Spirit Lake

[sks700]

As most of you already know, there will be no official Victory homecoming ride this year. Dean would still like to get a ride together to go down there though, possibily in conjunction with the Spirit Lake dealer. He is looking for some input on scheduling/activities though. Should the ride be the Wednesday after Memorial Day as he has done prior to last year, or on a weekend (not sure which one yet). Please vote on your preference and post any ideas you may have.

Thanks,

Lee

[Swiffer]

Thank God for Dean!! The weekend deal would be fantastic. Give everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy themselves a bit. We can also then take our time getting back(the "long" way home is always the best;) )

Steve

[Choirguy]

I'm all for the trip this year...no opera involvement this year to keep me from going. A Wednesday would be tough, but do-able. I'm just looking forward to hearing, "Where'd you get that fairing" from a lot of people...

[framy]

The weekend would be great! Really had a good time last year, thanks Dean for doing this. Jim

[Obe-1]

I'm all for the sat,sun run. Being that Memorial day is on monday people would not feel like they would have to bust there butts to get there or back

[06shooter]

count me in, been planning on that run since I bought my

TC, and Dean mentioned the Spirit Lake run.

06shooter

[BATMAN]

I'm all for the weekend ride. Wednesday may work, but the weekend would be great.

[sks700]

I'm glad that you guys are thinking along the same lines as I am. Obe-1, it may not be memorial day weekend...that area may be hard to get rooms and such on that weekend. Dean is checking into it with the chamber of commerce.

Lee

[Obe-1]

Lee, Your right I was thinking the same thing just after I posted my reply. It dosen't really matter what weekend.

[Swiffer]

Hehehe...13 out of 13 so far:)

Steve

[Inge]

Sounds like a great event, I'd love to do it. (can't make Memorial Day weekend-Indy, or June 29-Aitkin car/airplane/motorcycle show) A one day bonsai run on a Wednesday is ok too.
Inge

[jimbob92c]

Sounds like fun! Now that we're hanging out down here it'll be a lot easier to join up with the crew.

Jim and Bobbi

[Swiffer]

Any ideas on where to stay in Spirit Lake? Last year we stayed at the Super 8, but was thinking it would be nice to stay at a place that has a lounge, so we can catch a buzz and swap lies without having to get on the bikes to ride back to the motel/hotel. I did a quick search in SL but only came up with the Super 8 and a Ramada Inn. I know there's a Shamrock Inn or something there also...maybe they have reasonable rates AND a lounge?

I'm now "officially" pissed at old man winter. Was looking forward to the warmer weather at the end of this week to go for another short putt...well then comes the snow. Now there's so much snow pack in the apartment parking lot that I'd never get out of here without dumping over for sure. I think if I owned an enclosed trailer(and something to pull it with), I'd have to take a long w/e and head SW to get a couple days of riding in.

Steve:gunrev: winter:gun:

[Big-Foot]

I'm up for the ride... Heck - I think I will go out to the shop and hop on ol' BigFoot and start practicing with funny mouth noises!!!

Swiffer - I hear ya about ol' man winter... Where the heck is all that Global Warming at???

[BATMAN]

Swiffer, Mark, Tom, myself, and someone else (can't remember who) stayed at a place Dean set up for us last year. It DID have a bar/resturant area that was pretty nice. Also a pool and nice big hot tub! Have to ask him the name of the place though, I can't remember the name.

[sid2002]

But of course a trip to Spirit Lake. OK I am in. I also voted for the Weekend and hopefully this year won't be quite so windy. I rode behinde lee last year and his fringe was blowing sideways.

[Swiffer]

Bill Wymer is wondering which weekend would work best for the 2003 homecoming ride. Memorial weekend can get crowded around Spirit Lake. However there will be plenty to do the week after also. This weekend has a city festival going on. There will be pancake feeds, parades and many other acivities. Motel availability will be greater. Wymer Motors will host the 2003 Homecoming weekend. All rider input and suggestions will be appreciated.

Copied this from the VMC board. We should probably all get on the same page...could end up being as many as last year:) . There was also a poll with Memorial weekend or the following weekend as choices. I haven't voted yet because I want to wait and see what gets set here.

Steve

[sks700]

Steve, I saw that too. I actually think that the second weekend (june 1st) is a better choice. It sounds like there is quite a bit going on there that weekend also. I would like to go up to Big Falls on Mem. day weekend to try to get some things done there before the Caterpillar run, but I will go to SL on whichever weekend this group (TCVR) decides works out the best for all.

Lee

[Butch]

:gunrev: hell i'm ready to go now,just talked to my brother in texas and he had to hang up,cause he was taking the harley out for a putt in the 70 degree weather(sigh)

[Choirguy]

Originally posted by Swiffer
I'm now "officially" pissed at old man winter.

That's a funny statement, considering that you guys were out riding in January, a time we've seldom had the chance to ride comfortably in before! I'm just trying to guess what the winter is going to bring next...an early spring or snow through March. We'll see. Last year was a late spring and an early winter (October turned cold early).

As for Spirit Lake, it seems like the national VMC is making plans (for those of you that even visit those forums), and thus, we had better try to make our plans fit with theirs...

[Big-Foot]

I am usually racing somewhere on Memorial Day weekend - so that weekend would not work out great for me...
The weekend after would be better - and potentially warmer.

I guess I better get onto thevmc.com and make my voice heard as well..

[Swiffer]

Originally posted by Thumper
I am usually racing somewhere on Memorial Day weekend - so that weekend would not work out great for me...
The weekend after would be better - and potentially warmer.

I guess I better get onto thevmc.com and make my voice heard as well..

Me too Randy. I'll be in South Dakota over Memorial day w/e for my oldest son's graduation ceremony. Hard to believe he's 18 and getting finished with High school already. Well, here's hoping he does better than his "Old Man":D

Steve

I'm a bit concerned that maybe we're talking about two different SL events here. If infact both of these "Homecomings" are the same, I hope everyone gets on the same page...I'd hate to HAVE to make the trip twice:rolleyes: . Now that would REALLY be a bummer!

Steve

[Janko]

I stopped at Podeins in Stewartville on Sat. and talked to the owner. He said that there would be a homecoming ride this May,but he did not know the date. He said it would be posted on the Polaris website sometime in the future. If by chance this is not true,a weekend ride would be great.

[perksdlx2001]

Any weekend is a good weekend to ride. What would be the dates of the weekend after memorial day? Is memorial day on the 1st of June this year? Either way I probably can't make it as I am planning on a week of fishing the 1st week in June.
Anyway it seems strange that Victory is not hosting a homecoming party. Last years was the "1st annual" and the Victory division of Polaris kind of bolstered the whole company (according to their annual report) with an 82% increase in sales.
Maybe Podeins is right and there will be one......think spring Swiffer, it can't be far off.

[BATMAN]

"Anyway it seems strange that Victory is not hosting a homecoming party. Last years was the "1st annual" and the Victory division of Polaris kind of bolstered the whole company (according to their annual report) with an 82% increase in sales.
Maybe Podeins is right and there will be one"

This is really not so strange perksdlx2001, they did it to us before in '00 at the "1st annual VICTORY RIDE" in Osceola. Never had a second. I don't think Polaris knows the value of these kind of rides.

[Swiffer]

This is really not so strange perksdlx2001, they did it to us before in '00 at the "1st annual VICTORY RIDE" in Osceola. Never had a second. I don't think Polaris knows the value of these kind of rides. [/B][/QUOTE]

Man, you hit the nail right on the head there Pat! I really wish they would get the message about these company organized rides, and how Victory riders look forward to them. There are two things that just frustrate the hell out of me about Victory; the lack of aftermarket(and Polaris's unwillingness to cooperate with the companies that would like to offer goodies), and their stupid "1st. Annuals" that end up being a one night stand. They seem to want to put more energy in the VRA(joke) stuff than anything else. Good thing I LOVE my bike so much(and the folks I've met), or who knows...I may be riding a Vespa!! :eek:

Steve

[06shooter]

According to the Victory Magazine I got today there will

be no homecoming ride in 03 as they are planing a super

duper homecoming ride in 04. Article by Derek Scott

Victory marketing manager, in the Lets Ride column.


06shooter

[Rockney]

What the?? Do they have like 2 people working on these rides? How can one ride have anything to do with the next? They have a whole year to plan for the '04 ride.

We aren't talking about some mom and pop company here are we? Doesn't Polaris have the money to back this? Not to rant or anything but... (too late) if you are trying to move a fairly new product don't you want to generate as much hype as possible?

I know as a business owner that perception is a huge part of selling. If a company like Polaris wants to sell bikes it needs to sell the idea of brotherhood and comraderie. Harley does it very well. I know that HD has a huge base of independant rides and organizations but Victory doesn't. If Polaris wants to get that same kind of hype they are going to have to promote it themselves... at least for a few years. Once the customer base grows then they can lay off and let us organize our own rides.

Our Vics are great bikes but until more fringe customers start buying Victorys instead of Harley Davidsons; Polaris needs to instill the idea of '"Come ride with us" and you will be cool' into the mind of the consumer.

Ok done ranting. :rolleyes: :gun:

[BATMAN]

Hey, Honda has their HOOT days, Yamaha has their STAR days, I JUST WANT MY 2nd ANNUAL!!!

I suppose they feel their VRA rides are enough. Oh well.

[Choirguy]

Here's the latest from the VMC board, for those of you who don't check there that often...

****************
The following is (a summary) of Wymer Motors, our Vic dealer friend in Spirit Lake, draft itinerary:

this May 30-June 1 weekend is a community "fun daze" kinda event. various activities, some listed below.

FRIDAY MAY 30
noon - check in and welcome (inc. gift bag) @ Weymer
1-4 - plant tours (in operation)
4-6 - group (local lakes) ride
6 - supper @ DeJa Blues. a retro burger/shake place
evening - local "meeting" places. The Full Throttle, and others

SAT MAY 31
7-9 - local women's club pancake breakfast fundraiser
10-12 - PARADE - start @ Wymers
12-2 - lunch. open w/ lots going on in town
2-5 - group 3 hr. ride. local towns and open roads
5-6 - relax @ Wymers (buy stuff)
6-10 - pig roast supper @ and sponsored by Wymer
evening - as Fri night.

SUN JUN 1
7-9 pancake breakfast
8-11 - Wymers Motors open for last minute needs
when ready - ride out of Dodge

[06shooter]

Where do we meet? What time do we leave? Do we leave

thursday night or friday morning ? I'm ready already.

06shooter

[IowaVic]

Yeeeehaw!








I'm In.....................Let's Ride!http://home.mindspring.com/~ejhman/_images/hillbilly.gif

[BATMAN]

I'm ready. Planning on Friday am. Dean is going to check with Wymer's and see what the scoop is. We had better start thinking of reserving rooms, it'll be a busy weekend. Should get one with a lounge (bar, beer, jack) in it, so it'll be easy to meet and swap stories! (lies) And of coarse a pool and hot tub would be nice. Koz from the VMC is going to check and see what the best places to stay are.

Who say's we need the factory to throw a party!!

[Choirguy]

Any campgrounds in the Spirit Lake area?

[BATMAN]

http://www.vacationokoboji.com/

Haven't checked it out yet, but they probably will have some info.

[Swiffer]

VICTORY SPIRIT
May 30/June 1
Spirit Lake, Iowa

A VMC, VRA & Wymer Motors Victory dealer adventure

another phone call to Wymer Motors, the Vic dealer in SL this afternoon to finalize the weekend agenda.

but for now - local input (thanks again "Trax" Steve) sez these two resort facilties will be the event headquarters. they are next to each other, a couple miles south of downtown Spirit Lake, on Lake Okoboji (oh-ka-jo-be). I have chatted with both and they are waiting for your phone call. all room reservations will be made individually.
Both have in-house restaurant and bar. other restaurants and bars within walking distance to both. again, they are next to each other which will allow for "keyless" evening activities.
there are events planned for Friday (5/30) afternoon, so i would suggest lodging for both Friday and Saturday nights.


Four Seasons Resort
712-332-2103 Mike & Jill Mitchell
$89 on lake, $59 off lake for two bed room.
31 units - 14 left when i last talked with them.

Fillenworth Resort
712-332-5646 Ken Fillenworth
91 units - 45 left. more floor plan options and a bit more $.
(but, one option is a 2 queen w/ sleeper sofa so if 3 guys share the $ per comes down to the $40-50 range)

Four Seasons has an outdoor pool. Fillenworth's have outdoor and indoor pools. AND (ready for this) they have two 50' "party barges" and host a free cocktail cruise each evening on Lake Okoboji. Ken Fillenworth said he would honor our Four Season's guests on the cruises for us.

the weekend agenda is almost complete. but please for now - get your lodging squared away as there are other groups in town our same weekend.

we were quoted $99 by the Super 8 (sounds high to me, but that's what she said) and $119 by the Ramada. both are in town, on concrete vs. a lake and i don't think they have a cocktail cruise.

again - make your reservations and then i will be asking you to help distribute event information ("flyers") to dealers in your area. it will be electronic so you can print it locally and deliver or mail electronic version to dealer - if ya trust him to reproduce and display.
more details soon.
thanks, Victory Spirit Committee

++I copied this over from the VMC incase anyone's interested. Hil and I made reservations for 5/30 & 5/31 at one of the $59 units. These are NOT 2 bedroom units as stated in the post, there are 2 beds but not seperate rooms. We would like to stay wherever the TCVR group plans, but wanted to get some reservations in just to have them. If the group plans on staying some where else, we'll cancel what we have and make new ones.

Steve

[BATMAN]

Thanks for posting that Steve. I reserved a couple rooms at the Four Seasons, since I think I'll have a few friends coming along. The rooms at the Fillenworth are probably nicer, but much more expensive.

Here are the toll free numbers for both, and a website for Fillenworth.

www.fillenworthbeach.com
1-800-332-7236

Four Seasons
1-800-876-2103

[BATMAN]

Wooooooppppppppppssssssssssssssss!

Wrong spelling, try this:

http://www.fillenwarthbeach.com/

[sid2002]

I am planning on attending but will need a roommate and I don't care what her name is. No no i mean I am selective No I mean any of you guys will do for sleeping arangements. Oh gee I just want to go riding and don't mind sharing the cost of a room. Ask Jim F. about my snoreing. It is just that you have to get to sleep before me in order to get to sleep. Any way anybody interested in sharing a room post up so we can hook up.

[06shooter]

Thanks Swiffer, for the information. Spoke to them (four seasons) and got a room reserved . Sounded like they were
filling up rapidly.
Thanks again.


06shooter
02 TC

[quickvictory]

Sid, you're proposition sounds pretty scary! But seeing that I am almost broke I'ld be willing to take a chance to save a buck.

Randy

[sid2002]

Randy are planning on Friday and Sat. Night.

[quickvictory]

Yep.............you?

[Inge]

Terri and I have a room booked at the Four Seasons, anyone mind if Terri drives down on her Sportster? We would like to ride with the TC caravan, if there is one. That is, we'll start out with the caravan, but we will no doubt need to make a few extra stops.
Terri and I usually seek out a dance spot to shake a leg, probably on Saturday night. Any one else into that? I think there are some around Okoboje. I know of a country honky tonk called State Line right on the state line. straight south of Fairmont, which would be about 35 miles east of Spirit Lake. Might be too far for a late night motorcycle ride.

[Swiffer]

I suppose Terri can ride her Sporty;) . I believe old Sparky Bill shakes a leg now and then...myself, two left feet. I get the feeling the TCVR is going to be VERY well represented in Spirit Lake! Should be quite a sight as our group pulls into town:)

Steve

[jimbob92c]

Don't count us out. Got a job working home construction today in Shakopee. Won't last too long but it's a start.

Jimbob

[BATMAN]

Sounds like the Four Seasons is filling up quickly! Make your reservations everybody!:bounce:

Saw a couple bikes out yesterday. 40+!!!

[Swiffer]

Originally posted by jimbob92c
Don't count us out. Got a job working home construction today in Shakopee. Won't last too long but it's a start.

Jimbob

We have our fingers crossed for ya!!

Steve

[quickvictory]

Four Seasons has no $59 rooms left and 3 $89 rooms left.
Fillenwarth has both $100 and $115 rooms left.
This is at 9:00 am Thursday, Feb 20.

I made a res for the $89 room at Four Seasons for Fri and Sat to make sure I had a room.

Randy

[sks700]

I must have gotten the last $59 dollar room. I called at about 8:15. Pete and I will be sharing a room. Should be a pretty good party, seems to be filling up fast.

Lee

[LilV]

Hey Guys and Gals

FYI All the rooms are gone at Four Seasons I just booked last one.

So as it looks we will be joining the group for the Friday ride


I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!


:bounce:



LilV and MrHawk

[Big-Foot]

I haven't got the final nod from the Warden yet, but so far it looks like we will be riding down as well... :bounce:

BigFoot's gonna get a workout! :crazy:

Now to figure out where to pitch the tent!

[Swiffer]

You'll be there Thumper! Wouldn't be the same with out ya:cool:

Steve

[Swiffer]

This is Spanky again in Spirit Lake. I have called a couple of other motels for room discounts. It sounds like they are willing to match or come very close to the other places you already filled up. The Inn At Okoboji has a great view of the lake and is right across the lake from the amusement park. Lakefront rooms are $75 and if you need a suite with a full kitchenette they are $120. All rooms come standard with a mini-fridge and microwave. The Inn is the oldest lakefront motel in the lakes area. They just spent over $3 million in renovation of the motel and convention center. They do have a bar area also. You can contact them by phone at 1-877-BOJI-FUN or by internet at www.bojifun.com. The other place I have contacted is The Country Club Motel in Okoboji. You pass this place on your way to The Inn. They have 53 total rooms and only one has been reserved for the weekend of the rally. Prices range from $104 to $130 but they said if we get 20 or more rooms they will match the $75 rate for the standard rooms. It sounds like they also have a refrigerator and microwave in the rooms. You can contact them at 1-712-332-5617. Both places do have outdoor pools if you think you will have time to use them. The Inn also has an indoor pool. Please say you are with the 2003 American Victory Rally to reserve your rooms at the lower rates and be located next to each other. If you ask me, I would look at The Inn as my first choice.
Hope this will help you out a little bit.

+++Sounds like rooms are filling up fast! I thought I'd copy this over in case someone didn't have a room reserved yet. This thing is REALLY growing!

Steve

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by Inge
I know of a country honky tonk called State Line right on the state line. straight south of Fairmont, which would be about 35 miles east of Spirit Lake.

Okay I'll bite, how do you know the "State Line"? Jimbob used to play there years ago and now you know the place? My wife is from Armstrong and Fairmont.

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by LilV
So as it looks we will be joining the group for the Friday ride

LilV and MrHawk

Good to see..................:)

[Inge]

I was working at my employer's power plant near Trimont last fall, and I stayed at a B&B called the Four Columns Inn just north of Sherburn. The Four Columns is owned by Norm and Penny Kittleson. Norm used to have his own country band called "Country Sir" and he and Penny talked about playing at the State Line. Terri came down to stay one weekend, and since we both love to dance, the Kittlesons insisted we try the State Line, and we had an excellent time. Good music, good dancing, and friendly folks. I'd like to go back there, but I don't know if they have Friday night/Saturday night gigs. We danced at their Sunday afternoon dance.:)

Incidentally, I bought my Vic from the dealer in Fairmont.

[LilV]

Thank you sparky Bill It will be nice to see you also !!!!!
:D



Lil



P.S. Did someone say we are going dancing ?

[LilV]

Originally posted by Swiffer
You'll be there Thumper! Wouldn't be the same with out ya:cool:

Steve


We would miss you and the wife if you both didnt join us!!!!!


Lil

[Inge]

If anyone wants to go dancing, Terri and I will lead the way
If we can come up with some kind of music where ever we gather at or near the hotels, we can make our own dance party too. That would give folks a chance to get loosened up, and it would be nice to not have to drive any where late night.

[LilV]

Inge Sounds great to me !!!!!

LilV

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by Inge
If anyone wants to go dancing, Terri and I will lead the way
If we can come up with some kind of music where ever we gather at or near the hotels, we can make our own dance party too. That would give folks a chance to get loosened up, and it would be nice to not have to drive any where late night.

I think there is dancing at the place Dean ius setting up.

[BATMAN]

Sparky, do you know what place is Dean going for? And how close it would be to the rest of the bunch?

[jimbob92c]

Ahhh...the State Line Store....
I played that joint often between 1973 and '75. Also was a regular at Mr. C's in Ceylon. The place ( State Line) was so small I had to set my amp up on a booth table....but we had good times. The name of the band was "The Anthill Mob". Funny thing, I'm playing with the keyboard player of that band this coming weekend in Effie ("they have more fun in Effie").

I think I'm dating myself......

Jim

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by jimbob92c

I think I'm dating myself......

Jim
Who else would date a Jack Pine Savage????? :crazy:

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by BATMAN
Sparky, do you know what place is Dean going for? And how close it would be to the rest of the bunch?

He is going for the place he took us to before, Village East Resort and I think that it is about 4 blocks from the Four Seasons Resort and closer to "The Inn". Will post nearer to the end of the week.

[framy]

Just for general info, Phyllis and I are planning on joining this ride, made reservations at the Fillenworth Beach Resort in one of their cabins for $55/night. Its suppose to have new bath/shower, kitchen single bedroom located in the cottage colony. Hopefully this isn't too far from the rest of the group. I noticed Swiffers post after I made these reservations, is anyone else staying at the places he posted? It would be fun to be with a group, so might consider changing if more are at other places where there is still room. Jim

[BATMAN]

The Village East is a nice place. Real nice pool and hot tub. Bar was ok. Really wanted to get to know some of the non-TC Vic riders a bit better, so I'll probably stay where I am.

Is Dean planning on coming down on Friday?

[sks700]

I talked to Dean monday and he said that he is still planning on coming down Saturday and will enjoy giving us all a hard time about our hangovers:p

Lee

[sid2002]

Randy I don't see my reply but I want to stay in the room you have reserved for Friday and Sat. is that OK?

[quickvictory]

OK Sid. See ya'll there!

Randy

[BATMAN]

Guess since Dean isn't coming down until Saturday, we need to orgainize where to group up. I'm sure Dean would be ok with us meeting at his place Friday morning, (just off of 35 in Bloomington) I'll check with him today.

We also need to figure out which way to head down. Anyone remember how long it took us last year to do the back way? Nicer ride then 35, but takes longer.