MSTA Forums

Events => Regional Rallies => TriSTAR => Topic started by: dpippin on January 13, 2017, 10:58:05 AM

Title: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: dpippin on January 13, 2017, 10:58:05 AM
The Web Site for the 2017 Tristar Event has been updated
Dates for this years event are May 26 thru 29 2017
Event motel will be the Alleghaney Inn in Sparta, North Carolina

Call the Alleghaney Inn at 888-372-2501 to make your reservation for the 2017 event
You can also reserve your room on the Alleghaney Inn web site (see TriStar (http://msta-se.com/tristar/) web site for info)

Thanks to event Coordinator Geoffrey Greene for coordinating this event.
To contact Geoffrey call 865-659-4755 or e-mail at hawkgtrider@aol.com
Complete information is available on the TriStar web site at http://msta-se.com/tristar/ (http://msta-se.com/tristar/)


hope to see you there

All SE Region event information can be found at http://msta-se.com/ (http://msta-se.com/home.htm)
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on January 18, 2017, 12:29:25 PM
Not going to make it, niece is getting married in early May in California, then heading to CO for STAR in mid June, cannot get away for all 3. One of my favorite regional rallies.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Landon on February 09, 2017, 03:58:47 PM
Is there an online registration option? Or just the print and mail option?
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: dpippin on February 10, 2017, 07:49:47 AM
Is there an online registration option? Or just the print and mail option?

Registration is print and mail only.

Go to http://msta-se.com/tristar/ (http://msta-se.com/tristar/) and download registration form and mail in.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Landon on February 10, 2017, 08:10:04 AM
Done. Its in the mail today and room reserved.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 03, 2017, 10:49:50 AM
To those who have pre-registered, thank you! With just over 50 days to your event, rooms at the Alleghany Inn are still available. But I wouldn't wait too long. Many of the rooms were spoken for last year before people even left, so it's time now to get registered and get your room reserved.

Complete information is available on the TriStar web site at http://msta-se.com/tristar/ (http://msta-se.com/tristar/)

I look forward to seeing you in the North Carolina mountains before we head west to the Colorado mountains soon afterwards.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: BlueRidgeGal on April 10, 2017, 05:21:39 PM
I cannot be there this year, but I hope you all have fantastic weather and superb time!
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Patmo on April 10, 2017, 05:57:59 PM
Thanks Beth!  So do we.  We will miss you.


Sent my registration in Saturday.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Iguana Joe on April 10, 2017, 07:28:55 PM
Anita and I will not make it again this year. Same reason as I had to resign as rally coordinator last year. The boarding school I work at has commencement on Memorial Day Saturday, and as the primary security officer, it is my job to be on duty for about 15 hours that day. So while you guys are enjoying some of the finest roads in 3 states, I will be adding a measure of safety to the proceedings for the Class of 2017, and helping the students and parents to load and take off with their belongings.

Anyhow, we both wish you clear skies and clean roads, and wish we could be there!!!

Iggy Joe and Anita Thomas
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on April 11, 2017, 01:22:34 PM
Won't make it this year either, might try to get down to that area sometime in the summer though, always fun riding and the Allegheny Inn is a great place to stay.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 17, 2017, 01:41:26 PM
To those who have pre-registered, thank you! With just over 50 days to your event, rooms at the Alleghany Inn are still available. But I wouldn't wait too long. Many of the rooms were spoken for last year before people even left, so it's time now to get registered and get your room reserved.

Complete information is available on the TriStar web site at http://msta-se.com/tristar/ (http://msta-se.com/tristar/)

I look forward to seeing you in the North Carolina mountains before we head west to the Colorado mountains soon afterwards.

With a little over 6 weeks remaining before TriStar, please remind other MSTA members to get their pre-registrations in by MAY 14TH. We're all looking forward to a great weekend.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Patmo on April 17, 2017, 02:08:51 PM
Put up on the KY FB page!
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 18, 2017, 12:17:57 AM
Jammin'!
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 20, 2017, 02:03:21 AM
If you try reserving a room via the Alleghany Inn's web site and get a message that the MSTA17 code has expired or that rooms are not available, CALL them. As of a couple of days ago, we still had several rooms in our block. Rooms ARE available.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on April 20, 2017, 08:12:45 AM
I just filled out my registration form. It will be in the mail today.


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Landon on April 20, 2017, 09:31:48 AM
Unfortunately I've had some things come up and have had to cancel my trip to TriSTAR. Hope to catch up with some of you all at STAR.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Patmo on April 20, 2017, 01:49:19 PM
Sorry to hear that.  Was looking forward to seeing you there.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: touringman on April 20, 2017, 07:14:02 PM
I'll be there for the first time this year, and I'm excited about it! It used to be that we expected children and grandchildren to come spend the holiday with us. Now, they have activities of their own. Our youngest daughter and her husband now have a lake home that dwarfs our little river cottage. Long story short, there isn't enough going on to anchor me at home any more!I'm looking forward to seeing who ever makes the trip. Syd :D
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on April 20, 2017, 07:25:38 PM
Cool Syd! It will be great to see you at Tri-STAR!


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 20, 2017, 11:30:47 PM
I'll be there for the first time this year, and I'm excited about it! It used to be that we expected children and grandchildren to come spend the holiday with us. Now, they have activities of their own. Our youngest daughter and her husband now have a lake home that dwarfs our little river cottage. Long story short, there isn't enough going on to anchor me at home any more!I'm looking forward to seeing who ever makes the trip. Syd :D
If you're not bunking with someone else, don't wait too long to call for a room. There are still some available, but they could go quickly.

Save a few bucks and preregister at the link (print and mail) in this thread's first post.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: tunerider335 on April 21, 2017, 07:27:19 AM
Too many things taking my vacation time this year to go.  I will save time next year to go.  Hope to see and meet you at STAR.


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 22, 2017, 12:12:23 AM
Too many things taking my vacation time this year to go.  I will save time next year to go.  Hope to see and meet you at STAR.


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I look forward to it. I'll be the guy asking for donations for the Ride For Kids.

And speaking of the Ride For Kids, if anyone is in the neighborhood of Deal's Gap on Saturday, October 7th, be sure to stop by. The Knoxville RFK event has merged with the event at the Gap to become even bigger and better. There won't be an escorted ride from the Gap...just get there (and back home) on your own, but there will still be a Celebration of Life program featuring some of the area kid survivors and more. Each person making a minimum donation to the RFK will receive a lunch at the Gap restaurant. And to further help raise $, monies raised by lunch purchases by everyone will be donated to the RFK as well.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: tunerider335 on April 23, 2017, 10:47:59 AM
Too many things taking my vacation time this year to go.  I will save time next year to go.  Hope to see and meet you at STAR.


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I look forward to it. I'll be the guy asking for donations for the Ride For Kids.

And speaking of the Ride For Kids, if anyone is in the neighborhood of Deal's Gap on Saturday, October 7th, be sure to stop by. The Knoxville RFK event has merged with the event at the Gap to become even bigger and better. There won't be an escorted ride from the Gap...just get there (and back home) on your own, but there will still be a Celebration of Life program featuring some of the area kid survivors and more. Each person making a minimum donation to the RFK will receive a lunch at the Gap restaurant. And to further help raise $, monies raised by lunch purchases by everyone will be donated to the RFK as well.
As Brick noted in a different thread....  Thumbs up as we don't have a "like" option....


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 27, 2017, 04:37:54 PM
As of now there are still a few rooms available at the Alleghany Inn, our host hotel at TriSTAR. Don't get shut out...call and make your reservation now!

Along with that, there are only a few days remaining before the preregistration cutoff. Click on the link at the top of this thread, print your registration form, and get it mailed in asap.

Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on April 28, 2017, 06:00:16 AM
I did print and mail. AND I got a nice email reply from Geoffery saying he received my registration. I'm in!

I should send replies to those who registered for the Big Lynn Lodge ride. We are sold out (room at the overflow hotels) but have only received 5 registrations so far.


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 28, 2017, 08:03:35 AM
I did print and mail. AND I got a nice email reply from Geoffery saying he received my registration. I'm in!

I should send replies to those who registered for the Big Lynn Lodge ride. We are sold out (room at the overflow hotels) but have only received 5 registrations so far.


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TriSTAR is at 50% of rooms reserved being registered. The club will make a few extra shekels if they don't register until they get there. I have waited a few times to register until I arrived at an event that didn't require registration to reserve a room...I understand a bit of procrastination.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on April 28, 2017, 01:10:31 PM
Yea but not registering until you get there doesn't allow the coordinator to plan ahead for food.


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: TN2Wheeler on May 10, 2017, 07:51:01 AM
Turns out Nancy can't go this time.  I have a room with 2 beds reserved for Fri and Sat nights. Anyone want to share?
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: FJR Pilot on May 11, 2017, 11:04:23 PM
As of today (5/11/17) there are only 3 rooms left.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on May 12, 2017, 02:45:52 PM
I'm not 100% sure, but there may be a very limited number of rooms available more than in our primary block. In any case, if you want to attend this event in this wonderful area, call and get your room reserved.

And just a reminder...pre-registrations must be postmarked no later than this weekend.

Help spread the word...Doug Pippin tells me know he's updated the routes to reflect a few changes and has added a new route. You'll want to get everything loaded on your GPS prior to arriving to avoid the on-site rush.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Patmo on May 13, 2017, 06:16:36 AM
That weekend is the weekend of the annual "Run to the Wall", where thousands of motorcycle riders from all over descend upon the Vietnam's Verterns Memorial in Washington.  (Never forget!) Seems to me that I remember almost every year that this has been going on, sometime on Saturday evening there is a few riders showing up at the Hotel in Sparta looking for a room, and it's always full.  I wouldn't count on those extra rooms being available past Friday evening, and you can always cancel the rooms at the last minute if you have to.  I suggest that if you are even thinking about going, you reserve your room now!
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: brider on May 14, 2017, 08:13:05 AM
I just cancelled my room to bunk with Jim Randall and free up a double. 
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: brider on May 30, 2017, 10:49:22 PM
Well let me be the first to say thanks to Geoffery for hosting and baaaddd move for those that cancelled due to weather.  You know who you are and you messed up.  1135 miles for me and not one drop of rain.  Ever Norm missed the weather this times and as I recall said
"I can live with this outcome!"   :trink39:   Yes we can. 

Now the rest of you quit just using facebook and put some traffic on the MSTA website.   
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: RIDEMYST on May 31, 2017, 03:22:03 AM
Yep, great weekend and the only rain came when it was time for bed!
Thanks Geoffery for putting this together. -JEP-



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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Patmo on May 31, 2017, 06:50:00 AM
Also want to express my thanks to G for all of the effort and time he put into making this year's TRISTAR such a great event.  Has to have been one of the best I've ever attended.  Have to admit that we cut out a day early because we thought we were gonna be stuck in the hotel all day Sunday on account of the rain.  But it appears that was a miscalculation on our part.  Anyways had a fantastic ride back north on Sunday and other than a few sprinkles late in the afternoon we never saw any precipitation at all.  The clouds actually kept the heat down and made the ride even more enjoyable. The crowd at the event, as always, was a fun group to be around.  Very happy to see some people there I haven't seen since last year, and sorry that a few of the regulars didn't make it this year.  Maybe see them at STAR?  Hope so!


 Only thing I am sorry about.....I forgot to book my room for NEXT year before leaving!   :)
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: normkern on May 31, 2017, 09:33:57 AM
An observation:

If you're a weather weenie, you're going to miss TriSTAR just about every year. That is a shame, because every year turns out well regardless of the forecast.

We left Dayton on Thursday at 7am, riding through intermittent light mist and drizzle to Jackson OH, where it dried out. Temps 60-70. Blue sky and puffy white clouds from about Beckley on.

Friday, perfect sunny weather all day, temps 65-75, low humidity.

Saturday, same story until late afternoon when it clouded up. Rained hard in the evening, but so what?

Sunday ride home- Beautiful partly sunny until we hit about 30 mi of light rain around Beckley WV. We kept moving and it never got bad enough to stop and put rain gear on. After that, it cleared up nicely and temps were 65-80 for the day.

This is the best time of year to ride your motorcycle. If the weather's not good enough for you, you might as well sell it! 

Norm Kern
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on May 31, 2017, 01:14:29 PM
My thanks to everyone that came to Sparta...we really did have a good time.  Reservations are already being taken for next year, so go ahead and get it done. If you've been getting a room up in the conference building and you were there this year, you know all of the mattresses got replaced recently. John, the Inn manager said they might have to go up a little on the rooms up there.

I got there Thursday afternoon after traveling across US58 from Damascus to Volney in the rain. But in a portent of things to come, once I dropped down into North Carolina, the rain went away and it was pretty fine. We had a few other riders arrive Thursday as well, and several of us went down to the "Main Street Pizzeria and Taphouse" for dinner. This is a new place with a good complement of pizza, Italian dishes, the usual burgers and such, and a big selection of Craft Beer with 36 varieties on tap including some local NC microbrewery favs.

Friday morning I got up and did a little more socializing (and isn't socializing with friends that share a common bond a big part of what our events are about?), had breakfast at JB's across the parking lot from the Inn, and got ready to do some set up. John was putting up the five 10 x 20 tents later in the day, but we got our MSTA banners hung and streamers were stretched from one corner of the Inn's 2nd floor railing to the other (it's U-shaped). John normally puts the tents up with one of his staff guys, but being a bit windy, I jumped in to help hold the tents down until they could be weighted down. Vicki Gill volunteered (thank you!) to go grocery shopping with me to fill out our larder for the cookout that night, and things moved right along. Vicki knows our group and made some excellent suggestions for the things we'd need, and also took care of the onions. I think her sinuses rebelled at that as she was practically voiceless for the rest of the weekend.

A bit before 6:00 p.m., Syd Mayes, Jim Park, and Woovis (thanks guys!) were kind enough to get things going on the hamburger and hotdog cooking. Yeah, I think I miscounted the number of hotdogs in each package, so we ran out of dogs. But as best as I can tell, no one went hungry as we had plenty of burgers and fixins.

6:00 p.m. Saturday and we had a very good bbq dinner catered Saturday night by the Baywood Boys. They had a restaurant in downtown Sparta last year, but have since closed the location even as they continue doing catered gigs. I'd asked them to bring enough food for 75 hungry folks, so we had plenty! Pork bbq, baked beans, cole slaw, and banana pudding made it a fine feast. We got a bit of "Camelot" rain (only after sundown) on Saturday, but heck, the natural fireworks were a great cap to the show of beautiful weather we had seen all day. And before the rain, we got the traditional visit from the Harley rider who cruises through the parking lot with a big American flag as his pillion.
We had a good representation of folks that have stepped up on the national and state level to help the association, and I was pleased to recognize as many of them as I could remember. Naturally, I failed to remember them all, so I'll just say now that I appreciate everyone who has ever volunteered to help even as we need more volunteers to step up to replace people taking a break.
As part of our Saturday night extravaganza, we took donations for the Ride For Kids with the prize of a night's stay at the Alleghany Inn being graciously donated by John, the manager. With his donation, we'll be able to donate the $405 collected ALL to the RFK.

JB's is closed on Sunday, so almost everyone went down to the Homeplace (formerly The Pines) for breakfast before heading out for another day of good riding or heading for the house. The weather Sunday looked a little spotty (sending a bunch of our attendees heading for home), and while Don Moe and I were out riding, we saw some dark clouds. Don put on his rain jacket after a snack-stop at Meadows of Dan just off the BRP, and that was apparently all we needed to insure we didn't get wet. I guess we saw some damp pavement (not what I'd call wet and not for long) coming down the BRP towards Sparta. Whatever you call it, the moisture was just enough to keep the temps cool, and it was quite nice.

With a down-sized group remaining (15-18 from the full crowd of 65 registered), Sunday night's dinner has became a tradition at the Mis Arados Mexican restaurant on the east end of town. I've made the walk several times with the crowd, but since Ken and Vicki Gill were already planning to drive, it seemed like a good call for the rest of the crowd to pile into my van...so we did. It was the usual good grub there, and we didn't have to walk up hill both ways in the snow with no shoes (as my Dad always talked about his treks to school as he was growing up). We also had a few of our remaining riders pile into the back of Gary Weade's pickup for a visit down to the Kanpai Japanese Restaurant.

As the evening went on, folks disappeared into their rooms to start packing and prepping for the ride out on Monday. But I was pleased to see several groups of people hanging around the parking lot doing what we do...kicking tires and telling lies.

After getting myself and event gear packed up Monday morning, I headed west with plans to see my sister who lives in Johnson City, Tennessee. I got there just in time to meet her at the Memorial Day service at the Johnson City Veteran's Administration campus where my brother-in-law was playing with the Johnson City Community Band. We had a good lunch afterwards, and then I headed on down the big road to the house.

We're already on the calendar at the Inn for next year, so give them a shout and get your room reserved. And don't punt 3 days before just because the weather looks a little iffy.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: EZX on May 31, 2017, 03:16:30 PM
Thank you Mr. Greene, and grill master Mayes.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on May 31, 2017, 11:59:13 PM
Thank you Mr. Greene, and grill master Mayes.
Thanks Claude...maybe we should tape a washer on the bottom of each cup so they wouldn't blow around leading to impromptu rolls.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on June 01, 2017, 01:57:12 PM
Sounds like a good time as usual. Regarding the weather and skipping an event or ride I've done that a few times and have tried to get better about not cancelling. But we're all different, some are willing to take the risks of bad weather and get to the event "come hell or high water" while others are more cautious and don't want to spend days of vacation riding in the rain or sitting in a hotel. Try to understand that and not be too hard on people who cancelled or left early. I still have a couple guys from Cleveland area who will never go to Fall Color after the year we had snow at snowshoe mtn.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 01, 2017, 06:07:14 PM
Sounds like a good time as usual. Regarding the weather and skipping an event or ride I've done that a few times and have tried to get better about not cancelling. But we're all different, some are willing to take the risks of bad weather and get to the event "come hell or high water" while others are more cautious and don't want to spend days of vacation riding in the rain or sitting in a hotel. Try to understand that and not be too hard on people who cancelled or left early. I still have a couple guys from Cleveland area who will never go to Fall Color after the year we had snow at snowshoe mtn.

I left FCR one year on Saturday morning due to a prediction of snow. I got down off the mountain, the temperature rose about 10-15 degrees, and the sky cleared. I stopped, turned around, and sat there on the side of the road while debating with myself as to what to do. I finally proceeded homeward and heard later that the snow came to the mountain leaving things in a mess. I do understand. I just felt a little sorry for the folks that canceled their whole weekend due to a prediction of rain that basically never happened. They missed a good one.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: brider on June 01, 2017, 07:06:16 PM
If we wait for all the lights to be green we would never go anywhere...   ::)
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 01, 2017, 10:09:31 PM
If we wait for all the lights to be green we would never go anywhere...   ::)

Can I have an A-Men?
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: DirtFlier on June 02, 2017, 04:44:32 AM
[..I still have a couple guys from Cleveland area who will never go to Fall Color after the year we had snow at snowshoe mtn...]

The new location at Lewisburg is at a lower altitude and also further south and so far it's been "snow free."  Also the eateries within walking distance of the hotel is 5x better than at Snowshow.  Thanks Syd!
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: normkern on June 02, 2017, 09:01:50 AM
[..I still have a couple guys from Cleveland area who will never go to Fall Color after the year we had snow at snowshoe mtn...]

The new location at Lewisburg is at a lower altitude and also further south and so far it's been "snow free."  Also the eateries within walking distance of the hotel is 5x better than at Snowshow.  Thanks Syd!

Yep, with FC now at Lewisburg, WV, the chance of snow at the end of September is pretty remote, but let's be clear about something else. The best riding is in the Appalachian mountains. If you want to ride there you have to deal with mountain weather. The mountain terrain churns the air that moves over it, creating weather conditions that are often very local in nature and that can change quickly. This makes forecasts very inaccurate, unlike back home where the terrain is likely much flatter and weather more predictable.

In the mountains, the forecast often calls for rain or thunderstorms, but the reality is they are not everywhere and not for long periods of time. At many events, I've had great riding and nice weather on "rainy" days where all I had to do was look at the radar on my phone and choose an advantageous direction to go. People who stay home because they are looking at general forecasts never seem to catch on.

For travel days, the get-there-dry web page/IOS app/Facebook app (you can use on your android phone) offers an easy interface to put in your day's route and view the weather conditions along the route. A slider for the start time allows you to instantly see the best time to leave to minimize the chance of rain for the next 48 hours. Check it out and learn to use it! Or you can stay home.

Norm Kern
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: qman8 on June 02, 2017, 09:45:56 AM
As long as snow isnt accumulating on the road, riding while it's snowing is great!  Heated gear sure helps though!
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on June 02, 2017, 09:49:50 AM
WhaHoo... Get there Dry looks to be a fantastic app! I just downloaded it on my iPhone.


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: touringman on June 02, 2017, 10:33:02 AM
Thanks for explaining the weather differences in our newer F/C location guys! I have had a few folks ask about returning to Snowshoe, but the vast majority of the returnees prefer Lewisburg. It's a much more friendly venue in many ways. For instance, there is no "Food and Friends" in which to enjoy a wonderful Thursday night meal at Snowshoe. Crass as it may be, there is no Walmart next door, nor liquor store in walking distance. The choice of restaurants is exponentially better at Lewisburg. I figure if you are in love with Snowshoe, it can be included in one of the routes from Lewisburg! Syd :D
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: RichGrab on June 02, 2017, 12:26:39 PM
WhaHoo... Get there Dry looks to be a fantastic app! I just downloaded it on my iPhone.


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I did too but will have to check it out. But I figure if it comes from Norm, the GPS guru, it's gotta be worth a look. Now that you've chimed in on it's fantabulousness, I made the right choice.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on June 02, 2017, 12:28:27 PM
First regarding FCR, yes the new location has lots of pluses, being out of the mountain, along a more major road makes it easier to come and go (trailer or a slab ride home if needed), less isolated, etc. I've tried to explain that to those folks who aren't interested in going back. But they have a stigma, FCR, cold late season, in the mountains, far away (400 miles from CLE by almost any route) and probably won't change. I'm not going to badger them about it.

Second just understand that each individual will make their own decision, they don't need a bunch of ribbing (even good natured) about "why didn't you go, you should have, don't worry about a little rain". If I don't go, the only person I need to give a reason to is myself (and my traveling companion / roommate).
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Patmo on June 02, 2017, 01:54:38 PM
Get-there-dry is VERY useful, and EASY to use too.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on June 02, 2017, 04:34:13 PM
Get-there-dry is VERY useful, and EASY to use too.
And apparently only for iPhones, could not find it in the Google Play store (for Android phones) and quick online search all refefences to app ar iPhone/iTunes.

They do have a web site based function, but I know doing browser stuff on phones is hard, hence the use of apps.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: RIDEMYST on June 04, 2017, 07:34:30 AM
If you DID make it to TriSTAR you might find your smiling face here! -JEP-
https://msta.smugmug.com/RegionalEvents-2/MSTA-TriSTAR/2017-TRISTAR/ (https://msta.smugmug.com/RegionalEvents-2/MSTA-TriSTAR/2017-TRISTAR/)
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 04, 2017, 09:09:31 AM
Thanks for posting the pics, Jim.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on June 04, 2017, 09:42:58 AM
Great photos! I see a lot of my friends that I didn't get to visit with!


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: normkern on June 04, 2017, 12:36:31 PM
Second just understand that each individual will make their own decision, they don't need a bunch of ribbing (even good natured) about "why didn't you go, you should have, don't worry about a little rain". If I don't go, the only person I need to give a reason to is myself (and my traveling companion / roommate).

1. By sharing resources and experience with evaluation event weather, I want to enable members to make better and more positive decisions and attend more events.

2. Low Commitment People (LCPs) who tie up room reservations until the last minute and mislead event organizers on headcount place a burden on other members and organizers. For example, the Big Lynn Lodge rally, where hotel accommodations are significantly less than the number who want to attend (and there is little alternative lodging nearby), has an annual struggle among members trying to get a reservation. If you're one of the people who couldn't get in, how would you feel if 25% of the attendees cancelled at the last minute after sitting on a reservation for 6 months? The LCPs need to understand that their fellow club members will not be pleased and are going to chide them!

Norm Kern
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on June 05, 2017, 10:46:10 AM
I try not to be an LCP, but I do what works best for me. I rarely book a room until I am committing to the trip, but inclement weather will affect my plans, maybe more than others. I appreciate the extra info and tools, maybe they'll help me attend an event I would have otherwise skipped.

I do feel bad for people that get blocked out because somebody else took a limited resource. The chiding in that case is more expected, but I doubt Tri-STAR has that issue with running out of rooms. Big Lynn, yes that's become very popular and with much smaller limits on room space than most events.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: DirtFlier on June 05, 2017, 12:41:40 PM
[...I have had a few folks ask about returning to Snowshoe, but the vast majority of the returnees prefer Lewisburg...Syd]

Snowshoe is a bit closer to central Ohio but otherwise, Lewisburg is way ahead!  And as Syd stated, if you want to visit it that badly from the hotel go north on 219 for 25-30 miles and you're there!  I'm for Fall Colors remaining in Lewisburg.   :trink39:
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Patmo on June 05, 2017, 01:02:00 PM


I do feel bad for people that get blocked out because somebody else took a limited resource. The chiding in that case is more expected, but I doubt Tri-STAR has that issue with running out of rooms.

When I checked in Friday late afternoon the lady at the front desk was calling people that were on a waiting list, letting them know that some rooms had opened up and asking if they still wanted one.  I heard that there were upwards of 20 rooms that had cancelled sometime in the week or so before the event.  However., the parking lot was pretty full on Friday and Saturday evenings, so I doubt that there were many, if any, rooms left by then. There certainly aren't many choices in the area, and I believe that the one we use is the only one in Sparta.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: normkern on June 05, 2017, 01:35:37 PM


I do feel bad for people that get blocked out because somebody else took a limited resource. The chiding in that case is more expected, but I doubt Tri-STAR has that issue with running out of rooms.

When I checked in Friday late afternoon the lady at the front desk was calling people that were on a waiting list, letting them know that some rooms had opened up and asking if they still wanted one.  I heard that there were upwards of 20 rooms that had cancelled sometime in the week or so before the event.  However., the parking lot was pretty full on Friday and Saturday evenings, so I doubt that there were many, if any, rooms left by then. There certainly aren't many choices in the area, and I believe that the one we use is the only one in Sparta.

Yep, 20 rooms. And they waited till the last minute to cancel so they really aren't available to people on a waiting list because they have made other plans by then.

Norm Kern
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on June 06, 2017, 10:46:17 AM
Sorry to hear so many rooms were canceled at the last minute which probably did prevent others from being able to attend. Didn't realize Tri-STAR had gotten so popular that we were running out of rooms.

As I said I try not to do that, and of course others should not either. Providing them help (tools) to make better decisions is great. But I wonder how many of them are here, or would care or take the advice.

Only thing that probably solves this is going to a structure like STAR, where you cannot get a room until you register for the event. But I doubt any event organizers want that extra complication.
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: normkern on June 07, 2017, 09:09:56 AM
Sorry to hear so many rooms were canceled at the last minute which probably did prevent others from being able to attend. Didn't realize Tri-STAR had gotten so popular that we were running out of rooms.

As I said I try not to do that, and of course others should not either. Providing them help (tools) to make better decisions is great. But I wonder how many of them are here, or would care or take the advice.

Only thing that probably solves this is going to a structure like STAR, where you cannot get a room until you register for the event. But I doubt any event organizers want that extra complication.

True, the people who most need to hear this discussion probably won't. In a related matter, Brick had to plead with people to send in their registrations for Big Lynn Lodge- the hotel was all booked up for months and only a few had sent in their registrations. Are people booking rooms but waiting till the last minute to register for the event? I hope not.

To be fair about the BLL situation, the hotel is closed during the winter and only started taking reservations on a certain date (Feb or Mar 15 as I recall?). The problem for event registration was that Brick didn't have it set up yet. People need to be able to do both event registration and hotel reservation at the same time, while they are thinking about it.

I think that for popular events where hotel space sells out, we designate them as "flagship events" or whatever, and require online registration. Only after you register do you get a discount code for the hotel in the email confirmation of the registration, like we do with STAR.

Norm Kern
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on June 07, 2017, 10:10:01 AM
Re: the Big Lynn Lodge Ride 2017.
In past years as members checked out from the previous year they reserved a room for the next year. This meant that no new members could reserve a room to attend the Big Lynn Lodge Ride event. I got lots of complaints! So for 2017 I set it up with the Big Lynn Lodge that no one could reserve a room while leaving the 2016 event. I would open registration at a date after the first of the year. This date was to be announced at the same time in STAReview, on the web page forum and in an email blast to past attendees. Well all that coordination proved to be impossible! (Ok... I'm a dreamer I thought I could do that) The release announcements were not too far apart. We will see this year how it worked.
Regarding event registrations... I still only have about 6 registrations but of course the Big Lynn Lodge is sold out.
Note: this is not as bad for my event because I don't have to purchase the food since it's provided and included with your Big Lynn Lodge room payment! (Members staying at one of the overflow hotels can eat with us by pre-paying the Big Lynn for the meals they want)
So each event is a bit different. Mine is super easy for me. The only real problem is the limiting number of rooms available.
Note: in past years the Big Lynn Lodge bought and provided free of charge event t-shirts. This will not happen this year because of a large increase in food costs!
We will still have the Alligators Blues band Friday night. And Ann Marie LaFrance will be providing free chair massages Friday upon your arrival and Saturday after your ride. She will also do a stretch for the ride session Saturday AM. Added this year Ann Marie has open times in her Morganton office for full hour sessions. You must call ahead to reserve your time and discounted rate. Note Ann Marie does deep tissue massage and so much more. Treat yourself call asap (828) 432-2008 for your session!


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: stevegrab on June 07, 2017, 12:53:10 PM
Brick I applaud your efforts in handling that situation with BLL, I haven't attended yet but would like to one year. After hearing how rooms were always gone so early (right after the event almost) I wondered if I should try. But that's what happens when you make it so fun and enjoyable.

However having all the rooms booked, and almost nobody registered is not just fair to you. I almost always get my registration in within a few days of booking the room. Even if the form wasn't available when they made their reservation they need to follow-up later.

The joys of being an event organizer...
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Iguana Joe on June 07, 2017, 07:56:02 PM
At TRIStar, as well as other events where we have a really good relationship with the hotel, many folks do go ahead and reserve again as they are checking out. During my years as TRIStar coordinator The Alleghany Inn would give a nights stay as a door prize. We have had the hotel sold out on several occasions and as it happens in the spring, weather has caused folks to cancel. I have had to book a room elsewhere ( Galax VA) because of this. Right now I am unable to Coordinate or even attend TRIStar because Graduation is the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend (Many thanks to Catfish Greene for stepping in and doing such a great job!)

However the Big Lynn Lodge event has regularly filled the hotel, there was an occasion year before last where the room Anita and I had stayed was booked before I had the chance to book it while checking out... That situation got straightened out but this years "registration" literally sold out the hotel in less than 3 hours. It opened in the morning and I finally got through 2 1/2 hours later to find there were 3 rooms left. These were down in the "bunkhouse". Since I knew that many folks wanted to attend for the first time, Anita and I will not be attending this year. We may try to come by and visit. I have talked also with the Owner of the BLL about maybe setting up another weekend event if there would be interest. Maybe in the late spring after the Helen event, or possibly towards the Fall before Syd's Fall Colors Event.

If anyone would like to see this happen please email or message me here, or catch up with me at STAR and lets chat!!!
Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: Brick on June 07, 2017, 09:26:37 PM
Joe I too have had discussions with Hoyt regarding perhaps a JFF non-event. Of course he would love to fill the BLL for another weekend.


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Title: Re: 2017 TriStar Event
Post by: dpippin on June 08, 2017, 10:50:46 PM
Read the title

This is a TriStar subject and you're hijacking it with other stuff.

If you want to discuss Big Llyn Lodge star a New thread

Doug