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Thread Archive => STAR 2018 => Topic started by: hhemstreet on December 13, 2017, 11:36:36 AM

Title: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 13, 2017, 11:36:36 AM
Here you go - we are up and running for STAR 2018.

This is going to be a great STAR in a beautiful spot with amazing roads.

http://www.planetReg.com/STAR2018 (http://www.planetReg.com/STAR2018)

And the raffle bike this year will be a 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT

http://www.planetReg.com/MSTARaffle2018 (http://www.planetReg.com/MSTARaffle2018)

(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetReg.com%2FclientDir%2FC11515629152%2FVersys650lt.png&hash=b94936957deb204826c931bf8e959441049bd64f)

Harry
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 13, 2017, 11:42:11 AM
Also - want to point out that the Raddison - our HQ hotel- is not huge and does not have an unlimited supply of 2 bed rooms, so word to the wise --- if you need 2 beds, book early.

There is a backup, a Holiday Inn right across the parking lot. We have reserved a bunch more 2 bed rooms if the Raddison runs out.

The Raddison and Holiday Inn are $130.00 per night - tax and breakfast included.

These hotels are right on the Mississippi River.

Harry
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: RIDEMYST on December 13, 2017, 02:47:01 PM
Once you have registered for STAR what is the best way to reserve your room? -JEP-
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 13, 2017, 02:54:07 PM
There will be a link and phone number on your confirmation.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: DirtFlier on December 13, 2017, 04:24:54 PM
Thanks Harry & Beth! 

Tosh
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Brick on December 13, 2017, 05:37:48 PM
Excellent!


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Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: tunerider335 on December 13, 2017, 08:05:36 PM
Nice!


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Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 13, 2017, 09:01:07 PM
Step #1, registering went very smooth.  Now when I get the confirmation, then to contact the hotel.


And yes, there are some amazing roads in the area.  Several routes have been finalized with more being developed for all riding capabilities, road and dual sport.


You may even see some old trucks like on the registration flyer.


Thanks for all the help Harry!
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: fz1grl on December 14, 2017, 09:13:27 AM
Okay I am registered however I haven't gotten any confirmation or link to book the hotel.
Also I need the address to send my starbucks in - I'm assuming it's Harry but want to make sure.



Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 14, 2017, 10:52:55 AM
I forwarded your confirmation using my gmail address.

In general sbcglobal is very tetchy and it is not unusual for them to block us.

Get a gmail email address   ;D

I get a copy of everybody's confirmation.

Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: DirtFlier on December 14, 2017, 01:56:36 PM
I reserved a room at the Radisson and it was only $115 per night, and not the "$130" you quoted but that's great!  Thanks Harry.  :-)
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 14, 2017, 02:02:31 PM
With taxes it will be 130.00 and change.

Trying to keep it honest ;>))
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: RichGrab on December 14, 2017, 04:40:41 PM
With taxes it will be 130.00 and change.

Trying to keep it honest ;>))
Ahh yes, let us not forget the portion due the taxman. "Here's one for you, nineteen for me" Sing it everybody. :)
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: fz1grl on December 14, 2017, 09:06:15 PM
I forwarded your confirmation using my gmail address.

In general sbcglobal is very tetchy and it is not unusual for them to block us.

Get a gmail email address   ;D

I get a copy of everybody's confirmation.


Thanks Harry got it.  Didn't have any issues the last 2 years and I don't want a gmail account but thanks for the suggestion.
Is there a magic code once I go to the link to book the room?  It's quoting 229 and only 1 bed options so I'm guessing I will have to call which I'll wait and do tomorrow as I'm guessing the evening staff may not be aware of this yet.

Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 14, 2017, 11:48:26 PM
If doing hotel reservations on line, and plan to stay extra days, you will find a glitch, and it will not take it.  I called the hotel and Debbie found the problem and was very helpful.  The rate goes back up after June 13, so the system will not take it.  She entered it manually for the days through June 13, at $115.00, then manually entered the next two days, but at a different rate.  If you qualify for any of the discounts, that can apply.  Mine was Retired Military and was only $8.00 per night more than the STAR18 rate.  STAR18 is getting a better rate than any possible normal discounts.  The MSTA Negotiators did a great job.


See everyone in less than 6 months.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: fz1grl on December 15, 2017, 09:15:48 AM
Actually I wasn't trying to stay any extra days only come in on Saturday but Harry got me straightened out.

Is it summer yet :)
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: roginoz on December 15, 2017, 04:21:56 PM
I've registered, but haven't received a confirmation to allow booking a room.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 15, 2017, 05:44:46 PM
Roger - I sent you a confirm from my gmail account.

ATT generally blocks our emails.

If anyone else has that problem - just contact me hhemstreet@planetreg.com or harryhemstreet@gmail.com

Or - just post it here an I will see it.

Many email providers are more diligent in blocking emails - even though we have a 99.5% non-spam score. There are people who mark their confirmations as spam - not much we can do about.

Harry

P.S. I also removed your 4X t-shirt - that was my mistake in not cleaning up the 2018 form and letting one 4X size get into the new form.

My bad - will have Tim mail you a check.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 15, 2017, 08:19:46 PM
It looks like sbcglobal.net, bellsouth.net and att.net will always fail to deliver our emails.

This has been an issue with ATT for a long time.

For anyone who cares to dig deeper, check out this:

https://forums.att.com/t5/AT-T-Internet-Email-Security/The-infamous-Bellsouth-net-Email-Troubleshooting-and-Answers/td-p/5231694 (https://forums.att.com/t5/AT-T-Internet-Email-Security/The-infamous-Bellsouth-net-Email-Troubleshooting-and-Answers/td-p/5231694)

If you have one of those emails and also another one, like gmail, yahoo, hotmail, outlook.com, etc. use that email and you will get your confirmation a lot faster.

Harry
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: roginoz on December 15, 2017, 09:49:29 PM
Thanks, Harry, I got the confirmation e-mail.  Room booked and I'll see you in June.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 17, 2017, 11:13:55 PM
When I worked at OTC our customer's had trouble with electronic downloads for their scan tools, with Bellsouth.  This problem had been there since about 2000, that we knew of.  They had a choice, try a different provider or ask Bellsouth to open, I can't remember the port number anymore, and that would usually work, if they did open it.  Many times they could not convince anyone to open the port for downloads.  Bellsouth said it was their Bellsouth security system.  Well customers don't need a security that they cannot control, when needed.  It was very frustrating for everyone.  Some customers would get mad.  Some thought we were giving them the run around, and thinking their Bellsouth is perfect. 
All we could do is send them an email explaining the situation, that our IT Dept got from Bellsouth.
Bellsouth is probably not the only provider with block ports.


Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 18, 2017, 02:43:21 AM
Is anyone interested in camping during STAR? I'm giving some thought to pitching a tent 8 1/2 miles from the Radisson at the Goose Island Campground. Fees run about $22/night with a small fee for a shower. Call me a cheapskate if you mustr, but spending less for the entire event as I would for one night at one of the hotels is tempting.


http://www.co.la-crosse.wi.us/departments/facilities/campgrounds.asp
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 18, 2017, 10:09:08 AM
Another nice campground is Pettibone Campground, only 1.3 miles from Hotel, on an island in the river.  Both are very nice campgrounds and accept reservations, where as some of the others do not accept reservations.
We looked at Goose Island a few months ago, as a possible Lunch Stop location.  Would not work for that.  It is also has a big party shelter with beer taps all around the room, with bands on weekends. :trink39:

La Crosse is also home to the Worlds Largest Six Pack of Beer. 
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12028


We have not been to Pettibone for a few years, but plan to check it out before STAR, so that I can let everyone know how it compares.



Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 18, 2017, 11:52:35 AM
Just did a quick Google search on La Crosse lodging and America's Best Value Inn - a reasonable property, has lodging for 6 nights (June 8-14) for $340.00 (57.00 / night).

Not as cheap as camping, but still pretty cheap for clean sheets and a shower.

Get someone to share that room and cost is 28.00 per night.

Harry
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 18, 2017, 12:08:11 PM
June in La Crosse could be humid also.  Not the most enjoyable for sleeping after a long days ride, in a tent.  Both locations are next to river, in valley, with lots of trees, and with very little breeze, if any.  Oh, neither place has crocodiles in the river that I am aware of.  But, you may see a lot of Bald Eagles, and other wild life.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 18, 2017, 05:20:01 PM
June in La Crosse could be humid also.  Not the most enjoyable for sleeping after a long days ride, in a tent.  Both locations are next to river, in valley, with lots of trees, and with very little breeze, if any.  Oh, neither place has crocodiles in the river that I am aware of.  But, you may see a lot of Bald Eagles, and other wild life.

It gotta be better than pitching a tent behind the hotel in Oklahoma. It may be a slight exaggeration, but I seem to recall near 90 degree temps until after 10:30-11:00 P.M. each night. You'd lay there in your tent sweating until you finally fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. That was nasty.

There was a small group of campers in Staunton in 2009, and we had a campfire, conversation, and adult beverages each night. It's one of my most fond memories of any STAR.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 18, 2017, 09:35:08 PM
That sounds almost like camping, when I was in the US Army in Ft. Bliss, TX.  We went to White Sands Missile Range, NM in the Fall 1973.   I was a Hawk Missile Technician and we slept in the back of a running deuce and half truck, while running, so we could keep the lights on so the tanks would see us at night as they came over the sand dunes.  A few trucks got hit by the tanks.  It was 95F+ when we went to sleep and woke during the night with the cool desert temp below 50F and then cover up and by morning there was frost.  We did not have a tent or cover over us, just looking at the stars.  And it was not STAR 1973 either.
After those camping adventures, I preferred to camp, only in a van or camper, no tents.  But, I did tent camp on several two week adventures in the US Army Reserves for another 23 years.  Ft. Mc Coy is just down the road from La Crosse.  And on the river near Winona, MN, just up the river.
What memories.
The Mississippi River area is a great place to camp with all the sounds of the birds, animals and other animals in the water.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 24, 2017, 11:17:52 PM
Is anyone interested in camping during STAR? I'm giving some thought to pitching a tent 8 1/2 miles from the Radisson at the Goose Island Campground. Fees run about $22/night with a small fee for a shower. Call me a cheapskate if you mustr, but spending less for the entire event as I would for one night at one of the hotels is tempting.


I've been doing some more investigating regarding camp sites. I'm not really a big fan of commercial campgrounds with all of their so-called family activities and such. So in the interest of staying away from such places, I expanded my search to a couple of area state parks. Each of these are around 1/2 hour from LaCrosse, and that's something I can live with.
The first is on the Wisconsin side of the river north of LaCrosse. Perrot State Park (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/perrot/ (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/perrot/)) is where the Trempealeau River converges with the Mississippi River. This would probably be a pretty good option, and would undoubtedly be much more quiet than any of the commercial campgrounds. But being right on the river, it's going to attract a fair share of boaters and fishermen.
The second is on the Minnesota side of the river, also north of LaCrosse. Great River Bluffs State Park (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/great_river_bluffs/index.html (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/great_river_bluffs/index.html)) really kind of trips my trigger, because while it overlooks the Mississippi River, it's not right on the river. Therefore, it probably won't be full of boaters and such (not that there's anything wrong with boats...I had one once and still have a canoe). It has only 31 sites with none equipped with any of those silly electric hookups. I'm going to guess that an experience there will be a lot closer to why I've enjoyed camping over the years. I'm not committed yet, but I think this may be the way I go.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Patmo on December 25, 2017, 06:56:04 AM
Anyone interested in doing an Airbnb or Homeaway rental?  Looks like there are some decent opportunities, with room for small groups, that are within minutes of the host hotel.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 25, 2017, 08:16:28 PM
We have not been to either park, so not sure what they are like for camping.  As far as the river with boats, the boats are mainly on the weekend, so not a big problem.  Goose Island, did look more like a party campground, unless you camped way off the main entrance, away from the party shelter, which is possible. 


The other thing to keep in mind is most state parks also require a state park permit, and some don't except reservations.  Veterans Memorial Park about 9 miles east of La Crosse is a nice campground, but is a first come first served.


When you, or anyone else narrows it down, and if you would like me to check it out, send me a pm and I will check it out when I get to the area.  We are thinking about going to the La Crosse area in February.


Airbnb is a great way to go also.  Can get a whole house very cheap sometimes.  We have used airbnb several times and will be doing it again in mid-January for South Padre Island.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 25, 2017, 10:52:18 PM
As a gift to myself today (once family gatherings were over and back home) I've been doing some route planning on how to get to and home from LaCrosse. I can easily spend days doing such things and get a LOT of enjoyment out of it. It's a nice present to myself.


I'm excited and looking forward to STAR!
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Brick on December 26, 2017, 10:13:24 AM
As a gift to myself today (once family gatherings were over and back home) I've been doing some route planning on how to get to and home from LaCrosse. I can easily spend days doing such things and get a LOT of enjoyment out of it. It's a nice present to myself.


I'm excited and looking forward to STAR!

Ok so inquiring minds would love to hear what you have come up with just quickly looking it like through the traffic of Chicago or taking a ferry across Lake Michigan. ??? Got a more fun idea in mind? Hmmmm...


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Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: stevegrab on December 26, 2017, 02:46:12 PM
Brick that is pretty much the case, or go the long way around through Michigan UP and down through Wisconsin. Looking at times from near my brother in Jackson MI, 500 miles to LaCross going through Chicago, add about 220 to go through UP. I recall one of the ferries having some limited travel times, and other restrictions like needing to bring your own tie downs and such. Lots of ressearch to do, not something I'm going to tackle now, and while the thought of the event and travel is appealing not exactly my kind of fun. Different strokes for different folks and all that.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on December 26, 2017, 06:56:29 PM
Issue 3701, which is scheduled to be in Member's mailbox about the end of February, will have an article that I wrote on routes to La Crosse.  It outlines several choices if coming from the East, and as well as SE USA.  For those Members from the South and West, I did not leave you out, and gave some suggestions there also.  It all depends on the time you would like to spend on the road, as well as riding or hauling.


The same article also gives some ideas for people that would like to spend some extra time in Minnesota and Wisconsin, that may be too far away to make it one day ride from La Crosse.  Most of the routes and places to visit we have been there and are familiar with and make for good riding and or site-seeing.


It looks like there are many people that have not been to the La Crosse area, and are excited to go to La Crosse.  Well, you will enjoy the riding.  It is different from any place you have probably ever ridden before.  One of the things I like about the area, is you can ride some twisty sections for an hour or so, and then turn on a road and have some more relaxing road that is preferred for big cruiser type bikes.  It never gets boring.

Title: PEORIA
Post by: doug mcpeek on December 26, 2017, 09:55:24 PM
I never go through Chicago.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 26, 2017, 11:41:01 PM
I never go through Chicago.

I feel you!
After trying to get through Chicago on multiple trips years apart, I'm convinced there is NO good time to try to get into/through/out of that town. Even on weekends, I found traffic to be at a standstill in many places.

As some of you know, I've gotten into collecting stamps for my National Park Service Passport. I recently joined a club which is totally devoted to identifying, locating, and cataloging the stamps. Whereas I thought Illinois was limited to Lincoln Home Natl Historic Site and the Pullman National Monument, I've discovered through this club that there are over 50 places to get a stamp. In Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, there are nearly 200 places to get stamps. Some of these stamps are in such far flung places that it'll be nearly impossible to collect them. All I have to do is pick a few, make a route between them using the shortest way other than interstates and big cities, and I'll have a great ride.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: RIDEMYST on December 27, 2017, 07:50:03 AM
......... I've gotten into collecting stamps for my National Park Service Passport. I recently joined a club which is totally devoted to identifying, locating, and cataloging the stamps. Whereas I thought Illinois was limited to Lincoln Home Natl Historic Site and the Pullman National Monument, I've discovered through this club that there are over 50 places to get a stamp. In Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, there are nearly 200 places to get stamps. Some of these stamps are in such far flung places that it'll be nearly impossible to collect them. All I have to do is pick a few, make a route between them using the shortest way other than interstates and big cities, and I'll have a great ride.

If you go to the "download" tab on this site and then select GPS downloads in the public section you will find a GPX file with all of the National Parks & monuments. Now granted these are already in the BaseCamp file but having them as waypoints makes them much easier to use as a route planning tool, just copy those points that are near your route and incorporate them into your ride.
Hope this helps! -JEP-
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on December 27, 2017, 05:02:34 PM
Geoffrey - as you know, Beth is an avid stamp collector and would love to know how to join this 'club'?
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 28, 2017, 10:42:53 AM
Geoffrey - as you know, Beth is an avid stamp collector and would love to know how to join this 'club'?
I know she is...and you guys might be surprised to see how many stamps are available just in your home state. There are way more than you might think.
It's the National Park Travelers Club.
https://www.parkstamps.org/index.php (https://www.parkstamps.org/index.php)
In their database, you can put in a state or geographic area and see pictures of all the stamps people have collected. There are a number of filters you can apply so that you can see specific type locations or everything. You can display a map showing where stamps available and see any special instructions for getting them (ie This stamp is under the desk and you'll have to ask for it). Dues are $10 for the first year and $5 for each year thereafter. I consider that one heck of a deal!


The attached picture shows the stamps I've identified in my own personal GPS file. I've got almost 1800 stamp locations identified now. But I just added over 50 locations in just 3 states based on info gleaned from the Travelers Club site. I've read somewhere there are something like 2200-2400 total available. I've actually gotten around 500 stamps I think (haven't counted lately), so there are a LOT more places to go. And so far, every one of my stamps has been bagged via 2 wheels. Do you need an excuse to go for a ride?


I love this stuff.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 28, 2017, 03:13:29 PM
......... I've gotten into collecting stamps for my National Park Service Passport. I recently joined a club which is totally devoted to identifying, locating, and cataloging the stamps. Whereas I thought Illinois was limited to Lincoln Home Natl Historic Site and the Pullman National Monument, I've discovered through this club that there are over 50 places to get a stamp. In Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, there are nearly 200 places to get stamps. Some of these stamps are in such far flung places that it'll be nearly impossible to collect them. All I have to do is pick a few, make a route between them using the shortest way other than interstates and big cities, and I'll have a great ride.

If you go to the "download" tab on this site and then select GPS downloads in the public section you will find a GPX file with all of the National Parks & monuments. Now granted these are already in the BaseCamp file but having them as waypoints makes them much easier to use as a route planning tool, just copy those points that are near your route and incorporate them into your ride.
Hope this helps! -JEP-

That's a very good starting point. From there you can compile info on the parks that have multiple stamps. For instance, Acadia NP in Maine has, I believe, 12 unique stamps. The Great Smoky Mountain NP on the Tennessee/North Carolina border has more than that. It can be a real challenge to get to all of the sites in a big park like those two within a limited period of time. Obviously, we all need more time riding and less taken by all of those other silly demands on our time.
Once you've gotten the parks identified, then you discover there are things like National Scenic Trails that may have 1 or 2 up to 20+ sites spread out across half the country.
https://www.nps.gov/nts/nts_trails.html
Each of those may have a unique stamp. Bazinga! That's more excuses to go riding to places you haven't been before. And maybe you'll find yourself going back to places you have been when you discover they had a stamp and you didn't know about it.

What's really cool about all of this is that when you take a little time at each location to look around, you start learning this interesting country. It's not always good stuff...our ancestors haven't always been the best stewards of the land or the best at getting along with others.
One place I went was the site of a battle with an Indian tribe. One particular chief had been a leader in his tribe at trying to get along with the new settlers. The U.S. Army attacked his encampment and wiped out most of his band while he was away hunting. He moved to another location hundreds of miles away and was later killed when his band was again attacked by the U.S. Army. That really stinks. And this was someone who had spent a lot of effort to get along with the settlers when most his in tribe were against it. It was a different era, but it's still pretty sad to think about some of the things that have happened.
Title: STAR 2018 Registration is Open
Post by: RIDEMYST on December 28, 2017, 04:38:12 PM
Not to get off topic here but try Appomattox National Park. We toured it two years ago. Our tour guide was a Black Slave that gave her perspective of what happened and stayed in caricature throughout the tour. Worth the stop! -JEP-


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Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on December 28, 2017, 05:21:45 PM
Not to get off topic here but try Appomattox National Park. We toured it two years ago. Our tour guide was a Black Slave that gave her perspective of what happened and stayed in caricature throughout the tour. Worth the stop! -JEP-


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I visited Appomattox long enough back that it was during a trip to the JFF Miller School event. I didn't get the tour you did. I've been thinking about going back some time when I'm up that way. Cindy & I are visiting Williamsburg in March, so perhaps we'll stop by there.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Brick on December 28, 2017, 06:14:21 PM
Not to get off topic here but try Appomattox National Park. We toured it two years ago. Our tour guide was a Black Slave that gave her perspective of what happened and stayed in caricature throughout the tour. Worth the stop! -JEP-


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OH my... that kind of a tour would be soooo cool! Talk about real education! I would love to go and get a tour like this!!
Brick
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Landon on January 05, 2018, 01:49:15 PM
I'm registered and will be looking for some others to dual sport with. I'll be bringing my Klx250s.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on January 05, 2018, 03:45:02 PM
We are working on the dual sport routes, and have at least 4 completed as of today.  They will be in issue 3701 as well as on the forum in the future.  The routes that I looked at, designed by Doug Marsh have a great variety of terrain and sites to see.


See you in June.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Landon on January 05, 2018, 03:52:17 PM
We are working on the dual sport routes, and have at least 4 completed as of today.  They will be in issue 3701 as well as on the forum in the future.  The routes that I looked at, designed by Doug Marsh have a great variety of terrain and sites to see.


See you in June.

Sweet! Thanks for all that you guys have done!
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on February 16, 2018, 09:26:38 PM
For those that would like to know what is on the menu for the Lunch Ride, it is: Pulled pork sandwich, 2 sides, cookie and drink.  Be sure to add the Lunch Ride to your registration.  The Lunch stop is only 26 miles from the hotel.  There are 4 choices of routes and lengths.  You can take your choice of routes to the Lunch Stop, with the shortest of 56 total miles or 300 miles total, and the others are in between.  More details coming in STAReview and on the forum.  Check back later.  See you in La Crosse in less than 4 months!
Title: Lunch
Post by: hhemstreet on February 16, 2018, 09:42:34 PM
For those that would like to know what is on the menu for the Lunch Ride, it is: Pulled pork sandwich, 2 sides, cookie and drink.  Be sure to add the Lunch Ride to your registration.  The Lunch stop is only 26 miles from the hotel.  There are 4 choices of routes and lengths.  You can take your choice of routes to the Lunch Stop, with the shortest of 56 total miles or 300 miles total, and the others are in between.  More details coming in STAReview and on the forum.  Check back later.  See you in La Crosse in less than 4 months!


Carl - not sure if you are coordinating the lunch menu, but be sure to arrange for vegetarian and vegan options too. Some of us are on pretty strict diets  ;D [size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on February 16, 2018, 09:53:37 PM
Thanks Harry, I will forward to Ray.  I think he had something planned.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Iguana Joe on February 17, 2018, 08:05:04 PM
Anita and I are registered...

WooHoo! She got to do almost no riding last year due to work and broken foot and her Mother passing. Looking forward to seeing everyone and riding some amazing roads!!!

Iggy Joe 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on April 04, 2018, 07:27:04 PM
Still have not registered for STAR 18 yet?  Why not?  It is about 9 weeks away.  The riding in this area is much different than other place in the USA.  You will have great riding within minutes of the hotel without traffic or long commutes through a large city to get to the country riding.
Over 20 routes planned, Street and Adventure routes that varies from 50 miles to over 300 miles in length.  Of course, you can always alter any of these routes to your own design, or ask at Registration and we will help you.
There are enough routes designed and things to do for those that would like to spend a few extra days in the area.
The trailer parking is a few blocks away as to not block the hotel parking lot.
Many different eating places, all within walking distance of the host hotel.
You will not always have to exit La Crosse on the same street or road.  You can pick your own direction to leave the city, whether it west, east, south, or north and any direction in between.
Come visit and ride in the great Midwest.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on April 04, 2018, 07:37:02 PM
Carl - I am sold! Can't wait to get to those alphabet roads    :D
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Patmo on April 04, 2018, 08:18:32 PM
Sure hope it stops snowing by then!
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on April 17, 2018, 09:24:56 AM
Here is what happens when you do not listen to the weather forecast.  This was two weeks ago.  NO, it is not my bike.  But it was right here in Owatonna, MN
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: stevegrab on April 30, 2018, 05:12:45 PM
Here is what happens when you do not listen to the weather forecast.  This was two weeks ago.  NO, it is not my bike.  But it was right here in Owatonna, MN
Doesn't look like a rat bike or some piece of junk one would leave outside uncovered.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Ride4MS on April 30, 2018, 10:58:20 PM
It is a customized H-D.  Nice looking, but wonder about the owner that would do this to his customized bike.  Apparently spent a lot money and wanted to show it off.
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: RichGrab on May 01, 2018, 12:07:11 PM
It is a customized H-D.  Nice looking, but wonder about the owner that would do this to his customized bike.  Apparently spent a lot money and wanted to show it off.
Well it sure looks good covered in several inches of snow.  :clap:
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Brick on May 01, 2018, 04:30:44 PM
Back to the topic, if I might, anyone telling how many are registered for STAR?



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Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: hhemstreet on May 01, 2018, 04:43:09 PM
218

Last year on this date we had 220.

Harry
Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: Brick on May 01, 2018, 06:58:52 PM
218

Last year on this date we had 220.

Harry




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Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: JimRRides on May 03, 2018, 05:35:16 AM
Campground Visit last weekend

I spent some time in La Crosse this past weekend and have a quick visit to Pettibone Resort and Goose Island.

The bad news is they are currently flooded. Not horribly so but enough that I couldn't even drive out to Goose Island and about 1/3 to 1/2 of the sites at Pettibone were inundated. That's life on the Mississippi. They certainly should be dry and usable by STAR.

I got a look at Pettibone and it is not an overly large commercial campground. The facilities seen well maintained and there is a huge paved lift next to their banquet center if you need space to load or unload trailers and RVs. Although it is on the opposite side of the river from the STAR hotel it is actually very easy and quick to get to. The bridge has a pedestrian walkway and if you were so inclined it only took me about 20 m8ns to walk from the riverfront by the hotel to Pettibone and about half of that is down the riverwalk.

When I pulled in off of Hwy 35 toward Goose Island I was stopped by several people hauling what looked like fishing shacks and boats out of the area. Water was over the access road, so I didn't get back in to see the grounds however my impression from speaking with the people on the road was that the clientele can vary but it often includes fishers and hunters and folks wanting to get just outside of town so they can party however they want. They may have been exaggerating but still....

I'm not camping this trip but if I were I'd choose Pettibone Resort.

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Title: Re: STAR 2018 Registration is Open 😁
Post by: HawkGTRider on May 03, 2018, 08:06:12 PM
Campground Visit last weekend
<snip>

I'm not camping this trip but if I were I'd choose Pettibone Resort.


It's probably a little further away than Pettibone Resort, but I have a reservation at Great River Bluffs State Park (looks to be ~1/2 hour away on the Minnesota side of the river). My guess is that being up on a bluff will eliminate the flooding issue for that location.

The commercial campgrounds are ok, but I have to admit I kind of like the more laid back atmosphere of a state park or National Forest Service campground. Generally fewer amenities but potentially lots less people. I've seen too many commercial campgrounds that were not much more than an open field other than the bounce pavilion built to keep the hordes of small children amused.

I went down to Helen, GA a couple of weekends back for the North Georgia Classic. I took my camping kit and set up at a National Forest Service campground about 5 miles north of Helen. There was another NFS campground right next to the paved road coming in from the north, but my location was a bit closer and 2.5 miles up a gravel road. I suspect either location would have been fine. The one next to the paved road might have given me faster access to Helen (I poke along on gravel) but a little more traffic noise. I was far enough out of Helen that there was little to no light pollution, with only 13 sites it was quiet, and the starry nights were stunning.