Nothing, really.  You need a date that folks can plan around and enough lead time for folks to hit that mark.

Leaf season is crazy up there (and getting too cold to ride comfortably too) so I would suggest hitting some date that is kinda early to the leaf season, when it is still more warm than cold.

Next, since so many of us are retired or not working, maybe hitting Monday Tues Weds might make things work out better since I suspect all the early fall and all the leaf season weekends are already booked up at the Gap.

Is there a fall break for teachers?   If so, when is it?   We had 3 teachers there this time.

Monday, September 7th (Labor day) is the only standard 3 day weekend holiday to plan around in September.   Labor day is still hot weather, ain't no cold around Labor day but I bet the place is booked up already.

Takes 3-4 people to make a standard hotel room come out cheap.   Takes 5-6 to make the apartment work out to $25 a head.  

Tents are always cheap, but the fall weather makes that sorta thing iffy with cold and rain being a lot more likely then.


===========

I think we found us a sweet spot for the main summer run, that weekend leading into the 4th of July week -- it was NOT crowded and the weather was excellent.  Folks were off or could arrange to be off and it left the real 4th of July weekend free for more traditional family activities.

Oldfeller--FSO wrote on 06/29/09 at 09:29:28:


Who's white bike? First picture!

Now don't you wish you had come along with us?

September is a pretty good time in the mountains, still warm and it's the calm before the storm so to speak (leaf season storm).
I'd be willing to make any date ya'll dream up, I was really blessed to ride with everyone and I believe I have the rear spot.
Everyone took off like the bat out of you know. I was just trying to keep up. But I'd do it again in a minute.
Seviersavage

Labor day weekend is Friday, September 4th, 5th, 6th and Monday is the 7th.  This would be a get off work on Friday, hit the road show up by the 5th, stay the 6th and hit the road early on the 7th sort of flexible deal.

You are not likely to get 12 people again, but the camping group was able to make a good time with as few as 4-5 people.  

3-5 can split a room if that is desirable.

I can't commit to anything myself as I may be starting a new job and be in probationary period catching me all the ugly weekend & night hours nobody else wants (they will be taking up their vacation time too you know) so guys will have to plan and execute whatever you come up with without me.

Good luck and ride safe -- it is dangerous up there, BTW.   We were prepared this time -- and we were lucky too.

ALfromN.H.  FSO wrote on 06/30/09 at 06:06:01:



Beautiful Pictures!!
Thanks guys for all the pic's,I really was thinking there may not be many.

No disaster took place on this trip to require us to be invoking the Motto, so you got some pics to look at.  

Hey, you could actually plan to go next time, you could be in charge of taking all the pictures.

I only took pics when I was near the camera and something came up to take a shot of.   There was lots of neater looking stuff we did and tons of pretty scenery to shoot, but I was busy -- takes two hands and full attention to drive a truck up in the mountains .... especially if you are trying to keep up with a bunch of motorcycles who are generally going a bit faster than the speed limit even around them turns.

ALfromN.H.  FSO wrote on 06/30/09 at 11:39:54:


I know,when I'm riding I very seldom think about taking pictures
But you guys did great! More than I expected