Plans are progressing nicely and it appears we will be able to travel in one group leaving on Saturday, 8.16.08. We have partnered with Discount Travel of Carson City Nevada for accommodations along the way. They assure me they can block 40 to 50 rooms at each stop. There will also be camping available. Rupal, the owner has taken us under her wing. She and her husband are Harley-Davidson® enthusiasts.
When I first met John Schmidt, our new HOG rep and told him of our plans and the fact that Alaska was excluded from the 105th ride map, he said something to the effect of – “yeah – 105 rogue riders all the way from Alaska” – so, that’s what we’re gonna name our group – ALASKA ROGUE RIDERS!
We are planning catered Rogue Rider parties in Ft. St. John, Canada and Kalispell, Montana. As in 2003, we want to have a commemorative t-shirt. Right now we are planning to use men’s and women’s style t-shirts with the 105th logo on the front and our flaming skull logo on the back with the words “Rogue Riders – Alaska 2008 – Anchorage to Milwaukee”. We will order the men’s shirts in M, LG, XL, and 2XL; and ladies in S, M, LG and XL. If you need a special size not listed, let me know. We will let you know the costs of the shirts and parties in a future e-mail.
Most of you probably have rooms reserved in the Milwaukee area. Discount Travel is blocking a few more for us – just in case. This is an opportunity for you to get a room, upgrade, or get closer to town. IF YOU NEED A ROOM IN MILWAUKEE, LET DISCOUNT TRAVEL KNOW RIGHT NOW! They can only hold the rooms for us for a few days. The email address is rupal@discounttravelshop.net or you can call them at 800.762.7586.
We are working with the HD Museum folks to arrange a tour on Monday, 9.1.08 for any of us who did not get to visit the museum during the rally.
If you do not have the time to ride back to Alaska, or have not made other arrangements to extend your trip, we are working with NW Airlines to ship bikes back to Anchorage. They did a great job for us in 2003. You will have to ride to Chicago early on Tuesday, 9.2.08 to get your bike loaded. They will provide shuttle service from their warehouse to the terminal for your flight home – of course they would prefer you fly on NWA.
A word to the wise! If you have EVER had a DWI or any other felony, you will probably have a tough time getting through Canada. REMEMBER – PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED AS OF 1/1/08.
Attached is the preliminary Rogue Rider itinerary and IMPORTANT INFORMATION. DO NOT call the hotels directly – all rooms are reserved through Discount Travel – call them at 800.762.7586 – ask for Rupal and advise that you are an Alaskan Rogue Rider. Have your credit card ready. The e-mail address is rupal@discounttravelshop.net.
We have over 100 people on our list now, and more asking about this adventure every day – if you cannot go, or if you know someone who wants to go, please let us know ASAP. For most of you, your HOG membership may expire before we leave. BE SURE TO RENEW – THIS IS A HOG EVENT!
Barry Matteson
The House of Harley-Davidson
4334 Spenard Road
Anchorage AK 99517
907-248-5300
www.harleyalaska.com
