Those of us who got together in Ann Arbor this year had a great time. I thought it might be a good idea to open up a discussion about next year so more people could make plans. I was thinking of the Memphis or St Louis areas because it's closer to the center of the country and more people could reach it. Of course that means I'd have to leave a couple hours earlier this time,but what the hell.
Anybody got any ideas?

Marc

I would definitely like a Memphis ride if others agree. it is within distance my wife and I could make the location. I helped some for Dnvrfox a few years ago and would be glad to do what I could to assist anyone working on a 50+ BF ride.

Bill

Sounds promising.

Sounds like a good idea and I'll be ready for this one

Is that the Natchez Trace neighborhood? I have thought about riding down there one of these days.

Memphis 100 miles away and the Natchez Trace 20 miles away. I'm there, I could even make St Louis.

Would like to join in. What is the date?

Just trying to start some conversation at this point,this year we did it the second weekend in July. If enough people think Memphis is a good idea we could start shopping for charity rides in the area an go from there.

Marc

What is so compelling about riding near Memphis in July? Just throwing that out there. I'd be more inclined to want to ride somewhere that offers cooler, drier weather with some vistas or challenging terrain. But that is obviously my bias.

To review:

First annual ride - Glenwood Springs, CO, riding the Rio Grande Trail and the Glenwood Canyon Trail. About 15 folks. DnvrFox organized

Second - as I recall (please correct) near or in the Finger Lakes area - New York - I believe tsl organized this

Third - In Ann Arbor area, I don't know who organized this. (Roadfan?) - I also believe there was another ride somewhere, but my memory is not that good.

Fourth - **************************************************?

As I said, just a suggestion because it's near the center of the country and might draw more participation,hence more fun. Everything in the lower fourty eight is liable to be hot. Nobody has made plans,I just wanted to initiate a conversation.

Marc

It will be hot, that's for sure, but as irwin said, that time of year everywhere will be. The Natchez Trace is a good ride as long as you stay clear of a couple of the bigger towns it goes thru at rush hour. With enough notice, my wife could provide logistical support as far as a chase vehicle.

Not to put to fine a compass point on it, but in choosing a central location, we may not want to forget about our buddies from North of the Border, eh?

Very true, and North of the Border would no doubt be cooler in July than Memphis!

Rick / OCRR

Not saying I could make it but St. Louis gets my vote since I live in the middle of Iowa.

fasthair

Not always cooler, but any other location suggestions? We have time to collect 'em and possibly take a poll in a month or so.

Marc

Who says it has to be in July? Memphis in May has a ring to it.

LOL, how can TN. be the "center of the country"?? I would think NB./KS./IOWA/MO. would be a lot more "central", at least over the 48 states. July in the South doesn't sound like FUN, but I'm from So. CO. and we have low humidity most of time, unless it's MONSOON season (July/Aug). If it's going to be south, I'd go with May or Sept., jmho.

True, no date has been set,that's just when we did it this year. Personally, I've got nothing wrong with anytime. I hear New England can be challenging in January though.

Marc

I think throwing in suggestions and then creating a poll is a great idea. I'll throw mine in, though I'll leave it vague to allow the most options: New England

Just saw this! Okay, I'll be more specific: New England, but not in January.

Don't forget the western 2/3 rds of the US of A - like maybe CA before it falls into the ocean? There is some nice riding along the coast in San Diego.

Ok, I've got May,July and Sept for suggested dates so far.
Memphis,St. Louis,New England for locations.
Drawing an x from each corner of the lower 48, I get an intersection near the missile silos in Kansas(maybe that's why they are there, d'ya think?) It's also near Kansas City,one of the nicest places I have ever been, should we throw that in also?

Marc

+1. I drove this by car many years ago, would love to see it by bike.

Ok,
So far we have May,July and Sept for possible dates,
Memphis,St. Louis,New England and San Diego for areas.

Let's leave it open for suggestions for a few days and see what else pops up.
I suppose it would be best to poll for a location first, then choose the timeframe.
Does that make sense?

Marc