Alright, whose going to Laughlin this year? I've already booked my room and requested my vaction, so I'm heading out for a heck of a party, tons of bikes, and some nice rides through the desert. Anyone up for it? The rally dates are April 25 - 29. I got a room 3 nights for $540.00, or you can camp (which I prefer, but the woman won't have it) for cheap. I'd love to meet some of the XLF folks there.

I'll be running up there for one day.
A friend of mine is building a bike for the "Mini Chopper Buildoff"
I'll be coming up from Phoenix. Probably Saturday morning.

I'll be there Thursday and head out on Sunday to ride to Albequerque, then Dallas, then back home to Northern California. Gotta cram all my family stuff and a rally into a two week ride. Hope to see you there.

I will be going with the GF who WILL be riding her new sporty! most like camp on Sat come home Sunday--Keep me posted.

I am starting to work out the details now, as a matter of fact.

I didnt get to go last year, but am going to plan on it this year!

Last year was fun, but this year ZZ Top is playing!

Yeah ZZ Top is dope!

I have never been, so anyone with suggestions as to where to stay, blah blah blah..... would be great! Im going to start looking into places.

The wife is good with camping also, so both Hotels, and or camping ideas considered.

Log onto the official site, www.laughlinriverrun.com and click on room packages. It gives you a number for rooms, but I think they only do 3 night packages. I don't recall the name of the campground, but it's walking distance to the rally area (if you're too drunk to ride or don't want to sit in traffic) and it's right on the river, with showers and some food vendors inside the camp. If it helps, the campground is in Bullhead City, AZ.

Log onto the official site, www.laughlinriverrun.com and click on room packages. It gives you a number for rooms, but I think they only do 3 night packages. I don't recall the name of the campground, but it's walking distance to the rally area (if you're too drunk to ride or don't want to sit in traffic) and it's right on the river, with showers and some food vendors inside the camp. If it helps, the campground is in Bullhead City, AZ.

Cool! Will do! Thanks for the info! Yeah, staggering distance could be helpful!:smoke

I can't find that campsite online, so I'll dig out my map (if I can find it). I know it's 3 months away, but all of us need to start planning now so we can afford the trip. Unless someone on here is rich, in which case they can buy a house for us to stay in! My room is at River Palms, looks like a good hotel.

Got it! It's called Davis Camp Park. There's a bridge that crosses the river from Laughlin to Bullhead City, and it's right there when you cross the bridge. I'm still upset that I don't get to camp. I'd rather spend the money on parts than a hotel.

Got it! It's called Davis Camp Park. There's a bridge that crosses the river from Laughlin to Bullhead City, and it's right there when you cross the bridge. I'm still upset that I don't get to camp. I'd rather spend the money on parts than a hotel.

Thanks Robert!
Ill look into that! I dont mind camping at all! That may make it funner!

Thanks for the info. I will look into this when I get home from work!

Remember.
If you are across the river you may have to wait sometimes hours to get across the bridge on your bike.

The wife and i will be in attendance... I'm putting in my vacation time tomorrow!

Were going to leave Saturday before the butt crack of dawn, and leave later on Sunday... a friend of ours mentioned staying in kingman? anyone done that before? (asked wife about camping) yeah ... definitely staying in a room.

Kingman is 33.3 miles from laughlin, est time of travel 49 minutes (25 on the bike) just worried about traffic on that road at night (or early morning) you know thats how horror movies start!

There's a back road to/from Kingman, or the main highway. The back road is done mostly in second gear with lots of twisties - real fun to ride - but don't do it in the dark. Stick to the highway, shouldn't be too much traffic until you get close to town.

Ok looked up rooms in kingman... sold out. So we had to book a room in needles, CA but the point it WE WILL BE THERE!

Found a couple sites that mention that Davis campground Robert mentions. Hell, that is up my alley. I like the idea of hanging out under the stars (hopefully!). The pictures Ive seen look like cool little sites. Has anyone actually stayed there? I may call them tomorrow to see if they have sites available.
If all works out, maybe stay Friday through Sunday.

Ill look imot rooms too, but I like the idea of being in walking distance, and not STUCK in traffic.

Ill look imot rooms too, but I like the idea of being in walking distance, and not STUCK in traffic.

Yeah me to, but the idea of my wife being pissed because "she wants a bed" and her getting one will make my weekend ALOT more pleasant! i still have a few months to work on the idea of camping... if anyone has some camping pics showing fun and showers ect... it may help my cause!

Yeah me to, but the idea of my wife being pissed because "she wants a bed" and her getting one will make my weekend ALOT more pleasant! i still have a few months to work on the idea of camping... if anyone has some camping pics showing fun and showers ect... it may help my cause!

"but the idea of my wife being pissed because "she wants a bed" and her getting one will make my weekend ALOT more pleasant!"

CLASSIC!! :laugh
Ill look for some pix from my trip to Hawaii, and you can tell her that it is froim Laughlin! ;)

I just mentioned the camping thing to my wife, over dinner, and she had a raised eyebrow! Then said "Your funny!"
Oh! then she said, "Cool.You gotta tent?" Sounds like camping it is in the realm!

Camping pic:laugh

Okay, here's an actual camping pic from last year, and a couple other photos I took that still amaze me.

AWESOME!!!!! my wife meet me for lunch today... she said "hi honey, I'm excited about laughlin.... and we can camp if you want to! i think it will be fun, just expect me to be loaded!" all i could say was DEAL! so i have to see if theres any spots available, or if any XLF'ers want to share a campsite? or is that even possible? and if you buy the "event pass" that lets you into all the events except for ZZ top right?

AWESOME!!!!! my wife meet me for lunch today... she said "hi honey, I'm excited about laughlin.... and we can camp if you want to! i think it will be fun, just expect me to be loaded!" all i could say was DEAL! so i have to see if theres any spots available, or if any XLF'ers want to share a campsite? or is that even possible? and if you buy the "event pass" that lets you into all the events except for ZZ top right?

Man! That's cool! Glad that worked out for ya!
I just found out that the couple that we are going with (my buddy) his wife aint havin' that camping thing. Looks like I am back in the market for a room for cheap!:doh

I'm telling you guys, bring up motels in the yelliow pages and call them on the phone. You can find rooms in Bullhead for ALOT less than a casino. Hilltop Motel in Bullhead was 55 bucks a night, not as nice as a casino, but better than camping.

Okay, here's an actual camping pic from last year, and a couple other photos I took that still amaze me.
Imagine if you will, no less than 20 car alarms going off at any given time in those parking garages. No kidding!

I'm telling you guys, bring up motels in the yelliow pages and call them on the phone. You can find rooms in Bullhead for ALOT less than a casino. Hilltop Motel in Bullhead was 55 bucks a night, not as nice as a casino, but better than camping.

Thanks dabronco. I was gunna ask ya a the name of the place you stayed. I could tell ya a story about a hotel Mesa Az! I was wishing I was camping! Besides the hookers, pimps, and dirty undergarments thrown around the place, it was alright! Yuk!
I only stayed because it was 2AM, and was tired, but my head never hit the pillow! haha! First light I was outof there! And I have stayed in some DIVES in my time!

Anyways, Ill try calling around, and see what I find.

Besides the hookers, pimps, and dirty undergarments thrown around the place, it was alright!
This place was a little better than that. Best part was it had a vacancy.

This place was a little better than that. Best part was it had a vacancy.

haha! I hear ya! Yeah, i figure it couldnt get any worse than what i was in!

Besides the hookers, pimps, and dirty undergarments thrown around the place, it was alright!

Hell, that sounds like my kinda place!!!:laugh

That Davis Camp place didn't really have marked out camp sites during the rally last year. It was kinda get in where you fit in. I just rolled up and paid the fees, don't remember exactly how much, and found a place to pitch my tent. It got crowded there on Saturday though, but that just made it more fun. I'm STILL bitching about not getting to camp this year!

DaBronco, I'm not sure there were even 20 cars in that garage!!!! Tons of bikes everywhere though.

Try AVI Casino. They may still have rooms.
Like I said before, if you are on the other side of the river you WILL have long wait times to get across.
We stayed in Needles last year nest to McDonalds. OK hotel. The ride to Laughlin was OK too except when they had to close the road for an accident. It was also a little chilly in the morning.

I plan on sleeping in a pool of my own piss and vomit, because I am going to have a really good time!!!

And, if you really need a place to stay--The jail always has room!!!

J/K--RSHUTE And INDY--I will get with you guys and maybe we can roll out together--Syl will be riding!

Try AVI Casino. They may still have rooms.
Like I said before, if you are on the other side of the river you WILL have long wait times to get across.
We stayed in Needles last year nest to McDonalds. OK hotel. The ride to Laughlin was OK too except when they had to close the road for an accident. It was also a little chilly in the morning.

My thoughts exactly! I have them on my list to call. They are only about 7-10 miles from Laughlin, but thier rooms are 200 a night. I will be splitting the cost, so that may not hurt too bad! Im going to call them today.

Having worked the jail in clark county/las vegas metro through a on-call nursing registry...you don't want to be their guest...the sheriff is no andy taylor and my po-po friends told me they start bidding early to augment the cops in laughlin, since the shootout in the casino a couple years ago with the mongols mc/gang...not trying to say anything, just forewarned is forearmed.
JR

itsshemp,

It looks like I'm going to be near San Diego on that Wednesday to see a buddy, then head to Laughlin on Thursday morning. When are you riding out? Maybe we can meet up.

itsshemp,

It looks like I'm going to be near San Diego on that Wednesday to see a buddy, then head to Laughlin on Thursday morning. When are you riding out? Maybe we can meet up.

It looks like Thursday morning for me too. Im not sure exactly what time, but the closer it gets, I will know more. I think my buddy is going to be off that Thursday, so it depends on if his wife gets off inthe AM.

I would imagine around mid morning?

Robert,
I live out here by Itsshemp and now am thinking about going out. Do you have any contact info on the campsite you stayed at??? If there is a shower near by I'll be good. Wife isn't going to go so it will give me a chance to throw a tent, coffee pot, and bag on the bike.
Thanks
Dan, if I go maybe I'll try to leave Thursday also and ride w/ you and Ronnie.

Robert,
I live out here by Itsshemp and now am thinking about going out. Do you have any contact info on the campsite you stayed at??? If there is a shower near by I'll be good. Wife isn't going to go so it will give me a chance to throw a tent, coffee pot, and bag on the bike.
Thanks
Dan, if I go maybe I'll try to leave Thursday also and ride w/ you and Ronnie.

Great news Kelly! That would be cool if you can pull it off! I kinda wish we were doing the camping thing too, but that kinda didnt work out. We ended up having to get a room, or Rach and I would be camping with ya!

Anyways, yeah! If you can leave onThursday, that would be cool. Maybe hook up with Robert, and anyone else from this neck of the woods, and ride out together on Thursday.

Think it would be cool to go out the 10 to 62, then up 95 instead of super slab 15 to 40. Less traffic and better views.

Think it would be cool to go out the 10 to 62, then up 95 instead of super slab 15 to 40. Less traffic and better views.

Yup! My thoughts exactly! I have been out that way, going to Vegas and thought that if I ever went to Laughlin, that was the way I wanted to go! We could go out that way, then catch the 40 at Kelbakerthen hit the 95N. Its the middle of NOWHERE out that way, but in a group it would be fine!

It's not so much the destination but the ride and the buddies you're with and that route sounds like it will be more relaxing and so cool.

I agree! I am stoked! It's some place i have wanted to go! To be in some good company, is going to make it ever better! I see this being one hell of a good time! Well, ya know I am down for a party, once I get there! :)

I'm good for anytime Thursday, just not too late because the winds are hell going over the pass. Itsshemp, I checked my map, I'm staying in Murrieta on Wednesday night, so I won't be far from you at all. The more bikes we get together, the better. I don't know all the freeways down there, so you locals can plan the route.

Kelley, there are two sets of showers inside the campground.

Now I'm gettin excited and can't wait to go!

Right on Robert. Murietta is about a 30 minute ride out my way, and is in the direction we will be heading, so that will work out great! Kelly is in Moreno Valley.
I know it is way early planning, but I am thinking about meeting in Baumont (off the 10/79), and leave from there. Out the 10, to the 62, then grab or ballz, and out through Mohave desert, and catch the 40E, then into Needles. My only concern, is GAS! Not a whole bunch once ya leave 29Palms/Yucca Valley. Its nice desert views (a little intimadating actually. i have only been out that way in a cage. NOTHING around, but desert for ever!). I have to seeif there is fuel available once you leave 29 Palms. In a cage, i didint need any fuel, but on the bike, we might! If not, it will be cutting it REAL close to make it to Neeldes!
Get good gas milage!? :)

Im excited also!

i might go out. maybe i will see some of you.

Yo! long time no see!

Maybe ya should ride out with?

Take plenty of water. It can get mighty thirsty in the middle of nowhere if ya get a breakdown.

Take plenty of water. It can get mighty thirsty in the middle of nowhere if ya get a breakdown.

True That!:doh

You guys/gals are going to have a blast. I rode over and stayed three days last year. It was REALLY HOT!!! So, take Dabronco's advice and take lots of water. You might also need a face mask, the sand in the desert can get pretty knarly. I wish I was going again this year, but do hope you all have a great time!!!

Rene :) :)

I was just out there in 29 palms off of 62 selling a system and saw a sign that said, I think next gas 90 miles. There was gas before the sign. The only people who would have to worry are those w/ a peanut tank but they should go over 100 b-4 they need to re-fuel. I know I can go 150+ and still have gas. Might have a buddy, the one w/ the Deluxe that wants to go. If he goes we will be leaving later on Thursday as he gets off work at 2:30. I'll know more later if Roger is going to go. If not then Beaumont at 10:00am, Yucca Valley, Hutchin's Harley Route 62 diner for lunch, coffee, pee brake, 29 Palms to gas up then the desert.
Steve, I have a one man tent but might have another 2 man tent, I'll look this weekend and let you know if you need a tent.
It ought to be a blast riding out there and kicking back.

Oh, if ya seen a sign like that, then it would be cool. I get 150+ easy, but riding 2up ,and whatever else I will be hauling, it may not get the 50mpg that i am used to. I should still get 150 though.
Hopefully we can leave in a group. I think that would be a blast!

Rene- I read your post about ya selling your baby! Sorry to hear, but glad your still around. Too bad we didnt get to ride much together. I do the desert thing quit a bit, so I know what you mean about the sand. I will make sure that we are ready for anything crazy. Im planning on having a blast! ;)

I cant leave until late thursday or early Friday. Its more toward Friday since I get up early on thursday. So Kelley if you want me to ride with you thats when I can leave.

Sorry, I went out of town yesterday and just got back. Took the Sporty, so no laptop. Anyway, I get good mileage, even with the peanut tank. Also, I'll probably fill a couple water bottles with gas and stuff them in one of my bags. Not the most legal thing to do, but it beats runnin out in the desert, and it's also nice to be able to help someone else if they get stuck. Itsshemp, we can meet up, gas up and go, just let me know what time. My girlfriend and her father are coming late Thursday night in one of the trucks, so I'm using them as a support vehicle to bring whatever else may be needed. Well, I'm off to go get griped at for being gone all day!

Cool Robert. I would like to leave reasonably ealry, but not too early.
I guess we can wait to see who might jump in on the ride out, and see what works.
When I rode out to Vegas, last year, we left around 9-10am, and it was a nice ride out, and no traffic, so that was cool. Made a few stops, and tok our time. Made it to state line, about 230 or so. i think the milage is ABOUT the same to Laughlin, as it is to "Vegas" from my neck of the woods.

Mapquest shows it as about a four and a half hour ride, so I figure 5 to 6 with stops. I'm not looking to ride too hard. Last year I went straight through all the way, and hated myself for it. After 12 hours in the saddle, I was in a bad mood. Ya better get some riding in and get in shape. Winter always takes me down a notch. I got in about 300 miles Friday and Saturday, and gonna do a bunch more this week.

Don't know when I will leave, depends on 82ndjumper and a buddy of mine. If I ride out w/ them we will probably leave Friday morning. Thinking of taking this route. Takes us off the super-slab and through some nice desert scenery.
http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?mo=ma&1gi=0&un=m&go=1&1c=Moreno+Valley&1g=a0gfb%252bvDeZkphceDwoJ9Gg%253d%253d&1l=Jy3vhGxC5rqnY9ygeyDD8g%253d%253d&2c=Laughlin&1da=-1.000000&1rc=Z3XAA&cl=EN&1n=RIVERSIDE+COUNTY&2g=OtLKG9eUJYp7CUS971fgGA%253d%253d&qq=1ADqpk24ofDNgtLd5yrb%252bSnSaWQe%252b2Xs4mbHS0K wUP5k%252bNdBxN3sywTTcpCOsNmwczlgdlHKITwi9au12appV DTRPIMknEoS%252ftlO0ior4ZtLrTB9pfxaOi1AE3XMz%252f1 iULIh7n6e9yQE1elwy4p3OSfpjHgEWfZOwUTbmWVRWGzQGlqUB uVerx46VjRw9mct4MT0JZI6E47cSnbsb19XEAjQ%252bg7P%25 2b8cAD%252bne%252bSa69NQ%253d&1s=CA&2l=qgmUbXY3jRPVnhRcK3sc9A%253d%253d&ct=NA&1v=ZIP9&1y=US&1z=92557-2690&1si=tana&2s=NV&2v=CITY&did=1170605634&2y=US&rsres=1&do=nw&r=s

Looks like the same route i was thinking about. If there is fuel in the horizon, we are golden!

Looks like a good route. Tomorrow I'll play with the GPS in one of the work trucks and see if I can map out gas stations. No promises though, those damn things are confusing.

There's a possibility my wife and I will be in Vegas that week, depending on what I get for vacation time. I won't know that until next Monday.

If we DO have that week off, we might trailer the bike down from Calgary. Yeah, I know...trailering a bike sucks. However, we'll prolly only have a week off and I really don't feel like trying to avoid blizzards and other such crappy weather in the mountains on the way down. Late April in the Rockies can be quite intense, weather wise.

all us XLF'ers need to meet up! its gonna be one HELL OF A GOOD TIME! maybe saturday morning/early afternoon so everyone has a chance to get into town?

I'll be at Davis Campground. It's only $40 a person (total)for the four days. Probably leaving Friday morning w/ 82ndjumper and maybe a buddy of mine w/ a Deluxe.
I'll be the guy w/ a black Harley Davidson T-shirt on...................:doh :laugh

I'll be the guy on a loud Sportster!

A get together sounds awesome. Davis Campground is a good place for it, too. I'm not staying there, but I'll pay the day use fee to get in.

Itsshemp, my buddy from Murrietta is trying to go, too. He rides a Honda Shadow, so at least we'll have someone to pick on! Oh, and we've raced before. His bike isn't as fast as a Sporty!!! I'll never let him live it down.

Awsome. SOunds good to me. Im not picky on what kinda bikes are on the ride. It's all good. A group riding out will be fun. Bummer that Kelly and the rest cant leave until friday. That would be a decent group riding out together.

Yeah, but I'm still hating on him because his windshield works and mine sucks! Therefore, his Honda sucks.

Seriously, the more the merrier. Itsshemp, did you decide on a room or camping?

Yeah, but I'm still hating on him because his windshield works and mine sucks! Therefore, his Honda sucks.

Seriously, the more the merrier. Itsshemp, did you decide on a room or camping?

My face is my windshield/bug catcher! :D

I ended having to get a room. My buddy's wife was not liking the camping thing, especially for 2-3 days. MY wife is cool with camping. We used to do ALOT of "tenting it" camping in Glamis. Spent MANY years/weekends in tents out there, so she can deal. We have a toyhauler now though.

We got a room at AVI Hotel/Casino. I guess it is about 7 miles South of Laughlin? It kinda looks like it will work out, since it is near another bridge to the south. It looks like we can use that bridge to go into AZ without having to got through Laughlin. Im hoping to get a ride in, maybe Friday morning, so that may be our way into AZ.

My face is my windshield/bug catcher! :D



Yeah, AZ is great, no helmet! My face is also my bug catcher. Just dropped $300 on a windshield, and it sucks butt. The buffeting knocks my head all over the place. Now I gotta try to sell it.

I hope you got a good deal on the room. I thought mine was expensive ($540 for 3 nights) but from what I'm seeing now, that's a good deal. I'm right on the strip, so I can stumble to bed if need be! My girlfriend's father is also thinking of trailering his bike (another Honda Shadow) so there should be lots of folks to ride with. I want to hit Oatman again, it's a cool little town.

I'll be at Davis Campground. It's only $40 a person (total)for the four days. Probably leaving Friday morning w/ 82ndjumper and maybe a buddy of mine w/ a Deluxe.
I'll be the guy w/ a black Harley Davidson T-shirt on...................:doh :laugh


Ok Kelley, Friday morning sounds good to me. We will talk more about this later.

yeah, ya got a good deal! Anything that was IN town, that I FOUND was over 250 anight. Ours was 195 a niight, but we are splittin it, so..... i guess it aint too bad. I would prefer to be IN the MIDDLE of the action (just my style i guess), but its probably best that I am out of town. ;)
Oatman is one place I want to check out. DaBronco says its cool too, so that is on my plan.

Funny thing is, I stayed a day late last year to avoid all the traffic going home, and Sunday night I got a room for fifty bucks! I may do the same this year, and head for Albequerque on Monday. Not sure yet.

I just saw an as in Thunder Press saying HD will have factory demo rides during the rally. Now we can take turns wreaking havoc on a 1200n! This gets more exciting every day!!!!!

That would be cool! HD booth will probably be packed, im sure.

Check out my brand new post on the Westminster open house. It's in your neck of the woods.

I just saw an as in Thunder Press saying HD will have factory demo rides during the rally. Now we can take turns wreaking havoc on a 1200n! This gets more exciting every day!!!!!
They are escorted rides.
Not alot of fun. Besides the lines are long for it.

They are escorted rides.
Not alot of fun. Besides the lines are long for it.

We got all weekend to get a shot at it! And if the escort is on a BT, well, that's their fault if they can't keep up!

I got kicked off the factory demo ride in sturgis for doing a burnout :(

F them--they should quit demoing and build some 07 Recall Kits!

Got my ZZ top tickets! This is gettin to be an expensive trip, and it hasn't even started!

Got my ZZ top tickets! This is gettin to be an expensive trip, and it hasn't even started!

nO KIDDING!

Where did ya get it, and how much$$$$$$$?

Had the soon to be father in law order them. It's Friday and Saturday night, so I'm not sure which one we got. They're 60 bucks each. The number is (949) 502-3434. And all this started because I wanted to ride to Nevada and camp for a few days.:frownthre BUT, we're gonna f:censor kin partaaaay!!!

WOw! 60.00 each!? Hmmmmm..... well it is ZZ Top! I just may have to break down and spend the $$. I have never seen them play live, so......

Thanks for the info.

bump bump...

I plan on going down for the day. I look forward to seeing someone there.....

Got my vacation time booked and we'll be in Vegas from the 20th to the 26th, so it looks like we'll be riding down to check out Laughlin on Wednesday the 25th. We'd stay longer but we're planning to drive to San Diego on the 26th then head north up the coast to Seattle.

Woohoo!! :banadanc

Any Laughlin experienced peeps, know what the "Event Pass" gets ya? Is this to get into a specific show, or............ into Laughlin period? :D Hell, ya never know these days!

Should I pre Pay, or just buy there?

Boyd- That coastal drive, if have never made it, is pretty awsome. I would like to do it again, but maybe not in a cage. :tour

IMO wait til you get there.
The event pass is for some things that may not even interest you.
Every time I have went I have never needed/wanted one.

Sounds good. Yup! Thats what Ill do then!

Thanks!

When it gets closer I will PM with my cell#
Maybe we can get together like Indio.

Didn't get an event pass last year, it was needed for some bike shows, but all in all didn't seem worth it. Wait till you get there.

Indy- Yeah. for sure! That would be cool to hook up again. Its been a while! Are you planning on riding any while you are there?

Robert- Yeah, makes sense. Ill wing it. Thats always funner anyways!

It's gettin closer!!!!!

Glad ya bumped it! I was gunna also!

Yup. almost there!

Still have a group coming out of the IE on Thursday?

Take a look at the calendar section I tried to do an RSVP, as Bert has added that to the calendar.

Itsshemp, I'll be ready to ride out with you. My buddy from Murrietta can't make it, he's getting ready to get married and suffering from lackamoola.

Itsshemp, I'll be ready to ride out with you. My buddy from Murrietta can't make it, he's getting ready to get married and suffering from lackamoola.

Hey Robert! Funny ya posted this. I was gunna bump it with a "little" bad news! :(

My trip is "up in the air" right now. I am having some major changes coming up with work, and getting my time off, may be effected! I had originally planned on taking Thurs/Friday off, but I may only be able to get Friday off. Same with my buddy. UGH!

Anyways, I will know by the end of this week, what days I will be able to swing. I may not be able to go till Friday morning with the rest of the group.

If I can only get off Friday, then I will have to cancel my hotel stuff, and be camping it also, since the hotel was a 3 day minimum. No biggy for me really, I like the camping thing!

AHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Update- I have confirmed Friday 27th off, so I will be good to go on Friday Morning.... We will most likely be camping it.

Kelley- You guys still planning on the camping thing?

Robert- You still needing to leave on Thursday?

Itsshemp,

Not sure if I can swing leaving Friday, but I'll try. I'm gonna go ahead and PM you my contact info. If I do ride out Thursday, we can get together in Laughlin and have a few beers. Then a few more. And then probably a few more.:D

Plan is still to leave AM of Friday, coffee at Hutchins, gas up in 29 palms and then when we can find it again, then set up camp at Davis Camp.

Itsshemp,

Not sure if I can swing leaving Friday, but I'll try. I'm gonna go ahead and PM you my contact info. If I do ride out Thursday, we can get together in Laughlin and have a few beers. Then a few more. And then probably a few more.:D

For sure a BUNCH more! Thats my plan anyways! Cool. I shoot ya my contact info too. It would be cool if ya can shoot out with the group, but like ya say, if not, we will hook up once there!

Kelley- Cool deal. I will plan on hooking up with ya in the AM that Friday. This way we will have a littel bit of a group making that run accoss the DUST BOWL!!

itsshemp,

I'm still leaving from Murrietta. I'll chat with the old lady this weekend about leaving on Friday. I know she's driving there Thursday night with her dad. Today my boss tried to talk me out of going, work is gettin real busy. I told him I have over a grand invested in two rooms and if he wants to pay it back double I'll consider it. Looks like I'm going on vacation!:banana Thanks for the info, I'll store it in my cell. See ya in a couple weeks.

itsshemp,

I'm still leaving from Murrietta. I'll chat with the old lady this weekend about leaving on Friday. I know she's driving there Thursday night with her dad. Today my boss tried to talk me out of going, work is gettin real busy. I told him I have over a grand invested in two rooms and if he wants to pay it back double I'll consider it. Looks like I'm going on vacation!:banana Thanks for the info, I'll store it in my cell. See ya in a couple weeks.

Cool RObert. Yeah, if ya can leave on Friday, ya wouldnt have to ride out alone. I dont know if that is an issue, or not, but it's always fun riding in a group, especially accross the MOHAVE!! ha!

Okay, I'm riding out Thursday. The room is paid for and my girl doesn't want to waste money. Whatever. I'm riding back on Sunday, so if that's when you guys are riding back, we'll meet up.

Thats cool Robert. I wish i could leave on Thursday! Now, I have to cancel our rooms. It's really too bad, but camping it will still be cool.

I'd still rather camp. Damn women and their whining asses! Oh well, I guess I won't be too upset when I wake up to a hot shower and pot of coffee every morning. I'm really amped about this trip, though. How many XLFers are we gonna have there?

I'm taking my back pack camp stove and they have showers at the camp site, so I also will have coffee and a hot shower. I'm riding out w/ Itsshemp on Friday.
Go to the Calendar at the top of the page and I made a palce for people to RSVP to Laughlin.

Kelley,

You and Itsshemp call me when you get there. He has my number. I'll have ice cold brew in the motel room. I think I'll stock up my girlfriend's car before I go so I don't go broke on booze.

HAHA! Im liking the way this is sounding already! COLD BEER after a 4 hour ride accross the desert!? IM IN!

It's gettin' closer, and I am ready! I have everything I need, I THINK.

I will hopefully making a pre run out to the Yuma Prison Run on the 20th, and camping there for the weekend.

It will give me the chance to pack all my stuff, to see how I will fit it on the bike.

I Put some 412's on my buddies (Ronnie) bike last night, and will put the progressive front spring in before Lauglin, so he can ride in comfort.

BEER!!

Bout time Ronnie beefed up that suspension, if you know what I mean. It's either beef up the suspension or lay off the beef.:laugh
Just funning w/ ya Ronnie, Dan paid me to post that................
Just reminded me to pack my soft sided ice chest on the bike for the run.

haha! No worries. He doesnt take that stuff personal.

He told me that he has a cooler that he is going to load on his bike also. May need some fluids for the trip.

I would expect you and Ronnie to come up with a way to cool down some "barley pops" for when we get there.

Yeah, probably will. He will have some type of cooler thing, so once accross teh Dez we will kick out the water, and refill with the important stuff!

Well, it looks like we back to the Hotel thing, and not the camping.:rolleyes:
I really dont care either way, and the wife doesn't "really" care either.
My buddie, and his wife, decided that it would just be less hassle to only have to carry stuff for the hotel, and not any camping type stuff. He may be right. I would have done either, but I guess it is better for my ol' lady too. She is a trooper, and would have roughed it with me (wouldnt be the 1st time), but when I told here, I think she was a little releaved.

Anyways, The plan to leave Friday has NOT changed.

I am still just as excited to go, but only wish I could still have gone out on Thursday! :(

I'll be there. Although, only on Saturday. I ordered the "Event Pass" at the end of January, but haven't received it yet. I called the number (again) to check the status. They told me that many were "lost" in the mail, and they were sending them out again. Anyone else run into this?

I was thinking about the "event pass" also, but was told that I could just get one there if I decided I needed it. Maybe I was lucky I didnt get one yet, because with my luck, mine would have been lost too.:frownthre

Good luck with getting yours. I hope it shows up.

I've got a sinking feeling that I'm out $45!

The event will be at the camp ground...................
Getting more excited as the time gets closer.
Has everyone RSVP'd on the calendar that is on our forum?????
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/calendar.php

I RSVP'd. I dont know if I did it right, but I think my name is on there!

Yeah, Im getting excited too! It will be a good time!

Itsshemp & Kelley,

I'm ready to roll! I re-confirmed my time off with my office today, and dug out my ice chest in case the hotel fridge is too small. I'll have cold ones for you guys when you arrive. Man, I can't wait to go. I've been doing as much riding as possible. Gotta get the rear end in shape! I'm also drinking more these days. Gotta make sure the tolerance is at an acceptable level!!!:banana :banana

Itsshemp & Kelley,

I'm ready to roll! I re-confirmed my time off with my office today, and dug out my ice chest in case the hotel fridge is too small. I'll have cold ones for you guys when you arrive. Man, I can't wait to go. I've been doing as much riding as possible. Gotta get the rear end in shape! I'm also drinking more these days. Gotta make sure the tolerance is at an acceptable level!!!:banana :banana

HAHA @ "Acceptable Level" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh

Hey, I gotta be at my best so I can act my worst!!!!:laugh I was gonna ride to work today, I have to put in a couple hundred miles, but it's raining, so it looks like I'm taking the truck again. Oh well.

Bro! My plans are ALL over the place. NOW it turns out that I may be able to get the THURSDAY off too! WORK is KILLING me making "plans". Luckily I had not canceled the room. I still may be using it.

My Plan..... May leave Thursday, ride out with Robert, and Ronnie, and stay in Hotel...

or Leave Friday, ride out with Kelley and Friday's crew.

Normally I owuld be REALLY PISSED that plans keep changing, but in this case, I am kinda glad, since it can possibly mean 1 extra day to mess around out there!

You still have a couple of weeks to get it together. That's what I like about my accommodations, just need to find a flat spot w/o rocks. Either way we will hook up out there. You can tell me how the ride thru the desert went if you go Thursday.

HAHA!! yeah! I may tell ya "HELL NO! Dont come that way!! GO AROUND!!"

We will see. Either way, i am looking forward to it!!

I have to work next week, then I'm off for a week and a half! I'm feelin excited! Gonna do a fluid change tomorrow and get her ready to roll! Itsshemp, I'll call you before I roll out of Monterey on the 23rd (Monday) to confirm final plans. Good luck, hope you can ride out Thursday.

Sounds good Robert.
Things are looking pretty good for Thursday now, so......Yeah, give me a hollar, and as long as things dont change "AGAIN" we can hook up for the ride out.
I will be doing some work on mine, and my buddies, to get them ready for the trip.
I cant wait. I NEED the vacation!

2 More days, and counting!

Itsshemp,

Sorry I didn't call yesterday. Slight change of plans, I ended up working yesterday. My vacation starts today. Yee haw!!! Are you still heading out Thursday? I'll be heading to Murrietta tomorrow, and Laughlin Thursday. I'll give you a call tonight.

Itsshemp,

Sorry I didn't call yesterday. Slight change of plans, I ended up working yesterday. My vacation starts today. Yee haw!!! Are you still heading out Thursday? I'll be heading to Murrietta tomorrow, and Laughlin Thursday. I'll give you a call tonight.

No problem Robert. Yup, we are still leaving Thursday morning. Would like to hit the road 9ish or so. Hopefully beat any wind on the 62 (Palm Springs), besides, I love riding at that time of the morning.

Have a nice ride down, and give me a hollar when you can.

Sweet! I'll call you tonite and find out where you want to meet. I'm staying in Murrieta tomorrow night, then it's on to the land of babes, booze, and bikes!

Danny,

Looks like the longest stretch is Ludlow to Needles, 92 miles. No problem even on a small tank. I'm heading out in a half hour. See ya in the morning.

Danny,

Looks like the longest stretch is Ludlow to Needles, 92 miles. No problem even on a small tank. I'm heading out in a half hour. See ya in the morning.

Robert- I did a map deal, from gas station (29 palms) to gas station (Needles) it maps out to 122 miles. Going out the Amboy route, without having to double back to Ludlow, you should still be ok. May be pushing it, but at 40mpg(on the safe side?) you would be hittin reserve, but should be OK?
We will have small water bottles, so if ya run out, we will have to borrow out of our tanks. I should have some to spare, with 4.5 in my tank.
See ya in the AM, and we will fill yours to the TOP!!!

ROAD TRIP!!!!!!:tour

Spoke w/ Itsshemp and he made it no problems. I will head out tomorrow morning and meet up w/ him in the afternoon
Weather is hot and he was thirsty after the ride through the desert. Amboy is open but he made it from 29 palms to Neddles b-4 he needed gas.

Some pics of my bike on the eve of leaving.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04229.JPG
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04228.JPG
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04227.JPG

Made it back from Laughlin today. What a great time, and boy was it HOT!

Hooked up with "Robert" on Thurs in the morning, and he rode out with us across the desert. Was not too bad going out the 62 to 66 (Amboy). Roy's wasnt open (of course), but they had the little store open, and were serving up fuel, and had the bathroom working, so that worked out good for those that needed it. Looks like they are renovating that little town.

Friday Kelley & his buddy Roger rode into town. Hooked up with them on Saturday morning, and rode out to Oatman AZ. Cool little town, packed full of bikes, and a few DONKEY's. Oh yeah, and HOT! Took Kelley/Roger out 66 to Gloden Shores, then back toward Laughlin. Not a long ride, but enough to enjoy the heat of the day.
All in all had a great time. As usual its was hard to hook up with Kelley and RObert once there, but it was cool to meet Robert, and ride out with him. We did stop to eat lunch/BEER together once we got to Needles.

Kelley and Roger met my group at our hotel this morning, and we did get to ride back as a group, so that was fun.

Robert- Hope ya made it home safe! I think you were staying till Monday though.
Kelley- Glad ya had a good time. Next time maybe we'll "tip the bottle" together, and ya wont have to drink with strangers!! haha!

Hope to have a few pic's up soon!

Saturday evening from the camp site
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04246.JPG
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04240.JPG
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04248.JPG
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04250.JPG

Did Dan mention it was HOT on Saturday. Thanks for showing out to Oatman and the road to Golden Shores. Glad we did that loop early b-4 the real heat kicked in. It's not supposed to be 100+ in April.
Good to ride w/ you and Ronnie on the way home. http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04256.JPG

Loaded for the trip-

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4997/dscf0367cl8.jpg

Robert @ our first stop @ Hutchin's H-D in Yucca Valley Ca-

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2564/dscf0370wt7.jpg

Our bikes (and wifes) @ Amboy Route 66- On our way to Laughlin.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2082/dscf0373yj0.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/787/dscf0465iv1.jpg

The Wife & I before we headed to Oatman AZ-

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4936/dscf0417bq9.jpg

The packed town of Oatman AZ. This was my trip with Kelley & Roger. This was BEFORE it got packed!!-

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/668/dscf0437ae6.jpg

Our rest Stop @ Amboy on our return trip-

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/495/dscf0461zt7.jpg

Me BS'in with roger before we hit the road again-

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6849/dscf0469xe6.jpg

I have more, but didnt want to jam the forum. Ill upload them on my link later.

Saturday evening from the camp site

Kelley....

Where was that camp site? That looks pretty decent, and I'm trying to find a nice place to camp that is less then 4-5 hours from Vegas.

Thanks!
~Mike

Nodaclu,

That campground is Davis Camp. You go over the bridge to the AZ side of the river and turn left, can't miss it. Great place to camp during the river run. Plenty of room, hot showers( but you got to wait in line if you don't go early), lots of after hours partying and music. Cheap too its only 40.00 for all 4 days of the run.

Kelley....

Where was that camp site? That looks pretty decent, and I'm trying to find a nice place to camp that is less then 4-5 hours from Vegas.

Thanks!
~Mike

I really like Valley Of Fire for camping but in the summer it unbearably hot. There are quite a few on Lake Mohave between Vegas and Laughlin though.

Nodaclu,

That campground is Davis Camp. You go over the bridge to the AZ side of the river and turn left, can't miss it. Great place to camp during the river run. Plenty of room, hot showers( but you got to wait in line if you don't go early), lots of after hours partying and music. Cheap too its only 40.00 for all 4 days of the run.

Exactly what he said. Plenty of grass to pitch your tent on and $40 for the weekend. Walk right down to the water, but it being so close to the dam the water is COLD.
Looking over the River from the showers
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/DSC04249.JPG

Sweet!!

Thanks for the great info guys!! I'm out running around in those areas quite a bit, so I obviously need to start looking around a little better!! :D

~Mike

Hey guys I would have posted this twice but it's big so check it out here.
http://www.v2-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2869

I had a great time and was planning on going to oatman but never got around to it.

Cool write up. Sounds like you had a great time. There is just TOO much stuff to see while there. I felt like I just scratched the surface. I WAS glad that I went to Oatman though. It was a cool slow ride out, and a nice desert ride out of Oatman to Golden Shores.
I wish I wouls have had a chance to see more of the custom bike builds, but it was just SO daaammmmmm HOT to be walkin around too much.
NEXT YEAR for sure!

Itsshemp,

Cool pics. I look unhappy in that one. It was just friggin hot! I got in last night. Sorry we couldn't hook up at the rally. Trying to do ANYTHING with my gal and her dad's gal, who both didn't want to be there, was real hard. We managed to have a hell of a time though. I'll give you a call next time I'm in your area and we'll ride.

Itsshemp,

Cool pics. I look unhappy in that one. It was just friggin hot! I got in last night. Sorry we couldn't hook up at the rally. Trying to do ANYTHING with my gal and her dad's gal, who both didn't want to be there, was real hard. We managed to have a hell of a time though. I'll give you a call next time I'm in your area and we'll ride.

Yeah, I guess ya dont look the happiest, huh? ha!

I have the rest of the pics up, on my link below.

Hope ya had a good ride back home. I assume you missed most of the traffic since you stayed the extra day?

It was HOTTER than a Mofo out there. Im used to the heat, but it seemed hotter than they were claiming. I can do 105+ in my home town, but it sure seemed hotter. Maybe it was just all the people, etc. Anyways, a Great time none the less.

Giv me a hollar anytime your going to be down this way. I know some great routes to ride!

I rode out of Laughlin Sunday afternoon, the traffic sucked. I went up the shoulder as much as I could and got past it in under an hour. I stopped off in Coalinga for the night, then rode home Monday. I slept in today, and tomorrow it's back to work. Oh well. Next year for sure, though.