NJ,NY,PA,OH,Indiana, ST. Louis group ride to Spyderfest

[Champagne]

I-95 S NJ,
Valley Forge Service Plaza, Valley Forge Road PA,
Interstate 70, New Stanton, PA
Red Roof Inn, W Broad St, Columbus, OH
Love's Travel Stop, Indiana. Exit 59
MO Hick Barbeque, Cuba, MO
Quick Visit to Cowtown MO,
Comfort Inn Springfield, Springfield, MO
:yes:



It seems to me that this is going to be a nice size Group
coming from a different state I am posting hand signals
I know mostly the experience motorcycle riders already know
them. But one of the things, as a group we must ride as a team.
Being patient of other. We will not go more then 10 miles over the speed limit.
there would be a few Group leader. Every 10 Spyder there will be
a group leader and backdoor.

Responsibility of Group Leaders:
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1. Leadership of the group while in transit
2. Be firm and decisive
3. Explain routes to predetermined destinations (see Ride Organizers)
4. If distance dictates, select some rest stops and stick to the plan
5. Explain the formations to be used during transit; staggered formation should be used for nearly all the group rides.
6. Try to find out the riding skill level of the group members you are leading, so that you do not attempt to lead beyond their ability.
7. Explain the two-second rule and the necessity to keep closed up.
8. Explain the lane numbers (lane #1 is the fastest or left lane)
9. The Group Leaders should select their own Back Doors.
10. Maintain the integrity of the group
11. If the Back Door advises that one of the group is having a problem and is leaving the group, the Group Leader should bring the group to a safe place to pull off and wait for the Back Door to report.
12. Recognize and obey all vehicle code rules and regulations. (Watch speed limits).
13. Slow down if necessary, when the Back Door tells you part of the group didn't make the light, etc.
14. Lane Changes (2 lane - 2 way traffic): If it looks like it is going to be a long drawn out process to get all of the bikes in your group around a vehicle, consider slowing down instead and keep your group intact.
15. Lane Changes (highway with at least 2 lanes for your direction): The Group Leader will inform the Rear Bike of the need to move into another lane and the number of the lane to move into. At the first opportunity, the Rear Bike moves into the new lane, preventing any traffic from trying to pass the team in that lane. The Rear Bike informs the Group Leader when the lane is "secure" and the Group Leader will then announce over the CB to all bikes in his group "Let's all move to the #___ lane, NOW!" The Group Leader hesitates before saying NOW, allowing each bike a few moments to look for themselves, that it is safe to move over. Then all the bikes will signal and follow the bike in front of them into the new lane. This method is used, as not all bikes are equipped with CBs and wouldn't otherwise know that the group is moving to a different lane. This is a better method than a simple free for all and certainly looks better.
16. Keep in mind that the Group Leader's job is not to be a tourist, but to maintain the group in a safe manner. If you want to just enjoy the ride, don't volunteer to be the leader!
17. If there is more than one (1) group, use group # when using the CB
18. You and/or your co-rider should point at any hazards you may see on the road for the bikes behind you, even if you have already said something about it on the CB

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[serf]

about what time (aprox.) will you be hitting the indy truck stop?

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for this post! :thumbup: The Missus has refused to let me solo out there... :gaah:
But if a group were going... :dontknow: This gives me more ammo! :2thumbs:

 

[kentompkins]

It's 3 hours -- 192 miles -- so it depends on when we leave Columbus in the morning and how many gas stops we make. Champagne can give you an idea about departure times.

kt

about what time (aprox.) will you be hitting the indy truck stop?

 

[retread]

It might be a good idea to post the exit numbers on 70 where the meetings will be.

john

 

[Champagne]

We should rolling past IN, 10:30 April 23, We will be leaving Columbus Ohio at 7:00 am


I think the plan would be to meet on I70 west of Indianapolis at exit 59. On the north side of the exit there is a Love's truck stop with a McDonalds and Subway attached. Its about 25 miles west of Indy. Pm me so we can over meeting spot or how u can join the convoy while it's rolling.

 

[Champagne]

Thanks for this post! :thumbup: The Missus has refused to let me solo out there... :gaah:
But if a group were going... :dontknow: This gives me more ammo! :2thumbs:

Bob tell the Missus come on we are going to have a good time.
Let her know we will look out for each other.
There are a few more Spyder from NY going
You have door to door service.

Plus ! Bob i even have a room for you at the Comfort Inn Springfield MO,
tell the Missus that. not only did i give you the ammo ! the room is the Gun

:yes:

 

[Spyderjockey]

C'mon Bob it's going to be great

Thanks for this post! :thumbup: The Missus has refused to let me solo out there... :gaah:
But if a group were going... :dontknow: This gives me more ammo! :2thumbs:

We had a great time last year riding out there. You certainly wouldn't be solo.....it sounds like we are going to be quite a large group.....the more the merrier.:yes: Sure hope you can make it, tell the missus you'll be in good hands with a large group of veteran Spyderfesters!! Is that a real word?:dontknow:

 

[Champagne]

Back Door (Tail End Charlie)
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1. Probably the most misunderstood and underrated job in the group rides.
2. The Lead Bike leads the group, but the Rear Bike controls the group.
3. Responsibility:
   1. Again, the safety of the group and to maintain the integrity of the group.
   2. Be the "eyes" of the leader and the "voice" when necessary. (Example: "Rider #3, close it up please"; vehicle passing on right; etc.)
   3. Advise the Group Leader, if part of the group gets stuck by a light, another vehicle cuts into the group, etc., then also let him know when the group is back together again.
   4. Assist in most, if not all lane changes. Note: Never attempt to hold back other traffic to enable the group to change lanes...it's unsafe, not wise and illegal.
   5. To assist in lane changes at the discretion of the leader.
   6. Watch for any hazards or problems with any of the group's motorcycles.
   7. Assist any rider in the group that needs to pull over. Advise the Group Leader and pull over with the other rider.
   8. If a member of the group goes down, transmit "BIKE DOWN! BIKE DOWN!" on the CB and stop ASAP to help and/or direct traffic away from the accident.
   9. If any member indicates by voice or action/attitude that they don't wish to or are unable to follow the rules of the group, the Group Leader/Back Door, has the responsibility and duty to remind that member of group safety. (See Pre-ride, paragraph C)
4. The bottom line is "Safety First" and we should all assume the responsibility for the safety of fellow group members

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Click on pictures

 

[Bob Denman]

We had a great time last year riding out there. You certainly wouldn't be solo.....it sounds like we are going to be quite a large group.....the more the merrier.:yes: Sure hope you can make it, tell the missus you'll be in good hands with a large group of veteran Spyderfesters!! Is that a real word?:dontknow:

Now I just have to conv8nce her that getting out of the office for over a week is possible in late-April...
Negotiations are commencing; Thanks Guys! :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

So when exactly does this caravan depart the NorthEast? I need to nail down dates and times for my "discussions" with The Missus. :shocked:

 

[pitbull]

Ok I think we are going to have to have a contest to see who the biggest group that rides into the store at once for SPYDERFEST....... FREE PIT BULL POWERSPORTS CAPS TO THE WINNER OF THIS GROUP !! But you do have to be in one group and ride into register at the same time. GAME ON!!

 

[Bob Denman]

:2thumbs: Thanks! :2thumbs:
(Now I've just got to get my butt hitched to a group and headed your way... :shocked

 

[Bob Denman]

Guys,
Can anybody help me out with some ideas as to how much a trip like this might cost? :shocked:
Between that, and the time for the trip; all I need now is more information...
Thanks!

 

[Champagne]

Guys,
Can anybody help me out with some ideas as to how much a trip like this might cost? :shocked:
Between that, and the time for the trip; all I need now is more information...
Thanks!

Hi Bob from the different post a dollar a mile. It seems to be the best way to put a dollar amount to it.
I don't know what time New York is leaving to meet us in Stanton PA, on the 22,
maybe 11 or 11:30am we will be there. It should be Nine bikes. I have to really look at it. So don't hold me by the 11-11:30
as we get closer i will post times we will arrive at the location. As far as coming back some of the group will be leaving on 27, an 28, heading back North
we will talk about it as a group. and work out a plan.

 

[kentompkins]

Well, you need motel rooms for one night coming and going, say $60 per night = $120. You will need 5 nights at Spyderfest at, say, $50 per night = $250. That's $370 in motels.

You will have to estimate how much you eat (not sure if you are going with someone). I'd estimate $25 per day though perhaps less on the days we will be traveling (my experience is that I eat much less on the road). We will be gone 8 days so $200 for food. That may/may not be high.

According to Google maps, Grahamsville is 1200 miles from Springfield. Let's say you get 30mpg on trips. Gas is going to vary in price from, I'd guess, $3.30 to $3.80. At 30mpg you will use 40 gallons which at $3.30 = $132 one way. At $3.80 it would be $152 one way. No one can estimate how much gas you might use in Springfield, going on rides, etc. etc. You can get a ball park/minimum with these numbers.

Lodging + food + gas comes out to about $874. This doesn't include extras, farkles, midnight pie runs or sinning. $1000 would cover it though sinning might run that up.

Keep in mind that these are raw guesses. I don't keep track of my expenses on such trips because I want to enjoy it all. There are obvious ways to save; find a roommate to share motel costs. Eat less (food is, btw, much cheaper in MO than in NY). You can't really save on gas much especially on the trip because we will stop at gas stations on the slab; we pretty much have to pay the going rate.

Hope this helps. You might want to contact Jim Van Cise (Spyderjockey here) from Homer. I think he keeps accurate records of their trip costs.

ken tompkins

Hi Bob from the different post a dollar a mile. It seems to be the best way to put a dollar amount to it.
I don't know what time New York is leaving to meet us in Stanton PA, on the 22,
maybe 11 or 11:30am we will be there. It should be Nine bikes. I have to really look at it. So don't hold me by the 11-11:30
as we get closer i will post times we will arrive at the location. As far as coming back some of the group will be leaving on 27, an 28, heading back North
we will talk about it as a group. and work out a plan.

 

[otter28169]

You guys have it planned to a "T".:thumbup:
If I can get free to get out there I would like to ride with the group.
Bob, if I can get it worked out I would like to meet up with you somewhere near Scranton, PA.
I was hemming and hawing about going, but you guys have got me wound up now!!!!:2excited:hyea:hyea:hyea:hyea:hyea:

 

[Bob Denman]

Ken,
Thanks for giving me some numbers that I can put in my presentation! :2thumbs:
I think that this'll give her something to chew on while making her decision...
Wish me luck! :thumbup: