headcount. Just as a WAG from previous events, my guess was that of 75 people, figure on about 20-25% (15-20 people) for breakfast on Thursday, 1/3 (25 people) on Friday, and slightly under half (35-ish) on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday dinner will be buffet and the survey results were that the meats for the Saturday dinner are going to be prime rib (70%) and catfish (61.7%). He will have both available and we're guessing about 70-ish people attend so James is working up a price. More details about sides and such to be served are below in the big original announcement post.
The food is primarily going to be good ol' fashioned 'Murican gut busting' normal. But IF IF IF there are any special needs about food for allergies, religions, plus the usual vegans or vegetarians. . . PLEASE don't feel left out. Call James at 940-445-1265 or pm me and we'll figure something out.
DEC 16 UPDATES:
1. We are now confirmed with the resort so it's ON!!!
2. Book WITH MARBLE FALLS (not me) before January 1 to lock in 2019 rates for rooms or campsites. With a new minimum wage law, they need to raise rates after January 1.
3. The owner said that they put a lot of time and money into fixing the place back up since getting it back in April. Her words were that it's not a high end hotel, but if she personally won't sleep in a room then she won't rent it.
4. We're going to do a buffet Saturday evening in their banquet room. If you want a ticket, the cost will probably be $20 or less, maybe a bit more if everybody wants prime rib. The cost will include drinks, including water, ice tea, and sodas. BYOB for alcohol. Meat choices in new poll will be catfish, roast, pork, chicken, or prime rib.
5. They supply wood for the bonfire pit. There are not smaller fire pits distributed on the property.
6. While they are in a dry county, if you want alcohol the county line and nearest store is only 1.5 miles away.
With nearly everybody having voted (74% vs 26% for the previous week), the dates are being locked down to April 23-26.
There are all sorts of ways to run an event. I try really hard to keep life simple so here's what I'm anticipating:
VENUE INFO:
The location will be Markle Falls Resort, which used to be The Hub and then Heritage. I just spoke with Debbie at Marble Falls and we are tentatively ON for either the last week (or two) of April or first of May.
https://www.marblefallsarkansas.com
She owns the motel and camping areas of the Dogpatch USA property which was run as The Hub and now has it back, largely to cater to bike groups. They will re-open March 15. The property was rented 2018 into 2019 to somebody who did nothing with it and she took the property back in April. Looking at the news reports and photos it was in sad shape. With the change in who is running the place now behind them and the original owners back for a year, things should be improved for 2020. I've personally never been there.
For those wanting rooms like Dirt_Dad, the motel has 54 total, with $65 single queens, $75 Kings, and $85 double queens.
For both tent and trailer campers there will be plenty of grass with NO hookups at $15/night. There will be two shower/toilet rooms available.
For RVs not going in the grass or if it rains, it looks like there is a lot of open asphalt to set up on.
The on-site restaurant will be open Thursdays thru Sundays for breakfasts and dinners. Closed for lunch since they've found it's not worth staffing while everybody is out riding elsewhere.
Other amenities will be the evening bonfire, grills, picnic tables, and horseshoe pits.
COSTS:
Lodging: As mentioned, I'll try to get us a discount and get our campers into one general area. After that, you're going to make a reservation with Marble Falls and be responsible for your own payments.
Event Fee: I like to keep things inexpensive and am not big on paying for raffle prizes and such so do not anticipate an event fee. There will be a cost to attend the Saturday group dinner.
Goodies: From running the Romney Camp-n-Ride with Dirt Dad, we know that most people will want a patch and a few less will want a T-shirt, but not everybody will want one or both. This means we'll make a list for each. We've got the right person to make them and a back-up if he doesn't want to, so stay tuned for those.
DATES:
While some others and I will probably get there Tuesday, figure Thurs/Fri/Sat as our official event days. Most folks typically pack up and head home on Sunday. btw - The poll was April 23-26.
VOLUNTEERS:
Already had a couple great people volunteer so THANKS! What I'll cover till somebody else pm's me and asks to:
Prizes. Let's see what we can get contributed for a Saturday evening raffle.
PatrickG450 will be Collector of maps and routes. This basically means hit up trip reports and collect GPS tracks from people who have them for the area. Usually this is a computer literate person with a web-site or Drop Box for folks to download them.
Compile a list of recommended things to see and do. Probably coordinate with the maps person.
Make up an area safety and contact sheet. We did this for the Romney events and having them paid off a few times. That's a good news/bad news comment. Basically, it's a sheet each rider carries that has their real (not avatar or just first) name, contact info if just/unconscious, and locations for first aid. I can provide the Romney ones to serve as a model.
For the inevitable rain at some point, it'd be good if a couple of you can bring bring pop-up shelters.
ATTENDEES:
No commitments but so far 81 + 5 maybees:
(Full names are from Facebook people)
Me (Checkswrecks)
Arkyrider
ArkieTenere
azb
big bob (Best pancakes award!)
Bob_pet
+1
Brennan S10
BWC
+1
Byron
CrewChief
Coastie
Combo
Glen Comeaux
Jason Cranston
Cycledude
Dell835
Dirt2007
Dirt_Dad
Dirt Mom
DQ Kid
Ken Doss
eemsreno
& wife
EricV (Probable)
Fennellg
FMRider
FredP
Fredz43
Jerry Garcia
gmtech
Greg
Gunner
heberhog
Helimark
Hytlok
Darren Horn
Iddave
+1
Jerry James
jmz
Just Bob
Dan Holland
Kawiboy
KCTen
Kenack
+1
KyleB
KYwoodsrider
Limey
Madhatter
Mak10
mbabc
+1
Merchant
Moto.Monk
NorthwestCajun (www.tenereacrosstheusa.com)
Patrickg450 (You need a newer airplane dude)
Chris Peden
Porcupine224
Porky
Jeff Potts
Rethy
Simmons1
Karl Schultze
Red one going in (going to have to explain that one around the fire I bet)
Rethy
SicDuc
Silverbullet
Simmons1
Skunkworks
Tabasco
Aaron
Lee
timebak
Toadady
Top Ten
Tombstone
Troya
Txktenere
U.P.Rider
Danny River Vallesky
Whisperquiet +1
The list of true maybes ???
dannyv
Davo Kenn - 75%
gv550
Kate Murphy
Lery Mark Yeager
T-shirt and decal design by Gunner. Prices to be determined along with dinner at a future date
T-shirt and decal design
Mak10 said we could move the event info into the post he started this thread with. Sometimes having moderator powers is useful.
Thanks Mark!
Bob / CW
Count updated thru Post #526 is 81 relatively firm, 5 maybe, plus probably a few more form Texas, plus there are some discussing it over on Facebook. Looking like we are in the mid 90s and approaching 100.
The Tracks thread is running and has resources to download at:
https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/arkansas-gpx-files-for-2020-rally.27618/#post-393212
JAN 7 UPDATE:
The names from up to Post #435 in this thread and from Facebook have been added and we are now at 77 probables plus 5 maybes, so working head count is about 80 for now. There'll probably be some more if weather is good or if bad. Thanks because it helps coordinate with the resort and meals with the restaurant, which is largely what this update is about.
I spoke with James yesterday, who is the person doing food and he said the regular restaurant will be open for dinners regardless. They will also be open for breakfasts as of Thursday and he was curious about headcount. Just as a WAG from previous events, my guess was that of 75 people, figure on about 20-25% (15-20 people) for breakfast on Thursday, 1/3 (25 people) on Friday, and slightly under half (35-ish) on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday dinner will be buffet and the survey results were that the meats for the Saturday dinner are going to be prime rib (70%) and catfish (61.7%). He will have both available and we're guessing about 70-ish people attend so James is working up a price. More details about sides and such to be served are below in the big original announcement post.
The food is primarily going to be good ol' fashioned 'Murican gut busting' normal. But IF IF IF there are any special needs about food for allergies, religions, plus the usual vegans or vegetarians. . . PLEASE don't feel left out. Call James at 940-445-1265 or pm me and we'll figure something out.
DEC 16 UPDATES:
1. We are now confirmed with the resort so it's ON!!!
2. Book WITH MARBLE FALLS (not me) before January 1 to lock in 2019 rates for rooms or campsites. With a new minimum wage law, they need to raise rates after January 1.
3. The owner said that they put a lot of time and money into fixing the place back up since getting it back in April. Her words were that it's not a high end hotel, but if she personally won't sleep in a room then she won't rent it.
4. We're going to do a buffet Saturday evening in their banquet room. If you want a ticket, the cost will probably be $20 or less, maybe a bit more if everybody wants prime rib. The cost will include drinks, including water, ice tea, and sodas. BYOB for alcohol. Meat choices in new poll will be catfish, roast, pork, chicken, or prime rib.
5. They supply wood for the bonfire pit. There are not smaller fire pits distributed on the property.
6. While they are in a dry county, if you want alcohol the county line and nearest store is only 1.5 miles away.
With nearly everybody having voted (74% vs 26% for the previous week), the dates are being locked down to April 23-26.
There are all sorts of ways to run an event. I try really hard to keep life simple so here's what I'm anticipating:
VENUE INFO:
The location will be Markle Falls Resort, which used to be The Hub and then Heritage. I just spoke with Debbie at Marble Falls and we are tentatively ON for either the last week (or two) of April or first of May.
https://www.marblefallsarkansas.com
She owns the motel and camping areas of the Dogpatch USA property which was run as The Hub and now has it back, largely to cater to bike groups. They will re-open March 15. The property was rented 2018 into 2019 to somebody who did nothing with it and she took the property back in April. Looking at the news reports and photos it was in sad shape. With the change in who is running the place now behind them and the original owners back for a year, things should be improved for 2020. I've personally never been there.
For those wanting rooms like Dirt_Dad, the motel has 54 total, with $65 single queens, $75 Kings, and $85 double queens.
For both tent and trailer campers there will be plenty of grass with NO hookups at $15/night. There will be two shower/toilet rooms available.
For RVs not going in the grass or if it rains, it looks like there is a lot of open asphalt to set up on.
The on-site restaurant will be open Thursdays thru Sundays for breakfasts and dinners. Closed for lunch since they've found it's not worth staffing while everybody is out riding elsewhere.
Other amenities will be the evening bonfire, grills, picnic tables, and horseshoe pits.
COSTS:
Lodging: As mentioned, I'll try to get us a discount and get our campers into one general area. After that, you're going to make a reservation with Marble Falls and be responsible for your own payments.
Event Fee: I like to keep things inexpensive and am not big on paying for raffle prizes and such so do not anticipate an event fee. There will be a cost to attend the Saturday group dinner.
Goodies: From running the Romney Camp-n-Ride with Dirt Dad, we know that most people will want a patch and a few less will want a T-shirt, but not everybody will want one or both. This means we'll make a list for each. We've got the right person to make them and a back-up if he doesn't want to, so stay tuned for those.
DATES:
While some others and I will probably get there Tuesday, figure Thurs/Fri/Sat as our official event days. Most folks typically pack up and head home on Sunday. btw - The poll was April 23-26.
VOLUNTEERS:
Already had a couple great people volunteer so THANKS! What I'll cover till somebody else pm's me and asks to:
Prizes. Let's see what we can get contributed for a Saturday evening raffle.
PatrickG450 will be Collector of maps and routes. This basically means hit up trip reports and collect GPS tracks from people who have them for the area. Usually this is a computer literate person with a web-site or Drop Box for folks to download them.
Compile a list of recommended things to see and do. Probably coordinate with the maps person.
Make up an area safety and contact sheet. We did this for the Romney events and having them paid off a few times. That's a good news/bad news comment. Basically, it's a sheet each rider carries that has their real (not avatar or just first) name, contact info if just/unconscious, and locations for first aid. I can provide the Romney ones to serve as a model.
For the inevitable rain at some point, it'd be good if a couple of you can bring bring pop-up shelters.
ATTENDEES:
No commitments but so far 81 + 5 maybees:
(Full names are from Facebook people)
Me (Checkswrecks)
Arkyrider
ArkieTenere
azb
big bob (Best pancakes award!)
Bob_pet
+1
Brennan S10
BWC
+1
Byron
CrewChief
Coastie
Combo
Glen Comeaux
Jason Cranston
Cycledude
Dell835
Dirt2007
Dirt_Dad
Dirt Mom
DQ Kid
Ken Doss
eemsreno
& wife
EricV (Probable)
Fennellg
FMRider
FredP
Fredz43
Jerry Garcia
gmtech
Greg
Gunner
heberhog
Helimark
Hytlok
Darren Horn
Iddave
+1
Jerry James
jmz
Just Bob
Dan Holland
Kawiboy
KCTen
Kenack
+1
KyleB
KYwoodsrider
Limey
Madhatter
Mak10
mbabc
+1
Merchant
Moto.Monk
NorthwestCajun (www.tenereacrosstheusa.com)
Patrickg450 (You need a newer airplane dude)
Chris Peden
Porcupine224
Porky
Jeff Potts
Rethy
Simmons1
Karl Schultze
Red one going in (going to have to explain that one around the fire I bet)
Rethy
SicDuc
Silverbullet
Simmons1
Skunkworks
Tabasco
Aaron
Lee
timebak
Toadady
Top Ten
Tombstone
Troya
Txktenere
U.P.Rider
Danny River Vallesky
Whisperquiet +1
The list of true maybes ???
dannyv
Davo Kenn - 75%
gv550
Kate Murphy
Lery Mark Yeager
T-shirt and decal design by Gunner. Prices to be determined along with dinner at a future date
T-shirt and decal design
Mak10 said we could move the event info into the post he started this thread with. Sometimes having moderator powers is useful.
Thanks Mark!
Bob / CW
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