Future of Gatherings

[Mr. Wright]

I never in my wildest dreams ever thought these Gatherings would become family reunions. What started out as lunch rides aculminated into an event that brought a large group of Dogs, back to the factory, in Kansas, in 2017. The second year there, we road up to see HDM's facilities, and got a glimpse at what they are doing to keep us supplied in parts. The third year, it was back to the factory. The rides there weren't that exciting, but it brought people not only from all around the US, but also Germany and Finland.
On to Dave's farm. Holy cow, the memories that were made there. To many to be told here, come join us and we'll tell them around a camp fire. The hospitality here is like being at home with family. I never would have thought any one would willingly open up their place to a bunch of people they never met before. And the rides here are fantastic.
For the last 3 years, the roads in Tennessee have heard the thunder of our bikes, for the May Thang. A Beautiful estate accommodation, provided for us by awesome people.
I don't believe anyone thought any of these locations would be permanent. So here I sit and ponder, who is interested in continuing the May Gatherings.

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

I never in my wildest dreams ever thought these Gatherings would become family reunions. What started out as lunch rides aculminated into an event that brought a large group of Dogs, back to the factory, in Kansas, in 2017. The second year there, we road up to see HDM's facilities, and got a glimpse at what they are doing to keep us supplied in parts. The third year, it was back to the factory. The rides there weren't that exciting, but it brought people not only from all around the US, but also Germany and Finland.
On to Dave's farm. Holy cow, the memories that were made there. To many to be told here, come join us and we'll tell them around a camp fire. The hospitality here is like being at home with family. I never would have thought any one would willingly open up their place to a bunch of people they never met before. And the rides here are fantastic.
For the last 3 years, the roads in Tennessee have heard the thunder of our bikes, for the May Thang. A Beautiful estate accommodation, provided for us by awesome people.
I don't believe anyone thought any of these locations would be permanent. So here I sit and ponder, who is interested in continuing the May Gatherings.

I'm interested in continuing them, mainly cause I'm still trying to make it to one of them...lol

 

[Mickmorris]

I am! Louisiana prolly pretty nice end of May!! Hint Hint

 

[SKOGDOG]

I recall several of us convincing Mr. Wright to do the work in organizing the first few Gatherings in Kansas at Flint Oak. Through the years we have formed steadfast friendships and great support resources to keep these beautiful bikes running strong. It truly is a brotherhood built not on politics or economics, but a shared interest in these motorcycles (and riding them). To have the gatherings cancelled would diminish us all.

 

[liferider]

I have discussed with a few members about a ride gathering. We would meet at my farm in Northwest La.
day 1. Ride from Shreveport La down to Lafayette La.
Day 2. Lafayette to AveryIsland stopping for a tour at the Tabasco plant, then on to New Orleans.
Day 3 stay in New Orleans many have never seen it
Day 4 off to Old Oak plantation then cut back north to Magnolia Mississippi the site where Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crashed then on to historic Natchez Mississippi.
Day 5 off to Natchitoches La for lunch on the historic Caine River. then a 70 mile run back to my farm.
I will hammer this out closer to the fall. I had planned on making this run to map everything out but work got massively busy the last few weeks. I will have everything hammered down by September, I will tell you where I am marking reservations specially in New Orleans. If you have never been you damn well want a hotel with a private secured parking garage. I will be getting in touch with NukeRanger, he lives outside The Big Easy and will be a great help. I’ve met up with him for lunch a few times when I’m down there, great guy! By September I will have each day dated and where I will be staying and what hotel. Everyone will have to book your own hotel rooms. We have never attempted anything as a group like this. I will call restraunts I know and have them set aside tables updating them closer to May. Except New Orleans. There everyone is on their own. I can suggest where to eat as Colleen and I visit 2-3 times a yr. Again this will be something never attempted by this group a traveling gathering. I will see if I can get a chase vehicle depending on the size of people wanting to even do this. I believe it could be something very special and a hell of a lot of fun.

 

[liferider]

Avery Island Cards Archive

The McIlhenny family has made TABASCO® Sauce on Avery Island, Louisiana for over 5 generations. Built on a salt dome, it's a mysteriously beautiful place where the red peppers grow, the factory hums, and abundant wildlife can be seen in Jungle Gardens.

www.tabasco.com

 

[liferider]

Oak Alley Foundation: A National Historic Landmark

Discover the enchanting beauty of Oak Alley Foundation, a National Historic Landmark. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the iconic oak-lined avenue and antebellum mansion.

www.oakalleyplantation.org

 

[liferider]

Magnolia, MS - Lynyrd Skynyrd Crash Site Monument

Visit reports, news, maps, directions and info on Lynyrd Skynyrd Crash Site Monument in Magnolia, Mississippi.

www.roadsideamerica.com

 

[liferider]

For the Lafayette stop we will most than likely be in Scott La. It offers 3 things together. Holiday in Express, Cajun Harley motorcycle shop and Don’s Specialty Meats. For anyone wanting to ship back some of the finest food , this is the place. When you purchase it you tell them what date you will get back home and they will ship it then. Best boudin in the state and you haven’t lived till you try their stufffer pork chop with dirty rice dressing

Don's Specialty Meats

donsspecialtymeats.com

 

[liferider]

Another thing while it’s on my mind is riding as 1 group. Dave has fantastic local guys guiding us and stopping traffic while maneuvering through Rogers hands down some of the best I’ve seen. This will be very different. Everyone has got to know where we will stop for lunch, our next venue stop. And everyone who comes bring some form of mapping tool either your I phone or something because I would hate for anyone to get separated and lost. Not like we are going 50 miles to eat then back to the same address. You will have to mark the days end location of where we will end up if you get separated. I learned that when me chubs and Harry did circles around and around the round about coming back from Lyons KS thank God for Harry. And we picked up lost sheep along the way back to the Venue who had gotten separated from the group with NO guide to tell them where to go or how to get back.

 

[liferider]

Where I will be staying in New Orleans. The Monteleone has private parking and is perfectly centered in New Orleans just 1 block from Bourbon St.

Rooms & Suites at the Hotel Monteleone

View the luxury accommodations at New Orleans' Hotel Monteleone and book your stay today.

hotelmonteleone.com

 

[liferider]

Hotel I will be at In Natchez MS.

Natchez Grand Hotel On The River - Guest Reservations

As an independent booking service offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide, we can get you the same deals you expect with a bigger travel agency or direct from the hotel.

www.guestreservations.com

 

[liferider]

Things to do in New Orleans for those who have never been.
1. night life on Bourbon St
2. Swamp tours, outside New Orleans is the Achafalalaya swamp. Air boat tours are fun and you get to see an area unlike anywhere else in America.
3. Ghost tours and cemetery tours. Don’t blow these off. They are fantastic. The cemetery tour is during the daytime and ghost tours are at night. You get to see and hear the history of the town at historic sites. Me and Colleen love these.
4. Food, New Orleans has the finest food in the world.
A. Menas restaurant is close by and the best Muffuletta you will ever eat. Very reasonable pricing
B. Gumbo shop is around the corner
C. Irene’s is a New Orleans land mark. Opened for evening dinning. Best bread pudding in the state
D. Cafe’ Du Monde for breakfast, everybody loves Beignets and coffee
E. Felix Oyster bar is across the street from Acme Oyster House and I think better food. It’s 1 block from hotel.
Here are some other great restaurants

The 10 Best Restaurants in French Quarter New Orleans - Tripadvisor

French Quarter Restaurants - New Orleans, LA: See 224,425 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 224,425 restaurants in New Orleans French Quarter and search by cuisine, price, and more.

www.tripadvisor.com

 

[liferider]

Night Tours in New Orleans - Tripadvisor

www.tripadvisor.com

 

[liferider]

The Best Cemetery Tours in New Orleans | NOLA Activities

Experience the famous above-ground cemeteries of New Orleans, Louisiana. You’ll be intrigued by the long history behind the unique tombs. Book a tour now!

nolaactivities.com

 

[blacktopper]

That sounds great. Count me in.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

Having lead groups like this in the past one of the best solutions is for everyone to use the SAME GPS app -- I'd recommend CO-Pilot. Does an good job of warning you about turns, maps/routes are easy to exchange without changes happening to them.

Be more than happy to help with is part of the endeavour.

Once we get a count, we should decided what we want as a group size.
I would suggest no more than 12-15 bikes per group, staggered departure times by 20/30 minutes. Ideal to have someone that knows the route in all groups but at first and last (if they have to pick up stragglers -- a chase vehicle can also do this, especially if someone is willing to run chase with a trailer).
We need to make sure we all have each others numbers and We should know who is in which group.
Especially usefull is phones number of passengers for group since they can be reached usually easier that rider.

 

[liferider]

Having lead groups like this in the past one of the best solutions is for everyone to use the SAME GPS app -- I'd recommend CO-Pilot. Does an good job of warning you about turns, maps/routes are easy to exchange without changes happening to them.

Be more than happy to help with is part of the endeavour.

Once we get a count, we should decided what we want as a group size.
I would suggest no more than 12-15 bikes per group, staggered departure times by 20/30 minutes. Ideal to have someone that knows the route in all groups but at first and last (if they have to pick up stragglers -- a chase vehicle can also do this, especially if someone is willing to run chase with a trailer).
We need to make sure we all have each others numbers and We should know who is in which group.
Especially usefull is phones number of passengers for group since they can be reached usually easier that rider.

I have no idea who besides myself has run these roads, maybe Mickeetwo . Hope he joins us.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

I have no idea who besides myself has run these roads, maybe Mickeetwo . Hope he joins us.

Don't have to run the roads just really understand the route and have a good sense of direction.
Running the roads helps with detours accidents and existing hazards.
I've run 2nd and 3rd groups behind lead groups in the past by simply reviewing the route ahead of time and using google maps/eart/streetview to gather some visual landmarks for myself that I'll recognize and know we are on track.
As I said this would be the IDEAL, its not always a possibility.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

I do like the idea of someone planning a trip in general rather than our reliying on the kindness and facilities of any one member.
Many of us don't have that option to provide even if we wanted to -- Hell with my setup right now I can't even host 1 person at my house at present.
If we have people that want to do Myrtle Beach Area, I'd be happy to plan routes for us.
The last time I mentioned that for Bike Week here, the people that were coming didn't want to rude that far for lunch after coming the 120miles to get here. Different breed I guess!