Wow, this year has gone quick! 6 months ago V and I were discussing whether doing a Homecoming trip was really feasible. Now it's only three weeks 'til we'll be in L.A.!
Flights are booked, plans have been roughed out, and apparently we have some tour guides who are flexible... no, make that fluid. So many BadWebbers have been really helpful making this happen - thank you!
We're excited and really looking forward to this, it's going to be an awesome, fun adventure. It's also a little nerve-wracking... what have we forgotten? What do we need to take? How much do you tip? Will we remember everyones *real* name???
Actually I think the thing we're both looking forward to the most is meeting all you amazing folks, that is going to be very cool.
So, who's up for lunch at the Dinosaur in NY? Originally we'd talked about lunch on Sunday 6th, but is there a ride on that day that a few of you are going on? Would saturday the 5th be better?
While I was really looking forward to the idea of no phone for 4 weeks, in the interest of safety and convenience a mobile, sorry I mean "cell" phone, would be good. Will it be easy for us to get a cheap phone with a months credit? (I don't think our phones will work at all on US networks)
Will it be easy for us to get a cheap phone with a months credit? (I don't think our phones will work at all on US networks)
Yeah, you can walk into nearly any gas station almost any where now and pick one up. You just pay for how much time you want. Easy enough. You guys have fun and stay safe.
1.& 2. What have you forgotten & need? All you need is passport, couple of cards, drivers licence, & riding gear. oh & a coupla days worth of clothes.
3. What do you tip? Ask the locals, but around 15% I seem to remember.
4. Will you remember everyone's real names? No, but they won't care.
Having, been to Canada & the US on a few Badweb related trips, I can tell you with absolute confidence, you'll meet some of the nicest, most generous people you could ever want to.
You'll have a great time, just remember to save your pics either online or to USB key or something, on someones computer every few days. So if the camera gets fried or lost you don't lose the lot.
Enjoy your trip, the memories will last forever, & you'll make some real friends too.
Saturday or Sunday doesn't matter to me. Take your time, relax, and enjoy the trip. You'll get here when you get here. Most of us can make time for lunch with a Badwebber or five.
Either Saturday or Sunday for the Dinosaur works for me (and Terri). Just let us know a little in advance as we live 200 miles away, and it takes a few hours to get there.
Cool about phones. I figured it couldn't be too hard, but thought I better ask. Sounds like we should be able to sort something out in the first few days/
"4. Will you remember everyone's real names? No, but they won't care." Hehehe!
Thanks for the tips Mr Grumpy
The 2nd Annual Catskill Ramble is on the sunday, so I think it's a pretty good bet that saturday will better suit a few people.
2. Make sure to get a wallet/ belt, that can be put UNDER your jeans.
3. Check with your health insurance provider, to make sure you are covered in the States. If not, then purchase an emergency policy for the month. Just in case...
5. Speed Limits: Can vary from 20 MPH near school zones to 75 MPH on the Interstate. 5 MPH will usually not get you a ticket, but 10 MPH over most definitely can. Use common sense.
6. MC Clubs, 1%, Outlaw Gangs: do not even look at them, if they come your way- just get out of the way. I have seen them come down the street with weapons displayed in Wisconsin, and yeah, they are for real.
Just a few tips, that you may alread know. I would also suggest EACH of YOU getting a cell phone in case you get separated. You can go to US CELL and get a pre-paid phone for 30 dollars and get 1000 minutes for under a hundred... and it may save a life.
I am in for the saturday at the Dino. I know the NJ guys will be doing the ride on sunday and will not be able to go to the Dino. Hope they will show up on saturday at the Dino. The catskill ride is going to be a great ride. I did the ride the last two weekends and it was a lot of fun.
Crusty and Ulynut you guys might want to do the run also.
Have fun y'all. I can't make Homecoming this year, but I'll meet several best friends Friday in Leakey, TX, for the Texas S2 Step. I can't wait. I just hope my belt and tires get here on time! Lol
I forgot the "Ramble" was that Sunday. Oh well, looks like I MUST make a weekend out of it. Dinosaur on Saturday, Ramble on Sunday. A nuts work is never done.
Chilli- Talk to your cellular provider about renting a phone for use here. It should be able to work on your home number and part of your bill. Then just turn in in when you get back.
You will probably find that since you can more or less speak the same language that many people will be intrigued and ask where you are from and such. I really enjoy finding about about travellers to see how the trip is going for them.
Oh, and the language thing, I can't understand a lot of Americans either.
Travel insurance already sorted, all covered in case, touch wood, the worst happens.
Two phones sounds like an idea (but I sooooo wanted no phone for a month!). Sounds like it's cheaper than I thought. Using our phones in Asia/South Pacific is easy and cheap, diverting/linking while in UK/Europe not much more difficult, but I *think* the U.S. gets more complicated and expensive. I'll do some digging.
Re helmet laws - ATGATT. 'nuff said
"Oh, and the language thing, I can't understand a lot of Americans either."
Oh, I drive old cars, so MPH no problemo. Not getting a ticket hopefully won't be a problem... I'm curious - How common are speed cameras, fixed or mobile, in the US?
How common are speed cameras, fixed or mobile, in the US?
Rare. To be honest, I have never seen one. They tend to be a regional thing. I have seen some red light cameras in NYC, but they also aren't that common.
Also, my offer still stands if you need a loaner bike or four (XB should be revived soon!)
It's Charlie you have to look out for. An axe, a machete, loppers, a propane torch, and a beer. At his wife's birthday party no less. Do we know how to party or what!
PLEASE be careful about riding on the "wrong" side of the road. I lost an Internet friend from Australia when he forgot where he was and hit a truck head on in a curve while traveling in the upper New York State area.