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Hog Tie 5. It's time for Number 5, ya'll. The grand plans for a week-long festivus maximus are shellacked by my work schedule in September, and I've adjusted the dates so I can show up to my own party. We are coinciding with Bikes Blues and BBQ. So. Like years past, YOU will be responsible for your accommodations at the HUB hotel in Marble Falls, AR. Call Debbie at the Hub - 1800-597-9963 and tell her you're with VFRD. Rooms are discounted this year (they had a price increase), so we are at $60.00/night. Feel free to come early or stay late, we normally have a few people who make a full week out of it. I have a block of 10 rooms reserved until MAY. Campsites are $10.00 night and include use of a shower/toilet that isn't as bad as you might think. We will be doing a Saturday night cookout again, so plan on bringing some donation cash and a bottle of Fireball for Lisa. T-shirts will be available with the logo above (with the banner blank for your name or hog-tie nickname... whatever!) for a fee, I'll be taking orders on those soon. If there is enough demand, I might make hats and stuff too. It's a special limited edition by Grapes Designs, and I think this year's logo kicks ass. Shirts will be grease-proof black with white graphics. Remember, anyone on any bike is free to attend, but official organization is only happening right here on VFRD.com. Post your name when you're booked! Don't miss this year's ride! Best, Yoke

Well that was a blast and got the Cannonball 500 finish patch riding my trusty 2010 Honda VFR 1200. The mission was to finish a 500 km (closer to 526 km) course in 7.5 hours. Seems pretty easy at first blush but they choose the course and in some of the spots its pretty tight, twisty, sandy, gravel strewn and no more than 10 km per hour. Was told at the finish only about 20% make it in the allotted time. Was planning to do the ride with my wife, who also has a 2012 Honda VFR 1200 but she was ill in the morning so came on my own. Met a great guy named Sean and we rode together the entire route before introducing ourselves just before the last stop at Edge Performance where we started seven hours and fifteen minutes before. We decided in the morning when we met to just go the two of us and avoid the large packs and we also decided to go counter clockwise on the course which also kept things moving along well. Sean was on a teal coloured Goldwing and a very good experienced rider. Only found out after we finished that he was a former motorcycle cop - very very smooth and controlled through the twisties on what is a huge bike next to mine and a real pleasure to ride with. The only way you can complete this course in the allotted time is pack some food along the way, urinate in the bushes and don't stop to chat very much. I have never been on a day long ride like this with anyone other than my wife so it was a new experience. My wife and I both started riding four years ago in our early fifties and have been across Canada (west as far as Tofino this year, did Yellowstone, Wyoming and Deadwood last summer) four times. We have done many long days in all sorts of conditions (snow, hail, fog, rain, wind) so this was a pretty fun day that was not super long. Thanks to Sean the former motorcycle cop for riding with the silent partner.

Mark your calendars. This year marks the 4th evolution of the Hog Tie at the Hub Hotel in Marble Falls, AR. I just got off the phone with Debbie at the hotel, and we have a block of rooms (15) reserved under VFRD or my name (pm me if you need it). Each of the rooms are double occupancy queens (2 beds). Reservations must be completed prior to 11 SEP 2015. Room-sharing is encouraged, as is showing up a few days ahead and staying a few days late. Please see prior Hog Tie threads for ride group guidelines. There will be a group dinner (burgers or the like). Again, this is a very "Come as you are" ride, and has been a historically very enjoyable weekend. The caveat this year, we are in Harrison the weekend of Bikes, Blues and BBQ in Fayetteville, so that might be fun to check out one afternoon. Put your name down if you're going! I *think* we will be doing t-shirts. Camping is allowed, and there are other places to stay nearby if the HUB fills up. Jon Attending: 1) Yokel (quote this to add your name)

Good day everyone! Needing to put a list together for those who are planning on attending. This is simply for a head-count that will be slightly accurate. Just needing to get some logistics handled. Thanks! Just quote and fill in your name below- 1) Yokel 2) 3)

One of the defining things about the Hog Tie is the lack of Organization. So, the only thing I'm organizing is a cook out on Saturday night the 26th. I need people to volunteer to bring some things. I will provide Burgers and Brats, if you're willing to kick in for a group cook-out, please list either: 1) if you're willing to chip in funds or... 2) willing to bring something to share. Thanks!

This one may be worth a repeat performance. Sign up for either one or Both! Meeting at "A" Peets Coffee 2066 Antioch Ct. Okld. 94611. Kickstands up at 8a. Lunch at "E" Paradise Grill 215 Esplanade Capitola. 95010. Other choices on the same block. (Rough Draft Route) https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zMft-Gviqssc.kBryBZk9cGuU May-9 Done! May 23 1.bayarearider 1. bayarearider 2.JeffyJeff 2. BrianF 3.St.Stephen 3. Doc4216 4.tc339 ********************** 4. 5.tjclyde 6.ecn

Alrighty misfits and malcontents - it's time to plan ahead for once. Last year we (and by "we" I mean people other than me who weren't injured in dirtbike crashes) got the Golden State Gathering off the ground in earnest. This time I'd like to give people plenty of time to think ahead. After a discussion with those who actually made it in 2014, we chose the 29th and 30th of August as the dates - PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP IF THOSE DATES DON'T WORK FOR YOU. If enough people can't make it we'll try to find alternatives. The other vote you get is how the gathering is run: either point-to-point with an overnight stop, or basecamp with loop rides each day. For example: Point-to-point (meeting in Kernville): Day 1 https://goo.gl/maps/0Gx0S, Day 2 https://goo.gl/maps/Bry0H Basecamp: Day 1 https://goo.gl/maps/gRNyZ Day 2 https://goo.gl/maps/PBxyN Obviously these are not final, but just to give you an idea. I personally am much more fond of the point-to-point option, but I know it makes it tough on the SoCal guys. Thoughts? Opinions? Objections? Feedback ready go. In (NorCal): BrianF ecn CrazyBro St. Stephen TJ tc339 In (SoCal): duc2V4 In (Nevada): RichVee4

Your defacto leader has emerged from the depths -- healed and ready to ride. Soon enough it will be time to celebrate the warmth and green hills of spring by camping in closed campgrounds. Speed limits will be disobeyed, maps will be largely ignored, and drinks will be served. Likely route: Day 1 - http://yhoo.it/1BVrRal Day 2 - http://yhoo.it/1MddkIs IN: BrianF ecn TC TJ crazybro? dadofseven? Motivation:

Ladies and gents, it's on like Donkey Kong. Hog Tie 2014 is now scheduled for September 12, 13, 14 of 2014. I have talked to Debbie at the Hub (where we've stayed the last 2 years) and thus far we are the ONLY group coming in to the hotel that weekend. She's got 20 rooms blocked off for us as of now, so please give her a ring to make your reservations! The number for The Hub is either (870)-743-4062 or 1800-597-9963. Please ADVISE DEBBIE YOU'RE WITH VFRD. The hotel is about 8 miles south of Harrison Arkansas on the Highway 7 Spur off of Scenic Highway 7. It's southeast of Mystic Caverns and north of Dogpatch USA. I'll be editing this post with all the pertinent information in the coming days. Traditionally, this has been a come-as-you-are, invite whoever you want and don't plan on any organization event. We just kind of put out the call and see who shows up. That's not everyone's proverbial cup-o-tea, but the riding is absolutely fabulous and the fellowship is good! I know a few people will choose to show up early (or stay late) and make a longer trip of the ride, but the "Hog Tie" is officially as follows: Day 1: Show up... sometime. Take some rides around the area if you're inclined and eat some pie. Day 2: Get out of bed whenever you feel like it or the group you're riding with wakes you up. Put on your gear and go ride. All. Day. Long. Day 3: Roll out of bed, shower on this morning... it's Sunday after all, and either go for a ride or head home. Randall and Debbie, the owners of The Hub, have been tremendous for us in the past. They've allowed us to grill up some burgers, and do a cook-out. They do have a restaurant on-site that is really damn good, we typically have a few beers and sit around the campfire in the evenings. Some things to be aware of: 1) You are ultimately responsible for your enjoyment of your event. Try and pick a group to ride with and keep your groups between 4-6 bikes. 2) Ride within your limits! We've been blessed so far with NOBODY having an accident, let's keep it that way! 3) Have some cash on you. Some of the small shops in the area are cash only. 4) This is some technical riding, and the roads out here chew up tires. Have good rubber on the bike and lots of it left. 5) The Hub is NOT the Ritz. Know that. It's clean though! 6) Road-side scenic overlooks are a good place to pick up chicks. Personally, I plan on taking a LONG trip this year to the Hub. I've moved 600 miles further away than I used to be from there, so I'll be taking a few days for some good vacation time. Likely, the week prior to the event. There are several other topics in the Hog Tie section of the forum with much information. Read up! PM me with any questions. -Jon

Well, the date is fast approaching. Expectation is for 20-30 bikes this year, and that equates to the need for 4-6 ride leaders/sweepers to keep the groups to around 5 riders each. Anyone aside from me willing to lead a group? If so, please post up with the pace/style/personal preferences that people can expect. I'll lead one of the quicker groups. Reasonable speeds in the straights, moderately sporting in the turns. Days will be 200-300 miles, 5 to 7 hours, good amount of sightseeing, stopping once an hour or so to take a break and stretch, lunch on the road.. I hope to catch the major fun roads over 2 days, 123, push etc... Riders not used to the area are not encouraged to join me.

So, for next year... Thinking ahead about scheduling the event. It seems this time (2013) there were some people who wanted days on either side of the weekend. So, here's the poll for next year. There are benefits and drawbacks to scheduling over a weekend. On the plus side, it's easier for us who live more locally to get here with minimal vacation useage. For those coming from a way out, it's harder as you have to burn more time getting there and getting home. There are also benefits scheduling mid-week. Easier to co-ordinate off time at work, and you're not wrecked going back to work or cashed out when the ride starts from riding in 800 miles the day before. Thoughts? Oh yeah, tentative date is 3rd week-ish in September. Not like I'm already looking forward to it or anything...

Ladies and Gents, it’s happening again! The 2nd (possibly annual) HOG TIE, September 13-15, 2013 in Harrison, Arkansas at the Hub Hotel. After the great turnout last year, (and at the behest of many fanatics that seemed to enjoy themselves) I am putting out the call a little earlier this year to enable those needing to juggle vacation time ample opportunity to make the appropriate plans. (I have found a sacrificial virgin and the weather gods have deemed it good. The weather this year will be as good as last year. You’re welcome.) This year will include: 1.A cookout Friday night (13th). I’ll be bringing a truck and trailer this year and will tote along all the necessary bits to put together a burger/bratwurst/hotlink cook out. 2.Led groups for those that haven’t been to the area and are looking for a slower pace or a sightseeing group. There will be other groups looking for a faster pace, but I myself like to look around and take it relatively easy. Once again, this year will be at the HUB HOTEL (www.hubinfo.com) as Randall and Debbie were fantastic for us last year. I’ve got a block of rooms reserved, tell Debbie that you’re with VFRD when you call to make reservations. No money is required up front, I think they keep reservations on Post-it notes. However, if you do cancel, please call them and advise so we’ve got an accurate tally of people coming out and availability of rooms. Rooms start at 60/night, campsites (the lawn) are 10/night and campsites have access to bathrooms. While accommodations are not the Ritz Carlton by any stretch of the imagination, the sheets are clean and the owners are wonderful. There is a restaurant on-site that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the food is pretty good. Randall makes his AMAZING prime rib on the weekends. There is a beer cooler for a small donation as the Hub is in a dry county. If you prefer to bring your own, there’s a store about 6 miles north of the hotel that sells beer. Remember, this ride is NOT limited to VFR's. If you have some family or friends that you'd like to invite, help yourself. That's part of the beauty of not making a bunch of plans. ***Edit 5/7/13*** There's a new and fancy liquor store now about one mile north of the Hub. What to expect: If you decide to join us at this meet, I can promise you great roads, good food and wonderful people. Beyond that, this weekend will be what you make of it. I’m not good at planning things, so I don’t really even pretend to try any more. Ultimately, your enjoyment of this event depends on you. Come out, enjoy the scenery, the roads and the company. Don’t expect a weekend full of planned events for you, it won’t be there. Keep an open schedule and leave your OCD at the house. I will provide T-shirts again this year, and will take pre-orders as the date approaches. I’ve still got some vintage 2012 tees available if you’re skinny or looking for some spare rags to wipe down your bike. Hopefully I can sweet-talk Grapes and Randy at Barefoot Designs to help out with that again this year. ***Added 5/7/13*** VcFR is planning on making some name badges/info cards up this year. This was one thing I'd hoped to do last year and just didn't work. Take some time to start the conversation on this thread about finding riding partners and scheduling runs. The ONLY thing I’m scheduling is a meal on Friday night and a weekend at the hotel. While officially, the HOG TIE is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, don’t be surprised if a few show up early or stay late. (I’ll be there early, there’s a bunch of stuff in the area I want to go see and do.) If last year is any indication, ride groups will be pretty much out the door by 9:00am and will filter back in and out throughout the day, coming in for the night an hour or so before sunset. Take time and ask questions to find a group that is within your skill-set. If you are not accustomed to this type of terrain, I would strongly encourage you to pair up with people who will be doing a slower pace. There’s not much room for error (Right Rush2112?) and we really REALLY don’t want anyone to have a mishap. Last year, nobody was cited or went down… I’d really love to keep that record. Try to keep rider groups to 5-6 people at most. There will be PLENTY of talk about routes. Keep your eyes peeled for it. This ride is NOT limited to those on VFRD, but I’m not advertising it anywhere except on this site. Friends, husbands, wives, main squeezes and kids are all welcome, no matter what they ride. Here’s some clips from last year a few of us compiled, along with a couple screencaps of some good routes. http://vimeo.com/50389681 http://youtu.be/H789O2QJR-I http://youtu.be/4FCFt0q2K48 RSVP list- Confirmed: Yokel (+2) 2thdr + Christina Gswanson 00Yeller GadiantonRob VcFR Argsxrlady Huntingguns Dutchinterceptor Adam79 (+the epic pillion, Leslie) - (Mr. Francis and the wife.) Gloryracing + Ellen RUSH2112 (+ the non-pillion, BEEMER ROD) 09zzz veequattrorazzo pluseb0 kyledonahue JeffInFranklinTN MaxSwell Nick from Loooooouisiana on a purty red veefalo. rdg59 Panamawing Tentative: HispanicSlammer Vecky5 There are NO FEES for this event. The goal is to encourage as many as possible to take part, and we had a LOT of last-minute additions last year. That was a bunch of fun! Keep your eye on this post as it may change if I add any information or need to communicate anything to the group. ***** Additional information on GROUPS: Several folks have been kind enough to offer route suggestions or to lead a group. I feel that I would be doing a disservice to many of the folks planning on coming out without offering the following disclaimer- Take a moment to seriously consider your abilities. If you're a flat-lander (like me) you may want to take in to account that you will be surprised at the roads here. The pavement is generally good and offers a lot of traction (chip-seal) BUT the roads will be more technical than you're used to. Baileyrock has set the standard for making sure people find the right group, and he's posted some wonderful information on the TMAC threads that I'd encourage you to look up. While the roads in AR aren't quite as twisty as what can be found near Deal's Gap, they can still catch inexperienced riders off-guard. When I came over with the Triumph guys last year, 4 people rashed up their rides and two were hospitalized due to injury. Nobody wants that. It's far better to get into a sightseeing group and just enjoy the ride than it is to push yourself beyond your limits and pay for a poor decision. Last year, I led the sightseeing group. Several of us would happily do that again, and any VFRD ride leader worth their salt wants you to get home in 1 piece. Do NOT hesitate to ride within (or below) your skill level, it will be fun regardless. Don't be surprised if the group you want to ride with veto's you. We've got some quick riders coming and they may ask you some honest questions about your experience. Give them honest answers and listen to what they say. Surely some of the folks from this area will be willing to either lead a group or offer route suggestions. Feel free to ask! -Jon ****** Group lead volunteers- Yokel (intermediate) Huntingguns (sight-seeing, intermediate) Gloryracing (good luck keeping up.)

Okay, the registration site is live and counting down. Click here http://www.sumsumx2.eventbrite.com/ for all the details and to purchase your registration. Don't forget your VFRD user name, required for your badges. (badges? we need some stink'n badges!) If you are purchasing 2 tickets in one order, please PM me with the second person's t-shirt size, M/F, any meal needs & the name for the list and badge. You can visit the meet thread here: http://www.vfrdiscus...august-14-17th/ or simply click on the link from the home page. I'll add your name to the list as registrations come in. I would suggest, any comments or questions about the meet be posted at the aforementioned thread. April 02: Best Western reports 7 out of 20 rooms left in the $89 block. After that, the rate goes up. July 11: Best Western reports all rooms in the block are gone. REGISTERED: 1) didit 2) Lee 2002 3) HispanicSlammer 4) MaxSwell 5) ki-speed 6) E-ticket 7) Flying Ant 8) gswanson 9) gmtech94 10) gmnut 11) gerrys02800 12) Axel 7 13) Mrs. Axel 7 14) panamawing 15) Cageless-in-Seattle 16-19) frogn8r (4 tx) 20) jiander 21) CVVFR 22) pluseb0 23) clwesel 24) Belfry 25) BaileyRock 26-27) ZiaVFR 28) Q-Dawg 29) RONIMALVFR 30) Reddog 31) Radar 32) Huckleberry 33) Cogswell 34) Dutchinterceptor 35) Sparrow75 36) Buzzard60 37) 99grin 38) shade 39) COS_VFR 40) Ms COS_VFR 41) rangemaster 42) Dutchinterceptor +1 43) Jfviffer