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Shark Week IV in New England?

12K views 88 replies 38 participants last post by  CHAINSAW 
#1 · (Edited)
Shark Week IV in New England/Maine?

How about a 2014 Shark Week IV in the White Mountains of Maine and NH? I'm thinking sometime around mid-September. The summer tourists who throw up rolling road blocks driving their motor homes at 24 mph across some of the greatest roads in the Northeast are gone by then. The buses full of blue hair leaf-peapers are still a couple weeks away, so the hotels usually offer a shoulder season (cheaper) rate. A trip into NH to ride up Mt. Washington would be a spectacular day trip, and there are tons of curvy mountain roads (check out Kancamangus Highway) to keep you riding and smiling. Sept. weather is day time temps in the mid-70s to low 80s with low humidity and cool/crisp evenings.


Another option would be the upper coast of Maine. Acadia National Park, plenty of 2 lane country roads, fresh lobsters and other seafood ... a day trip into the Maritime Provinces, etc. But again, to make it affordable it would probably have to be in Sept.

Because of my work schedule I can't do this by myself, but would be happy to work with a couple other members from Maine or NH to put this together if there was enough interest?
 
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#44 ·
There is something we need to watch out for though. Its called black fly season. Not exactly sure when it is but a lot of northern new england gets infested with the damn things. Its almost like riding through a small hail storm
 
#45 ·
I am in 100% agreement with mutt!!! That sounds like the most fair way to go about it, and another reason why you should come to SWIII!!!!
 
#47 ·
Did you SW1 attendees and admins ever think that there would be so much interest in SW. Or that you would have to set aside time to see presentations on where it was going to be held next....Thats pretty freakin cool...:cool:
 
#49 ·
Count me in for the Northeast. There is a lot of good riding up there. If is actually does happen, one suggestion is be wary of scheduling conflicts with Americade. (usually the first week of June)

Unfortunately, I cannot make Sharkweek 3 due to a limited amount of time off.. (unless I win lotto!!)

However, can see many of the points here including it being discussed at Shark Week 3 by those who are fortunate enough to make it..

we'll see what happens........
 
#50 ·
You must be lucky, the star isnt showing up or something wherever they are looking.

Maybe it depends on the canadian officer on how hard they look that particular day. . I know a bunch of folk that have been turned around. International Paper used to take work crews across in Stratton, customs wouldnt let a couple guys thru that were sitting in the back of the van, and IP went thru 10 times a day.

But a sales mnager at another place i worked went back and forth with impunity ,he had a couple DWI over the years and they didnt bother him at all.
 
#52 ·
I attended a m/c rally in Lewiston, ME attended by 250 people. The main hotel had plenty of meeting and banquet space. There were several hotels nearby for those who registered late. Room rates were fairly reasonable.

The Harley dealer sponsored a lunch at the dealership. The police escorted more than 150 motorcyles on a parade through downtown.

I'm not pushing Lewiston; I'm just saying that the town had key factors that made the rally a success. Any location should have these factors:

M/C - friendly town
Sufficient hotel space
Enthusiastic Harley dealer nearby
Friendly, helpful police department
Someone local who will arrange things with the hotel, dealer, and authorities

Notice I didn't say "good riding nearby." I think this group knows how to have fun and ride just about anywhere.

--------------

New topic. I'd like to add a suggestion to Hutmo's excellent outline of the proposal and selection practices. I suggest the group consider proposals for 2014 and 2015 at SWIII. Thereafter the poposals would be for 2 years out. I'm thinking the organizers are going to need the extra lead time to secure the venue. As attendance increases, the number of places with enough hotel space decreases. Also, the extra lead time gives people more time to plan vacations.
 
#57 ·
New topic. I'd like to add a suggestion to Hutmo's excellent outline of the proposal and selection practices. I suggest the group consider proposals for 2014 and 2015 at SWIII. Thereafter the poposals would be for 2 years out. I'm thinking the organizers are going to need the extra lead time to secure the venue. As attendance increases, the number of places with enough hotel space decreases. Also, the extra lead time gives people more time to plan vacations.
I agree with this,.. because as the rally grows every year the organizers are gonna need more then 365 days to plan and get things lined out.
 
#61 ·
Hi Tim, yes LA Harley will help as they always do and hotels in Lewiston are great but I would look in to Sunday river ski resort in Bethel ME as a better location as it in the mountains close to wonderfull riding in Maine and NH and it is as big as Aspen CO. ski resorts with facilities for big events like the European motorcycle rally every year. We can stay in a central location the entire rally or move to the coast in Bar harbor ME and finish there with excellent view and rides to the coast of ME like Cadillac mountain. Many other options and all great:) but we will need time to organize. Tim, if you want to come to Maine and checkit out would be fun and we can get Chris here too. :)
 
#70 ·
...I would look in to Sunday river ski resort in Bethel ME as a better location as it in the mountains close to wonderfull riding in Maine and NH and it is as big as Aspen CO. ski resorts with facilities for big events like the European motorcycle rally every year. We can stay in a central location the entire rally or move to the coast in Bar harbor ME and finish there with excellent view and rides to the coast of ME like Cadillac mountain. Many other options and all great:) but we will need time to organize. Tim, if you want to come to Maine and checkit out would be fun and we can get Chris here too. :)
I like all the suggested sites. It's up to the organizers to settle on a location once they have the details arranged. I like the idea of going to an off-season resort if the $$ are less. I would not want to move from one location to another. Once the picnic tables and port-a-potties are setup, we stay put for the duration.

I'd love to come up and check out the suggested sites, but my time off is budgeted and spoken for.

It's best to take your proposal to SWIII, and I realize it's a long way from Maine to Utah, but I think you could send the paperwork and use Skype to make your presentation and show your enthusiasm.
 
#56 ·
For the planning people: what really works for me is nightlife within walking distance. I don't care to ride if drinking. I know, I can drink at the hotel... but I do want to support the local economy and check out its scene.
 
#66 ·
They are friendly to bikes and there is many good restaurants in the resort including a microbrewery of excellent beer close to the hotel. There is other places besides Sunday River but it is only an idea or example of what is available but if the group desides to come here seems that there is a few guys willing to work and set up the rally and do the work. We Mainers ROCK :D
 
#67 ·
I'd love to see SW in Maine/New Hampshire. I ride motorcycles and play bluegrass music in both of 'em! Great roads, great people, great music (I know, bluegrass isn't for everyone, but there's all kinds. I swear!) and great seafood! Count me in! I can make tee shirts and bumper stickers and fridge magnets and such. I mean, why not? Someone's gotta do it!
 
#72 ·
OK, here's a 5 minute 'tease' of the ride up the Mt. Washington auto road. Part of it was under construction and gravel when this was taken but Springer Todd and I rode this last August and it's completely asphalt now. They call this the ride to the clouds with good reason, many days you literally can ride through a cloud layer getting to the top. If you have virtego issues you'll want to skip this ride for something a bit more tame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT0YzS_sV6w
 
#80 ·
WOW! In my 2 week or so absence on here I was surprised to log on & see so much SW talk.
I just wanted to chime in briefly and say I agree with the idea of 'pleading your case' at SWIII. Ya never can tell, we might just throw our name in the hat as well. Lots going on here at home but to be honest, I have mentally planned a SW in Ky for well over a yr now....lol
 
#89 ·
Hutmo posted how to go about suggesting a future location as to where shark week should be.

This is now how future shark weeks will be decided

_________________________________________________

THOUGHTS ON FUTURE SHARK WEEKS

LOCATION
A schedule that moves the rally to different regions is a good idea but ultimately it comes down to who is willing to put in the legwork to make it happen. If that means two years in a row that we will be in the same region... that's life.

2011 - Gettysburg
2012 - LeClaire Iowa
2012 - Utah
2013 - Great Lakes.... Dmize??? New England... The Back Doctor? North Carolina... Richard? Texas... Triple J? Florida...BMW Tim;)? Kentucky... Franky and Tracey. Just a few ideas! :D East Coast in the Carolinas would be AWESOME



WHEN TO HAVE THE RALLY
Timing... it seems that summer is the time to do this. The Road King Riders have been doing their Road King Riders Ride In for ten years and they do it in the summer every year because it maximizes turnout.


It has been said before and I will say it again. There is nothing stopping anyone from having a smaller meet in another region. Go for it!


WHO CAN HOLD THE RALLY?
Anyone who has great roads to share, sights to see and a hotel that is willing to put up with lots of motorcycle folks spending money at their establishment. I do not believe at this point that being at a past Shark Week is a deal killer. You will need to sell us on your ability on making this happen. If it wouldn't we will show up at your door!

We have enough experience to walk anyone who is willing to do this through the process. It isn't that hard. If you are willing and have some organizational skills. You can do it. Granted... the more well known you are on the forum the better your shot will be.


START UP FUNDS
Last year we made certain to put some extra start up money on the side for this year's host. After Gettysburg we had some money but not too much. This year we will be in good shape. Stray Mutt said there is enough to purchase HD LED headlights for all of the attendees. ;) Seriously... there will be some money for you to work with.

HOW DO YOU APPLY TO HOST THE RALLY?
If I was thinking of doing this I would get my ideas together and and submit a proposal to the membership through the forum. Start your own discussion for your 2013 Shark Week Proposal in the National Rally folder.

Where? When? Why? Tell us why your idea should be considered! You are selling your idea. Maybe you could make a downloadable proposal. Maps, ride ideas, eateries, sights to see ect ect ect. Take a proactive approach if you are interested.


HOW AND WHEN DO WE VOTE?
Simple... we vote at Shark Week. If you are there your chances will be much better. If you cannot make it I suggest you put together a very nice packet (WITH MULTIPLE COPIES so many can see the proposal) and send them to the current host so they will have them at the meeting when we vote.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Im closing this thread because it is getting heated, and there is no need to get your panties in a bunch this far out. If you wanna show up for shark week and pitch your idea,. Please come to shark week. If you want a say in where it will be next year,.. Please come to shark week.
 
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