1) In planning ahead for 2024 trying to pick dates is more difficult this year due to the Solar eclipse on April 8th. Easter 2024 will be on Sunday
March 31st and there is usually a COG ride in Arkansas in late April that needs to be considered. So with that in mind I'm thinking of hosting the 2024 COG Wildflower rally earlier in the year than usual on March 22-24 2024....which may or may not conflict with the Moto GP race at COTA. To the best of my knowledge the dates for COTA have not been announced yet. As most of you know at the River Inn (our usual venue), the rooms are individually owned and we have to wait until October to firm up our stay there so the owners can pick their dates for 2024 first. I have not contacted the River Inn yet but I have to assume that most of the rooms will not be available on the solar eclipse weekend, and that if they were the prices would not be COG friendly. Additionally, many COGers may plan to make the eclipse a family event and not care to go to a motorcycle event on that weekend. So the dates I'm considering are point one of the discussion.
2) Point two would be the venue of the River Inn. I know it's a nice place, and we all like sitting around the fireplace to socialize....but I and many others were surprised by the "Resort Fee" tacked on to each reservation in 2023 (was it $25?..I forget) which didn't sit too well with me. I'm not sure the COG discount of $5 per room means much when they charge a resort fee. The only alternatives would be in Kerrville and although most venues there have outdoor seating areas for socializing, I doubt many have outdoor wood fireplaces (probably gas) that we could monopolize. Food service would probably be at local restaurants with individual checks, but if we get enough people and if we stay at the Y.O. or Inn of the Hills we may be able to get an in house dinner catered.
Anyway depending on how much feedback I get and discussion is generated, the very tentative plan is to have the 2024 Wildflower on March 22-24 and at River Inn.
Looking forward to your input. Obviously those I have seen at past Wildflower events opinions would carry a little more weight than those that have never attended. Those that wish to share their opinions via PM... er.... forum private conversation instead of out in the open, need not worry that I will quote them or have their identities made known to others.
Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions before October 2023...Thanks, Marty
March 31st and there is usually a COG ride in Arkansas in late April that needs to be considered. So with that in mind I'm thinking of hosting the 2024 COG Wildflower rally earlier in the year than usual on March 22-24 2024....which may or may not conflict with the Moto GP race at COTA. To the best of my knowledge the dates for COTA have not been announced yet. As most of you know at the River Inn (our usual venue), the rooms are individually owned and we have to wait until October to firm up our stay there so the owners can pick their dates for 2024 first. I have not contacted the River Inn yet but I have to assume that most of the rooms will not be available on the solar eclipse weekend, and that if they were the prices would not be COG friendly. Additionally, many COGers may plan to make the eclipse a family event and not care to go to a motorcycle event on that weekend. So the dates I'm considering are point one of the discussion.
2) Point two would be the venue of the River Inn. I know it's a nice place, and we all like sitting around the fireplace to socialize....but I and many others were surprised by the "Resort Fee" tacked on to each reservation in 2023 (was it $25?..I forget) which didn't sit too well with me. I'm not sure the COG discount of $5 per room means much when they charge a resort fee. The only alternatives would be in Kerrville and although most venues there have outdoor seating areas for socializing, I doubt many have outdoor wood fireplaces (probably gas) that we could monopolize. Food service would probably be at local restaurants with individual checks, but if we get enough people and if we stay at the Y.O. or Inn of the Hills we may be able to get an in house dinner catered.
Anyway depending on how much feedback I get and discussion is generated, the very tentative plan is to have the 2024 Wildflower on March 22-24 and at River Inn.
Looking forward to your input. Obviously those I have seen at past Wildflower events opinions would carry a little more weight than those that have never attended. Those that wish to share their opinions via PM... er.... forum private conversation instead of out in the open, need not worry that I will quote them or have their identities made known to others.
Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions before October 2023...Thanks, Marty
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. At the Hunt for Red October in Wisconsin last fall, there were more FJRs than ZGs and we all had a great time. 
for breakfast Friday morning. All are Invited. I would like to get a head count if possible for all interested so that I have enough supplies for Fri morn. Saturday mornings menu is bacon and sausage 
