HU Meeting in California 2009
 

I guess this question is directed towards Grant...but has there been any talk about having an HU Travellers Meeting in California someday?

We have a heck of a lot of motorcyclists here and certainly many adventurous folks who enjoy travelling.

A nice location in the Sierras between San Francisco/Sacramento and L.A. could attract a lot of interest, I would think. And since it doesn't rain here in the summer, scheduling should be flexible.

Any thoughts or a discussion?

------------------
Dave
www.mototrekker.com

Dave, yes, we'd be delighted to have one in California! Just need a few volunteers to:

a. find the perfect location
b. act as local organisers

Everything you could want to know about putting on an HU Meeting is at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/ and click the links on the top right of the page,

History of the HU Meetings, and what it's all about
and,
How to Host a Travellers Meeting in your area!

It's not that hard, and split between half a dozen people is pretty easy - and a lot of fun!

The first job is to find a location and date.

The location needs to have a great camping area near /in a great riding area, AND have food, toilet etc facilities, AND a presentation room capable of holding a minimum of 150 people for the first year. All of this should be in the same location so that people can arrive on Friday and not ride again until leaving on Sunday (I know that sounds strange, but there is so much going on, and so many people to talk to, that most people see any reason to ride! You can ride 363 days of the year - an HU Meeting is two-three days full of fantastic information and great people to talk to - so most take the opportunity!)

Anyone interested contact me at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/form/feedback.shtml

thanks for the interest, Grant

Ok, well perhaps we can shoot for putting something together for next year, summer of 2007. I won't be back to California until October.

Either way, if anyone has any interest in this or is willing to help set something up, lets discuss it here...

------------------
Dave
www.mototrekker.com

We should be arriving in California, from Sturgis in mid September and while we can't volunteer to help, we will be within about 1000 miles from our final destination after riding from China and would be more than happy to do a presentation of our tour (www dot draginrun dot com). If needed, we could spped up or down to make the meeting.
Jack

I should mention that we will be arriving in 2007.
Jack

I'll be able to help. I'm in Sacramento. Maybe we could crash Ted Simon's front lawn and say, "See what you've done".

We (John and Jean) would help.
I am thinking late June early July, most of the passes would be open and it may not be as hot as mid summer.
Or early September ?
Location - North; Qunicy, Geaeagle, Portola ?
South; June Lake, Mammoth ?
Nevada ?
The number of people who would attend would affect the venue.
Booking a location in the "nice " places may be difficult.
Just thinking.
John

I think a location midway between San Francisco/Sacramento/Reno and Los Angeles probably would get the most amount of interest. Somewhere in the Central Sierra may make the most sense. This would be a half day ride for folks from either the north or the south. Unfortunately, I don't know the Central Sierra well as I tend to do most of my riding up north.

And I think September may be a good month too as the weather will still be warm and dry and it may be easier to get venues. But I know a lot of folks like to head down south for the Copper Canyon meeting around this time. Two meetings in a row may be too much.

Regardless, I am definately willing to help with the planning.

Either way let us know if you are interested and where you are from so we can make things convienient for all. All comments are welcome...

Thanks for the comments and offer of help David, Dave, Jean and John and Jack! :)

Re davidmc's comments, September may be a good time despite - and because of - Copper Canyon Meeting. If for instance it was the week before (prob best) or after, that means it would be ea$y for me to get to both, instead of having to choose, AND there are lots of people who don't have the time to take a week off - or significant other won't go along with it - but say a half day off Friday is easy.

So who's in the area mentioned that knows what could be a good spot, or is willing to do a little research - really hard research - go for a ride! :) ?

Perhaps just choose that area for a ride instead of another, and keep your eyes open?

It COULD be this year for the first one, but we'd really have to get cracking.

looking forward to hearing what you come up with!

Grant

Actually where I live is a great place to have a meet. Lots of riding and camping options. Down side is it is a little isolated, but in a way that is the beauty of the place. If intrested I will get more info for you.

Um, isolated is GOOD! :)

Sure, send me some more info and post it here too and we'll see what people think!

thanks, Grant

This area is about 6 hors north of San Francisco along the coast Near the Oregon border. It has the largest groves of virgin coastal redwoods. While it is isolated there is riding for everyone varying from 4 lane freeway, back mountain roads, and single track trails. I am not the most articulate or the best at typing so I put in some links for everyone to explore.

http://www.redwoodvisitor.org/

http://pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway36.htm

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixrivers/

http://www.blm.gov/ca/arcata/kingrange/index.html

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=425

A quote from the state park site.-----------------------------------

Humboldt Redwoods State Park encompasses nearly 53,000 acres, of which over 17,000 are untouched old growth coast redwoods. Created in 1921 with the small Bolling Memorial Grove the park has grown over the years to include a diverse ecosystem including the entire Bull Creek watershed and the Rockefeller Forest, the largest remaining old growth redwood forest in the world. This is the third largest California State Park and protects an environment unique to anywhere else on earth.

A wide variety of activities and facilities are available. There are over 250 family campsites in three different campgrounds, plus environmental camps, group camps, trail camps, and a horse camp. Over 100 miles of trail await exploration by hikers, bikers, and horse riders. The South Fork Eel River provides fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities, and there are many day use areas for picnicking, family activities, or for just enjoying the pristine environment.

Some favorite locations include the Founders Grove Nature Trail, the 32 mile Avenue of the Giants Auto Tour, and the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center. The Visitor Center offers a wide variety of fun and educational exhibits and activities, including a theatre, displays, a bookstore, and the famous Kellogg Travel Log. Auto Tour brochures are available at either end of the Avenue of the Giants and at the Visitor Center. During the summer season interpretive activities including nature walks, Junior Ranger programs, and campfire programs are held daily.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the redwoods

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=24200

Let me know what other info you need if intrested.

Eureka is a nice place. I'll ask on a local vintage bike list I'm on and see what people can recommend.

--Dave

Here are some more links. These are either videos taken in the area from bikes, or ride reports of the area.

Video
Click here to watch HWY36

Ride reports

http://pashnit.com/forum/showthread....highlight=usal

http://pashnit.com/forum/showthread....highlight=usal

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...highlight=usal

The costal mountains of Northern California are probably my favorite part of the state for riding. And Hwy 36 may be truly the best road I have ever ridden. So I would definately be up for this area. Eureka is one LONG day of riding though, at least for the Bay Area folks.

However, I would be not able to attend this year as I am still travelling and won't be settled in San Francisco until October. But I am still more than happy to help plan and attend the 2007 one!

If September can work for Grant, this would be a great month for the meeting. We could even do early October also as the weather should still be nice then.

What I've found so far came from Paul, a Velocette kinda guy.

The Velocette O/C used the Evergreen Lodge just outside of Yosemite Nat'l Park for its rally last summer; there's camping for about 50 people, but lots of ground surrounding the area, and it has excellent facilities for banquet and meeting hall. It's a little expensive though.

I think the campground at Dadanelle will hold 150 people easily. They have cabins too, although they're a little funky, but Sonora pass is just 20 miles up the road, on the best set of twisties around. your meeting might have to be outdoors - we had an outdoor meeting/bbq for 100 people on the large grass area behind their restaurant. The Velo oc is always looking for something similar to your needs, and it's not always easy to find.

We've also used a lodge/campground in Redway (just outside Garberville), which is right on the Eel river and very close to the redwoods/coast roads, and some gnarly inland stuffeast of G'ville. I believe they had enough campgrounds for 150, plus cabins, pool, etc, and we again had an outdoor meeting /bbq, very nice actually.

And from Chuck B:

Borrego Springs Resort in Borrego Springs,Ca. would be an ideal place for your group. It is remote and not too far from the Mexico border.

I found a place in Fortuna that has camping for about 100 people, 2 restraunts including a brewery, 2 motels, and a hall designed for meeting etc all withing walking distance. All these are about 2 miles from the Hwy 36 turn off. I submitted info to Grant to see if it is suitable, available etc.

If these do not work out, there are so many campgrounds in the area I can not even list them between the state pars, private, BLM, Forest Service, and National park. Oh yea, Redwood Natioanl Park is about an hour from Fortuna.

Here is a link to them

http://www.nps.gov/redw/

John's location looks pretty good. Facilities are certainly of a high standard.

Caveats/buts:

The camping price is STEEP at $25 / 2 people / night! (less 20% for groups, and we could probably squeeze more people into one site and get a better rate too.) And perhaps the place is a little too "organised / homogenized / rv-ish". I don't know for sure - their pics aren't great, but that's the feel I get - which may be what they're trying for! :)

The lodge conference rooms are pricey too, $350-605 per day.

If we had enough people we could pay for the room, but it adds to the costs for all.

Better is a more laid-back, wilderness venue that is happy to give us the room if they serve the food and drink.

Not to say this place won't work, because it could, just not ideal. But let's (you and others:) ) keep looking for the moment.

We have another month or so before we have to decide for sure for this year.

thanks for your efforts everyone!

Grant

I meant to choose "I'd help organize" in the poll, but blew that. I can't figure out how to change my response.

I just called Song Dog.

http://www.songdog.com/ranch/index.html

Song Dog got in trouble for live music, so they work "unofficially" at their property which has a large camping site. It's in New Cuyama. That's "Santa Barbara County Located west of the 'Grapevine' area on Hwy. 166; along the Cuyama River & next to the Sierra Madre Mtns."

An ideal donation would be $5/person per night for camping or $30 for camping, all you can eat tri-top and chicken bbq, breakfast, drinks and whatever else they can rustle up.

150 people is pushing it, but they're checking to see if it could happen. They hosted a 3-day party a few years ago that got out of control (Burning Man type of thing) and pissed off a neighbor. After 20 years, The Man came down.

Song Dog is a roughing it type place, but I don't think that'd be a problem. They have an outhouse and would have to rent some portapotties for this.

Other places people sent, that I haven't contacted are:

http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/camping/liveoak/

http://www.britishconnection.org/events.htm

http://www.vintagenet.com/sdamc/cachuma.html

I don't know if people want NoCal or SoCal. It's 2 different beasts.

--Dave

I think everyone on this thread is from Nocal or nearby, I wonder how many in Socal would be interested?

I'd be more interested in NoCal myself. SoCal is close enough to Me-hee-co and that meet is happening.

I wonder if I could fit 150 people in my 2 bedroom apartment?

--Dave

How about a meeting at a existing rally like The Autumn Beemer Bash.
http://www.ccbr.org/bash.htm
That would be in 2007
Grant has had semimars at other rallies and they have the meeting rooms and facilities.

Here are some photos from the area.

Man, those pictures make me homesick!

I am far less likely to support the idea of "combining" our meeting with someone else's, though. I have been to some other motorcycle club functions in the state and while I have enjoyed them, none of these compared to the HU meeting I went to in Revelstoke, B.C. Something about the people, I guess! I would prefer a HU only function...

I agree, a HU meet only would be the way to go. I haven't made it to one yet but hope to. If they had it here it would be a little easier for me to go.

Agreed - combining with a BMWMOA event is not good, it's just not the same!

So it's up to you guys to find that perfect location - I'm game, :D and I'll be there :) :scooter:

That is the county campground you are reffering to I believe. I will check on it. It may take a couple of days. I just got out of the hospital after 3 nights there after complications from a surgery. I think I posted a link to the county campground here someplace.

No real lodging in petrolia other than a samll B&B for 1-2 couples at most. I was also looking at pamplin grove. It is on Hwy 36 near carlotta and holds up to 150 people I believe. In the redwoods as well and along the van duzen river. Having never been to a HU meeting yet it is hard to judge exactly what is needed. As for some adventure roads, there are several in the area as well. More forest service roads than I can count as well as 36 and the more well known roads. Cost is expensive during the weekends, I believe $325 per night Fri sat or sun, but $100 a night during the week. Split between the whole group this may be reasonable, again I am not sure.

Sounds like there are a number of options - I'll leave it to you guys to figure out where - I've got three HU Meetings in 4 weeks, so my flight schedule is nasty - London Atlanta London Colorado London - needless to say, between flights and meetings and making sure the site keeps running, I have to be pretty focused on all that.

Thanks for all the help and interest guys, I'm looking forward to meeting you all in California...somewhere!

HELLO - Hello - hello.

Is anyone

THERE - There - there ?

Has anybody found the right place yet, or a date ?

I am still thinking about it.

John

So far as I know nothing happening - but it would be good to find a spot for a meeting in California!

Keep thinking and keep your eyes open guys, has to be something somewhere.

I leave for England (Round 2 of my trip) in May. Not sure when I'll be back. I'm up for helping before then.

--Dave

How about we set a date? Seems like a logical first step, looking at the entire thing at once is a bit intimidating. Kind of like planning a big trip, it never gets going until you set a date for departure. We can find the location later. If we can't get our act together by our scheduled date, we can just meet somewhere and have a big picnic. Although, I don't think we could expect Grant to show up for a picnic!

What do you all think? I vote for sometime after Labor Day weekend when the weather is good and things are not as crowded, similar to what was mentioned in the previous posts.

Good to see some interest - thanks!

Comments re date:

Ideally for me to come is to have it a weekend off another meeting in the area, so it's only one Trans-Atlantic flight for me. So a week away from Canada or Mexico is ideal for ME. Also, sadly Belgium is postponed until 08, no meet this year.

Also I have to go to the Portugal Meeting, and will take a week off to tour around after. We'll have the date for that very soon.

Anything I can help with let me know!

(I assume California is preferred - I have very slightly possible if I chase it location in Oregon)

I can look into pamplin grove if you want. That is about the best option around here IMHO. The campground is in virgin redwood forest along highway 36. Food and gas is nearby in Hydesville and Fortuna is a little farther down the road for a bigger store and more stuff. Yet it is not right in town. I'm just not sure what help you need with orgnization etc. Also not sure what all is needed for the group activties and so forth. Also there are other smalller campgrounds nearby if someone didn't want to camp with the group and even some national forest land ie free camping about 45 minutes away.

John, thanks for looking into it!

What we need is pretty simple - but not always available! Campground is easy, needs to be suitable for 100 or so bikes in a group, not scattered all over, and the hard part - a room where we can do presentations, which has to hold 100+ people. Room to grow would be good. Food service of some kind helps a lot too. And that's all that matters! From there it's details.

For all the gory details, go to the meeting page, and there's a link top right to "How to Host a Meeting."

Thanks!

Grant, which specific weekend in September or early October would work best for you? I think that your schedule pretty much sets the date at this point as long as most of us are in agreement that Sep/Oct would work best for timing.

September 28-30 works perfectly for me, I can go from there straight to the Mexico Meeting.

How's the weather that weekend in the area? Anything else big going on that will draw people away? Last year we conflicted with the MotoGP in Colorado - not sure that's a biggie, but some of us are into that and who knows what else.

Otherwise I'm flexible, but every Trans-atlantic flight I avoid is good!

I think this weekend would be perfect. The weather should be great this time of year, warm with little to no chance of rain. September and October are usually the best months weatherwise in California. The rainy season begins very late October or early November.

Hopefully some others can check to see if this weekend conflicts with any other big motorcycle events? I am a bit out of the loop in that area.

Otherwise, everyone please comment on Grant's suggested date....

The date is good for me.
I am still thinking of a location, how about Chseter, CA
It's close to lake Amanor and Lassen National Park.
I have looked on line and found a motel with meeting facilities and camping nearby.

My only concern about a location near Eureka is that it is quite a haul from the Bay Area and Sacramento. It would be a full days drive for most of us. Sure is nice up there though.

The area around Chester may be a good location, I know there are plenty of motels around there and some good tourist infrastructure. Another possible location may be near the Mendocino National Forest north of SF near Ukiah or Willits. It would be nice to have a location no more than about 4 hours or so from the Bay Area or Sacramento. I think that by doing this we could attract the most interest.

Pamplin Grove is about 45 min south of Eureka, so 5 hours from Sacramento and Bay Area. I recommend Sept since Oct is chancing rain. Early Sept probably the best. Here is a link to the county site where info can be found.

http://co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/livi...parkID=VDUZEN2

And some photo's of anoter group visit there.

http://www.pamplingrove.com/

Here is a ride report someone did on this area.

http://pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9527

For a slide show I can probably dig up a generater and bed sheet if worst come to worst.

I don't see any facilities at the Pamplin Grove area.
Some of the HU Meetings are going over 100 people.
We need camping, motels, meeting rooms, restaurant or catering.
I have found some of those facilities online in Chester, Ca.

I like the area along CA, 36 but we need a specific place for a meeting
of that size.

I think that the time for booking a place for a large meeting may be short.

Read the meeting How To's below
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/mee...ostMeeting.php

When I rode in one of the BMW clubs "Range of Light" Gypsy tour a few years back, I remember camping at some of the county fairgrounds in Northern California. I think we stayed at one in Hayfork. This may be good for camping and an indoor meeting room, but hotels in the area may be lacking. Maybe this or some of the other county fairgrounds may be an option?

Fortuna is only about 8 miles away and there are several motels there. Also places to eat etc. Also there is a place to rent for programs, slide shows, and meetings. Really there is everything you need in the area.

That was a long time ago!!

Yes, it works - and we can do that IF we can't get what we have found works better - the campground AND presentation facilities in the SAME place. Motellers have to ride to the campground, but they can stay all day, only going back at night.

We have also found that not everyone wants to watch all the presentations, and there's always a few hanging around a fire in the campground having a drink and shooting the breeze - and that's cool too. Doesn't work at a restaurant in town nearly as well.

Otherwise sounding good!

Keep looking in the area for the right spot. Has to be one somewhere! Lots of places have large eating areas for the campers which can be reserved. It just has to be undercover, if you all are confident the weather won't require heating and walls! :)

HI there, I'n new
 

I'd be delighted to attend such an event in NorCal, if one is going to be had.

I'm trying really hard to plan my first adventure trip to S America. I need to meet some like minded folks to help me figure out what I'm getting into.

TannerB San Francisco

I'm willing to help as much as I can. The big limiting factor is I am on 12 hour night shift at the moment. If yu must have a slide show in the campground a generator will work for running power. Also in fortuna there is the river lodge you can rent, but it is not cheap.

I'm back in with this. I was going to go to England in May to ride cross Europe and Asia, but I can't do it. It'll have to wait until next year.

I'm up for helping organize this.

I'm happy to help as well, just not sure what is expected of me other than finding the location etc. I live in Eureka and know of several possabilites. The big problem is I am wirking 12 hour night shifs so my sleep is opposite most people.

thanks Patrick and Dave! Dave, sorry to hear about the delay to your trip - but happy to have you with us on this meeting! :)

for the detailed how-to, go to the Meetings page and look at the top right corner for links to all the nitty gritty.

Location, date and costs are what we need ASAP. The rest isn't too hard and can be done over time, but we need to get the location sorted first.

The price for pamplin grove is M-th $150 per night Fri ast sun and holidays $325 per night. Reservation can be made online at

Humboldt County Parks

I will get the info for the motels restraunts etc in fortuna. Also there is at least one place you can rent including full kitchen etc designed for meeting etc. It is about 10-15 min ride from the pamplin grove area. Also other camp sites etc available near there.

more info
 

OK, the place I was thinking of that has space is the Fortuna River lodge. Thre are others, but this place probably has the best set up. You can rent the kitchen as well, but not inexpensive. Several options on rates, but they are online and there are photo,s and all the information you need.

Fortuna River Lodge

Within walking distance to the river lodge is a campground I mentiond in this post earlier with showers etc, a Dennys restraunt, a local eating place with exellant mico brew beers, gas station and 2 nice, clean motels. The best western and super 8. Reservations can be done online or through toll free numbers in the US. By far there are more motels options in both higher and lower prices in the area. As for campground for the campers that want a little distance from the group, too many to list. e-mail me if you want some suggestions. There is even free camping in the national forsest in the area. Also more restraunts in the are from the good old american classic McDonalds to local favorites.

Looking at the list, this seems like the info all the info we need to get started, but if anything else is needed let me know. There is a restraunt in Fortuna that we may be able to rent a section for a big meal/ meeting, but I am not sure if they still do.

As for weather on the coast mid summer can be a high of 55 for the day, then inland it warms to 100 deg or more. Long story short, dress in layers. August and Sept are the best months usually, it is a rain forest, so rain is possable, but unlikley during this time of the year. Wher pamplin Grove is, the weather usually is a mix of the inland and coastal so it gets 75-80 deg. Just right IMHO. Bring a swim suit since the river is right by the camp site.

My e-mail address is accessable to anyone on site by clicking the correct button under my profile. I don't want to post it due to bits picking it up.

I sent you a PM, the E-mail would not work.

Ekaphoto has "receive email from other users" turned off! hint, hint...

Note that unless you absolutely do not want to receive emails from other HUBB users, it's ok to turn it on - it is completely protected from spambots, the system uses a form to send the email, so no one sees your email address unless YOU reply!

I thought it was turned on, but I guess not. It is now, I think. If not, let me know. BTW I go in for another surgery Thurs. It should be in and out but just in case I am a little late with getting back to you don't take it personel. Ah yes, this is my fourth and hopefully final surgey in the last year.

Best of luck with the surgery -- four times in a year sucks!

Grant

Ok,I'm back and semi recoverd. Any news on the contacts I sent? Any other ideas, places etc? Anything else I can do to help?

Hope it all went well and you're well on the road to full recovery!

Not much happening here - still looking for a location - one hopes it's not that hard to find - there has to be somewhere suitable in that huge state for a first California HU Meeting.

Everyone riding in the area please keep your eyes peeled!

Great camping and of course riding, and a room large enough to hold 100 or so people for seminars and tech talks is all we need.

all the best, Grant

For riding this is a great place. Not only do I think so, but here are a couple of ride reports on the area.

Beautiful. A Pashnit Tour of Coastal California. - Pashnit

California Highways 299, 3, and 36 - Pashnit

Some shots from the North Bay dual sport ride last July. The Moose Lodge near the Mattole camp ground was very receptive to the idea of renting out the facility for a rally. And very very cheap. Big open field for camping and big auditorium with stage, kitchen and more. Near Petrolia.

Lost Coast - Usal Road
http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...30_Qnrwm-L.jpg
Mattole road near Honeydew
http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...81_SYYTk-L.jpg
Near Kettenpom
http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...55_uGzse-L.jpg
Mendocino Nat. Forest - Hull mtn. road
http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...40_CDSne-L.jpg

Looks great Patrick, how far away is the camping? Seems the Moose Lodge website is gone, (at least it is if it's the one I think it is) so not much detail available from here.

If it's the right spot, lets get it sorted for 09!

thanks! and have a great Christmas Holiday!

It's probably not actually a "Moose Lodge", I only used that as a reference as it reminded me of one:innocent:

But it is some sort of "lodge" for some organization or other. Next time I'm in the area I will gather details and talk to the lady in charge ... again ... who was very interested in having us.

The Private Mattole river campground (Expensive!) is within walking distance of the "Lodge" but there is a huge, flat field on the Lodge property as well. Would suit for camping for about 50 people. They also have out door BBQ's, picnic tables all under cover but outdoors. Nice set-up.

They said they have a few small B&B's in the neighborhood as well and Petrolia may have more accommodation. Petrolia has a small store and Gas, and is about 10 minutes ride away, IIRC. Ferndale is an hour away and Highway 101 is an hour away the other direction. (east)

Nearest real towns are over an hour in any direction. This is a very remote area, great riding but not much support. Ferndale, Fortuna or Garberville could also work for an HU rally.

Eka photo lives in the area and could probably find a suitable local for an event. I don't know these areas intimately, only ever just passed through over the years.

I Have stayed over in Fortuna and Garberville. Expensive everything, IMO. The dual sport ride staged in Fortuna on our 2nd day. Motels started at $70 up to $130. They do have some open land here and there but tacky malls have eaten up most of the open space near town. They were holding a big Civil War re-enactment there in August. Hundreds of campers there. Not sure where they all were staying. Ekaphoto may know more on this.


Patrick :scooter:

You are talking about the Grange hall. Yes it is big. It has cooking facilties inside etc, but the remoteness is the problem there. There are other camping spots in the area as well. Look earlier in the thread and there are some links with suggestions including a place you can reserve with the California state parks.

I can also get some other ideas as well, but having never been to a meeting I am not sure how many people etc you are looking at having. The problem here isn't finding a place, but picking a place.

I think we could end up having quite a few people attending. More than 50 I would guess. If we have something out at the Lost Coast we will probably be limited in how many people can be reasonably accommodated. It would be nice to have a campground that had some overflow capacity. I am guessing that this may limit us to a private campground?

Here is a place near Garberville I pulled out of my camping book:
DEAN CREEK RESORT - Motel/RV Park/Campground located in the Redwoods of Northern California on the Eel River at Redway

Don't know anything about this place, but I would imagine this is the kind of place we may want to look into?

Garberville area is a good spot. Every year it has the Redwood Run, a harley rally in June. Also Reggie on the River is held every year. Lots of good adventure riding in the area. I don't know about Dean Creek resort in particular however.

Thanks for the interest guys!

Perhaps this will help: (from http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/mee...wToHostMeeting)

What we need is quite simple: :)

Camping for 100+ people - (we can squeeze in tighter than normal if need be), a presentation room / dining area, and in a good riding area.

The US meetings tend to be around 125 people, but neither are close to a large population, so I'd expect a California meeting to be bigger. Perhaps not the first year, but we should plan on up to 175 or so. Ideally we'd take up the whole place - but that's very difficult - so the next best is a group area where we can do our thing without disturbing - or being disturbed by - other campers and their dogs and generators etc.

We find that the presentations and food need to be in the SAME spot as the camping, or it's a hassle and ends up in a much less satisfactory experience for all.

If the hosts are catering the food, as well as getting the income from camping, then it's a big win for them, and we can get a decent price for the package. If they want big money for the presentation room then it's a no-go.

I can look at websites until my eyes cross and still not be sure it's perfect - but someone on the ground can look at a couple of contenders and talk to the hosts and make a decision pretty quickly if it's a winner or not.

So here's a plan of attack - let's have some suggestions, look at a few websites that are promising, then whoever is closest, (and anyone else who wants to) go and look and give a quick report and let us know whether it's a contender, and we can then make a decision.

thanks!

Grant

Dean Creek is close, loots of amenities, but a look at the map of the site shows that the tent area is completely surrounded by RV's - not exactly my idea of good ambience for a motorcycle travel event!

I'm also unsure about their facilities for presentations. They say meeting room and outdoor amphitheatre, but nothing on capacity or photos of them. Regardless I'd say it's a no, but the area sure looks great!

The Mattole River area also looks good, but I'm not finding enough info on resorts in the area. Anyone?

Buck Meadows
 

Buck Meadows, just outside of Yosemite is a great location. Lots of riding options, camping and motels, historic gold towns, and centrally located in California.

resors or even houses are few and far between in the Mattole valley. Go to google eatth and look up Petrolia CA and you will see how remote it is. On the other hand the grange hall might be a good option. Lots of room and i can find out where to rent port a potties for you. as for catering i know of a couple of places that do that as well. Let me look around if you want. and I will get back to you.

Patricks point state park has large 3 large areas for group camping. Here is a link.

Camping & Picnicking

Yes please!

Remember - food, presentation room and camping in one place, one way or another. Portapotties and catering is fine if needed.

Sounds great - can you get us some details on a few potential locations?

thanks!

When I toured the Grange Hall over a year ago the lady in charge said they had contact with caterers ... and as I mentioned, the kitchen looked good and was in regular use for the regular events held there. (Tri-Tip Cook off ecetera). And don't forget the big outdoor BBQ area. Fire Pit too IIRC.

As I mentioned, there is a big field next to the main building. I can't recall exact dimensions but it was pretty good, maybe football field size? and they may have more land there to camp on?? I'm guessing 50 to 100 could camp there. The main building has a couple bathrooms but for sure porta-potties would be needed. I think they have showers in the bathrooms there as well.

The lady there was very helpful and interested but best of all was the low rental for the week ... like around $300 to $400 total. As mentioned also, the pay campground is right next door ... about a five minute walk, IIRC. Perhaps some sort of group rate could be struck with this guy? This place has potties and showers. The Matole river is right there, so perfect swimming in Summer/Fall.

If you live near there, please have a look. I'm sure the Lady in charge will remember me and my friend Bob.

Patrick :scooter:

Buck Meadows
 

Buck Meadows is on Hwy 120 in the Stanislaus National Forest and about 13 miles from Yosemite National Forest. It is very centrally located in California.

Summer days are hot, evens cool. No threat of rain - late May-June-July-August- September are almost guaranteed 100% dry.

Sonora, Columbia, Coulterville, Groveland are nearby historic gold towns.

There are unlimited off road and paved road day trips and loops, big and small. Those who want wish can ride over Tioga Pass and back over Sonora Pass - an incrediable day ride. Really spectacular, not to mention Yosemite.

Several mountain lakes, swimming holes, caves, mines, giant sequioa trees, fly fishing, and old western drinking establishments to explore.

Yosemite Pines Campground offers all amenities - cabins, camping, pool, meeting room, etc.

Here is the link: Yosemite area Lodging, Camping, Cabin Rentals, Campground near Yosemite National Park

There are also several hotels and B&B in the area.

I have not read all the post. But I would suggest that whoever is in the lead of a HUBB meeting set a date, then nail down a location.

If you can get a spot set I can help out. I even have the hat!

Most campgrounds are by the spot and by that its the car load. It may say 100 people but its the camping spots that mater. If they have 100 camping spots they may well let 2 bikes have one spot.

Just try to get an area away from RVs if your doing this in the summer they will run there generators all night to run there AC.

Other options may be Fairgrounds, colleges, and the like. (dont know if colleges allow camping on the campus) but it may worth a look.

Then all we need are a few people to place adds in some bike shops. Hope we can pull it off California is a grate place to ride.

October would be a wonderful month but keep in mind that HU travelers will be heading to South America and may miss the meeting being so late in the year. Also the travelers from the east will have to be careful returning over the Rockies.

October would be a bit late here. It could be raining hard. Early Sept is usually the best time of year here. I can check further next week on some places. with the new year and all it has been a bad time to check and get a hold of people.

Here is a link to the Mattole Grange in Petrolia. It has photo's rental info etc etc.

Home

Thanks for posting that. I should have looked for a web site before.
The pics only show a couple shots of the property where camping would be.
One is the old photo from the 30's, the other the Tug 'o War shot.

It's bigger than I remember it. I'm guessing a 100 bikes could camp there.
The inside of the hall I do remember and am sure it's big enough for everything we need. It's got a stage too and plenty of chairs. Maybe even a PA system .... what a concept!

We could eat inside or out really. And as you can see .... a full kitchen. With a couple volunteer cooks, breakfasts could be done. Dinners could be catered. The Grange lady did mention they had folks there who were used to doing big feeds, as you can see by the shots of the big BBQ. So probably something could be worked out.

Anyway, it looks OK to me and the price is unbelievable. Try getting that price in Eureka, Fortuna or anywhere in the Sierra. :rofl:

I hope Grant has time to take a look.

Thanks again for posting the link!

Patrick :scooter:

The Mattole Grange looks great to me! Good find!

If you lot think it's a good area, I'm good to go.

Questions re the facility in no particular order:

1. Someone needs to contact them and clarify
   1. Fees are 200 for the day, and a 150 cleaning deposit - how about they just keep the deposit and clean up after us? We will of course - won't we? - do a general clean of the grounds etc, prob just need bathrooms and such cleaned up after us.
   2. We want it for Thursday after noon to Sunday noon - is that 3 days or 4? I count 3... x 200 = $600
   3. Room Capacity. Dance hall – 218 for assembly; 467 for dancing. Meeting Room – 56 for assembly.
      • Does that mean 56 for slide shows etc? OR?
2. Once that's sorted and acceptable, apparently we need to sort a liquor licence - assuming everyone wants a drink or two? Again, contact them and get details.
3. Insurance - they require insurance - again I assume they can point us in the right direction.

Dates: Looks like their calendar is pretty open - perhaps we can organize dates so that I do USA East, Colorado and California in one sweep? Currently USA East is locked in for August 21-23. Colorado is not yet set. So how does August or September dates work for the area? Make sense? October DOES seem late!

Do we have a volunteer to contact the Grange and sort things out with them? I can do it if need be, but it's slow from here with the time zone nonsense. Once sorted and agreed, I can send deposits etc to deal with the money part easily enough.

thanks!

Let's make this happen - it's time for an HU Meeting in California! :clap::palm:

Looking at the Grange's calendar on their web site I see that they have a pancake breakfast on Sunday Aug 16 and Sunday Sept 20. If we make the last day of the meeting on one of those days we can join them for breakfast before we all head out.

I'd prefer the August one but either would work. Either way it'll be hot when I leave but it'll cool down as I get closer to the coast.

any one send them a email? Grange Facilities I did hope they post back.
no overnight parking (camping) in the clean up part of there hall rental notices. Is this at clean up, lock up or at all times. The dining room holds 56, meeting hall holds much much more. So 56 inside eating 200 for the slide show.

I haven't heard anything, thought someone WAS contacting them directly? DLBiten, maybe you'd like to take point on contact and getting the answers to basic questions, then we can go from there?

Ok im on it. Sent a email with a few questions. Will send them one in a few days looking for other information like showers, beer, food and the like. may need a ride down there and do the final bits neer the end. I have not gotten a email back from them but will bug them till I do.

Thanks! Your help is MUCH appreciated! :clap::clap:

We all owe you :Beach:

MATTOLE GRANGE NO. 569 RENTAL AGREEMENT

This rental agreement is between the Mattole Grange #569, hereafter referred to as the “Grange”, and the undersigned party, hereafter referred to as the “Renter”, and is entered into for the Renter’s use of Grange property and facilities for the period of time and under the conditions specified herein. Advertising of this event must not state or imply that the event is sponsored by or affiliated with the Mattole Grange.

IT IS AGREED THAT:

During the rental period, the Renter shall be responsible for loss of or damage to Grange property. Retention of the Clean Up/Damage deposit shall not be considered a settlement or waiver of that responsibility for any claim the Grange may have against the renter for the amount of such damage. If the amount of damage exceeds the amount of the damage deposit, the Renter shall pay the Grange the amount of such excess promptly upon demand by the Grange.
Children are to be under DIRECT supervision and control by a responsible adult at all times. Bathrooms should be checked on a regular basis. Children are not to play in or around the BBQ pit or on top of the picnic tables, propane tank, water tank or in the gazebo for any reason, at any time. Children should also be kept out of the kitchen.
The Grange phone is for EMERGENCY use only. Please monitor its use. A $5.00 usage fee for long distance calls will be subtracted from the Clean Up/Damage deposit after a review of the phone bill covering the rental period.
All fees to be paid at least two weeks in advance.
This function is not a “Grange-sponsored” event, so the serving of alcohol during this private function may occur and is incidental to official Grange operations. If alcohol is to be sold, a one-day liquor license must be obtained and a copy submitted with this rental agreement.
The Renter shall be responsible for cleaning up within twenty-four hours after the event.
After the event has ended, the Renter will be responsible for locking up the facility.
Return of all, a portion of, or none of the Clean Up/Damage deposit shall be determined by the Grange according to the Renter’s ability to satisfactorily meet the obligations outlined within the scope of this Agreement.
Picnic tables are not to be relocated. Costs to repair damaged tables will be charged to Renter.
No overnight parking or camping.
Room Capacity. Dance hall – 218 for assembly; 467 for dancing. Meeting Room – 56 for assembly.
Renter shall defend, indemnify, and hold the Grange harmless from any and all claims, losses, liability, demands, suits or judgments, including attorney’s fees, legal costs, and personal costs, brought against the Grange by any person or entity for deaths or injuries to persons or for loss or damage to property arising out of or in connection with the use and occupancy of the Grange Hall and its premises by Renter, its agent, servants, employees, or invitees whether or not caused by the Grange’s negligence.
Renter shall provide the Grange with properly executed Certificate of Liability Insurance on which the Grange has been named as the Certificate Holder for the duration of the rental period.
Heaters other than those located in the building are strictly prohibited.
If the dancehall heating system is used, a propane reading will be taken before/after the event and there will be a usage charge based on the current per gallon price.

Are we OK with all this?

Fortuna, CA - Official Website - Rental Rates
Fortuna, CA - Official Website - Rodeo Grounds
Fortuna, CA - Official Website - Firemen&#39s Pavilion
RV Camping Tent Campsites - Eureka Fortuna Ferndale Redwoods California State Parks

it may be a bit faster to get info from these people.



Any one have any contact info on the Grange?

Mendicino?
 

If Grange doesn't work out....maybe this could....

Mendicino Woods

IT WORKED!:clap:

The person Patrick was talking to was the same person I got and she rembers you Patrick.

Renting will be for 3 days Thursday to Sunday 12:00

The big room will hold 200 to 300 or so we may find seating a problem. if say 300 want to sit at one time.

Beer need a licence (to sell) and is to be had from the county, seems they can get one no problem.

Insurance is need hope to find out more

Camping there is one near with another across the river. NO camping on the grange. looking in to it now. Patrick do you still have hand out she gave you? I need the names and any online information so people can get ready and know where to go before there standing in line asking if they can put up there tent in the side or back of the grange as there paying to get in.

Rooms to rent seem in short supply in the area but there are a few B&B and 1hr away is a town with lots. I can see if I can find some if there is a need.

Showers are to be found in the campgrounds nearby.

Food can be catered in and there are people that will do this for a price. Seems there from the grange and may be good way to go.


dates we can get
Sep. 6 and 7 are out as there is a BBQ and horse racing Sep. 19 so we have Aug 27 to Aug30 or Sep. 10 to Sep 13 or Sep. 24 to Sep. 27.

Any one have any Questions? will send a battery of them to her and hope to post info this comming week.

Voting?
 

One for the Sept 10-13 dates. Perfect time of year. May not fit Grant's sched though. He'd have a week or so after Colorado to do nothing. Hey that might actually be perfect. Southwestern US one week. Could even go fer a ride.
Stephen

Bump!
 

The number of recent posts has buried this, so up it comes.
S

I'm glad she remembered me.

Eka photo lives in Eureka I think. Someone will need to go there and really do a full assessment and get back to Grant to firm up details
Anyway, good luck with this. Wish I had more time.

Are there definite dates for the meeting as I am thinking of going? I need to ask for time of work which I need to do soon. I can't give presentations but I do know a little about travelling in Mexico so if you see me there feel free to ask.

California Meeting is ON!
 

It's on! :Beach:

Register now at:

Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers' Website, California Travellers Meeting 2009

See you there!

Anybody going from my neck of the woods?
 

Well now I know it is on I am seriously thinking of going. I guess I will only have 2 weeks to do the trip but it looks possible. Is anybody going from Mex City (not likely) or from the Texas/Arizona area?
Is anybody going that I know or that knows me or of me?

Garry you old dog!
I just found this thread and think that California in September would be a great Idea. Be nice to hook up with you again if you can make it, I'm going to try to attend, it looks do-able for me as it stands now.