What?
We're going to fly to Europe, rent bikes, and ride the Alps for a week or so. We'll be doing this "touring center" style, that is staying for multiple days in several towns and doing day rides from there, rather than moving to a new hotel every night. People are free to ride wherever they want, with whomever they want, however they want. Just meet back at the hotel for dinner so we won't worry about you.
Where?
At the moment (12/09) we're thinking Munich would be a good starting point for a few days in southern Germany and Austria before heading to the Dolomites in northern Italy.
When?
June 2011. Yes, I know it's nearly 2 years away. Some folks may need that much time to work on financing, or spousal approval, or vacation scheduling.
We'll fly out on a Thursday evening, pick bikes up on Friday, return them the following Saturday. Should have 7 good days of riding in there. Exact dates TBD
Why me?
I'm extending this invitation to you because I've ridden with you, eaten with you, or just hung out with you, and I thnk you'd be fun to have along.
Who?
So far, there are 5 people confirmed going.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Me kendenton |
Jim trflyboy |
Dave nearlyseventy |
Peter gasgauge |
Frank skee |
These folks are in the "sounds good - keep me posted" group:
Sam
st2samDoug
RDougTommy
TJConcTrevor
JETSETDave
ERRJeff
JeetsMarty
marty2Mark
MJGDon
andmoon2Chris
LuvMy883Jerry
jamminjereKarl
kkraenzljreazor
How's this going to work?
I'm tearing a page from Edelweiss's "Touring Center" type of adventures. Jim and I will be "organizing" the trip. We'll be choosing the host towns and hotels, the bike rental outfit, and routes between major stops. Everyone who goes is responsible for making all their own reservations, including airline, bike rental, hotels, etc. You can arrive in Europe anytime you like, but should plan to meet at the arrival airport on Friday morning to make getting the rental bikes easier.
Once we arrive at our first "bike" town, everyone should feel free to ride wherever, whenever, however, and with whomever they like. There will be no organized or forced group rides while we're in the Alps. If you'd like to spend the day strafing hairpins solo, have at it. If you'd like to ride for an hour with your friend and go explore castles and ruins for the day, have fun. If you'd like to ride with our group you're more than welcome. Basically you're free to "choose your adventure". I figure we'll meet at breakfast, everyone can decide what they want to do for the day, and then we'll meet again at dinner and share stories over some cold beers.
How Much?
Figure in the neighborhood of $3,000 to $3,500 depending on airfare, choice of rental bike, and whether or not you'll be sharing a room. The costs for my trip in 2009's broke down like this:
$650 $1200 (for an R1200RT - $870 for an F650GS) $910 (figure $550 if sharing) $450 $300
$3510 Next time I will certainly choose the cheaper BMW F650GS to save $330.
We won't need to be making any deposits (bike, hotels) until around January 2011.
What should I do now?
I'd be surprised if anyone could really commit to something nearly 2 years out. I just want to plant the seed and let people roll it around in their heads for a while. You'll probably fall into one of three categories:
- "I'm definitely in! Where do I sign up?" - send me your e-mail address and I'll put you on the list
- "Sounds interesting - keep me in the loop." - send me your e-mail address and I'll keep you in the loop
- "Can't do it, sorry" - let me know and I won't bug you again
What about....?
More questions? Send them my way at denton@rowan.edu. Once more people are signed up I'll setup a mailing list for everyone.
