2013 Smoky Mtn. Recumbent Rally

Looks like another great rally. I am looking forward to it. I assume there will be a few loons who will make the ride out of the Cove this year also. That long downhill is the best, especially when topped of by a sprint through Townsend.

jerry

 

Well the registration form didn't pop up for me

 

You have to go all the way down to the bottom of the page to see the registration forms. They differ depending on how many days you plan to attend and if you want dinner or not.

I looked today and they were there.

 

I did find the registration and paid for it, but the form where I put my name and address,etc - the PDF - never popped up as Kiela said it would. I think that I registered me for the two days and my wife for dinner only at the same time screwed it up.

 

Well, the registration did go through. I have an email confirmation in my inbox. I called my tech guys and they're looking into it. I think it may have to do with one of the return links.

 

OK' when you register, if the qty and type of registration is the SAME, the form for that specific registration type will appear. However, if you pay for two DIFFERENT types of registrations it cannot bring up two different forms at the same time, and confuses the system. Basically each registration must be paid for separately in order to fill out the different forms.

 

I was talking to Jerry Morris who is advertising this ride on other boards. There is concern that our ride is too hilly for flatlanders.

I led the longest ride we did last year. It was 44 miles and two hills but everyone made it in 5 hours (We don't go fast.)

If you want to see last years ride, I recreated it on Google Maps. (Sorry no elevation. Jerry is working on that.)

http://tinyurl.com/b9mlumk

 

Will this be the route for 2013 rally as well?

 

At this point we are planning on keeping the rides the same. From a perspective of hills********

The rides are really mostly level to rolling with a few small hills interspersed. There is nothing on any ride that would come close to even moderate in difficulty.

The hardest rides surprisingly are in the Cades Cove. There are significant hills there in a few places. But the cove is worth a few 'walks of shame' if you have to get off your bike. It is an 11 mile loop through the park by old cabins etc. and everyone is encouraged to take their time to enjoy it. We have almost three hours before anyone is allowed in with cars and that means even at an average speed of 4 miles an hour you would make it through fine.

 

I am out of town due to the death of my grandmother and the forthcoming death of my great aunt. When I get back I have to make some important decisions regarding goodie bags, t-shirts and the rally dinner. I can tell you this, I only have three people signed up...the deadline is April 30. While I appreciate their enthusiasm, it takes more than 4-5 people to make a RALLY happen. I am having Larry Varney be our guest speaker again, he has some good information and some stories to tell of his latest tour. Also, while I CANNOT guarantee it, Bryan Ball of BROL may try to come and give some updates on the recumbent industry. So I encourage everyone to come on out to meet some great people,have some great rides, enjoy some great scenery and enjoy some great food.

 

I'm trying to work it in. If so, which local motel do you recommend?

 

I don't really recommend any one specific hotel...I have not spent the night in any of them except Maple Leaf Lodge, which is now "The Dancing Bear Lodge", and that was a few years ago.

 

Well, I now officially have three registrations. For those of you who have indicated on the event schedule that you are coming, don't forget to go to the link for the official registration so I can get you processed and confirmed. Thanks.

 

Hi Jacquilla,
Michael and I have officially registered for the Cades Cove ride. Our friend Sam is interested in the Cades Cove ride also...I'll email him the registration link.

 

Thanks! It will be good to see you and Mike again!