The purpose of this thread is to get input from everyone, so keep the feedback coming. Even if we don't choose an area that you mention, like Big Bend, for our main gathering, its good to have you all share your experiences with the board as many have never ridden some of the areas that you have. It might be that some will want to make a separate trip there with a smaller group, I know at some point I will definitely be making a trip out there.
The other consideration is that we really need to have a number of us involved in the planning and organization of our gatherings as there needs to be backup in case one or two persons cannot for whatever reason make it due to any number of things, like health or the health of a family member, work or business responsibilities, accident, illness, mechanical breakdown, etc.
Marge and I had a small accident on the way to Maggie Valley last year and were a day late getting there...Not to be outdone, Jr had two accidents.