Ideas for big rideout

[northwind]

Taking this plan forward a bit:

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=98158

(This thread will be moderated with an IRON FIST. None of your iron fist in a velvet glove nonsense.)

The basic plan- have a proper big rideout, get as many people up (and down, and across) as possible- get ****ed in a field and ride motorbikes. :drink:

The route as far as I'm concerned is along the lines of our standard glencoe run- wibbly wobbly, throw in kinlochleven (which we've not traditionally done, but which we should from now on), glencoe, rannochmoor, duke's pass, calendar. Bit of everything, mountains hills and lochs, and some of the best roads in scotland- but it's not too far north for a base and accessible in a day from most of Scotland. I would absolutely love to strike out further north, the campsite at Kinlochleven maybe, or Aviemore, but every mile north is going to put people off and this is- I think- the best all worlds. The borders also has a lot of appeal but I think if people are going to do Scotland they might as well do it properly :cool:

I don't know where to base it but the campsite at Inverarnan got the most recommendations, so there's a solid starting point.

Ideally, what I'd like to find is a place with good camping, chalets/bunkhouse/static caravans/hotel on site or nearby for people who don't want to camp, and a pub. Actually, add into that I'd like a publicly accessible lochside and a fire :cool: but, that's asking a lot. The absolute ideal is something like we've had at the AR07 and 06- a seperate campsite so that we don't annoy anyone else or have to reign in the noise. In fact, if I could find a small campsite in the right sort of place I'd consider trying to block book it and take over...

Other locations... Inverarnan is very good. I think there'd be a lot to be said for somewhere in the Callendar or Lochearnhead area too, but I don't know any suitable sites there. Inverarnan's possibly easier to get to from England. I hope to go and motor around various interesting locations once the weather gets a little better.

Dates... I think mid August. The Annual Rideout is in July, there's no point putting it too near to that and I wouldn't do it regardless, this isn't competition. June has the North/South rideout, which probably attracts a lot of the same people who would be interested in this. I've got an eye on the weather here obviously. Another advantage of August is that I'll be at the AR in July and I can do the hardsell then while everyone is in love with the idea of getting ****ed in a field (and be living proof that Scotland's not actually that far)

I'm steering away from the bank holiday in august, in some ways bank hols are great as people don't need time off work, but in others people tend to have family demands etc, and the roads will be busier. Also, I'll be at the Reading Festival!

This isn't my show- if it's left to me, it'll most likely never happen :rolleyes: So, is it a good idea? What should we do? What shouldn't we do? Tell me now before I get carried away!

[buckstone]

What about here -

http://www.touristnetuk.com/sc/argyll/accommodation/ac-camp/inveraray.htm#inveraray

Less than an hour from Glasgow along a great road. Nice little town with pubs, chippies, campsite, and plenty of B&Bs for non-campers. Handy for Glencoe and a lot of othere great roads as well.

I'm keen whatever the venue / route though ........

[scooby2102]

sounds good northy lad

cant manage the 1st weekend or the 23rd/24th weekend (the big rally at aviemore)

that leaves 3 weekends but thats me being selfish probably :silent:

jim@55 can bring his geetar and play us some tunes :thumright:

[scooby2102]

Buckstone, just checked that website (the official one)

nae tents allowed :(

[northwind]

I think whether or not we're allowed a guitar is getting a bit ahead of itself! But, I think it does tie in with one of my worries, ie how rowdy can we be. If we're just on a typical family campsite there'll be kids in bed by 10pm. One reason I rather like the idea of a nearby public lochside, or similiar, so we can behave on the site and make a racket elsewhere. I don't want to have to restrict things, and I don't want to **** people off.

I can bring my wee travel guitar, it's transportable on a bike, no probs. Just don't ask me to play it, as I'm total mince. :silent:

[scooby2102]

or we could go to the aviemore shindig, 30 quid gets you 4 days camping, gets you in to all the bands at night in the highland resort, there's free bands at the aviemore inn on the highstreet

usually a thousand + bikes, loads of drunk folk staggering around

wall to wall fandan as well :p

oh....and....we get to be as drunk and rowdy as we want

only thing is that there will be loads of harley people there ha ha ha

[-Ralph-]

28th Jan - I've done some editing, consolidating and deleting of my posts in this thread tonight. I have left behind only that relevant to the rideout plans and corrected the Erskine bridge and Carlisle/Gretna confusion at source. If your confused about anything people have quoted from my posts, it's probably been changed or deleted, ignore it and move on. ;-)

My 2p worth....

If we're going to do this the objective is basically to try and get as many of the lads from down South to join us. If we're going to do that we need to cater for their needs not ours. We can arrange an SV Ecosse overnighter any weekend we like and go anywhere in Scotland and do whatever suits us then.

I think wherever the campsite is, it needs to be within an hour or so of the top of the M74 where most folk coming north will be arriving after a long motorway slog. So even though I suggested Inverarnan, that is about the limit in terms of how far North as I would take it, and only then because the roads from Baillieston to Inverarnan are wide and straight and fast so a bike can make light work of them. So Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling I think is the area which is most fair to those travelling long distances to come.

Is there a campsite or other accomodation within walking distance of the Carbeth Inn?

May I suggest that when posting up a suggestion for a campsite we put

"from: baillieston to: xxxx"

into http://maps.google.co.uk (http://maps.google.co.uk/)

where xxxx is the location of your suggested campsite and post up the distance and the time it says it will take.

So for instance

from: baillieston to: inverarnan = 57.1 mi – about 1 hour 19 mins

[kitkat]

the blue angels have a few shindigs at the carbeth and camp out but that may be because they are hard and no one wants to mess with them. there is a campsite behind mcdonalds in balloch. I can ask what rates are and if they would be prepared to take a lot of bikers. or failing that there is a youth hostel in balloch.

[northwind]

Balloch seems like a good location too, that'd be ideal. I think Ralph's spot on, we can get into the good roads in a day from edinburgh or glasgow after all so there's no real need to go further north. Obviously this is just one ride, I'm hoping there'll be other overnighters through the year but this one needs planning a bit more

[-Ralph-]

Yes, Balloch is a good idea. Lots of accommodation options and loads of facilities for food, pubs, cash machines, etc.

We can make a weekend of it and camp both Friday and Saturday nights and do rideouts on both Saturday and Sunday. That way folk can come for one night or two or one rideout or both? Better chance of folk being able to make at least one of the nights or one of the rides that way. We would just need a couple of SV Ecosse folk to make a firm commitment to one or the other days to arrange and lead the rideouts.

[mart]

now the routes sorted. What dates are we talking + possibly most definitely likely going to be there, maybe. And could lend a hand in guiding the ride-outs

[jimmy4237]

Right Northy pal - ye've started somethin' here an ye cannae get oot of it. Everyone seems happy enough tae camp out at Balloch. Theres plenty of facilities there (food, fuel, etc), and it's a great wee place to start runs from. Get a place found for a large group of bikers to camp out once we've got dates and the numbers involved.

We could go all the way to Oban from Balloch this time, and head back over the hills to Callender via the Dukes Pass. (Sorry Kitty - I know ye have a disgust for this road, but it's a bikers playground..)

I'll soon volunteer to be a guide marking junctions. No doubt people will get lost, and take the wrong turns the roads we usually go on.....

A pit stop must be Arrochar, then up to Tyndrum for fuel, 'cos the bigger bikes will be thirsty after hooning from Balloch. After the Green Welly stop there's no petrol stations until you hit Oban, and thats a good mileage away.

[northwind]

I'm sort of intrigued by this other rally, maybe not ideal for this but it's an interesting idea anyway...

We can make a weekend of it and camp both Friday and Saturday nights and do rideouts on both Saturday and Sunday.

I was hoping someone would say that :mrgreen: I was figuring on getting there on the friday anyway to set stuff up, ride the route quick to see if there's any problems/hazards, stuff like that.

Any ideas for a second run? From Balloch we can hit half the country.

now the routes sorted. What dates are we talking + possibly most definitely likely going to be there, maybe. And could lend a hand in guiding the ride-outs

Dates... Still wide open, other than that common sense says keep it at least a month from the annual rideout in either direction- I'd prefer longer but the AR being right in the middle crimps that plan :mrgreen: And avoid other big events. I've got a provisional eye on the weekend of the 16th of august, but that's a personal preference only.


I'll soon volunteer to be a guide marking junctions. No doubt people will get lost, and take the wrong turns the roads we usually go on.....

A pit stop must be Arrochar, then up to Tyndrum for fuel, 'cos the bigger bikes will be thirsty after hooning from Balloch. After the Green Welly stop there's no petrol stations until you hit Oban, and thats a good mileage away.

Depends on numbers how we mark it... For up front we just need someone reliable and not too crashy, with a brain, a sense of direction, and a good lick of speed, I think there's a few obvious suspects.

There's petrol at Glencoe Village and just on the other side of ballachulish bridge btw

[northwind]

All in good time ;) Though what would be useful- any dates to avoid? BSB dates, other rideouts, etc etc.

[northwind]

Well, ideally we'll find a place that's not just camping, most campsites have static vans or the like on site too for people who like roofs, and beds, and other such luxuries :smt045

[fizzwheel]

I'm tempted, very tempted, but as to whether that temptation will turn into a firm commitment or not I dont know :D

OK I dont know Scotland at all but one of my ex's is from Dumfries and Galloway and we used to stay in kirkcudbright when we went to visit her parents, so I know roughly where that is and how long its going to take me to get there. Can somebody give this wee southern jessie some idea of how far away the camping is from there ?

There was one road from Castle Douglas that went across to Ayr that was an absoloute scream in my Golf I'd like to ride that again but I can fix that into my plans for making my way up to the campsite if I do come.

Cheers

Fizz

[stewie]

I'm tempted, very tempted, but as to whether that temptation will turn into a firm commitment or not I dont know :D

OK I dont know Scotland at all but one of my ex's is from Dumfries and Galloway and we used to stay in kirkcudbright when we went to visit her parents, so I know roughly where that is and how long its going to take me to get there. Can somebody give this wee southern jessie some idea of how far away the camping is from there ?

There was one road from Castle Douglas that went across to Ayr that was an absoloute scream in my Golf I'd like to ride that again but I can fix that into my plans for making my way up to the campsite if I do come.

Cheers

Fizz

I reckon you are looking at 2.30 mins + from carlisle, straight up the M74 and onto the M8 past the airport through to dumbarton, ish and head for Loch Lomond.Think thats right anyhow. ;)

[-Ralph-]

I reckon you are looking at 2.30 mins + from carlisle, straight up the M74 and onto the M8 past the airport through to dumbarton, ish and head for Loch Lomond.Think thats right anyhow. ;)

It's bang on 100 miles and all motorway from Gretna Green until you cross the Erskine bridge. Balloch is a further 10 miles after the Erskine Bridge. So 2:30 is a bit conservative, even if your sitting at 60mph, I cruise a bit quicker than that, in fixed penalty but not a court appearance territory. Never done that particular route but I do Carlisle to the centre of Glasgow in just over an hour, but Glasgow M8 is a 50 limit on and off from the centre all the way past Glasgow airport, so reckon I'd do Balloch from Gretna in about 1 hour 45 mins if you get a traffic free run.

[kitkat]

i can do carlisle to balloch in 2 hours in my wee car. so much quicker on a bike as you wont get held up on M8.

[stewie]

It's bang on 100 miles and all motorway until you cross the Irvine bridge. So 2:30 is a bit conservative, even if your sitting at 60mph, I cruise a bit quicker than that, in fixed penalty but not a court appearance territory. Never done that particular route but I do Carlisle to the centre of Glasgow in just over an hour, but Glasgow M8 is a 50 limit on and off from the centre all the way past Glasgow airport, so reckon I'd do Balloch from Carlisle in about 1 hour 45 mins if you get a traffic free run.

You,re right of course, I was in me truck driving 56mph mode there, saying that, you wanna see me on me bike :)

[jim@55]

It's bang on 100 miles and all motorway until you cross the Irvine bridge.
eh???ERSKINE bridge you mean surely :rolleyes:,imagine all those peeps on a map looking for the irvine bridge (well theres a few in ,,,er,,,irvine but theyr only wee ones but defo not on the way there:cool:)

[northwind]

I followed Jim. Seemed a good idea at the time :smt045

OK, what I'm going to do is delete and edit the thread to bits tomorrow, and then mod it with an iron fist, unless there's any objections.

In terms of checking out actual sites what I'd like to get is a few suggestions, I have a couple of my own but the west coast is quicker to get to and I don't know that side so well. Location, name if you have it, enough info that I can find it on a map. Then, I'll go see 'em one weekend when the weather's decent, get some photos and that. There's really no hurry to choose one so it's worth doing it right.

[-Ralph-]

Has anyone had a look at campsites in Balloch? I reckon we should press on, get some firm details organised, then start posting in IB and get a sticky in Rideouts to get some .org wide publicity.

EDIT: OK, just had a look and all I'm finding via google in Balloch is Lomond Woods (formerly Tullichewan), which is a snobby caravan only park and is too posh to accept the kind of folk that would sleep in a tent. Did somebody say something about a campsite behind McDonalds? EDIT: Nope this is the one behind McDonalds

Other than that I'm finding a site at Gartochraggan, walkable to Gartocharn, and the Hungry Monk pub which also does rooms for 50 quid, but I think it's predominantly a family restaurant. Baillieston to Gartochraggan = 36.1 mi – about 53 mins

Also found two sites on the wee road between Balmaha and Rowardennan, 10-30 mins walk from Balmaha which has the Oak Tree Inn, again does rooms, but it looks a bit posh from the website and advertises as a place for a "quiet drink". Baillieston to Balmaha = 28.8 mi – about 55 mins

TBH I think we're better off at Inverarnan than either. At least neither the Drovers Inn or the Beinglas Farm campsite will care about a crowd of bikers out for a drink and making a noise.

Luss caravan and camping worth a look? Theres a pub in the village and a few other B&B's for the non campers. Baillieston to Luss = 39.3 mi – about 56 mins

[-Ralph-]

In terms of checking out actual sites what I'd like to get is a few suggestions.

See

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=l&view=text&q=camping&near=Balloch,+Alexandria,+West+Dunbartonshire,+Uni ted+Kingdom&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oi=georefine&ct=clnk&cd=2&geocode=0,56.005273,-4.584659

Then, I'll go see 'em one weekend when the weather's decent, get some photos and that.

Let me know if you want some company

[northwind]

Right, the Modhammer has been taken down off its peg on the wall, it's all on-topic from here or I'll smite ye.

[Tiger 55]

Well I've given this a damn good Googling and there is nothing I can usefully add to the comments of m'learned Ralph.

But here goes anyway...

Luss - terrific location, banks of the loch and all that and the easiest to get to for those making the long journey north. Might be a bit sniffy though being a Caravan Club site so definitely needs a recce.

The Drovers - another terrific location and no sniffiness for sure. Is the loch out the back? I've never made it past the bar...

Beinglas Farm - good reviews from West Highlands Way types, not 100% sure where it is (Inverarnanish) but it's not lochside. Is that a biggie?

My only concern about the The Drovers/Inverarnan is that it's a good 30 minutes further than Luss (57.1 miles - about 1 hour 19 mins from Ballieston) including that crappy bit of still-not-upgraded A82 past Tarbet. Mibbe asking too much at the end of a long ride?

Other than that it's perm 1 from 3 and I'm happy to be guided by Northy!

[-Ralph-]

Beinglas it is then!

It does look like the best option.

For those who don't know where it is http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=232095&y=718755&z=3&sv=232095,718755&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

The 300 year old Drovers Inn pub is shown on the map also with a PH symbol http://www.thedroversinn.co.uk/, the Drovers Lodge (formerly the Stagger Inn) is opposite with restaurant and more accomodation.

[-Ralph-]

I'm looking more towards this as an alternative to the North / South this year. What sort of ride is it going to be, is it a mad hoon or will it be more organised with markers etc ?

Despite our reputation :rolleyes: it will be organised with markers.

We've discussed marking at length up here and I think we more or less agreed to settle on "The Northy Approach" (although he doesn't like it being called that! ;)) within SV Ecosse rideouts...

- Fast marker at front
- A couple of "happy to bimble along" markers at the back
- Individuals to wait at junctions and mark the direction if they cannot see the bike behind them. Once you arrive at a marked junction your marker leaves and you wait for the bike behind you if necessary.
- Overtaking within the group permitted so that you find other folk that you are happy riding with, but overtakes must be safe, intentions clear, and don't frighten another rider. Don't overtake the front marker. He/she will be chosen to be fast enough.
- Maps and route description distributed by the rideout organiser.
- Arrange stops to regroup, try to leave the stopping point in approximately the same order you arrived to minimise the need to overtake slower riders.

This basically allows for those who want to hoon at the front, those who want to bimble at the back and everyone in between, but it's just me saying that, not prescriptive, so if folk don't think it will not work in this instance tell me to shut up.

If we can get a volunteer from the Ecosse posse for Saturday and another for Sunday to drive a van (or car and trailer) round the route behind the rideout for breakdowns or any accidents that would be nice to have, but it's a lot to ask. The reason for two back markers is for one to provide support and wait for AA/RAC in these circumstances anyway.

A wee bit of advice for this rideout is stick to the speed limits through villages, in Scotland's touristy vilages in summer you'll get a tug or an NIP if you don't.

What dates do you normally do the North/South?

[fizzwheel]

What dates do you normally do the North/South?

Its normally June, but I want to keep June free ish for Donnington and also I'm in charge of the AR08 route so I want to keep the weekends free for reccies and route tweakage !!

I wanted to go somewhere different for a long trip in the UK this year, and I loved the areas of Scotland I'v ebeen to so far and I wanted to explore some more so I was thinking of making a trip out of it and taking a day or two to make my way up to the campsite.

I was just trying to get more info on what sort of ride it'll likely to be when I get up there, riding in an organised ride or more of a free for all doesnt bother me either way.

[Stu]

If we can get a volunteer from the Ecosse posse for Saturday and another for Sunday to drive a van (or car and trailer) round the route behind the rideout for breakdowns or any accidents that would be nice to have, but it's a lot to ask. ?
We had that on a Londonbikers.com daytrip to France. There was something like 80 bikes, & we all payed £1 or £2 towards it (it was a forum member & their van) It was used (one electrical failure & one major off in a splinter group in a different country!) and a great resource to have. But that was a foreign country IMHO I would expect everyone to have and be abe to rely on a recovery service in this country. I can't imagine we'll have that number of bikes so I reckon it's too much to ask, or would be too expensive to fund.

All the rest sounds great though :)

[northwind]

I was just trying to get more info on what sort of ride it'll likely to be when I get up there, riding in an organised ride or more of a free for all doesnt bother me either way.

It's also going to depend on numbers a bit too... We've run this route with big groups a few times, it really suits it better than most, there's fairly few places to get lost :rolleyes: so people can find their own pace. Also, they're mainly roads that you can ride like a nutter if you like, but also take your time over- the stretches up the west in particular are scenic as well as fun to ride.

[kitkat]

we did a similar route when the essex boys came up and the irish boys. Think there were about 24 or something that time. no one got lost. A fast local bod up the front is helpful as they know where the main speed traps are. The road thru glen coe is amazing. You can see for miles and miles. Its not too bendy and not too many scared sheep (lots of brave ones) its a good road to see how fast your bike can go without worrying about too many things.

[stewie]

we did a similar route when the essex boys came up and the irish boys. Think there were about 24 or something that time. no one got lost. A fast local bod up the front is helpful as they know where the main speed traps are. The road thru glen coe is amazing. You can see for miles and miles. Its not too bendy and not too many scared sheep (lots of brave ones) its a good road to see how fast your bike can go without worrying about too many things.

+1 for the Glen coe part of the ride, its worth it just for that stretch alone

[stuartyboy]

Mart said at the start of this thread that the route has been sorted but I've read the thread and I can't see a route. Just looks like b
Balloch - glencoe - Dukes pass to me and lots of discussion about campsites. If that's the route then its a day route surely?

Can someone actually post the route?

[northwind]

Yep, it's a day route. Route is simple, from wherever we camp around the usual Inveraray/Lochawe/Connel/Ballachulish/Glencoe/Tyndrum/Callander run we've used before, then back to the campsite for an evening of quiet contemplation, or possibly getting ****ed and falling in a loch. Possibly with a trip to Oban but that's tricky with more bikes. And the optional sections- the Wibbly Wobbly, Duke's Pass and B863, for those who feel like it.

A reasonable trek for one day with numbers, and accessible and varied without being boring I think. Obviously camping wouldn't be essential for us lot, though it'll be a grand weekend for anyone who wants to camp even if they live 5 minutes away.

[northwind]

it's just me saying that, not prescriptive, so if folk don't think it will not work in this instance tell me to shut up.

If we can get a volunteer from the Ecosse posse for Saturday and another for Sunday to drive a van (or car and trailer) round the route behind the rideout for breakdowns or any accidents that would be nice to have, but it's a lot to ask. The reason for two back markers is for one to provide support and wait for AA/RAC in these circumstances anyway.


To be honest, with a group of relative strangers I think it's the best and only way to do it ;) It's simple and it works, nuff said.

Backup van... Probably not essential, it's a good idea but as's been said we have breakdown cover etc. Naming no names, we could lay our hands on a bike trailer and van at fairly short notice. But, having at least one person drive to the site gives us beer-and-barbeque moving abilities which would be very handy...

[northwind]

OK then, a quick summary, I want to post some stuff in the main forum within the next week.

We don't have a name. Any catchy names? SV Ecosse Border Raid? Glencoe Massacre? Perhaps not :smt017

Dates- any objection to the weekend of the 16th of August? No major double bookings? Any other dates? We can do a poll, if there is. I think we should keep it off the bank holiday at least, and as far from the AR as we can, but other than that there's plenty of room to maneuvre.

Locations- too early to set one in stone, but I think we're hitting a theme of west coast, Loch Lomond or general area. That's good enough for now, I think, I'll go check out as many options as possible in a few weeks but in the meantime it gets us within a sensible ball park.

Anything else I should consider?

[Stu]

Don't like SV Ecosse Border Raid too much confusion with the Border Patrol & their Welsh rides. Glencoe Massacre - Love it :thumbsup:
Yeah a van to the campsite is great ideal for reasons said, just think a sweeper van is too much to ask someone to miss out on the ride.
Date sounds fine. I'm hoping to get the North South to be on May Bank Holiday so that can cater to people who do want to ride on a BH, but it's a struggle so you're right to avoid it.

[-Ralph-]

Yep, it's a day route. Route is simple, from wherever we camp around the usual Inveraray/Lochawe/Connel/Ballachulish/Glencoe/Tyndrum/Callander run we've used before, then back to the campsite for an evening of quiet contemplation, or possibly getting ****ed and falling in a loch. Possibly with a trip to Oban but that's tricky with more bikes. And the optional sections- the Wibbly Wobbly, Duke's Pass and B863, for those who feel like it.

A reasonable trek for one day with numbers, and accessible and varied without being boring I think. Obviously camping wouldn't be essential for us lot, though it'll be a grand weekend for anyone who wants to camp even if they live 5 minutes away.

Assuming this rideout will be Saturday with folk arriving from England thoughout the Friday evening?

Any ideas for a half day Sunday rideout? Perhaps Inverarnan, Crianlarich, Killin, Aberfeldy, Crieff, Lochearnhead, Crianlarich, Inveranan. Away mid morning, back for mid afternoon, before pack up camp and go home for those who need to ride back to England.

[DavieSV]

I like the idea of this:D
My mother and sister have just moved down to derbyshire from Wick, so I have no reason to travel up to the motherland now.
A bit of a bimble about through Glen Coe sounds lovely & I think the weekend of the 16th August fits in Ok

[-Ralph-]

OK then, a quick summary, I want to post some stuff in the main forum within the next week.

We don't have a name. Any catchy names? SV Ecosse Border Raid? Glencoe Massacre? Perhaps not :smt017

Dates- any objection to the weekend of the 16th of August? No major double bookings? Any other dates? We can do a poll, if there is. I think we should keep it off the bank holiday at least, and as far from the AR as we can, but other than that there's plenty of room to maneuvre.

Locations- too early to set one in stone, but I think we're hitting a theme of west coast, Loch Lomond or general area. That's good enough for now, I think, I'll go check out as many options as possible in a few weeks but in the meantime it gets us within a sensible ball park.

Anything else I should consider?

I don't think we're going to get much better than Beinglas camp site TBH. There is the option of Luss but we may have an issue there with it being a caravan club campsite. They are usually quiet family holiday or old folk type caravan sites and we may cause a few complaints if we turn up with 25 or 30 bikes and not a road legal exhaust in sight. It has the pub and alternative accommodation and is pretty well placed for the start/finish of the main rideout.

Shall we just settle on Beinglas for now and we can change it later if we find better or they can't take us? The reason for asking this is that I think to get a good response the main post advertising the rideout needs to have certain basic details pretty firmly set. That way it looks like an organised event that is definitely going to happen and it worth planning your August around and booking precious holiday allowance days off work for.

For instance in the main post....

What: <insert catchy name here>
When: Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August 2008
Where: Beinglas Campsite and Drovers Inn, Inveranan
Itinery:
Friday evening - Arrive, set up camp or check into your room, get pished
Saturday - Full Day Rideout: Arrochar, Inverary, Lochawe.... etc
Saturday evening - Get pished again
Sunday - Half Day Rideout: Crianlarich, Killin, Aberfeldy...etc
Sunday Afternoon - Finish by 3pm to allow pack up camp and ride back to England

What we need from you: To know if you want to come!

That way people can easily look at maps and start planning in their heads, "well if I took Friday afternoon off work I could be up there by 7:30pm.....if I left by 3:30 on the Sunday I'd be home by...", if people can plan like that they are in a position to make a decision, get enthusiastic/excited about it, and we should get a better response and more people deciding they want to come.

Obviously stick in some enticing blub about breathtaking scenery and best roads in mainland Britain, etc, etc

Doesn't mean you can't change any of these major details later once you have people on board and wanting to come if it becomes necessary to do so, or if loads of folk can't make the dates, but shhh about that bit for now, lets look like we know what we're talkin' about...

[suicidesam]

Glencoe Massacre?....

Ecosse Midge/Midgie* Massacre :-k



*Spell whatever way you wish ;)

[Tiger 55]

16th works for me and Mrs Tiger, both looking forward to...

Highland Fling
Ecosse Ya Bass
Scots Wha Hae
Loch Lomond Lollop
Deflower of Scotland
Dalriada Rideout
Claymore Canter
Red Deer Hunter
John Wayne's An Arseh*le
Saltire Streak
Ragman Rolls Ride
Alban Amble
Caledonian Orogeny
Steve Hislop Memorial
Flight of St Andrew
Picts Progress
Campout of Destiny
Big Rideout...

[northwind]

Those are all TERRIBLE. Except Deflower of Scotland, which is genius. :grin:

[northwind]

Got this back from the Beinglas Farm people:

"The cost for camping is ?6 per person and the wigwams are ?12 per person. En-suite rooms are ?35 per person B&B.
We have enough room to accommodate you all and we have had bike clubs here before.
Let me know when you are organized if this suits."

So... I think that's the winner, it's a great looking site, well suited to us. Maybe a little further south would be better location wise but this is still well within the target area, and it's so strong in every other way.

[Stu]

Wigwams :D bring it on!



Even if I will have just bought a new tent for AR :roll:

[Tiger 55]

Wigwams baby! This just gets better and better! I've only wanted to stay in a wigwam since i was about 4 years old that's all!
Those are all TERRIBLE.
Well it's not easy! Got to be something that doesn't mention midgies or Braveheart and I'm with Kitty about leaving out the whole massacre thing. How about we ignore the heather and shortbread altogether and go for the does-what-it-says-on-the-tin approach...

Northwind's Big Rideout

[kitkat]

cool put me down for a wigwam for 2 and I bags I dont share with blueflame - love you really mate but I need me sleep. can my wigwam be other side of field from him xxx

[Blue Flame]

cool put me down for a wigwam for 2 and I bags I dont share with blueflame - love you really mate but I need me sleep. can my wigwam be other side of field from him xxx

You were doing fine untill the "..other side of the field" comment. :cry:. ;)

The wigwams look cool though. Couldn't see a link so here is one.

Beinglas (http://www.beinglascampsite.co.uk/campsite.html)

[Tiger 55]

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r161/tigerboz55/13t.jpg
That is not a wigwam, that is a shed!

Or so I thought! Turns out that IS a wigwam and what I always thought of as a wigwam is in fact a teepee...

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r161/tigerboz55/images.jpg

Anyway, before the Modhammer falls, 2 for a wigwam please :D

[kitkat]

might have to bring the kids but will know nearer the time. if i do then we will need a wigwam to ourselves

i have never even noticed this place and yet it must be close to me. if you need someone to pop in to make reservations or anything (provided I have money up front) i can do that.

[northwind]

Bit premature asking for spaces folks :smt101 But not too far off it. I'll do a post over the weekend, get a few opinions, and take it from there... I think probably the best way will be to just kind of wing it, so people can make their own arrangements, but if we get a lot of strong interest maybe a group booking's on the cards, soon find out.

[kitkat]

might not be too busy as the scottish schools are back on 18th so probably wont be away on holiday. only the tourists to worry about

[Blue Flame]

... but if we get a lot of strong interest maybe a group booking's on the cards, soon find out.

I would suggest you do what they did for AR07 Northy. Get a straw poll for numbers and let campsite know so that when peeps phone up they can quote the SV650 event and ensure they get placed in the same field ?? That avoids the hassle of trying to organise everybody' accomodation and just leaves the important business of organising the beers err rideout :)

[fizzwheel]

En-suite rooms are ?35 per person B&B.

Cool they do B & B thats nice as it means less stuff for me to lug and I dont really like camping

This is sound more appealing to me by the minute.

[Lissa]

Right, taken a leap of faith and booked a wigwam for the friday, saturday and sunday nights:D

They now only have 2 available for the friday night, 1 for the saturday night and 3 for the sunday night. We, of course, have 2 places up for grabs in ours.

We have also hired bedding at a cost of £3,50 pp per night.

[fizzwheel]

We, of course, have 2 places up for grabs in ours.

Hi Lissa, can I book one of those spare places ? I dont snore :D

I need to check with work on the date, but I cant see it being a problem as long as I book the holiday now.

If need to send you cash please let me know how much and where to send it.

If my plans change later that'll be my problem and I'll sort it out.

Would that be OK and what dates are we looking at.

[Lissa]

Hi Lissa, can I book one of those spare places ? I dont snore :D

I need to check with work on the date, but I cant see it being a problem as long as I book the holiday now.

If need to send you cash please let me know how much and where to send it.

If my plans change later that'll be my problem and I'll sort it out.

Would that be OK and what dates are we looking at.

Hi Fizz:D

We've booked for Friday 15th through to Sunday 17th August. We've decided to have the Friday and Monday off work and make a decent weekend of it.

You are welcome to one of the spaces. Did you want it for the three nights?

[northwind]

Blueflame, that's what I reckon... Keeps it simple.

[fizzwheel]

Hi Fizz:D

We've booked for Friday 15th through to Sunday 17th August. We've decided to have the Friday and Monday off work and make a decent weekend of it.

You are welcome to one of the spaces. Did you want it for the three nights?

Yes please, I can ride up Friday, then spend the weekend and then ride back on Monday :cool: Let me know what I owe you and I'll get that sorted out or do I need to deal with the campsite direct, if so I'll get that sorted.

[stewie]

Right, taken a leap of faith and booked a wigwam for the friday, saturday and sunday nights:D

They now only have 2 available for the friday night, 1 for the saturday night and 3 for the sunday night. We, of course, have 2 places up for grabs in ours.

We have also hired bedding at a cost of ?3,50 pp per night.

I say, might I be so bold as to humbly enquire if you have a spare bed in your wigwam ? if so, might I avail myself ?

[Lissa]

Yes please, I can ride up Friday, then spend the weekend and then ride back on Monday :cool: Let me know what I owe you and I'll get that sorted out or do I need to deal with the campsite direct, if so I'll get that sorted.

Do you want bedding provided, or will you bring your own sleeping bag? It's ?12 pn without bedding, ?15.50 with. So either ?36 or ?46.50, depending on which you choose.

I've booked the whole wigwam in my name, so if you could send me the money that would be great. :thumright:

[Lissa]

I say, might I be so bold as to humbly enquire if you have a spare bed in your wigwam ? if so, might I avail myself ?


If the person we are waiting to hear back from decides to take his snoring elsewhere, it's all yours Stewie:-D

[stewie]

If the person we are waiting to hear back from decides to take his snoring elsewhere, it's all yours Stewie:-D

Cool, thanks Lissa :D http://yophotographer.com/images/smilies/mini.gif

[carelesschucca]

is there space for a little one in a Wigwam or would i be better bringing my tent?

this is sounding better and better every time i read it...

[fizzwheel]

Do you want bedding provided, or will you bring your own sleeping bag? It's ?12 pn without bedding, ?15.50 with. So either ?36 or ?46.50, depending on which you choose.

I've booked the whole wigwam in my name, so if you could send me the money that would be great. :thumright:

£46.50 for 3 nights with bedding, Bargain. I havent got your address so if you can let me have it'll get the cheque of ASAP if thats the easiest way.

Bedding makes it easier as I can travel light :cool:

[kitkat]

£46.50 for 3 nights with bedding, Bargain. I havent got your address so if you can let me have it'll get the cheque of ASAP if thats the easiest way.

Bedding makes it easier as I can travel light :cool:

means you have more room for midgie repellant - avon skin so softly green variety - they dont like it. cover yourself in it when you cross the border

[Tiger 55]

Booked a wigwam for the Friday night - working Sunday/have children so wont be able to stay Saturday night - but there's two spare places for the 15th in with us. Mrs Tiger snores like a chainsaw* but you wont be able to hear her over the noise I make, especially if a drink has been taken...








*-just kidding dear xx

[fizzwheel]

means you have more room for midgie repellant - avon skin so softly green variety - they dont like it. cover yourself in it when you cross the border

I was hoping to get away with just my tankbag, sounds lilke I'll need my tailpack to :D

[Stu]

Booked a wigwam for the Friday night - working Sunday/have children so wont be able to stay Saturday night - but there's two spare places for the 15th in with us. Mrs Tiger snores like a chainsaw* but you wont be able to hear her over the noise I make, especially if a drink has been taken...
xx
Can i take one space please?

[Stu]

Does anyone have a spare space for Saturday night?

[Lissa]

Sorry Stu, Luckypants had first option on our remaining space, and he's comfirmed he's taking it.

[Stu]

OK, May as well be camp for 2 nights as one then.

[mart]

this has really taken off. think it will be a tent for me

[northwind]

Yep, it's grown a life of its own. Proper announcement/info/etc is being put together now, it'll go out this week, but there'll be nothing in it that doesn't work with these bookings. You impulsive bunch!

I'll be camping for sure, it's just nice to collapse into a tent. I can probably arrange a couple of spare tents too if anyone doesn't have one, or doesn't want to transport it all that way though one has a gammy pole (Eurohike rubbish) and the other is my brother's festival tent, so will smell of evil toxic smoke. But both perfectly servicable :smt045

[Lissa]

Yep, it's grown a life of its own. Proper announcement/info/etc is being put together now, it'll go out this week, but there'll be nothing in it that doesn't work with these bookings. You impulsive bunch!
:smt045

Impulsive? Me?:D

It's only because we SO want to come up and meet you guys and didn't want to run the risk of not finding anywhere to stay.

And I was excited and got carried away:p

[Tiger 55]

OK, May as well be camp for 2 nights as one then.
Does this mean you're withdrawing your application for the Friday night Tiger wigwam experience?

[Stu]

the Friday night Tiger wigwam experience?
8-[ :pale: :D
Er... unless there's a Saturday night space available from anyone, yup i thimk so.

Northwind, that would be great if I didn't have to bring my own :thumbsup:

[northwind]

Cool, do you want the one with the gaffer tape pole or the one that smells of a chemical spill :D

[Stu]

Do you work in marketing? :confused:


Er...I like a nice tent pole in the morning so the gaffa tape one should do me fine thanks :D

[petevtwin650]

Do you work in marketing? :confused:



Nope, The Scottish Tourist Board.

And you're being offered the GOLD package Stu. ;):D:D

[northwind]

The tent pole one is the Supreme- it's never been slept in, and was only pitched once before, so it's mint. The downside of that of course is that it means I've only pitched it once and it snapped a pole- doesn't bode well :D

[Tiger 55]

I like a nice tent pole in the morning
OI!! This is a 'U' Rated event you know!












(Shouldn't KitKat have been along with this double entendre spot by now? Anyone know if she's OK? ;))

[northwind]

If Stu wants a broken tent pole, he can have a broken tent pole. But he'll have to erect it himself.

I'm going to have to moderate myself :rolleyes:

[stuartyboy]

Right...who's been deleting my posts from this thread?
My last 2 posts confirming my attendance have disappeared :confused: - my reply to Lissa and another one.

I'm none the wiser as to if I'm going, not going, booked up, remembered or one of 17 million other possibilities.

[northwind]

Me- but neither of the posts I deleted confirmed your attendance, they were

"Actually...yes I do. Grade 1. Playing since I was 9. Claims to fame include playing for the Queen, Pope, TV. British champion, scottish champion,european champion, runner up world champion...there's some youtube stuff under Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia pipe band.

Northy can wear the kilt"

and

"How about me and my chanter?"

I'm deleting banter posts every couple of days to keep the thread size down, it'd be over 20 pages otherwise with half of those being about Grant snoring ;)

[kitkat]

OI!! This is a 'U' Rated event you know!


(Shouldn't KitKat have been along with this double entendre spot by now? Anyone know if she's OK? ;))

damn missed it

If Stu wants a broken tent pole, he can have a broken tent pole. But he'll have to erect it himself.

I'm going to have to moderate myself :rolleyes:


hehehehehhehe you said erect heheheheehe;)

[stuartyboy]

Me- but neither of the posts I deleted confirmed your attendance, they were

"Actually...yes I do. Grade 1. Playing since I was 9. Claims to fame include playing for the Queen, Pope, TV. British champion, scottish champion,european champion, runner up world champion...there's some youtube stuff under Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia pipe band.

Northy can wear the kilt"

and

"How about me and my chanter?"

I'm deleting banter posts every couple of days to keep the thread size down, it'd be over 20 pages otherwise with half of those being about Grant snoring ;)



Nope...definitely replied confirming my attendance a couple of days ago - mind you if I could get logged in long enough. Forums always bombing me out or server busy messages.

[northwind]

Yep, think it must be something like that- I've only got "soft delete" so the messages leave a ghost, so I can reinstate them... I've not killed any posts more recent than the 9th and just those 2 from you. Odd that though...

But that's it official now, you're coming :cool:

[kitkat]

Yep, think it must be something like that- I've only got "soft delete" so the messages leave a ghost, so I can reinstate them... I've not killed any posts more recent than the 9th and just those 2 from you. Odd that though...

But that's it official now, you're coming :cool:



hehehehehheh ;)

[stewie]

Sorry Stu, Luckypants had first option on our remaining space, and he's comfirmed he's taking it.

Do you mean Stu or Stew Lissa ? no biggie Ive rang the site and its only £6 a night for camping anyway, and me snoring is pretty bad anyway ;)

[northwind]

Just a wee follow-up... Me and Blue Flame nearly went to scout and photograph the site on Sunday, but we ran out of daylight (and the will to ride!) so the announcement's not quite ready yet. But it's not forgotten, if the weather allows next weekend I'm going to fire through and check it out, look around the general area etc, and I'll take it from there. The site's definately suitable, no concerns at all there, I just want to see exactly what's going on in the immediate area and get some better photos before we do the full announcement. Watch this space!

[kitkat]

Just a wee follow-up... Me and Blue Flame nearly went to scout and photograph the site on Sunday, but we ran out of daylight (and the will to ride!) so the announcement's not quite ready yet. But it's not forgotten, if the weather allows next weekend I'm going to fire through and check it out, look around the general area etc, and I'll take it from there. The site's definately suitable, no concerns at all there, I just want to see exactly what's going on in the immediate area and get some better photos before we do the full announcement. Watch this space!


well you know where I am if you fancy your 7th coffee of your life.

[Blue Flame]

... but we ran out of daylight (and the will to ride! ...Oh aye and all the power in my battery :p ) ....

;)

[northwind]

Yes, and that :smt090

[mart]

has anything changed with this + has anyone posted links to the other forum areas for this?

[northwind]

I put off the announcement until things settled down for the AR- but that's all back on track thanks to the efforts of the organising team so I'll do a proper announcement for this shortly- next few days. I wanted to get over to the campsite and take some photos but that's not working out so well, not a problem though, I can add that later.

[northwind]

Now properly announced.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?p=1446600#post1446600

I'm going to lock this thread now, it's a bit cumbersome.