09-08-2025, 12:03 PM
(09-08-2025, 04:57 AM)the Ferret Wrote: Personally, and it's just me, I have been to NC and ridden all the roads mentioned so many times over the last 20 years that the area holds no attraction for me anymore. I wanna experience something NEW. However .... if that's where most of the rally riders want to go..................
Mickey:
Re: NC I’ve ridden in that area every year since 2006-twice that year. The first time was my first trip crossing state lines…the second time was in October to attend the inaugural “Smokey Mountain Bike Festival” at Fontana Village where I literally froze just getting there. I never get tired of riding in that area…so much to offer. Even Emptysea indicated repeating routes is acceptable if there are good roads and scenic.
Pikeville…I come thru that area when riding back from NC. Haven’t explored much beyond the route home…Pikeville is a mere two hours away. I’m not even sure I would tow that close to home.
Driftless Area….for most of us..new riding experiences. I’ve ridden in Wisconsin but not extensively. It also means more miles, motel, other travel costs since it would require several of us two more days of travel to/from the rally location.
It’s a 600+ mile trip for me…even more for those further east. One benefit is the possible attraction of new rally attendees residing closer than previous eastern locations, especially the Canadian contingent.
There also the great possibility of waning enthusiasm as the date approaches when the mileage numbers and projected costs come to mind.
I know Emptysea and Cheryl would be great host.
At the end of the day, it’s basically the same core group that attends anyway….at least since I started coming in 2018.
These are some of the thoughts I had when I suggested a poll.
It could be a three-sided coin flip.
