Kinsley Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 In 2003 a great tradition of semi-annual BMWST gatherings in the Smokey and Blue Ridge Mountains was started by David Baker and was known as El Paseo. In 2008 Shawn Goulding and Matt Sturgis continued the tradition and renamed it Blue Ridge Rendezvous (BRR). The 2012 spring event will mark 10 years of BMWST gatherings. At the last BRR, I raised my hand to scratch my head when Shawn and Matt were asking for volunteers to take over and the next thing I knew everyone was asking what I had in mind, so here it is. Starting this year, the Spring gathering will be held in Helen Georgia and will be called To HeleN Back. Helen is a Bavarian themed alpine village which has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment within easy walking distance…perfect for BMWs and bratwurst. In the Summer and Fall, Helen can be congested with tourists and Hardley riders, but Spring is a great time to be there and the hotel rates are lower. Below, you’ll find the pertinent information, so just mention that you’re with the BWMST group to get the rate. As the date gets closer we’ll release details about meals and routes for the great roads in the area. The Dates: April-26 through April-29 The Hotel: Helendorf River Inn 33 Munich Strasse, Helen, Georgia 30545 706-878-2271 or 800-445-2271 Standard Room $64 + tax River Room $89 +tax Helendorf.com GPS Location 34.701200, -83.728140 Dinner Plans Thread HERE
Paul Mihalka Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Great! Over the years with EL Paseo/BRR some times the question came up of alternative locations. Helen was always on my mind and I made comments about it.
tallman Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Yahoohehawwwwww! Big shoes to fill, but great area. Way to go Ken.
Glenn Reed Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Helen was always on my mind Paul, Aren't you worried Maria will read this? Kinsley, Sounds like a good start, hopefully it will fit my schedule and I can get down there.
Kathy R Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 I shot them an email to find out of Nigel was welcome. I'm kind of traveling with dog in 2012. Ken, thank you for stepping into the void and for doing what looks like a great job of getting the event set up.
ltljohn Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Looks like a great time, unfortunately my work schedule conflicts. Have a great time all. Thanks for picking up the torch Ken.
Selden Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 I try to avoid Helen like the plaque, but I will acknowledge that it makes a good base of operations for a rally. With luck I'll have the RT put back together by April. I have a weekend house about 15 miles away from Helen, with an upstairs guest room, a downstairs futon, and an enclosed garage with room for 3-4 bikes. No TV, no internet, no phone (which is just the way I like it). PM me if you are need a place to stay.
Bernie Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Calendar has been marked. Should be able to make that one. Thanks Ken, for organizing this.
rogera Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Calendar marked, Never been to Helen, sounds like a good opportunity,
Quinn Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Now I can get an early start planning my route there. Maybe boring to Waynesville and exciting from there. -----
Nice n Easy Rider Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Darn! Would have really liked to do this one. Every since we took our first European river cruise in 2009 the missus has been asking me to do another. Of course it would have to be over the same dates as this. But the river cruise will be nice - it will include a visit to the beaches of Normandy and the memorials, a place we have both wanted to visit. Enjoy Georgia everyone and thanks for taking this on Ken.
Lone_RT_rider Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 In 2008 Shawn Goulding and Matt Sturgis continued the tradition and had it renamed by a vote of people on this website that were obviously either under the influence or severely hung over to the Blue Ridge Rendezvous (BRR). There, fixed it for you. I never did like that name... lol. BTW... It seems to be a trend with me to miss all the 1st things that are hosted through this site, this will be no different. I am out of the country in April until the 29th. Y'all have fun in them GA hills, and listen for them banjo's! Shawn
lawnchairboy Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Ken: you are a right thinking american. and thanks... chris
steve.foote Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Hey Ken, Jim Goodlett and I are in for Friday and Saturday night. Reservations made. A few other locals might jump in as well.
Selden Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Darn! Would have really liked to do this one. Every since we took our first European river cruise in 2009 the missus has been asking me to do another. Of course it would have to be over the same dates as this. But the river cruise will be nice - it will include a visit to the beaches of Normandy and the memorials, a place we have both wanted to visit. Enjoy Georgia everyone and thanks for taking this on Ken. You could cancel the European river cruise, and tube the Hooch.
Kinsley Posted January 3, 2012 Author Posted January 3, 2012 I'm sorry we'll miss those who can't make it due to scheduling problems. Contact me anytime for a "make-up date" and I'll ride to Helen back to meet you for a day-long guided tour...it's the least I could do I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again.
cyclingkk Posted January 4, 2012 Posted January 4, 2012 First of all, thanks for raising ur hand...hehe. Ok...I just called to make a reservation for Fri and Sat and the lady I spoke with said the special rate only applies to 3 nights or more. Am I missing something?
Kinsley Posted January 4, 2012 Author Posted January 4, 2012 First of all, thanks for raising ur hand...hehe. Ok...I just called to make a reservation for Fri and Sat and the lady I spoke with said the special rate only applies to 3 nights or more. Am I missing something? I just called and made it clear that not everyone would be staying 3 nights, so they said they would honor the rate for a 2 night stay. For a 1 night stay the rate is $10 higher than the group rate. Thanks for letting me know.
StretchMark Posted January 5, 2012 Posted January 5, 2012 Thanks for the email, Ken...I haven't checked-in in quite a while. Kid's sporting activities are all during the week now, so weekends might be free. Tentatively IN, but will confirm as it gets closer. I look forward to catching up with you guys. It's been waaaaay too long.
Kinsley Posted January 5, 2012 Author Posted January 5, 2012 Thanks for the email, Ken...I haven't checked-in in quite a while. Kid's sporting activities are all during the week now, so weekends might be free. Tentatively IN, but will confirm as it gets closer. I look forward to catching up with you guys. It's been waaaaay too long. Hi Mark, it's close to home too, so you can't use excuses like "it's too far" or "I got lost" I'm sure I'm not alone in saying we hope to see you
tallman Posted January 5, 2012 Posted January 5, 2012 Dang strate. Would be nice to be the short guy for a change. Ken and Mark
TN_R_Girl Posted January 5, 2012 Posted January 5, 2012 Checking the calendar now... Would LOVE to see all of you again!!
StretchMark Posted January 5, 2012 Posted January 5, 2012 No excuses By the way, that's a kick ass logo! Love it and want the t-shirt. Hi Tim, Wow, back when my hair was red. Hi Shannon!
Kinsley Posted January 5, 2012 Author Posted January 5, 2012 No excuses By the way, that's a kick ass logo! Love it and want the t-shirt. Thanks Mark, but I can only take credit for the name and the general idea of the logo. The final logo design comes courtesy of Joel Gross (Slumgullion) and his business StickyBusiness.net
TN_R_Girl Posted January 5, 2012 Posted January 5, 2012 No excuses By the way, that's a kick ass logo! Love it and want the t-shirt. Hi Tim, Wow, back when my hair was red. Hi Shannon! Hi Mark!!! Hope Christine will be joining you too?????
TN_R_Girl Posted January 5, 2012 Posted January 5, 2012 Woo HOo!!! It's on mine too ... hoping I can make it
jimwms Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 Believe it or not, I think I'm IN!!! Been too long. Great planning, Ken.
Lone_RT_rider Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 Believe it or not, I think I'm IN!!! Been too long. Great planning, Ken. So what's next? Big-T and David Baker showing up? I plan one little "trip of a lifetime" and y'all come out of the woodwork! I swear I started using deoderant recently. lol. Shawn
Kinsley Posted January 6, 2012 Author Posted January 6, 2012 Believe it or not, I think I'm IN!!! Been too long. Great planning, Ken. So what's next? Big-T and David Baker showing up? I plan one little "trip of a lifetime" and y'all come out of the woodwork! I swear I started using deoderant recently. lol. Shawn It's not you Shawn...it's us Actually, everyone wants to say they've been to HeleN Back
Lone_RT_rider Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 It's not you Shawn...it's us Actually, everyone wants to say they've been to HeleN Back I was there. They kicked me out for selling ice cubes.
StretchMark Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 Believe it or not, I think I'm IN!!! Been too long. Great planning, Ken. So what's next? Big-T and David Baker showing up? I plan one little "trip of a lifetime" and y'all come out of the woodwork! I swear I started using deoderant recently. lol. Shawn Well, I did forward Ken's email onto those two. who knows???
HoonTang Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 I plan to be there and make-up for lost party time
big-t Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 So what's next? Big-T and David Baker showing up Well, I did forward Ken's email onto those two. smile who knows??? I would hate to miss a good party.. Could happen...I'll put it on the calender.......and check to cellar to see whats available...
Bill Murray Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 Looks like a great event and location. I've never been to Helen, GA. Marking my calendar and starting my planning!
roadscholar Posted January 6, 2012 Posted January 6, 2012 Could be a definite maybe, thanks Ken for heading it up.
TN_R_Girl Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 I plan to be there and make-up for lost party time May be time for a Triple Toll Tein Reunion!!
motorman587 Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 Marked and hope I can go............crossing fingers and toes.............
Scout7 Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 Ken, Thanks for stepping up! Sounds like a great place. I hope the schedule will allow, just not sure yet.
Burt Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 IN. Thanks for organizing this Ken. I can't wait to get on the bike this year. I had a bad (very low mileage) year for riding last year, and want to make up for it this year.
racer7 Posted January 10, 2012 Posted January 10, 2012 Reservations made. See you there. Paul & Becky from Wilmington NC area
Slumgullion Posted January 10, 2012 Posted January 10, 2012 If Big T doesn't come who will bring the mason jar with the clear liquid that warms your toes?
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