2021 NW Starfest Planning

[MikeyC]

Up and back Baker City to Hells Canyon Dam and back 4 1/4+ hours

Loop Baker City to Hells Canyon Dam and loop thru Idaho to catch a good road going up the Idaho side of the river and back to Baker City 5 1/2+ hours

Loop Baker City, Sumpter, Granite, La Grande, Union, Pondosa and back to Baker City 4 1/2 hours+

Loop Baker City, Vale, Unity, back to Baker City 3 3/4 hour+ (Goes up the Little Dragon 188 corners in 14 miles)

Loop Baker City, Halfway, up NF39, Joseph, Elgin, Union, Pondosa and Baker City 6 1/4 hours+ (NF39 is awesome going up)

[MikeyC]

One more note: We were out there in early September a couple years ago and hit snow around Sumpter and the top of passes. July is not to bad, it is August that it really gets hot. Evenings and mornings seam to always be cool.

[Ahodge75]

All those ride ideas sound good to me.....like I said never ridden in that area before so it will be all new to me.....I’m good with July 23-25 also....

[Shores]

What'd you find out?

Only two out of about eight inquiries got back to me so far. I did learn that the last weekend in July is Chief Joseph Day and most folks are already booked, so that eliminates that weekend. Also looking at the map, I don’t know where would be best to set our base. Hwy 3 north is great out of Enterprise, but then to do the Devils Tail up to the dam would require a long ride to get there. Mike seems to have a good handle on all roads in The area so maybe he can suggest a specific town base.

[Jaybo]

Only two out of about eight inquiries got back to me so far. I did learn that the last weekend in July is Chief Joseph Day and most folks are already booked, so that eliminates that weekend. Also looking at the map, I don’t know where would be best to set our base. Hwy 3 north is great out of Enterprise, but then to do the Devils Tail up to the dam would require a long ride to get there. Mike seems to have a good handle on all roads in The area so maybe he can suggest a specific town base.

Aha, that would be an issue. I'm not afraid of the heat, we can always wear shorts and a tank top on the rides... I'm OK with that weekend if I have to, I would just have to prep the weekend before the 23rd for our Dunefest trip. Need to talk to the boss too so I could just plan on taking that whole week off + a couple days before. What about up near you, around the Morton area? isn't there some decent rides around there?

[Shores]

Jay I was thinking recently that another option would be for me to host it at my house like we did before. The Hood canal is a great ride, there is also a good loop up into the Cascades as well as a nice ride west of Morton on highway 508 and on and on.

[MikeyC]

Hey, that would work. there are great loops around your place.

[MikeyC]

I posted some rides but lost in ciberspace.

Stay in Baker City and

1. Baker City to Hells Canyon dam up and back, 4.5 hours

2. Baker City to Hells Canyon dam back to Cambridge, Idaho and back to Baker City 5.5 hours

3. Baker City to Vale to Unity and back to Baker City 3.75 hours

4. Baker City to Halfway to Joseph to Elgin to Union to Pondosa (geographic center of the U.S.A.) and back to Baker City. 6.25 hours

Ride 1 is a must, but ride 2 combines ride 1 with a trip up the Idaho side to Cambridge which is a really nice road up the Idaho side.

Ride 3 takes you up the Little Dragon, very cool ride, 144 corners in 14 miles, also called Doolie Pass.

Ride 4 takes you up NF39/N. Pine Rd. Really nice road from Halfway up. Not horrible on the way down but a little rough into Joseph. Then nice roads back to Baker City. We always stop in Pondosa and say hello to the old guy there, you have to be able to spend a few minutes with him. Always afraid we'll stop and he will be gone.

The times are ride times so add a couple hours for stops.

[MikeyC]

I posted some rides but lost in ciberspace.

Stay in Baker City and

1. Baker City to Hells Canyon dam up and back, 4.5 hours

2. Baker City to Hells Canyon dam back to Cambridge, Idaho and back to Baker City 5.5 hours

3. Baker City to Vale to Unity and back to Baker City 3.75 hours

4. Baker City to Halfway to Joseph to Elgin to Union to Pondosa (geographic center of the U.S.A.) and back to Baker City.

Ride 1 is a must but ride 2 combines ride 1 with a trip up the Idaho side to Cambridge which is a really nice road up the Idaho side.

Ride 3 takes you up the Little Dragon, very cool ride, 144 corners in 14 miles, also called Doolie Pass.

Ride 4 takes you up NF39/N. Pine Rd. Really nice road from Halfway up. Not horrible on the way down but a little rough into Joseph. Then nice roads back to Baker City. We always stop in Pondosa and say hello to the old guy there, you have to be able to spend a few minutes with him. Always afraid we'll stop and he will be gone.

The times are ride times so add a couple hours for stops.

[Ahodge75]

They have through twice now mikey

[Brad_G]

Must have been a glitch in the site database. I recalled reading your suggested rides and times. Hmmmm.....strange.

[MikeyC]

I think I found where I posted it before, up the top of the page I'm a dummy sometimes. I didn't see it.

[MikeyC]

So should we say the meet is on July 23 - 25 and then go for a venue? I'll be on the bike for the previous week and will just end up at the venue where ever it happens to be, but I can't plan a route until I know where I am going to end

[MikeyC]

Here is an option. Take a break from the PNW meet for a year and all go to the SW meet that Duke is going to be putting on?

[Ahodge75]

Hmmmmm. That is an idea! Need more info

[Jaybo]

Rides that far will most likely happen after I retire... sigh..

[Shores]

So should we say the meet is on July 23 - 25 and then go for a venue? I'll be on the bike for the previous week and will just end up at the venue where ever it happens to be, but I can't plan a route until I know where I am going to end

The dates would be fine with me as long as they don't conflict with some local event where we host starfest.

[MikeyC]

It sounds like July 23-25 should work.
Now, for a venue, lets get some ya's and na's and lets see what people like or can make.
But before I make a list I have to go back and see what was mentioned. I remember something about the Veronia area.

[MikeyC]

So...

1. Montana NW Montana ?--- Mountain roads

2. Baker City Eastern Oregon--- Dessert and canyon roads

3. Steves house Puyallup, Wa--- Puget sound and back roads

4. Veronia in NW Oregon---back roads and ocean

5. Grants Pass in SW Oregon--- Redwood trees and ocean

So I think my first choice would be number 1 then 2 then 5 then 3 and last 4

Post um up people and lets see what we can get.

[Jaybo]

I like 2 but what kind of dessert? Berry cobbler and ice cream? Cake? Banana split? swiss chocolate?

[MikeyC]

I actually thought about that, hmmm, is that one s or two ss I guess hot weater is one s

[MikeyC]

bump bump vrrrummm

[Shores]

#2 would be my first choice.

[MikeyC]

Number 2 is in the lead!

[Tykes_Place]

#1 is my choice, but I'm biased of course.
Baker City would take me through Lolo, which is great, So that's my 2nd choice.

Any ride with my fellow ingrates would be good for me.

[Jaybo]

Took a look at the hotel options in Baker City, including reviews, prices for the weekend etc. I'm suggesting the Oregon Trail Motel. It's an older property but recent reviews say its clean and comfortable, has a restaurant on site that has also got great reviews. Have not contacted them but it looks like it has a backyard next to the creek, and quite a few rooms. Even has a pool. Current deal is $62/night for those (Th-Su) dates. Reservations can be made on booking.com with no deposit but need to cancel 4 days before if not coming. It's not right on the freeway so should be quiet as well. Take a look at the reviews and website and comment on what you think of the suggestion.

Here is a Google Link

Here is a link to the hotel website but it is pretty basic. More info on the google link.

[Shores]

Thanks for doing that jay! I wonder if they have a kitchen or refrigerator that we could use?

[Duke]

Thank you Jaybo. I like the idea in Baker City.

[Jaybo]

Steve they have a Kitchen unit I believe.

[Duke]

#2 is my 1st choice, and planning on making the PNW meet.

I'm starting my plans for this summer, and thinking about a South West meet. I guess it would be South West?
Best times are May, June, or September. May is a little early for going over the mountains, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Ridgeway, Colorado, but is good for Monument Valley, Utah, Aztec ruins, NM, Canyon deChelly, Az..
September is my #1 choice for a SW meet.
I've been thinking that a good meet place would be Durango, Colorado.
Just wondering how many people would be interested?

[Ahodge75]

I’d be interested but not sure if I could make it

[Jaybo]

I wouldn't be able to make it this year but would for sure consider in the future.

[MikeyC]

I would definitely like to make it, just depends on when it is, I need 4 or 5 months notice

[Ahodge75]

#1 is something I think would be great but I’m thinking #2 is probably the best bet this year.

so if we do #2 this year we should seriously think about #1 for next year and talk about it at this years event.....