2006 RAT RAID Calendar and Demo Truck Plans - North America
Matt.Weinert wrote:
Hello All,
I know in past years the schedule has been out in the
October/November time frame. In years past things have run very
similar from year to year, there haven't been many drastic changes.
This year is very different. For the first time in history
membership to the Riders Association is free to those who own a
Hinckley Triumph. Torque magazine is now printed in North America.
We have the approval to govern the bulk of the information that is
presented on
www.TriumphMotorcycles.com, as well as several other
initiatives that are on the way.
So - the 2006 Raid Schedule:
May 12-14th: The Dragon Raid, Robbinsville North Carolina. This
year its going to be different. We are going to be staying at
Fontana Village. We needed more space and more flexibility. All
those great roads are still there. Now we will be able to keep the
majority of the group at one location!
June 23-25th: Pocono Pennsylvania: Some of the best motorcycle
riding can be found while winding through the mountains and along
the natural sweeping curves of streams and rivers. Pocohanne, an
Indian word meaning "A stream between mountains", this was the
inspiration behind the name Pocono. In 2006 the Riders Association
of Triumph will be blasting through the mountains and valleys of the
Pocono Mountain region. The raid will be based out of the Pocono
Manor. Known as the "Grand Lady of the Mountains" to locals, this
Inn has been around since 1902, just like our favorite motorcycles!
Located within reach of some incredible destinations such as Hawks
Nest in Port Jervis, the Pocono International Raceway, and Bushkill
Falls – the Niagara falls of Pennsylvania, and the only thing better
than the destinations are the roads to get there! Some amenities of
the Manor include golf, horseback riding, fishing, sporting clays,
bocce, indoor tennis, and spa.
July 21-23rd: Kootenay Raid: Were all going back to one of the
most beautiful places in North America. Danny and the gang at the
New Grand Hotel will be opening their arms to welcome R.A.T.s to
Nelson British Columbia once again. This is quite possibly the best
motorcycle destination on the continent. If you are looking for a
get a way this summer there is no friendlier place than Nelson!
August 4-6th: Branson Raid: Ok, so there is a lot of glam, and a
heck of a lot of glitz. One thing is for sure, Branson Missouri is
the perfect place to roost in order to plunder some of the best
roads that Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas have to offer!
With roller coaster like elevation changes, and perfect sweeping
curves, this region is one of the tops when it comes to motorcycle
get a ways! The headquarters for the weekend will be the Grand
Plaza. Some of the local flavor includes a variety of shows, over
90 outlet shops, as well as VIP treatment with an invitation only
banquet on the scenic ninth floor of the Grand Plaza.
August 25-27: Crystal Bay, Nevada: This coming year we are heading
back to the Cal-Neva resort. The mountains of California and Nevada
hold some of the most incredible riding the United States has to
offer. It's not just the riding either. The crystal blue waters of
Lake Tahoe combined with the exquisite landscapes of the Sierra
Nevada Mountains, set the stage for an experience of a life time!
2006 Demo Truck Schedule:
March 4-12: Bike Week, Daytona Beach, Florida:
March 9th: Pub run to St. Augustine.
June 5-10th: Americade, Lake George, New York.
July 21-23rd: Moto GP - Laguna, Monteray, California.
August 7-12th: Sturgis Rally, Sturgis, South Dakota.
October 19-22nd: Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach, Florida.
Now - for some of the other changes that are coming to light. One
of the initiatives on the plate is to post the three rides that each
pack has right along side of the 2006 National Raid schedule. In
the past there has been some push back when it came to Triumph
recognizing the home grown events. If they weren't "sanctioned"
national events, they did not receive any recognition from the
corporate office. That's going to change. As long as a ride is
approved as a R.A.T. ride by the dealer, and fits the format, we
will recognize and help to promote them.
I look forward to meeting up with everyone again come the 2006 riding season!
Matt Weinert
