We'll be signing papers on our 182G next Saturday, so we're looking forward to the snow stop falling and for us to begin traveling with our two cats.

I've never planned a rally before, but if you are looking for some help, feel free to PM me and let's see if we can pull this off.  

Tim

One each in: Canada, New York, Kentucky, Florida and Indiana.

 

Would something more "middle ground" work better and/or make it more attractive for others?

I'm thinking somewhere around Shenandoah National Park/ mid Appalacia?

 

Again, just throwing out ideas.

 

I understand about travelling to the Hoosier State.  If we have only one "get together", it will not be good for many.  That's what got me thinking about a "touring rally".  I've also been thinking about smaller regional get togethers (like the touring, but spaced apart).  With enough advance notice, maybe some of us could make them a part of a larger trip (I'm thinking Yosemite sounds good, next year).  If I could combine this with a Western Rally...so much the better.  I think there are a number of you who are generally Northeast and Southeast, also.  But most importantly, I am wondering what the rest of you are thinking.

 

Personally, I prefer a less formal/structured format.  Again, thanks!

 

 

I agree with the above.  Also, as best as I can tell, the Surveyor is pretty much a Pod in traditional TT shape.  Same materials, etc.  Even if they are not constructing Pods, it would still be a good tour.  If enough want to do it, perhaps they would be willing to have one of the designers, engineers on hand to answer questions, tell us want they are working on for the future, etc. 

 

So, here is another idea, that might be easier (yea, right) to manage:

 

How about a "touring rally"?  In looking at the membership map, we have members scattered all over the place.  This means, no matter where we go, it will not be convenient for a number of members.  A touring rally will connect with the most members, but probably not all at the same time, as members can join in and leave as they wish.

 

One broad idea would be to have our Canadian friends head South.  Then we would drive East towards Northern Appalachia.  Then head South towards NC, SC, GA (or the Western side of the mountains).  From there head West.

 

This might be a cool thing to do, but would require a certain amount of planning and willing members in the areas of the "stops" to scope out  a good place to spend a night or two.  You can come only to your nearby area, one or two "legs" of the tour, or for the super hearty - do the whole "tour" and win the "Iron-Podder" award.

 

Just another idea.     

As far as long weekends, Memorial Day is May 30th (n.b.: Canadians, Victoria Day is May 23rd).  Ask Forest River what they'd like - a Friday afternoon tour just before a long weekend shutdown may be right up their alley.

 

Thanks for jumping in! (I was hoping you would).  I'm not sure the idea is going anywhere, but I thought your idea of a get together & tour was a good one and worth another try.  (I was unaware of the Maumee rally)

 

Understand about the Pod/Surveyor.  It may not even be possible.  I'm just throwing an idea out to guage interest.  And, if so, dates, place, etc.  If the idea does "gain traction" I hope you'll jump in with your experience. 

 

Well folks, it's up to you.  Do you want to do it?  Prefer a particular date?  What say ye?

 

I think that there are very different needs for campsites for a rally vs campsites for a getaway.  For a rally, sites that are close together with very few trees or underbrush and with mown lawns are appealing; for once, you want to be elbow to elbow with your neighbours.  You also want to be close to amenities like pools and playgrounds and mini putts.

I believe that Mary and Don had long ago recommended the Shipshewana South Campground for the rally, and I think it fits the bill.  They seem to be setup for large groups and even have pavillions available.

Pro - It is a long weekend for many of us anyway and maybe a few might be going to the Indy 500.

Con - It is a holiday weekend and sites fill fast.  Also, I was thinking a Saturday morning tour would be nice (all depending on what FR will agree to, as it is likely a holiday for them, also).  So, a lot depends on what, if anything FR will do.

 

There are two State parks reasonably close to the Elkhart area: Potato Creek and Chain of Lakes

 

I'll check KOAs...but only at gunpoint!

Late May would be best for us.

 

The idea was to have a "get together" some place in northern Indiana (center of the RV universe) and (as part of the festivities) arrange a tour of the Rpod/FR factory - to see just how the Pods are made and interact (hopefully) with some FR people.  There are also suppliers to the RV industry in the area (as one might expect) and maybe they could be contacted also, if there is sufficient interest. 

 

Of course, this would be after winter and I'm thinking May or June - before it gets too hot.  But what are your feelings?  I am willing to do a certain amount of the "leg work" in checking out campgrounds, etc., but would need to see if the Mods could use their influence to make arrangements with FR.

 

While it's several months away, it would be well to start planning now for next year's trips.  The location might work out well for our Canadian friends.  The Indiana DNR will accept reservations up to 6 months in advance so, if we want May, we could start reserving in December.  Maybe I could persuade them to hold a "block" of sites for us?