Monday, March 18, 2013

Planning Meeting March 2013




 
First of all, Thanks to those of you who were able to make it last evening.
We had all but three of us there and got a lot done.
I think some of the most important items are now behind us.
Here is what we walked away with...

We have a route.
We have a date.
We have a better feel for the cost.

 
Route:
 
I will be posting the complete details of the route soon.
I will be getting some maps together to recap the decisions of last night.
 
The Date:
 
June 14th, 2014 thru June 22nd.
Arriving in Denver on the 13th ready to ride on the morning of the 14th.
 
The Cost:
 
Our original estimate of 3,000 is going to be very close.
We have one thing that we did not count on and that is the fact that we may have a full sized Coach and a driver to follow as a support vehicle.
This will give us the ability and flexibility to sleep where ever and when ever we want.
Our Kitchen, medical support , rolling repair shop, garage, bunk house, and bathroom with shower will be with us the entire time!
We are still in need of some of the details surrounding this blessing.
But at first glance, all this will be available , WITHOUT blowing the original budget!!!
 
 
 
A few tasks were assigned last evening.
 
Chris is continuing the research on rentals. One way, round trip, bikes and so on. I will be calling on a few of the dealers to negotiate the terms. I have not found one that I am really comfortable with...yet.

Gary was asked to get accurate details surrounding the coach. Cost, Availability ...
 
David T-W was asked to start to think about the supplies that will be needed on a personal level and on the community level in the Bus and the approx. cost.
Tim was asked to review the list of items that we may need that are specific to tools, and gear for the trip and make some recommendations on things we should have.
Jay was tasked to look at the different attractions and determine what ones may require advanced reservations and the associated cost to visit them. Some of the sites and events may include:
  • The Grand Canyon - south rim
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Hoover Dam
  • Celine Dionne's show in Vegas for Tim
  • The rates at the chicken ranch for Dave W.
  • Sequoia National Forest
  • Alcatraz
Jimmy was asked to do the research and find campsites on the route. It may not be a bad idea to look at supply places and we should probably be looking into Motorcycle dealers too. Just in case we need something on the way.

Phil is going to start to price airfare :
  • Baltimore to Denver.
  • Manchester NH to Baltimore
  • Manchester NH to Denver
  • San Fran to Baltimore
  • San Fran to Denver
  • San Fran to Manchester NH
    Advantages of traveling on Thursday eve , times blablabla...

There will be other things that we will need to do, but for now...this is a great start.

Between David T-W and Jordan T-W, we will have a Nationally recognized award winning journalist with capable photographer/video guy chronicling the trip for the paperback and PBS special.
(paperback 19.95 DVD 24.95 plus shipping)
 
This is going to be a blast.
Glad you will be along for the ride.
 
 
 
 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

WHAT WILL WE NEED??




So there is no way to predict all the things that YOU may want to have on the trip.
There will be a entirly different list of the community items we will need, but here is a start...

CTTC Checklist
Created: 17-Mar-2013

Motorcycle stuff
Bike cover Saddlebags
Boots & socks Scarf and/or CoolTie
Bungee cords Spare bulbs
Cargo net Spare fuses
Chain oil/wax Spare key(s)
Earplugs Tankbag
Epoxy Tire patch kit
Gloves & spares Toolkit
Helmets Totes
Hose clamps Windshield cleaner
Jackets
Leatherman tool
Leathers/Aerostich
Lock/security stuff
Oil
Rags/towels
Rain gloves
Raingear

Personal Stuff
Antihistamines Shampoo
Brush Shaving kit
Casual clothes (non-riding) Soap
Chapstick Sun tan lotion
Comb Sunglasses
Contact lenses & stuff Toothbrush & toothpaste
Dental floss Towel(s)
Deodorant
Ear plugs
Epipen
Fanny pack or backpack
Medications
Reading glasses
 

Clothing
Hat/sunvisor Swim suit
Jeans T-shirts
Shirts Underwear
Shorts
Socks
Sweater(s)
Sweatshirt(s)

Information
Binoculars Paper & pencil/pen
Book(s) Passport/ID
Camera & accessories Registration papers
Cellphone Tape/CD/MP3 player
Driver's License Tickets/passes
GPS Travel guide(s)
Insurance (proof of)
Laptop computer
Maps
Membership cards (AAA, etc.)

Misc.
Bug repellent Rubber bands
Cable ties Sewing kit
Cash and/or traveler's checks Snake bite kit
Credit card(s) Space blanket
Duct tape Sunscreen
Extra batteries Superglue
First aid kit
Flashlight
Freezer bags (for packing)
Ibuprofen/Tylenol

Cooking stuff
Camp stove & fuel Food
Can opener Garbage/trash bags
Coffee making stuff Knife/fork/spoons
Condiments Paper towels
Cooking pots/pans Water bottle(s)
Corkscrew
Cup(s)
Dishsoap & pad
Dishtowel
Drinks

Foodstuffs
Coffee Sugar & creamer
Salt & pepper


This is where I found the list, you may want to customize your own.
http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html

I also found a great article on packing and trips
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/motorcycle_packing_tips/viewall.html


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Eagle Rider...probably not.


Eagle Rider is one of the most popular and largest bike rental companies around.
This was one of our best options.
They had a lot of bikes to pick from and we could do a one way rental...but all that glitters is not gold.
Below is the info page from Eagle Rider.
This might be a tough sell.
I took the liberty of highlighting the points that I see that may create an issue for us.
I need your thoughts...


Rental Terms and ConditionsRequirements for a Motorcycle Rental
You must be at least 21 years old
You must have a valid motorcycle class driver's license
You must have a major credit card

What is Included in the Rental Rate
Unlimited miles (select models) and no hourly charges
Use of vehicle for a 24 hour period.
Safety Equipment.

Customer Orientation
Every client will receive orientation to the motorcycle. The client orientation will cover all aspects of safe motorcycle operation, the clients' maintenance responsibilities, local and state laws.

Storage
EagleRider will provide storage for client luggage, airline tickets, and other valuables free of charge, however at clients' risk.

Fuel
Fuel costs are client's responsibility. EagleRider claims no responsibility for motorcycle fuel consumption and mileage. You may prepay for fuel refill. If prepaid fuel is not purchased and vehicle needs refueling, $35 charge will be added.

Helmets (Included in Daily Rental Rate)
Helmets are provided with all motorcycle rentals and all tours. Clients are encouraged to bring their own helmets for comfort and style. In addition, helmets may be purchased at many of EagleRider rental stations. Helmets are required by law in most locations.

Additional Drivers
1 additional driver is permitted at no extra charge. The minimum age for an additional driver is 21 and a valid motorcycle license is required.

Maintenance Responsibility
The customer is responsible for checking engine oil levels at each refueling and reporting mechanical failures immediately. Instructions and procedures for maintenance expense reimbursement are provided at pick-up. Customers may be held responsible for mechanical damage due to negligence in motorcycle operation or failure to provide normal maintenance.
Motorcycle Substitution
EagleRider reserves the right to substitute the motorcycle confirmed to rental client. Should EagleRider not be able to provide confirmed motorcycle a similar or better model will be provided to the client. This constitutes the maximum liability of EagleRider.

Security Deposit
A security deposit of $1000 - $3000 will be taken at pick-up (Authorization Only). Security deposit must be processed via valid credit card.

Restrictions
Violation of listed restrictions voids all VIP Theft & Damage Waivers and client will be held liable for damages. Road Restriction: Rental street motorcycles are not allowed on gravel roads, beaches, logging or other non-public roads. Mexico Restriction: Clients cannot enter Mexico on a USA bike without written authorization or accompanied by an EagleRider Guide. Death Valley WARNING: Entering Death Valley during the months of June & August is dangerous and not recommended.

Return Policy
A rental day is 24 hours. A fee of $25/hour may apply for vehicles returned late.

Refund Policy
All confirmed rental reservations are non-refundable, unless specified under that of the Reservation Cancellation Protection guidelines (see below). No refunds on early returns.

Payment Methods
EagleRider Harley Rentals accepts the following methods of payment: Cash, Travelers Cheques, VISA, Master Card, AMEX, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB. Travelers Cheques are not accepted for security deposit.

Rallies and Rally Surcharges
All rentals during event/rally dates are subject to a $45 per day surcharge and may reqiure a minimum days rental period.

Enviromental Surcharge
The Enviromental surcharge is 5.5% for all reservations.

Booking Terms
Reservation must be paid in full to guarantee rate and rental date.
Reservations are non-refundable.

Discount rates are subject to blackout dates and availability.
All rental models and rates vary by location and season.


Insurance and Protection PlansReservation Cancellation Protection (RCP) By purchasing Reservation Cancellation Protection (RCP), you’re entitled to cancel your reservation and receive a refund for the following cases: 1. Sudden severe medical condition suffered by customer that prevents travel (certified medical doctor’s notice is required). 2. Pregnancy of customer (Doctor’s notice is required). 3.Death of customer, or immediate family member of customer (Spouse, Child, Brother,Sister, or Parent). 4. Unexpected draft or deployment of customer to armed forces(verification required. Your claim must be received by EagleRider 72 hours before the scheduled pickup time.

Insurance Policies and Surcharges
State mandatory liability insurance is included in your rental. Please check with your rental station which are the state requirements. You are not insured for Damage or Theft. EagleRider offers several options from upgrading your Liability or Damage Waiver. Please carefully check with the insurance provider. Because motorcycle rentals are considered an exotic rental most credit cards and insurance do not transfer the same way as they do with normal car rentals. PLEASE always check your credit company or insurance company for coverage.

Supplemental Liability Insurance – $1M
Insurance protects renter against claims made by a third party for bodily injury and/or property damage sustained as a result of an accident. Renter supplemental Liability Insurance Benefit is $1,000,000.

Supplemental Liability Insurance – $300k
Insurance protects renter against claims made by a third party for bodily injury and/or property damage sustained as a result of an accident. Renter supplemental Liability Insurance Benefit is $300,000.

Enhanced Vip Zero Theft & Damage Waiver
Available for 3+ day rentals and select locations only
Damage: Renter pays no deductible / occurrence. Theft: Renter pays up to $1000 deductible/ occurrence. Breakdown: Renter is provided up $100/day for a replacement rental and refund of daily rate. Flat Tire Coverage: Covers tire repair and labor. Towing is covered up to $100 per occurrence.

Enhanced VIP Theft & Damage Waiver
Theft or Damage: Renter pays up to $1000 deductible / occurrence.
Breakdown: Renter is provided up to $75/day for a replacement rental and refund of daily rate.
Flat Tire Coverage: Covers tire repair and labor. TOWING IS NOT COVERED.

VIP Theft & Damage Waiver
Theft or Damage: Renter pays up to $2000 deductible / occurrence.
Breakdown: Renter is up to $35/day for a replacement rental and refund of daily rate.
Flat tire coverage is not included. TOWING IS NOT COVERED.