Maggie Valley 2012???

[retdpd]

My opinion-- I think Maggie Valley has more to offer restaurants etc..

I think more will be turned off then turned on having it at a casino.

That's just my opinion and those in my group.



A hospitality tent like the one the Ramada set up would have been nice for the meet and greet, refrehments etc.. It seems it wasn't utilized.

I'd bet the chamber of commerce would provide someplace for a bar b q etc..

just my 2cents

FYI we're already booked at the Applecove and their giving fantastic rates.

[VaThumper]

Why change locations? Sturgis will always be at Sturgis!!

[Saltywheels]

Nana: I seriously plan to ride across the country for our 2012 Rally. That's 3-4 days one way! So it turns into a major vacation as far as time off fm work goes. While I am luke-warm on the Nevada venue it sure would be nice if the Rally was kindda somewhat at least closer to the left coast. Not sure how many west-coasters we have or how they feel. Personally, I think casinos are a great venue since they have the rooms, the parking, the food etc etc. And no, I am not a gambler.

[skuuter]

I'm all for a new venue. How about the Branson area or down Zook's way on the Gulf Coast? A change of scenery will keep interest peaked rather than losing interest by going back to the same old place.

Hmmmm....never thought of the Dothan, Alabama Gulf Coast Area until I read this..............

[champsman97045]

Nana: I seriously plan to ride across the country for our 2012 Rally. That's 3-4 days one way! So it turns into a major vacation as far as time off fm work goes. While I am luke-warm on the Nevada venue it sure would be nice if the Rally was kindda somewhat at least closer to the left coast. Not sure how many west-coasters we have or how they feel. Personally, I think casinos are a great venue since they have the rooms, the parking, the food etc etc. And no, I am not a gambler.

Saltywheels, that was why I started the Western Rally for everybody west of the mississippi and western canada , maybe plan on attending both and have twice the fun . :yes:

[Oldmsocko]

I believe that successful Rallies do not change locations. Americade is always in Lake George. Just my 2 cents worth.

[oldman]

Sturgess is Sturgess, Daytona is Daytona. I don't think we could find a more scenic area with versatile riding conditions than Maggie Valley. If we could just find a hub at Maggie Valley for a meet and great, food and lodging, I would be perfectly content.

[Gorilla]

Moving the host hotel 10 miles for better accommendations for the future isn't changing the location of the Rally IMO. It's still the hilles and twistees of the NC/Tenn area. You are still in the area of all the great roads. The meet is called "Rally in the Valley" the last 2 years. IF the host hotel moves it still will be the "Rally in the Valley"

[TNTriker]

If this is calling for a vote, my vote is no to Cherokee. #1.It's way too crowded, and you only have one way in and one way out. #2. They do not like motorcycles in Cherokee. The Cherokee Survivor Rally was cancelled due to that reason. Cherokee is also a dry county...no booze! If there is a motorcycling event in their town, the police will monitor every move you make. They have been know to set up check points for drinking and checking license for proper endorsement. Just MHO.

[Oldmsocko]

Sturgess is Sturgess, Daytona is Daytona. I don't think we could find a more scenic area with versatile riding conditions than Maggie Valley. If we could just find a hub at Maggie Valley for a meet and great, food and lodging, I would be perfectly content.

The Ramada Inn put up a tent at their expense but it really didn't get used that much for the meet and greet.

[Monkei]

Harrahs sounds good to me.

[oleman69]

Has anybody checked in Waynesville?

[Nana]

oleman, if you or anyone else, know of a motel in the area that would accommodate a group needing over 100 rooms, please let us know ASAP. We'd be open to checking on availability and willingness to work with us. We have found only a limited number of a size that would fit our needs, and we do want to confirm something very soon.

[TNTriker]

The Ramada Inn put up a tent at their expense but it really didn't get used that much for the meet and greet.

Personally I think the reason the tent wasn't used is lack of communication. The Ramada could have let the people in charge know of their intentions and it could have been communicated before hand. I can't remember what motel, if any, sits on the other side of the Ramada, but if the Ramada was used as the host hotel, and Fours Seasons and whatever it is that sits on the other side used as overflow, that would probably work for another year or so, at least buy some time on finding something better.

[Juju]

Nana and Zook, you may have already considered this, but what about Fontana Village? It's been couple of decades since we stayed there, but to my recollection, I think they have a variety of lodge (hotel-like) rooms, cabins, and a campground, all at one site. Not sure whether they could accommodate us, but might be something to look into.

[CCrider]

I do like the idea of everyone staying in the same hotel. We were not in the host hotel this year and I feel we missed getting to meet a lot of nice people because of that. Although we visited the host hotel a few time, not everyone was around at those particular times.

[ThreeAces7]

We all know nana and zook are doing all possible for the 2012 rally and will no doubt have a location that will be simply wonderful ..... but ... for anybody wanting to go to a different location consider going to the ... western rally in 2012 also put on by Trike Talk , in Reno Nv on july 9 - 12, 2012.
more info listed in the rides and rally section under western rally.
Maybe you could plan to attend both rallies next year

I am happy to see a rally out west. Count me in for Reno 2012.

Dave

[Oldmsocko]

Personally I think the reason the tent wasn't used is lack of communication. The Ramada could have let the people in charge know of their intentions and it could have been communicated before hand. I can't remember what motel, if any, sits on the other side of the Ramada, but if the Ramada was used as the host hotel, and Fours Seasons and whatever it is that sits on the other side used as overflow, that would probably work for another year or so, at least buy some time on finding something better.

I could be wrong but I believe the Four Seasons was the host hotel. I do know that Michael from the Ramada Inn was a little upset as 14 folks concealed out at the last minute.

[Papa Zook]

It isn't looking good for Harrah's and Cherokee...management tells me that Harrah's fills up with players on the weekends, every weekend it seems, so they aren't very motivated to work with us on discount rates, with the exception being the frequent gamblers (Rewards Members) and I'm not sure that includes many of us. The other two larger hotels in Cherokee are both owned by the same group and they don't want to work with us on rates either or even on holding a block of rooms for that matter, so its back to square one.

We've talked to Michael at the Ramada and their group owns four hotels in MV to include Microtel and Best Western which are side by side and both have been recently renovated. Between the two we would have approx 110 rooms and along with the other two they own we wont run short on rooms nor will we have to pay a high rate as he will guarantee us a good rate and has agreed to reserve the entire two hotels for us. He has also offered to erect a large tent on the property for us to use as he did this year. He WANTS and appreciates our business and will go the extra mile to make us happy. Right now this is sounding like it may be our best option. Please tell me what you think?

We are also thinking about adding a "Casino Night" to the schedule for those who want to ride over to Harrah's as a group one afternoon and eat at the buffet and/or do some gaming, shopping, etc.

[Blondie Gal]

You have our vote to go ahead and make whatever choice is the best for our group. That's why they pay you the big bucks, Zook!