Death Valley Daze Pre-Run date is set!

[russell_bynum]

Longstreet ... who's with me

Wurty, I think you're a bit . . . premature. (again! )

 

We haven't even had the Pre-Run yet! We'll check out the Longstreet, just in case anything's changed there (for the better).

 

Here's some more data:

 

Furnace Creek lodging ($120-150/night)

 

Longstreet to Furnace Creek=39 miles ($50-90/night)

 

Beatty, NV to Furnace Creek=41 miles ($35-50/night)

 

Pahrump,NV to Furnace Creek=57 miles ($60-70/night)

 

Other stuff to consider would be what else is within walking distance of the hotel.

 

I know pretty much everything you need is right there at Furnace Creek....saloon, general store, restaurant, and throttle cable change facility/parking lot.

 

I can't speak for the other places, but that's something that should probably be factored in as well as price and distance to the park.

[ghaverkamp]

I know pretty much everything you need is right there at Furnace Creek....saloon, general store, restaurant, and throttle cable change facility/parking lot.

 

I can't speak for the other places, but that's something that should probably be factored in as well as price and distance to the park.

 

The Longstreet's store didn't stock Diet Coke, and on my last trip there, I really needed a Diet Coke.

[russell_bynum]

I know pretty much everything you need is right there at Furnace Creek....saloon, general store, restaurant, and throttle cable change facility/parking lot.

 

I can't speak for the other places, but that's something that should probably be factored in as well as price and distance to the park.

 

The Longstreet's store didn't stock Diet Coke, and on my last trip there, I really needed a Diet Coke.

 

Yeah, but...did they have final drive oil?

 

<grin>

[ghaverkamp]

Yeah, but...did they have final drive oil?

 

Nope. But seeing as I had no way to keep it in, it wasn't something I really needed all that much.

[russell_bynum]

Yeah, but...did they have final drive oil?

 

Nope. But seeing as I had no way to keep it in, it wasn't something I really needed all that much.

 

Good point.

[ghaverkamp]

To be completely selfish (for my schedule)--how about a show of hands for those for whom February 8-10 would be preferred?

 

I'm just one guy whining, but I -- despite not being a federal worker -- do get MLK off, can't do the pre-run, couldn't do February, can't do spring Torrey, and just found out today that he can't do the Un. I'd sure love to see it stay on MLK day.

[Heck]

I'd sure love to see it stay on MLK day.

 

+1

[KMG_365]

Pahrump,NV to Furnace Creek=57 miles ($60-70/night)

 

My Map Source says shortest is 83.6 miles.........

 

Can you give the details on this shorter route you are quoting?

 

Stan

If you take the road north out of town and take Bell Vista Rd. to Ash Meadows you wind up at Death Valley Junction (at the Amargosa Opera House):

 

From: Pahrump, NV

 

Drive: 57.6 mi – about 1 hour 13 mins

 

1. Head northwest on NV-160 toward Yellowhand Ave 3.6 mi 4 mins

2. Turn left at W Bell Vista Ave 12.0 mi 17 mins

3. Continue on Ash Meadows Rd (Entering California) 8.6 mi 14 mins

4. Continue on State Line Rd 5.2 mi 6 mins

5. Turn right at CA-127 0.2 mi 1 min

6. Turn left at CA-190 28.1 mi 30 mins

 

To: Furnace Cr, CA

[KMG_365]

To show that last year's DVD weather was indeed a fluke, here's a page from a personal weather station in Mercury, NV (the closest one to the area I could find--check out the monthly highs/lows a bit further down the page):

 

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KDRA/2007/1/19/MonthlyHistory.html

 

Check out the high for the week before on Monday, January 8th: 64*F! Then look at how the temperature plummeted by that Friday and Saturday of the ride to a HIGH of 33*F and a LOW of 18*F! ( ) then by the following week it was 64*F again! It was just a fluke I tell you!

[Bob Palin]

There are two weather rules for this group's meetings - the UnRally will have record highs, DVD will have record lows.

[BrianT]

The original DVDDaze still exists as a Yahoo Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dvdaze/

I also still get the emails from time to time from them.

[azkaisr]

Before we do anything with price and distance I need to get a feeling for how many are going to come. As usual the more that come the cheaper it is. Last year because of the weather (and the fact that they had to become a shelter for the town which allowed them to fill our vacant rooms) the hotel in Pahrump honored our deal even though we had less then the minimum. That and they did a lot to make sure we were happy. I also think that the party in the ball room was one that I won't soon forget. So while I am not a big fan of the ride to DV, it wasn't that bad and those that make the ride from Pahrump to DV sound like it was horrible are not being 100% accurate. The first 15 miles are boring, then you get to sweep through that pass before dropping to the junction.

 

I have never stayed at the Longstreet but they didn't want to negotiate a rate. To me that is no big deal but to many here it seems that the Longstreet has left a bad taste from a customer service perspective. A few folks hate the management enough to not want to go there. Again, they are not pleasant to negotiate with but I am willing to try again.

 

Alternate option.

 

Southern AZ and Southern NM have some great rides but are about 100 miles further then DV from Irvine (I checked the other day). It is farther then that for the folks in Utah and No Cal, but closer for those in Texas, AZ and NM.

 

I have found rooms in either Bisbee and/or Silver City NM that meet the price range. As for riding the area is a lot like this...

 

 

The average high in January in Silver City is 54 degrees and the average high in Bisbee is 57 degrees. Winter Storms come through in waves so there is a chance for rain here. The average temp in Beatty is 49 degrees.

 

I would be willing to listen to other options as well if anyone has any.

 

I will call the Longstreet when I am back from Texas.

 

Kaisr

[Bob Palin]

You AZ people were supposed to come up with a late November/early December ride to fill the gap between Torrey and DVD - what happened to that?

[bakerzdosen]

You AZ people were supposed to come up with a late November/early December ride to fill the gap between Torrey and DVD - what happened to that?

Nothing to protest this year...

[BrianT]

Before we do anything with price and distance I need to get a feeling for how many are going to come.

Will probably be IN for the Actual DV run, just depends on dates and schedule.

[graydude]

I for one think we should at least consider staying in the valley. Yeah, $120/$150 is alot for anyone but for many, we only take two or three trips a year. I like the fact that Furnace Creek is self contained and we are IN the valley. My vote is for an alternate time of early February. I don't get MLK off anyway so it does mot make any difference to me. I think the number one issue is the date. All negotiations hinge on that fact. Just my humble opinion. What say ye all?

[Bob Palin]

I don't know how to answer the poll, I've never had a job where I got MLK day off and in some ways would like the Feb date because it is further from the Christmas/New Year festivities. But my prime concern is to have it when the most people could make it.

[chrisolson]

if its DV then my vote for lodging is:

 

1) Longstreet

2) Furnace Creek

3) skip event

 

As for when - don't care but if I had to choose it'd be January

[KMG_365]

Well, isn't this an interesting discussion!

 

A few folks trying to hijack the planning with votes/polls . . .

 

A few incredibly generous folks for whom money appears to be no object offering to pay for a block of 40 rooms at the Furnace Creek Inn (oh, wait . . . they weren't? Oh . . . nevermind! ) . . .

 

A few folks who actually DO get MLK off and the rest a bunch of retired or otherwise unemployed feckless layabouts who can go anytime . . .

 

 

And all before we even have all the data in.

 

We'll keep plugging away at it at our own pace and try to make the best decision for the majority. Please feel free to continue to post your thoughts, preferences, schedule conflicts and other concerns, but we don't need to decide this this week.

[azkaisr]

I may try and set something up for Early in December Bob for AZ. Stay tooned

 

Tom

[chrisolson]

Sorry I followed the sheep ... I'll go back to sleep and wait for the options ...

[KMG_365]

Sorry I followed the sheep ... I'll go back to sleep and wait for the options ...

 

Sorry, Chris--I'm not trying to squelch opinions, preferences and feedback--it's everybody's ride afterall--and we need that info to figure out what's best for the majority. It's just there appears to be either an impatience with the research process or an overt attempt to direct it in a certain direction. Besides, I need my excuse for a Pre-run Ride!

 

I have almost as much fun doing that as the actual ride in January. And besides, the weather's always better!!

[russell_bynum]

It's just there appears to be either an impatience with the research process or an overt attempt to direct it in a certain direction.

 

Given how the BMWST.COM version of DVD came about, I hope the irony of that statement isn't lost.

 

 

[David]

...for whom money appears to be no object.

 

Huh? It seems like it would be a lot cheaper to go with the hotel in the center of everything than the time/lodging/fuel/food spent in finding another location. So it's $40 or so difference for a few nights, or all the expense of the scouting trip which otherwise isn't necessary...plus all the time/money getting to and from the "ideal" hotel quite a bit further away???!

 

I'm not smelling what you're stepping in. It seems like you're spending more money trying to find a different place.

[JerryMather]

+1 to what David has said.

 

DVD just hasn't been the same since we moved it away from The Furnace Creek Ranch when the Village Idiots are there.

Bite the bullet and have it there again.

[chrisolson]

... or an overt attempt to direct it in a certain direction.

guilty as charged !!

[Tank]

Just curious, and this is question directed for my infomation only.... the campground next to the golfcourse on the valley floor.... Is it usually full year around? Please don't flame, I do know that most on this board don't camp on the hard rocky dusty ground for a lot of reasons. But like Torrey, I have stayed out at the ThousandLakes campground and rode into Torrey for the goingons. Just an option I'm thinking of.

[russell_bynum]

Just curious, and this is question directed for my infomation only.... the campground next to the golfcourse on the valley floor.... Is it usually full year around? Please don't flame, I do know that most on this board don't camp on the hard rocky dusty ground for a lot of reasons. But like Torrey, I have stayed out at the ThousandLakes campground and rode into Torrey for the goingons. Just an option I'm thinking of.

 

This group is really funny about camping. Nobody camps...except at UnRallys where everyone demands that the event HQ be a campground. Go figure.

 

I don't know if that campground (across the street from the Furnace Creek Ranch hotel/restaurant/saloon) is usually full or not. But...I believe that's sort of the unofficial (it's iBMWr, so everything is unofficial) HQ of the iBMWr/Villiage Idiots DVD event. LOTS of folks camp over there and the campfire festivities usually run into the wee hours of the night.

 

I'm sure a call to the Furnace Creek folks could get you the info you seek.

 

Just keep in mind...weather in the Valley is extreme. You're likely to get temps into the single-digits at night with lots of wind. If you're the sort of maniac who isn't bothered by that, I think camping in the Valley could be really beautiful.

[Tony_K]

Statement of fact. I am poor and cheap. I keep saying I need to play the lottery yet I just can't hand over a dollar to do it.

 

So, I appreciate inexpensive lodging. Yes, Lori and I were there for the icy frigid DVD of 07 and that casino was really like home the way they treated us as a group.

 

I go to these events to see my friends and hopefully lodge in the same place as them (provided I can afford it). I know Jamie and Les appreciate value too.

So at least I know they will be in the room next to us just out side of the valley while everyone else is in Furnace Creek with their caiviar, Dom Perignon or 60 year old scotch

[bakerzdosen]

Statement of fact. I am poor and cheap. I keep saying I need to play the lottery yet I just can't hand over a dollar to do it.

 

So, I appreciate inexpensive lodging. Yes, Lori and I were there for the icy frigid DVD of 07 and that casino was really like home the way they treated us as a group.

 

I go to these events to see my friends and hopefully lodge in the same place as them (provided I can afford it). I know Jamie and Les appreciate value too.

So at least I know they will be in the room next to us just out side of the valley while everyone else is in Furnace Creek with their caiviar, Dom Perignon or 60 year old scotch

+1

 

Well, except for the Lori part... And the lottery - I'm guilty of having spent probably $40 on lottery tickets over the years.

 

That and I had my car for the 07 DVD.

 

But beyond that, +1.

[GS_George]

Huh? It seems like it would be a lot cheaper to go with the hotel in the center of everything than the time/lodging/fuel/food spent in finding another location. So it's $40 or so difference for a few nights, or all the expense of the scouting trip which otherwise isn't necessary...plus all the time/money getting to and from the "ideal" hotel quite a bit further away???!

 

I'm not smelling what you're stepping in. It seems like you're spending more money trying to find a different place.

 

Dave, I suspect that if all the plans were arranged by now and everyone was in agreement...there would still be a pre-run run. Recon Riders need something to Recon!

[Tank]

Huh? It seems like it would be a lot cheaper to go with the hotel in the center of everything than the time/lodging/fuel/food spent in finding another location. So it's $40 or so difference for a few nights, or all the expense of the scouting trip which otherwise isn't necessary...plus all the time/money getting to and from the "ideal" hotel quite a bit further away???!

 

I'm not smelling what you're stepping in. It seems like you're spending more money trying to find a different place.

 

Dave, I suspect that if all the plans were arranged by now and everyone was in agreement...there would still be a pre-run run. Recon Riders need something to Recon!

 

 

 

 

Yep.... Coming back from Torrey I rode a Pre, Pre DVD Recon to see if the Death Valley Inn in Beatty had really opened yet...( It had'nt).

Ya just can't Pre Recon anuff

[Bob Palin]

Just keep in mind...weather in the Valley is extreme. You're likely to get temps into the single-digits at night with lots of wind.

The average low for January at Furnace Creek is 39F, the record low is 15F - which means we should probably expect that with a 50mph wind gusting to 80...

[Stan Walker]

If it's decided to go to Pahrump, NV, then we should rename the event to "Pahrump Days".

 

Stan

[SageRider]

Can't make the pre-run, but I expect to be at the main event. (Wherever / whenever / whatever it turns out to be... )

[graydude]

So at least I know they will be in the room next to us just out side of the valley while everyone else is in Furnace Creek with their caiviar, Dom Perignon or 60 year old scotch

 

Why does this have to turn into something resembling the haves vs the have nots?

 

I think the intent is to find accommodations where everyone can enjoy. With budgets so diverse, not everyone will be enthusiastic about the selection. But let's be sensitive to the fact that some view these trips as vacations and want to travel as such.

[Todd_Z1]

Hey Tom,

 

Having ridden DV a couple of years ago it was one of the rides of a lifetime. We basically lucked out due to the record rainfall. There was an explosion of flowers all over the valley, some of which had not bloomed for 40 or more years. Having said that DV does not offer much in the way good riding with respect to the twisties. Most of the roads are long, flat and pretty boring. So...I would throw my hat in your ring for a ride in the Arizona area. I would also suggest Palm Springs as an alternate as there are some good roads in that area and a plethora of great restaurants such as Crazy Bones Barbecue. Just my thoughts.

 

Cheers!

[russell_bynum]

Hey Tom,

 

Having ridden DV a couple of years ago it was one of the rides of a lifetime. We basically lucked out due to the record rainfall. There was an explosion of flowers all over the valley, some of which had not bloomed for 40 or more years. Having said that DV does not offer much in the way good riding with respect to the twisties. Most of the roads are long, flat and pretty boring. So...I would throw my hat in your ring for a ride in the Arizona area. I would also suggest Palm Springs as an alternate as there are some good roads in that area and a plethora of great restaurants such as Crazy Bones Barbecue. Just my thoughts.

 

Cheers!

 

For the most part, you are correct about the riding. The ride over from Stovepipe Wells through Panamint Valley and up the other side is pretty good, though. Even there, the curves are more the "big, open sweeper" type than the "tight twisty" type. The ride up to Dante's View is pretty good.

 

Part of the fun of DV was riding at greatly elevated speeds all day. That oorner that's boring at the 55mph speed limit is pretty fun at 120mph.

 

January is too early for the flowers. (But if you wait until the flowers are likely to be out, there are much bigger crowds.)

[Tony_K]

So at least I know they will be in the room next to us just out side of the valley while everyone else is in Furnace Creek with their caiviar, Dom Perignon or 60 year old scotch

 

Why does this have to turn into something resembling the haves vs the have nots?

 

I think the intent is to find accommodations where everyone can enjoy. With budgets so diverse, not everyone will be enthusiastic about the selection. But let's be sensitive to the fact that some view these trips as vacations and want to travel as such.

 

I agree budgets are very diverse in this particular crowd. The issue lies in the location and lack of lodging options. One location one price that's it (Furnace Creek).

 

This issue really only happens on this particular ride. Other places have many more options. This ride is also "just another ride" meaning to many not a dedicated vacation. Just something to do. If the price of a "fun ride" is too high it will be knocked off the list of rides to do.

 

It's too bad that Beatty is such a flop of a town. It could totally be fun for everyone and fit most folks on a budget or not.

[Tank]

I stayed at the Exchange Club Sept. 30th of this year and the price was 49.00 w/taxes..... way up from the last time I stayed there.....

[PhillyFlash]

OK, here's a plan. Let's skip the pre-ride, let's skip DVD. Next year, let's skip the pre-ride, then take the money saved from skipping 1-3 trips, put it into staying at Furnace Creek, and we'll actually come out ahead in the end.

 

 

 

What can I say; I just got back from my week-long trip, I'm still giddy, and I just read a post from David Baker where he was trying to use logic with this group.

 

 

OK, folks, let's lighten it up. Everyone doesn't make it to every event. Let those who are trying to semi-organize this event choose the dates and the location. If it meets your desires, make a reservation, hope for the best, and make the best out of however it turns out. If not, well there's still a couple of Torrey's each year, an UnRally coming up, Ouray 3, MOA, etc., etc., etc. Not all events are right for all people. That's the way it goes. I commend anyone who takes on the responsibility of planning any of these, and I'll go to as many of them as meet my criteria, desire, and time schedule.

 

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

 

P.S. to Tom. That rider in the AZ photo you posted looks surprisingly familiar.

[Stan Walker]

OK, folks, let's lighten it up. Everyone doesn't make it to every event. Let those who are trying to semi-organize this event choose the dates and the location

 

To quote Jamie "Keep the ideas, input and suggestions coming. I think all the feedback we can get from participants and recon riders is valuable so that we can make this the best experience possible for as many of us as possible."

 

He asked for it, and we are just doing what he asked for, giving him our opinions.

 

I don't see why we need an "admin" to come along and tell us to shut up. But then, what do I know.

 

Stan

[russell_bynum]

OK, folks, let's lighten it up. Everyone doesn't make it to every event. Let those who are trying to semi-organize this event choose the dates and the location. If it meets your desires, make a reservation, hope for the best, and make the best out of however it turns out. If not, well there's still a couple of Torrey's each year, an UnRally coming up, Ouray 3, MOA, etc., etc., etc. Not all events are right for all people. That's the way it goes. I commend anyone who takes on the responsibility of planning any of these, and I'll go to as many of them as meet my criteria, desire, and time schedule.

 

Normally, I'd agree 100%. The organizers set the date/location/etc. If you can make it, cool. If not, no biggie...you'll make the next one.

 

But since Jamie asked for input and keeps calling this "the people's ride", it seems totally natural (and even expected) that people give their opinions.

 

In the end, Jamie could decide to hold the event where and when he wants, and that's cool...you go if you want to and are able to, and if not, you don't. But at this stage, it seems like this sort of conversation is exactly what Jamie is asking for (minus "well fine, you guys stay in your five star resort, I'll sleep in a cardboard box" have vs. have not BS of course...that's not productive.)

[PhillyFlash]

OK, folks, let's lighten it up. Everyone doesn't make it to every event. Let those who are trying to semi-organize this event choose the dates and the location

 

To quote Jamie "Keep the ideas, input and suggestions coming. I think all the feedback we can get from participants and recon riders is valuable so that we can make this the best experience possible for as many of us as possible."

 

He asked for it, and we are just doing what he asked for, giving him our opinions.

 

I don't see why we need an "admin" to come along and tell us to shut up. But then, what do I know.

 

Stan

 

Sorry, Stan. I wasn't telling you to shut up. I was posting as a private citizen, not as an admin. Just giving my personal opinion, as little as that's worth. Keep all the suggestions coming. Like you said, he asked for them. I even gave my own tongue-in-cheek suggestion. All I'm saying (and this is not directed toward Stan or anyone else), as a private citizen, regular old "member," who has been around here for a long time, and who has been to as many events as most, is that few events will ever meet the needs of all, or even most. But whoever makes it to an event, whenever and wherever it is, usually has a great time, even when it's 9 degrees. Didn't mean to offend anyone or try to stop the suggestions. I get off on work for MLK weekend and also President's Day Weekend (Feb. 16-18; please make it that one, please, please, please), and both of those are best for me. But I don't care when the organizers schedule it. If it works for me, I'll be there; if not, I'll be at the next one. Again, no offense intended.

[Firefight911]

And if for some reason, a particular ride, event, or otherwise is not to your liking, come up with an idea, post it, and they will come!!!!

 

Afterall, this is how most, if not all, our rides have become events!!!

[russell_bynum]

And if for some reason, a particular ride, event, or otherwise is not to your liking, come up with an idea, post it, and they will come!!!!

 

Afterall, this is how most, if not all, our rides have become events!!!

 

Exactly!

[JerryMather]

Anyone thought about Stovepipe Wells instead of the ranch?

$91.00 a night, when your sharing a room with someone, doesn't sound too unreasonable.

The cabins at the ranch are just a little more.

[russell_bynum]

Anyone thought about Stovepipe Wells instead of the ranch?

$91.00 a night, when your sharing a room with someone, doesn't sound too unreasonable.

The cabins at the ranch are just a little more.

 

That's an interesting option.

 

By my book, Stovepipe is closest to the best riding in the Valley (that great ride from Stovepipe up over the hill, down across Panamint Valley, then up Panamint Grade on the other side.) It is also (if memory serves) closer to some of the major attractions like the Ubehebe Crater and Scotty's Castle...though it is obviously farther from Dante's View and Badwater.

[Bill_Walker]

Anybody looked at Stovepipe Wells? It's cheaper than FC, has a restaurant and bar and its own gas station. And there's a campground, too.

[russell_bynum]

Anybody looked at Stovepipe Wells? It's cheaper than FC, has a restaurant and bar and its own gas station. And there's a campground, too.

 

Hey, I've got an idea...has anyone thought of Stovepipe Wells?