MidAtlantic and New England meeting in PA

[loykd]

Just thinking out loud, but what would you think about a ride in late Mar/early Apr?

Paragon campground is still closed, but Rausch Park has an open campground if we want to do that. Looks like historical temps are 31-52F. BRRR for us in NoVA, but balmy for you New Englanders, I know.

What are your thoughts?

-Rausch Park or Paragon
-Camping or motel
-Mar 26, Apr 2, Apr 9 (was thinking of riding Fri, Sat, and drive home on Sun, but certainly open)

[chrisvonc]

March 26 or April 9 both are Fridays I have off so either works for me.

There is a new discount package with Paragon and the Hampton Inn which is @ 4 miles from the park for something like $65 a night rather than the regular $99 per night price. Also I can talk to the owner and see if I can swing another D-90 Source special or something. From the Paragon forum:
Hotel Discounts
Now during the cold season, the Hampton Inn is going to give an exceptionally low rate for anyone visiting Paragon. Just call the Hampton and ask for Lori...tell her that you are going to be visiting Paragon and she'll give you a great discount.

The Hampton Inn (570) 454-3449
Box 273A
Route 93 off I-81
Hazleton, PA 18201 If we decide this is the route we want to go, I can get something setup with the hotel to expect calls from the group.

There is a 2nd campground that is closer to the park that is open year round but its a bit more pricey and feedback I have seen is that while an overall nicer place, the wheelers like Red Ridge better.

Lastly, the weekend of the 2nd is their monthly ride weekend so it will be a lot more crowded but other than that, nothing is on their calendar.

[Mike Hippert]

Sounds good! Whats wrong with camping? It was that cold when we went to MAR.

[flippedrover]

As of right now all those days work for me.

[dante18]

Everytime I say this something happens. So i will try once more I would be up for an April run. Camping is cool (no pun intended) for me. Besides April is not that cold or is it? When does Red Ridge open?

[cbkearney]

I would be psyched for a trip around then. Keep me in the loop as the details firm up.

[loykd]

Mike, your perspective on what's acceptable is a bit skewed, I think. The rest of us are too soft to be driving around without tops in the middle of the winter, remember... haha

[dmarchand]

I'm a "possible" for both dates as well. I won't know for sure until mid- March, but I should be able to make it.

[chrisvonc]

Yeah.. that may be still a bit early for Lisa to camp.

[Mike Hippert]

Yeah.. that may be still a bit early for Lisa to camp.

What? with the heater, remote control light, and cabin size tent!

:grin

[chrisvonc]

Yeah man.. remote control so you can locate the batcave. As for cabin size tent.. that was the medium size tent. You should see the "guest house" tent.

The heater works a lot more effectively in the smaller tent

[loykd]

What are the thoughts about Rausch Park vs Paragon? Try something new or to CVC's backyard?

[Mike Hippert]

You know me :crazy I'll try anything. Hek I had to put it into low to get into my parking space at the bookstore the other day. For some reason the people who were parked next to me ran out of the store and left?? :grin

[loykd]

Let's mark our calendars for Mar 26-28 then. Personally, I'd opt for Rausch Park since we haven't been there before. They're very close to one another. But Paragon is fine too. Would be happy to share a motel room with someone. Run on Fri, Sat, but gotta come home on Sunday.

From a Yahoo Maps check, driving times from:
Richmond, VA: 5 hrs 11 mins
DC: 3 hrs 18 mins
NYC: 2 hrs 51 mins
Boston: 6 hrs 46 mins (382 mi) *
Manchester: 6 hrs 24 mins (416 mi) *

*Explain that! Why does it take longer to get from Boston than Manchester? Are they taking into account Big Ditch detours or something??? Or are they accounting for the "Hippert setting" on the Defender throttle?

I'd bet we could get some deals on a motel near Rausch Park too.

[Mike Hippert]

Sound good, I think the time difference is due to "Hippert setting".:grin

[dmarchand]

Hippert setting

You should see those truckers in PA get out of his way when he's flying down the road with no hood and no top on.

The road is wide open for Mike.

[jorge]

Let's do it again,I 'm in.Randy hope you can make it.

[flippedrover]

In just say when.

[TDI Guy]

Jorge, sounds goood to me.... when? If im working, I'm sure I can feel sick that day:sneaky

randy

[loykd]

March 26-28. Rausch Park ok with everyone?

[flippedrover]

Works for me.

[TDI Guy]

Jorge, you will have to let me know when you want to leave. I might not be avail. till saturday morning to go.. Will you be leaving friday night?

RAndy

[Peter]

Count me in for April 9th.

[mudrover]

I will try to be free, but I won't know 100% for a little while.

Hey Randy do you have any rear driveshafts floating around that I could buy from you? I stole one from Vinnie and I have to find a replacement.

[Glenn_Guinto]

Originally posted by mudrover
I stole one from Vinnie and I have to find a replacement.

LMAO...

Hey Peter, make sure Vinnie is not reading this... :grin

[TDI Guy]

pete, I sent you email direct..

Jorge, I got your mail too.

Randy

[mudrover]

So do we have a date set?

[flippedrover]

thought march 26-28

[rvrsrvc]

Is there room for any Discos, or is this a Defender only event? LOL.
I have been to Rausch and Paragon a number of times and both are similar, but Rausch seems to pack more into a smaller area. And, they have less coal dust! They are close enough, a group could do both in one weekend.

[flippedrover]

Don't see why not.

[kiefffff]

I would love to tag along on this trip, but don't think I can swing it this time around. The weekend your planning to meet up is the wifes birthday. She has special plans. he he.

If you all don't mind a stock d-90 tagging along, it would be cool to do it again to meet some of you.

[dsticht]

I also would like some details. ie time, motels, etc. That is if you don't mind me taging along. Dave with the AA 90 on the Florida rd

[flippedrover]

My understanding is and please correct me if I'm wrong. We are going the weekend of March 26-28 at Rausch Creek park in Pa. We camping? I'd have to say that the fine points are still in the works.

[flippedrover]

Oh and come on down and join us. It'll be the first time I meet any of the others on this site.

[flippedrover]

Since its the start of the month are we doing the Rausch Creek trip?