SW Starfest Meet & Greet?

[Duke]

I'm trying to organize a 1st annual South West Starfest meet and greet, and just curious to see how many roadstarclinic members and others would be interested with a meet this year. I was thinking that September this year might be a good time to start around the Four Corners area.

Any input on this? I'd like to here from those that would be able to make it this year.
Open to any suggestion.

[Shores]

You mean September 2022. Correct? It might be a little bit too soon for me after our July 2022 meet in Idaho. When are the monsoons in your area?

[Duke]

That's what I am trying to figure out. Who might be wanting to do it in what month and in 2022, or 2023.
Monsoons are late summer, but normally September is good. You never know although, the weather is a gamble!

[MikeyC]

I was thinking like Steve, my this year is booked and I would really like to do the SW meet, that's why I mentioned 2023. BUT, with it in the works you could get one going this year and it would be a great start for 2023.
When Shores and Hendog started the PNW meet I think there were 3 bikes the first year and 5 the second year. The last several years we have been doing 18-22 bikes.
And then again, If I'm a wondering gypsy come September I'd be there Throw some dates out there and say this is it and we can check our calendars and save money and shoot for it.
Remember, build it and they will come

[Duke]

I like the way you think Mike.

[HotRod]

September, its still freaking 110° in the deserts of Arizona. AND thats really close time wise to Eureka Springs Meet and Greet which I didnt make this year but want to make it an annual event. For me, I wouldn't consider the Four Corners area a destination point for a Meet and Greet. But thats me. Dont mean to be a "debbiedowner" just giving my thoughts on it.

Rod

[Duke]

The northern part of Arizona isn't usually to hot in the months I've mentioned. Around the 80s is the normal.

[MikeyC]

Out of curiosity Rod, why wouldn't you consider the Four Corners area? and I've always been good with heat so I don't worry about that much, my wife, not so much

[MikeyC]

Duke, what was the loop you mentioned? Utah etc. etc.

[Duke]

I'll post some maps soon as I dig them up.

[MikeyC]

I looked it up Duke, that would be some pretty country and probably better with you as a guide.
Only thing I worry about is I have had trouble on Indian reservations. I am really white and most of them let their dislike of white people be known

[roadiemort]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb3iPP-tHdA

[Brad_G]

I've been watching this with interest. I've only been down in that area once just a couple years ago but wouldn't' mind going back. I'm with HotRod in that I've gone to Eureka Springs the past few years. A meet the month before might be difficult to get past on the work and home front.

If this were in the spring (not sure what your weather then is like) I might be more likely to make the trek. Coming from a northern snow state trailering down for an opportunity to ride would hold some appeal.

Just another perspective.

[Duke]

All of this input is why I'm trying to figure a good date to do this.

[Duke]

Getting good input is why I'm posting this Meet & Greet, trying to figure out what everyone is interested in with dates and areas to go.

June and September are good for the Four Corners area, as the temperatures are usually great riding conditions around Monument Valley and the local areas.
In June the San Juan Mountains can be a little cold, but are usually doable. 11,000' elevation is the high spots going to Silverton, Ouray, Ridgeway, Telluride, Rico, Colorado from Durango, Colorado and September is usually the best time for that run. Less traffic and beautiful Fall colors. The month of May can be very cold.
The Navajo reservation has always been good to ride around and have no problems with the locals. I grew up around them, and they have been, and are good people.
Keep sending your inputs, so that I can try to make this your run of a life time.
Thank you.

[MidnightRide]

I think running September would help extend my summer months considering the weather up here. We've had snow in September... We are typically trying to sqeeze too much into our summers, between work and play, so we'd still be in gear for extending the run. Providing, of course, that we can free-up at all.

I'm sure that whatever you figure out will be a blast regardless, knowing that you're no spring chicken when it comes to fun on two wheels. If it works for you, no doubt it'll work for anyone, other conflicts being the exception.

[Ahodge75]

I’m interested in doing this ride for sure however 2022 probably won’t be in the cards for me. If you did do it this year I’d give it a hell of a try but more than likely I’d have to miss it. September would be my preference just to give it more time to plan for…..Daughter Graduation from high school in June so I would be a definite no go if it was held then.

[Duke]

If your planning on doing your engine this spring and the weather is right, we could do a short trip to help break-in the new engine at that time. It would help me to fine tune your motor.

[MikeyC]

Wow! Would love to be there for that but I couldn't make it. That is a really cool opportunity.

[Shores]

Hey Duke, let's coordinate it for a ride on the Durango Silverton railroad! Would have to book tickets well in advance. Or Chama!

[Duke]

If doing a train run, it would take up a day. For anyone wanting to do that, it should be scheduled to be done either before, or after the meet. I'd be available for something like that.
There is also the Mesa Verde ruins to see for anyone wanting to visit. That would take a day by its self as well.

[Ahodge75]

Ken that would be great idea…..hopefully everything goes smooth and there is time for that

[Shores]

There is also Chaco Canyon which I have never been to.

[Duke]

Yes, there is Chaco Canyon to go to as well. That would take a day to do also.
Remember that the Grand Canyon is approximately 250 miles away for anyone wanting to see sights going, or coming to the meet.

[Duke]

Map of routes.

[Shores]

Canyon de Chelly and Mesa Verde are awesome!

[MidnightRide]

Yeah, Mesa Verde's on my bucket list. Can people still wander around over there? Not familiar with the Canyon de Chelly.

[MidnightRide]

Speaking of Starfest SW, I know of some unbelievable roads and scenery in SE Utah. Some of the most beautiful I've ever been on!

The roads are shown in white on this map, west of Moab and east of I-15. Did you guys take this area in on your Moab ride?

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Utah/@38.1651227,-111.7403445,9z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x874c6bc78f13f9cd:0xbddf4aa56cd7463f!8m2!3d39.3209801!4d-111.0937311

[Duke]

I have been all over these roads, if not on my bike, it was in a vehicle. Beautiful country and is quite different than beautiful Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California. I love all of our country and would like to see it all on my bike, where the sites, smells and feeling are much more pleasurable.

[MidnightRide]

I have been all over these roads, if not on my bike, it was in a vehicle. Beautiful country and is quite different than beautiful Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California. I love all of our country and would like to see it all on my bike, where the sites, smells and feeling are much more pleasurable.

I shot my friend and client in Utah a note last night, and this morning he told me his town is called Cannonville, which I couldn't remember since we'd only been there one time around 4-5 years ago. We took I-15 from Vegas and then cut over east from Cedar City to 89, then north to the 12/Bryce Canyon cutoff heading east, then continued on that NE to the 24 NE through Hanksville, then up to I-70 on our way to Denver. That was in the van but on a bike it would have been even more breathtaking. Some of that is even white-knuckle riding! That would be an awesome place to do a ride through! I think the possibilities are endless in that general area.

[MikeyC]

Where there any solid dates set yet?

[Duke]

No date have been set on this SW M&G Mike.
I'm still trying to get a feel on who would be interested and what time would work out for the majority.
Maybe I'll just set a date, and see what happens? Say around June 9th, or September 22nd.?.?