Future of Gatherings

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
Ok, here is my opinion since living just outside New Orleans since 1988.

First, you don’t bring a Big Dog into the city. I’ve done it but you’re better off on a motocross bike. The streets have huge pot holes, people walking everywhere with no regard to vehicles, homeless laying around everywhere, horse and buggy tours, bicycle tours, skateboarding and bicycles and golf carts all over. Crime is unbelievable. My friends truck has been broke into 4 times in the last 18 months. You can call the cops but they aren’t coming until tomorrow if at all. Theirs is no upside for cops. If they respond and there is a problem, they risk getting fired and sued. Hence, they can’t even stop the idiots riding wheelie’s down Canal street with no helmets and girls on the back with their heads inches off the ground because if they setup a road block and something happens, the cop is fired and sued by the injured.

You might believe you have secure parking but what is happening is the adults are getting kids to break into vehicles because even if they get caught, they get released the next day. They are mostly looking for guns left inside vehicles. There is a lot of carjacking going on too. I’ve seen it on the local news where a truck will pull up on a vehicle, get out and shoot the other vehicle’s driver dead and drive off. The aren’t any markings on the criminals vehicle either. There has been 4 carjackings in a New Orleans Costco parking lot.

I one carjacking, Loytoya Cantrell was a character witness for the one of the 4 kids and they actually ran over the lady. The poor lady’s family member could not believe that our mayor did this but she’s done quite a bit of dishonorable things which made the news.

Last year I drove my Triumph Bonneville America into the city. The headlight was broken and saddle bags broken and I lost everything in the saddle bag. I cost me about $500 for that trip.

Second, you don’t go to Bourbon street. Go down Royal and Frenchman street and walk it with the locals. Bourbon street is all tee shirt shops and strip clubs. I’m all for Strip Clubs but the girls aren’t gorgeous like they were 25 years ago. They are now over weight, sloppy, some are pregnant, etc. I’m okay with maybe walking the whole street and looking to say you’ve been there but that’s it.

Third, there is absolutely no good riding in New Orleans. I would ride river road from where I live towards Baton Rouge and visit the plantations. Some have dining too. Oak Alley, Destrehan, Ormond, and San Francisco Plantations are some good ones and the river road is fun to ride on.

So, what I am saying is do not come to New Orleans as a Big Dog Biker event……….come down for a cruise, visit a museum, aquarium, the zoo, City Park, Jazz Fest, etc. But, don’t come to ride downtown New Orleans

Come to my house, we’ll figure out sleeping arrangements, The Bikes will all be safe in the garage, back porch, or back fenced yard. We can leave out and make a day trip visiting plantations and riding river road. We can make it a party at Huw’s house.

Huw

PS I had more to say but was on the phone for an hour and forgot a lot of stuff I had on my mind. Plus, I’m getting parts to get my Ridgeback back in riding condition for a ride in a few months. I just received my Braille B2015 battery and checked its CCA and it was 450amps so I just need to install it. I need to replace some pegs and hand grips and clean her up too.
 

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
Ok,

If you have to do a gathering in New Orleans, it’ll take more than one day and we’ll drive to the city. The best Cafe Du Monde is in City Park. I know of some free parking in the French Quarter if they are not taken. It depends on what’s going on that day. I might be able to get cones setup on Peters Street in front of an Airbnb/coyote ugly. They can hook us up. I am willing to ride the Big Dog if I can get this reserved parking with a bouncer who will watch over my Bike. I do know the best route into the city about 25 miles from my house.
 

SCC007

Active Member
I am hoping to make this trip...or at least part of it. My house is only 1 hour from New Orleans.
To echo the above having been often (or more often then I would like) the only thing I can say is not on my bike(s). As stated above I would recommend staying a ways out of the city and getting a ride in for those that want to see it. I get it for those that haven't, do the iconic walk down Bourbon and the French Quarter, grab something to eat/drink and go. Be prepared the crime is absolutely horrific.
 

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
Been on the phone with Hotel Monteleone, they can give us secured parking. Like Nuke said, when we ride in from Avery Island on Tuesday we go straight to the hotel and just don’t take the bikes out till Thursday till we leave for Oak Alley. Uber/walk/ lift. Jazz fest ends the first week of May so I’m looking at the 2nd week to do this
 

Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
Been on the phone with Hotel Monteleone, they can give us secured parking. Like Nuke said, when we ride in from Avery Island on Tuesday we go straight to the hotel and just don’t take the bikes out till Thursday till we leave for Oak Alley. Uber/walk/ lift. Jazz fest ends the first week of May so I’m looking at the 2nd week to do this
6th / 10th ?
 

Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
So here we go, May 6-10
May 6 hotel at Holiday in Express service rd Scott LA
May 7 Hotel Monteleone New Orleans
May 8 Same
May 9 Grand Hotel Natchez Mississippi
Wow this is really cool! I am going to look into reservations in the morning. If I can book those same accommodations I am totally onboard. Will definitely let you know.
 

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
Saints don’t play in May
I’ve concluded that the Saints don’t play football all year long. I do go to the tailgating event just across from the Dome and plenty of parking and a bathroom (port-a let!). The girls cook too. The Saints playing in the Dome is just another festival around here. We don’t count on a win but we can sure listen to music and get drunk. Zulu ropes off the entire area and nobody has the balls to mess with this group.

Jazz Fest is April 26th to May 5 2024 but it’s pretty much a festival all year long in New Orleans and the Jazz Fest is away from downtown at the Horse track/fairgrounds.
 
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Big D Florida

Well-Known Member
Troop Supporter
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.
Shannon, Since joining the membership I have met so many of the finest people to ever come into my life. Long lasting friendships have been formed, and others revitalized, whether they are active on this forum or not, strong relationships are a treasured part of life. We have been honored with many of you attending the little get-togethers own here in Daytona. We are hoping to regain the interest and participation we have enjoyed in previous years.
 
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