Elephant rally 2008

[skysurferboy]

Hi,

Is anyone going to the 2008 Elephant rally? I've ridden to 5 events this year solo and would prefer a bit of company on this one. Setting off from West Yorkshire, England.

G

[outthere]

Originally Posted by skysurferboy

Hi,

Is anyone going to the 2008 Elephant rally? I've ridden to 5 events this year solo and would prefer a bit of company on this one. Setting off from West Yorkshire, England.

G

So where is it exactly and the date in 08???. Regards Brian B:confused1:

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by outthere

So where is it exactly and the date in 08???. Regards Brian B:confused1:

Late January, Bavaria in the snow - good fun from all accounts.

Bundesverband der Motorradfahrer e.V.: Elefantentreffen
(babelfish or similar will do a translation) - Damn, just click on the English button on their webpage!!!!!!!!!

[Joe C90]

I will prob be returning to norway again this jan, but I have done the elefant a couple of times now, if you want any info, shout, It's a superb event. Where do you hail from? am from Skipton myself.
What bike are you on?
There is always a brit contingent there, some guys from hudds area, seems to be a northern brit thing

[skysurferboy]

Hi,

I'm in the North Leeds area just off the A65. I mainly ride a Harley Sportster now coz my old XTZ750 Super Tenere is in bits in the garage. Not the ideal touring bike but it's done 15,000miles of touring this year so it does get out a bit.

The Elephant rally is listed on Bundesverband der Motorradfahrer e.V.: Startseite as being from 25/01-27/01 2008 at Loh bei Solla, Bayerisher Wald. 40km North of Passau, Germany. Although my link on my laptop at home gave me another date so I'll have to check that one out before booking anything.

It's one i've always wanted to do.

Another biker from Leeds who is a friend of a friend did it last year on a Ural so I thought it would be a good crack.

G

[Joe C90]

Just spotted that you are off to Dumfies this weekend, you will find me in the yellow van (knee not fit for 2 wheels yet).
There are always harleys at the elefant, not as daft a choice as some may think. It is all down to the tyres and the rider. the low centre of gravity is no bad thing, the biggest problem will be the front washing out going downhill!
The other date may well be the altes-elefant at the nurburgring, later in febuary. the one near Loh is the biggy.
Good cold weather protection is essential, holland can be variable, the western side of Germany will start getting chilly, and when you gradually climb towards regensburg, expect to be riding down to -18c.
But, when it gets properly cold, it is dry cold, not as bad as the dismal muck we get here. get your bike waxed or some good anti-rust stuff, it will see a lot of salt on the way down.
Do it, every biker should go at least once, it is the winter mecca...

[skysurferboy]

Hi Joe,

I was in Austria for this years Faaker See Harley rally and rode up through a couple of alpine passes at 2600m in light snow. On the way back I took the motorway North out of Villach and hit 8 hours of snow (road clear/2ft of drift at the edge) and sleet which was nice. Needless to say I wasn't totally prepared for it since it was only the end of August/start of September and the only dangers at last years rally was the drink and sunburn!

Read a few posts on the HUBB and ADVRider about snow riding nothing beats experience though and you've got to do it to get there.

I've got the weekend off for a change and I saw the post for the meeting near Dumfries and thought it would a good little trip. The Harley crowd I ride with aren't up for riding past September so it's nice to see fellow bikers on the road.

Sorry to hear about your knee.


Regards,

G

[Joe C90]

Glad to know a harley rider who can ride!
2006 I did the elefant, then went south to the tauerntreffen in austria, those passes in winter are something else.
The winter biking fraternity are like summer bikers, but even more friendly, with a skip load of camararderie thrown in.
to be honest, unless riding with spiked tyres, the harley would be better in the snow, easier to keep upright!
The crowd at dumfries are superb, andy and maya are something to behold, the meet is very laid back, and yes, I have been on the ale. hic

[skysurferboy]

what i didn't say was the back end was occasionally travelling in a different direction to what i'd intended on those alpine passes...... ;-)

I was wondering if any of the others viewing had any opinions/advice for this years Elephant Rally. The pictures i've seen on the Hubb/ADVRider show that both the camping area and the entrance/exit is very busy.

Judging by the camping pictures I could do with a folding spade to dig a hole for the tent and i'm wondering how my nice super lightweight alloy tent pegs are going to cope with frozen ground. Might be time to invest in super cheap nasty steel ones and a large mallet.

If anyone else is going from wherever you are, Scandanavia, UK, or continental EU what kind of preparation you are doing and what bike/kit you are taking.
Some old boys from Leicester,UK took 1940's vintage bikes when they went so it seems it's not only for GS riders.

Once again if anyone foolish enough has any intentions of doing this rally and wants a bit of company let me know. If only to help pick each others bikes up. ;-)


G

[Joe C90]

Will sort you a site map and some pics,
All bikes go, my choice being the venerable honda c90.

[trophymick]

Get yourself some 6" nails for the frozen ground, cheap as......6" nails
You can always lose them if you have to as well!


Trophymick

[skysurferboy]

that idea might just work mick!

[skysurferboy]

cheers Joe. I'd rather be picking up a C90 than a 250kg Sportie.

How far do you go on the venerable ticking clock and how often?

[Joe C90]

every year, either bavaria& Austria or Scandanavia, on two wheels, on ice, 30mph is as fast as i dare!
The things never go wrong, mainly cos there is not much to actually go wrong, no battery reqd for the engine etc.
However this year I will have to resort to 3 wheels with a very shedlike transalp outfit due to a knackered knee. feels like cheating!
http://www.scarabis.com/Photos/AndyScand07/1260053.jpg

[skysurferboy]

that looks amazing. beats a travelodge anyday.