Smackdab Summer Solstice Run –*Kansas to North Dakota!

[Tanshanomi]

This is not specifically a Spyder ride, but my wife and I will be making the run on our Spyders next summer.

http://www.tanshanomi.com/smackdab/smackdab-poster.jpg

[PrairieSpyder]

That would be fun, but not all in one day! Besides, I plan to be on my way to Chelan Washington for the North to Alaska ryde at that time.

[ARtraveler]

That would be fun, but not all in one day! Besides, I plan to be on my way to Chelan Washington for the North to Alaska ryde at that time.

You will be hitting the state when we have 100 % of daylight. It will get a bit "dusky" around 3:00 AM but will not get completely dark--then it will start getting lighter. Blindfolds, if you cannot sleep without darkness. :thumbup:

[Tanshanomi]

Just bumping this. It's three months from today, and it looks like two Spyders and 7-10 motorcycles so far. Would love to have a couple other three-wheelers join us.

[scottnkansas]

I'm from Lawrence Ks and I think this would be fun. Gonna try to get this on the calendar.


Scott

[Scoot2Mtns]

I grew up in Kansas and used to live in Colorado. If I still lived in either, this would be a fun ride. One of my "bucket list" rides is to follow the Oregon Trail from KC to Portland, OR. Maybe when I retire in a couple of years!

[Kansas Spyder]

I'm checking my work schedule so I can plan for leave. I think we're going to make it!

KS

[Tanshanomi]

http://tanshanomi.com/temp/smackdab-patches-web.jpg

I just received a dozen finishers' patches for Smackdab participants. A big up to Lynn Lees (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/member.php?11545-lynn-lees) here on Spyderlovers for doing the work. Thanks to having NO art setup fee and NO minimum quantity, they were the lowest price we were able to find for such a small run. And, as you can see, they turned out great!

[Kansas Spyder]

Woo Hoo, the hours are flying fast before we head out on the adventure of the year! I'm getting my oil changed tomorrow and everything checked out. Our plan is to leave early in the morning Friday for Smith's Corner.Saturday will be a busy day for sure but then we'll rest on Sunday at Rugby. Maybe even a little ride up to Canada on Sunday. Monday head for home and stop about the 500 milemark. Tuesday, complete the ride home to outside KC.

Kansas Spyder

[4 MARIE]

I visit Lebanon frequently, and this sounds like a fun ride. I am going to try to make it. I feel it appropriate to
remind folks of the "Bambi Danger" around here , especially around dawn and dusk. Please be wary.

[jwulf74]

Just saw this one. Might have to add it to the list for next year. Looks like you might get wet in SD. Rain predicted for Sat. Hok on your way through Sioux Falls. :D

We did something similar on pedal bikes a few years ago...110 miles through the Black Hills and went North to South. That is an all day ride too through some beautiful areas. They did that one on the weekend of the Summer Solstice. But alas, they have ended it as there isn't anyone too coordinate it anymore.

[Tanshanomi]

Ride forecast as of 5PM, 6/17

Location.........Hi - Lo - Precip
Lebanon KS.......97 - 69 - 0%
Grand Island NE..91 - 66 - 10%
Aberdeen SD......87 - 59 - 20%
Rugby ND.........79 - 53 - 20%

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=109767&stc=1

[ARtraveler]

Hoping everyone has a great time. :yes::yes:

[Tanshanomi]

In summary, 15 people participated (14 bikes plus one co-rider). Four Spyders made the trip (2012, '13 & '14 RTs, one 2013 RS-S). Everybody arrived well before Sundown, but one rider headed further down the road before the 10PM dusk patch-and-picture ceremony, and 2 speedy riders were already asleep in their hotel room!
Weather was perfect up until about 8:30 PM, when a brief shower drenched the last 20-30 miles of the route, punishing the last few dawdlers as they rode into town (this included me!)

[Tanshanomi]

Start and finish photos

http://tanshanomi.com/smackdab/2015-dawn.jpg

http://tanshanomi.com/smackdab/2015-dusk.jpg

[Kansas Spyder]

Wow, this was a great ride and we made new friends as well. Weather was great and you have to remember that rain is Mother Nature's way of saying you motorcycle gear needs a wash. Rugby was only about 40 miles south of the Canadian border so we strayed over into Canada for some for fun. Roads were a bit rough but the scenery made up for it. The International Peace Garden was great. They had a cactus exhibit that was awesome.

We made it home last night after riding about three hours in heavy rain. The Spyder handled great in the rain and our frog toggs kept us dry. Sue got a little damp from the spray kicked off the front tires but overall we stayed dry.

Our final mileage was about 2500 miles and we averaged 36 mpg riding two up.

Thanks to Tanshonomi for setting this up and we;re looking forward to the next ride!

[wanna be a spyder]

Sounds like a great ride :yes:

[Tanshanomi]

We made it home last night after riding about three hours in heavy rain. The Spyder handled great in the rain and our frog toggs kept us dry. Sue got a little damp from the spray kicked off the front tires but overall we stayed dry.

We got home yesterday afternoon. We came home through this from St. Joseph all the way home. It was like riding in a washing machine for 90 minutes. Fortunately, it was the only bad weather we had, and our own home was waiting at the end of it.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=110109&stc=1

[Tanshanomi]

The Smackdab Run is set for June 18th. It now has a dedicated website, www.smackdab281.org (http://smackdab281.org/), and a Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/smackdab281/). Please share this with any Midwestern riders/ryders who might be interested. It's a good time.

[Tanshanomi]

LOTS OF SMACKDAB NEWS:

1) FRIDAY NIGHT COOKOUT
The American Legion Riders in Smith Center have agreed to host a cookout dinner for Smackdab participants. More details are forthcoming, but they're committed to feeding you guys and giving you a place to congregate the night before the run.

2) NEW FOR 2016! Get your finisher’s patch for HALF PRICE!

http://smackdab281.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/11009156_502745076557016_7657929504164329951_n.jpg

A registration page has been added to the Smackdab Website (http://smackdab281.org/registration). There is no cost to participate in the Smackdab ride, the only cost is for the finisher’s patch, should you choose to buy one. Also, you can still simply show up and ride. Registration will just help us let the folks in Smith Center and Rugby know how many riders will participate, and to contact riders directly if needed. To encourage you to pre-register, riders who submit their registration anytime before Memorial Day (May 30, 2016) will be eligible to get buy a finisher’s patch for just $5.00 — that's half the regular cost of $10. Patches cost us more over $10 each to have embroidered; the extra cost is being generously subsidized by the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

You will not be flooded with spam e-mails, and we will not distribute your contact information or contact you for any other purpose.


3) VOLUNTEER RIDE COORDINATOR NEEDED
Since I have a family conflict and can't make the ride this year, I need to find a participant who's willing to play "Trail Boss" for the ride. This person will simply need to:


Show up at the departure point by 5:30 AM,
Sign riders in,
Complete the ride by 9:45 PM,
Hand out patch coupons (which I will provide) to finishers in Rugby at dusk. There is no need to collect funds. This year, finishers will use those finisher's coupons to pay for their patch by mail or online via PayPal, and I will mail a patch to them.

Anyone interested should e-mail info@smackdab.org - thanks!

SMACKDAB GROUP ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/groups/smackdab281 (http://www.facebook.com/groups/smackdab281/)

[Tanshanomi]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=127408&stc=1

http://www.smackdab281.org

[Tanshanomi]

There are only a couple of days left to become eligible to get your finisher’s patch at half price ($5, rather than $10). Simply register online at smackdab281.org (http://smackdab281.org/registration) before the end of May. There is no cost or obligation to pre-register. If you’re not sure yet, pre-register anyway. You have the option of indicating how confident you are (or aren’t) of making the ride. Conversely, registering prior to the ride is not mandatory. It’s simply a way for us to gauge interest, have a way to contact prospective participants.
Your contact information will never be sold or shared.

[BeardedDBA]

I did my part this year to ensure that a Spyderlover made this years Smackdab Run. Last year, I believe, there were 4 Spyders, out of the 15 that rode. This year, my Spyder was the only one.
I was joined by a Harley, a Honda, a Kawasaki, and a Yamaha. We stuck together and made the trip as a group. It was fun.

I've been joking to my friends, family, and co-workers that if you want to get away from it all, North Dakota is the place to be. When I say 'all', I mean, ALL. Like buildings, people, food, fuel, shelter, etc... But with enough planning ahead, it was really quite beautiful.

132873132874132875132876132877

These were at the beginning, and at the end. Sorry, I was to busy ryding between them to remember to stop and take pictures along the way.

[Tanshanomi]

Thanks for the ride report, and for representing the Spyder community on this year's ride!

[Tanshanomi]

SMACKDAB #3 will be SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017.

Yes, we're still 7½ months out, but there's already some activity that should make this coming year's event a slightly grander affair! Rider magazine printed my letter about Smackdab, in which I mentioned the website address. It has triggered a healthy spike in traffic:

http://advrider.com/index.php?attachments/web-hit-chart_oct-nov-jpg.678391/

Also, I found a couple of new threads discussing the event on other web forums:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?155363-2017-Smack-Dab-16-5-hr-Ride
http://www.romeoriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=4314

All this looks promising for a good turn out this year!

[DGoebel]

Tanshanomi, Thanks to your post last fall, My good friend Jerry and I will be Spydering the 2017 Smackdab (http://smackdab281.org/) later this month! We've got our room reservations for the night before and after, route planned from Faribault to Lebanon to Rugby and back NO INTERSTATES. We'll do 1,700 Miles from Noon Friday to our Sunday arrival back home.
We're looking forward to meeting all the hardy riders celebrating a summer solstice run from the center of the US to the center of North America!:yes:
148772

I think there's at least one other Spyder Ryder doing this year's Smackdab.

[Tanshanomi]

Tanshanomi, Thanks to your post last fall, My good friend Jerry and I will be Spydering the 2017 Smackdab (http://smackdab281.org/) later this month! We've got our room reservations for the night before and after, route planned from Faribault to Lebanon to Rugby and back NO INTERSTATES. We'll do 1,700 Miles from Noon Friday to our Sunday arrival back home.
We're looking forward to meeting all the hardy riders celebrating a summer solstice run from the center of the US to the center of North America!:yes:
148772

I think there's at least one other Spyder Ryder doing this year's Smackdab.

David,

Yes, my records show you and another Can-Am rider. My wife and I will also be on our Spyders again this year, so there will be at least four of us!

[Tanshanomi]

Tanshanomi, Thanks to your post last fall, My good friend Jerry and I will be Spydering the 2017 Smackdab (http://smackdab281.org/) later this month! We've got our room reservations for the night before and after, route planned from Faribault to Lebanon to Rugby and back NO INTERSTATES. We'll do 1,700 Miles from Noon Friday to our Sunday arrival back home.
We're looking forward to meeting all the hardy riders celebrating a summer solstice run from the center of the US to the center of North America!:yes:
148772

I think there's at least one other Spyder Ryder doing this year's Smackdab.


David, was great spending time with you and Jerry! I'm glad you enjoyed the event and I am confident you made it home safe. Did you hit any bad weather on the return?

[Ryan12]

I am already planning for 2018 and will be my 1st time.

[Tanshanomi]

Online pre-registration should be available on the smackdab281.org website by January 15th. I will post again once you can register.

- Pete

[Ryan12]

Somebody forgot to post any 2017 ride pics. I heard there were more than a few that went.

[Tanshanomi]

Somebody forgot to post any 2017 ride pics. I heard there were more than a few that went.
Now that the holidays are over, I am getting busy on updates and sending out a press release. I have a bunch of photos to post on the website within a few days.

[Tanshanomi]

The 4th Annual Smackdab Summer Solstice Run will be held on Saturday, June 23, this year.

RE-REGISTRATION FOR SMACKDAB 2018 IS NOW LIVE ON THE WEBSITE.
Online registration is still optional, but registering AT THE SMACKDAB WEBSITE (not just replying to this thread) prior to Memorial Day gets you your finisher’s patch for half price.

http://smackdab281.org/registration

I just added lots of pictures from last year's run. I will be updating the riders' instructions very soon, to accommodate some suggested changes from last year's participants. (An alternate validation scheme is in the works for those who don't want to meet at the monument in Rugby at dusk.)

[DGoebel]

Registered! and Very interested in the alternate validation scheme, Jerry and I want to do an Iron Butt 1500 as part of the Smackdab.

We thought about driving from Faribault to Lincoln, NE for a nights rest, then get up at 4AM, drive to Lebanon, arriving at dawn, driving the Smackdab to Rugby, ND as quickly as legally allowed and immediately driving back down 281 to Lincoln, NE (1525 miles), for as long a rest as needed to drive back home. We would travel Highway 281 both south to north, and north to south within 24hrs on our most comfortable Spyders.... and get an IBA Bun Burner 1500 GOLD or at least a Bun Burner 1500 if we had to do a protracted rest stop.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/stIs59gyf6gkQo-Z6xzmHRqxURgjT1nQcZ-J845Fl-eKBnofuZEbEHoy3TrCiNAjC9bfNogfZeHJjCHBzr24ysL4EPr5 crAqKzPS6-P2bB8qzEdQ6LqYI5CfiuozGtPBZQJgRSIIErIKzr9vphjAzdI1 Bfmu18yOOsX7WkbNVif8OKiLglV2vUsmbvjPyfafk4F5EyB0su sYQh48qZvz2yZDuNYsikvxprapT2MCa5W4yswyINt2anOiXkGN RsF-Qw-Zp9ay8gBvUh1t-Z6DyqsAMMsI4TT3z_abvmN7u4bBDu0uzM4pqbumblLNaCFA5tw nNJJzXdyj5KtGN5hb01F3ugBAb0L1fHo9PKVN7G9FEIejHiUBJ pgltyL8x3rPCXG--M78Q3ExidsNDr8tpuGX1OIOxjvcKk5J3PZqyiD0mr_ANp4EpxE KH722RZC5BHEH0gB3SM2p8amqgrivfe-dzCawrC_iQENs_P20QXpjsEbT0IwFeYOcFrXJ3fwNwPEWTgu2y V6BGYSSu1eWy7-A9teqB7ZpmDGenTRFfrgjgliK5bb22XNIL0jZu1UTKaa9npYBN WIJT_7UzZCwRZFPIGg2VMXkBXE3O-yk=w1040-h763-no
Just curious, have any other riders (any other cyclists) done the Smackdab both directions in one day (24hrs)?

[Little Blue]

Oh man, that sounds like a grand adventure. I would love to do something like that, if I were 20 years younger. :thumbup:

[PW2013STL]

Kathy and I just sighed up. Looks like fun!

[DGoebel]

Les, we'll see you there (likely long before then as well),
Little Blue, we're only 60, but there were many riders on 80 some bikes that were much older than us. It's an adventure! Bucket list kind of check off item.<G> C'mon out and join the ryde, weather permitting it's a beautiful day!
Last year we took our time, had nice lunch and a long dinner, plenty of stops (we're riding 998 powered spyders so fuel every 150 miles) and leaving Lebanon at dawn, arrived at the Rugby monument by 8:15 with plenty of light left.

[Tanshanomi]

This press release is available for distribution as a PDF file: Smackdab-Press-Rel_2018-02.pdf
(http://smackdab281.org/Smackdab-Press-Rel_2018-02.pdf)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Fourth Annual Smackdab Summer Solstice Run Expected To Be Largest Yet


LEBANON, KS — Saturday, June 23, 2018 will mark the fourth annual Smackdab Summer Solstice Run, a one-day, 675-mile motorcycle tour held between dawn and dusk on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice. The ride starts between dawn and sunrise at the monument marking the Geographic Center of the 48 Contiguous States, just outside Lebanon, Kansas. Riders head north toward a similar monument marking the Geographic Center of North America in Rugby, North Dakota, and must arrive by dusk. The event is not a group ride. Participants ride individually, travel at their own pace, and stop whenever and wherever they like. There is no registration fee; the only expense is the optional purchase of an embroidered patch, which is offered to verified finishers at cost.

The Smackdab Summer Solstice Run is the brainchild of Peter Zilliox, a motorcyclist from Kansas City. “It’s a very grass-roots, unstructured thing,” Zilliox said. “I originally conceived of the trip as something to do with my wife and a riding buddy of ours. The three of us had previously explored a lot of rural Kansas by motorcycle, and I was looking for a new adventure. But it was a quirky enough idea that I posted an invitation on an online riders’ forum, and a dozen others joined us for that first run in 2015. So, I had some finisher’s patches made up for everyone. Several prospective riders who couldn’t make the inaugural trip expressed an interest in continuing it as an annual event. The next year, a totally new crop of riders completed the trip, and then participation really skyrocketed in 2017.”

A total of 87 riders—eighty motorcyclists plus seven co-riders—completed the most recent Smackdab Summer Solstice Run last June. This year, participation is expected to be even greater. “Most of our growth has been through word-of-mouth and social media,” Zilliox said. “I’m amazed how many people have expressed interest in this year’s event. Online registration went live on January 10th, and less than a month later we already have more than 30 riders signed up.”

The ride starts twelve miles south of the Kansas–Nebraska border, just off US Highway 281. The solstice allows over sixteen hours to ride the 675 miles across Nebraska and South Dakota, then through most of North Dakota. The route follows Highway 281 north for 95 percent of the trip, until it turns west on US Highway 2 for the final 34 miles into Rugby, North Dakota, which is within 50 miles of the Canadian border. Just before dusk, finishers gather at the monument in Rugby to swap stories of the road and share a great sense of accomplishment.
“All types of bikes make the ride, even as small as 250 cc’s,” Zilliox said. “From Harley dressers to adventure bikes to trikes—any motorcyclist is welcome to show up and ride. It’s just an excuse to spend a day exploring some new territory on a bike, meet other bikers, and have a bit of adventure.”

For more information and photos, or to register, visit the Smackdab website at http://smackdab281.org


###

[easysuper]

For the folks that want to hit another geographic point after the Smack-dab ride, the geographic center of the entire United States is just 22 miles north of Belle Fourch SD.
Not to far from the end of the Smack-dab ride. It's a little hard to find as it's off the Old US Hwy. 85 and across a ranchers fence. Lonely and Windy but a bucket list never the less.
157639 157640 157641

[smoof]

I believe Belle Fourche is in South Dakota.

[easysuper]

I believe Belle Fourche is in South Dakota.

I meant to type SD but hit ND. I spent 5 months in Gillette WY building a Restaurant and rode nearly every weekend, all over the Blackhills and Bighorns. We are goung to the Deadwood Rally this summer to ride again.

[Tanshanomi]

157645 (http://smackdab281.org/Smackdab2018-poster.jpg)

Full-Size JPEG Version: http://smackdab281.org/Smackdab2018-poster.jpg
PDF Version: http://smackdab281.org/Smackdab2018-poster.pdf

[Scotts8826]

Can anyone provide some insights on the Smackdab route? I know the road is pretty straight forward but I was wondering about must stops along the way. Scenery pull-outs, marvelous diners or restaurants along the way, unique shops to browse when a break is needed and any must stop for gas locations ( I read where things are little dry in parts of North Dakota).

[Tanshanomi]

Can anyone provide some insights on the Smackdab route? I know the road is pretty straight forward but I was wondering about must stops along the way. Scenery pull-outs, marvelous diners or restaurants along the way, unique shops to browse when a break is needed and any must stop for gas locations ( I read where things are little dry in parts of North Dakota).

The only really scenic geography would be around Fort Randall Dam, just inside South Dakota. There's some hills around there and the road twists a bit, and there's a scenic overlook by the dam.

http://smackdab281.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Tammys-Curve.jpg

http://smackdab281.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_0043-720x540.jpg

As for gas stops, here's an interactive fuel map on Bing: Lebanon To Rugby (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbinged.it%2F2mZmRzJ&h=ATO8auFdsgrtnas8rMC9wsMSxyKAquKJPYDz7QoqWVM1DTmT sgTvJHkv7olnBc6QGkdEz4JNfyGjtseEmcJgtnOKUPlOwXOCQx cezK0GdgLjCf3pkw_FfVOAqn615M2LfUCwSHnsNo5vBo-myteEcIUpDxLkR7zqJv82gUoZKJnhMVkZtA-UTI_ms-CCWDrPPli3b7jobDUQye-RKal61T8nxwlnpZdV2g-bwH43djNdd4D5dAVxLMaB86NsLUpjUlSwPw)
Just click on the little gas pump icon:

158071

There are some 70-90 mile stretches between service stations in North Dakota, but if you fill up whenever you see open pumps, you'll be fine. Just adjust your schedule to leave time towards the end for a few extra stops. You shouldn't try to stretch your range between stops. Also, you might not always find 92 octane fuel, so filling up every half tank will keep your average octane level up. You should definitely stop to fill up in Carrigton, ND...and while you're there you can take a selfie with the Chieftain.

http://smackdab281.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_0057-720x540.jpg

There are no truly notable dining stops along the way. You'll be eating at places like the 281 Travel Center in Wolsey, SD. The food was unremarkable roadside diner fare, but the staff were really, really friendly and pleasant, even when some pretty weary bikers were filling every table and wanting to get back on the road quickly.

http://smackdab281.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Wolsey-SD.jpg

One couple on the ride said they had a good meal at the Hakuna Matata (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hakuna+Matata/@46.353438,-98.7070279,17z/data=!4m8!1m2!3m1!2sHakuna+Matata!3m4!1s0x52d1b749 34cb078d:0xddeb0031db951b32!8m2!3d46.353438!4d-98.7048338) restaurant in Edgeley, ND, but that's just one review, so I can't really endorse it myself.

For the most part, just be prepared for lots of this:

http://smackdab281.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Dawn-patrol.jpg

[Scotts8826]

Thanks for sharing. I am still contemplating this ride. It can be a little more difficult finding information along this route since it is off the major Interstates. I'm used to planning and except for "just head north" there doesn't seem to be much other planning necessary.

[Tanshanomi]

Thanks for sharing. I am still contemplating this ride. It can be a little more difficult finding information along this route since it is off the major Interstates. I'm used to planning and except for "just head north" there doesn't seem to be much other planning necessary.

You can certainly arrange to ride with a couple of others. A couple of ad-hoc riding groups usually get assembled before departure. Last year, three guys who'd never met each other before the riders' meeting ended up doing the trip together.

[seaweed]

I can not do it this year but hope to do it next year. If I do I will make a short stop just North of Hastings, Nebraska. Hope to see you in 2019, ryde safe.

[DGoebel]

Scotts, What he said We rode it last year, saw groups that stopped at every state border crossing to get group shots. The ride really is about doing it on the longest Saturday, starting in the middle and ending in the middle :D. Kind of a "Bucket list" type ride, like a Ride Around Kansas, (or Iowa) in a day...
C'Mon out and join us!

[Charlottes Web]

Can't this year. Thinking about it for next year
Chris

[Tanshanomi]

I spoke with the US Center Foundation (http://www.uscenterfoundation.com/) and confirmed that camping WILL be available in Lebanon Park again this year. The park is located in the center of Lebanon on the south side of Kansas Ave, just west of Main Street. Bathrooms will available, but no showers. For those who don't want to have to get up any earlier and ride any more miles than necessary that day, this is about as close to the departure point as you can spend the night. For some, this might be the only option because motel rooms in the area are filling up fast. Camping in Lebanon is FREE, but I've set up a GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/smackdab-donation-to-us-center-fund) for people who wish to make a donation to the city's non-profit foundation.

Camping in Rugby on Saturday night is available at the Pierce County Fairgrounds, just across town about 2 miles north of the monument (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Geographical+Center+of+North+America+Mounument,+3r d+Ave+SE,+Rugby,+ND+58368/Pierce+County+Fair,+Rugby,+North+Dakota,+210+1st+S t+NE,+Rugby,+ND+58368). The Rugby Convention and Visitors Bureau would like a count of how many will be camping at the site, so riders who are interested in camping at the fairground; a note to info@smackdab281.org or a post in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/smackdab281) would be appreciated. Camping is also available within walking distance of the monument at the Oakwood Inn & Campground (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oakwood+Inn+%26+Campground/@48.3545589,-100.0002668,18z) on US Hwy 2.

[Tanshanomi]

I just learned that the registration plug-in on the Smackdab website was broken (again)! I updated the software and I think it is working again. If you've been to the website in the past week or so and didn't see a registration form, you should now be able to register online. Thanks for your patience.

http://smackdab281.org/registration

[DGoebel]

How many do you have pre-registered for 2018? Just checking

[TomG]

That would be fun, but not all in one day! Besides, I plan to be on my way to Chelan Washington for the North to Alaska ryde at that time.

is this a organized ride or are you doing on your own? either way, where can I find more info?

Thanks, TomG

[Tanshanomi]

How many do you have pre-registered for 2018? Just checking

The count as of this morning is 79 people riding 65 bikes.

[Tanshanomi]

is this a organized ride or are you doing on your own? either way, where can I find more info?

Thanks, TomG

All the details can be found here:
http://smackdab281.org/the-ride

[DGoebel]

is this a organized ride or are you doing on your own? either way, where can I find more info?

Thanks, TomG
TomG, PrairieSpyder's post was from 2014, their NTA trip is long gone and finished, there is a thread on SL with all the details. But you're welcome to join us on this years (2018 SmackDab).

[PW2013STL]

TomG, PrairieSpyder's post was from 2014, their NTA trip is long gone and finished, there is a thread on SL with all the details. But you're welcome to join us on this years (2018 SmackDab).

Correction - we did the NTA trip in 2015.

Yes come ride with us this year! This is our first SmackDab and are looking forward to it.

[seaweed]

The count as of this morning is 79 people riding 65 bikes.

65 bikes, that is a very good showing. Hope that I can make it next year.

[Tanshanomi]

65 bikes, that is a very good showing. Hope that I can make it next year.

Actually, we're up to 72 already. We had 87 riders on 80 bikes last year, and I expect we'll have at least that many.

[Tanshanomi]

The fourth annual Smackdab Summer Solstice Run happened this past weekend. Last year it was crosswinds, this year it was rain for about 25% of the ride.
We had 88 bikes — over a hundred participants when you include those riding two-up.

I was interviewed and we got a nice write-up in the Hastings Tribune.
http://www.hastingstribune.com/news...cle_d72dd5e4-76a3-11e8-b6c8-3bc3966df429.html (http://www.hastingstribune.com/news/riders-taking-for-miles-from-one-geographic-center-to-the/article_d72dd5e4-76a3-11e8-b6c8-3bc3966df429.html)

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