http://www.sporttouring.us/content.php?352-star-news

June 26-29 I plan on winning the Triumph 800:D Hope you can
make it, your Versys wants to go!:cheers:

http://www.sporttouring.us/content.php?352-star-news

June 26-29 I plan on winning the Triumph 800:D Hope you can
make it, your Versys wants to go!:cheers:
I'll be there! Already registered and room reserved.

Registered last night, haven't ordered a room yet. That might be the best $40 you can spend on a Rally, especially if you win any of the prizes. It's going to be a long wait until June!:welcome:
BTW, this is a friendly bunch of guys and gals. I thought I might be looked down on with my little 650, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, their was a lot of interest in the
Versys, a few are planning to make it their next bike, they said. That includes Honda ST riders, just to name one much larger more expensive machine. I also realize many of you have larger touring machines and would probably choose to ride them. All bikes are welcome, it's about the rides and friends, not so much any brand preference.

Registered last night, haven't ordered a room yet. That might be the best $40 you can spend on a Rally, especially if you win any of the prizes. It's going to be a long wait until June!:welcome:
BTW, this is a friendly bunch of guys and gals. I thought I might be looked down on with my little 650, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, their was a lot of interest in the
Versys, a few are planning to make it their next bike, they said. That includes Honda ST riders, just to name one much larger more expensive machine. I also realize many of you have larger touring machines and would probably choose to ride them. All bikes are welcome, it's about the rides and friends, not so much any brand preference.

There has been a shift in the last couple of years on the bikes MSTA members are purchasing. Many are drifting away from the big, heavy ST models and either going with smaller bikes or Adventure tourers. Members are finding out that the adventure bikes handle as well as their big ST's but are much more comfortable. Many have also bought smaller bikes such as the Triumph Street Triple and Versys. At least 8 members have a Super Tenere ordered. Sport touring isn't about the style of bike you ride, it's about how you ride it.

I think most in this group would enjoy the MSTA. STAR would be a great first event! I'll post more on STAR soon, we may be making a free membership offer to any non-MSTA member who registers for STAR. As soon as the details are finalized, I let you know.

Tennessee is just a bit far for me. Hopefully next year will be close enough to get there... Doesn't mean I'm giving up on winning the Triumph, though (sorry, Element)! :goodluck:

This is practically in my back yard, so I guess I have no excuses...;)

Tennessee is just a bit far for me. Hopefully next year will be close enough to get there... Doesn't mean I'm giving up on winning the Triumph, though (sorry, Element)! :goodluck:
It will be MUCH closer to you in 2012.

It will be MUCH closer to you in 2012.

Has the site been chosen or is it just the fact it is an even year so the location is "west"?

Has the site been chosen or is it just the fact it is an even year so the location is "west"?
The site for STAR 2012 has been chosen, but i can't say where as it will be announced at the end of STAR 2011. I can say you are within 1000 miles.

The site for STAR 2012 has been chosen, but i can't say where as it will be announced at the end of STAR 2011. I can say you are within 1000 miles.

Cool! I'm kinda hoping for someplace like Taos, but anything in 1000 miles will do nicely... :thumb:

Cool! I'm kinda hoping for someplace like Taos, but anything in 1000 miles will do nicely... :thumb:
STAR was in Taos last year...and 2 other times as well. I'm sure it will return eventually...

Do you have to be an MSTA member? Looks like that is part of the deal on the reg. form.

Thanks, Mike

Do you have to be an MSTA member? Looks like that is part of the deal on the reg. form.

Thanks, Mike

Yes, you must be a MSTA member to attend STAR, but...

If you have never been a member of the HSTA or MSTA we will give you a free 1 year MSTA membership with your paid STAR registration!

Here is the easiest way to do it:
1. Print the STAR registration form located here: http://www.sporttouring.us/documents/Star11Applicationver12.pdf

2. Print the MSTA membership application located here: http://www.sporttouring.us/documents/MSTA_application.pdf

3. Fill out both forms.

4. Write a check for only the STAR registration fees.

5. Mail both forms and the check to the address listed on the STAR registration form.

6. In 2 to 3 weeks you will get your STAR registration confirmation and your MSTA membership packet.

7. At this point you are a MSTA member and can enjoy all of the benefits of the MSTA.

Also, we have many rides that do not require you to be a member. Take a look at our events list at http://www.sporttouring.us. It is kind of thin right at the moment as it is off riding season, but more will be posted as the weather improves.

Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you at a ride or event.

With 4 events within 4 hrs, this is the best organization for me. I will be doing my first long distance ride this year, going to STAR in Johnson City. If a male non smoker is interested in saving some cash on splitting a room(3 nights) at the Holiday Inn, contact me. The rate is $72, so it would be $36 per.

Wow, that sounds like a pretty cool offer.

I wanted to get down to the Dragon and Skyway last fall but never made it. This may well play out for a nice trip to include Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, Deal's Gap and the Cherahola Skyway on my way to the STAR. I'll have to work on some logistics, but it sure is getting my wheels spinning.
Time to break out the atlas...


If a male non smoker is interested in saving some cash on splitting a room(3 nights) at the Holiday Inn, contact me. The rate is $72, so it would be $36 per.

I may be in for this, I normally camp though. Ok I pretty much always camp, come to think of it, I've never did a hotel while traveling with the bike. I guess you have to take everything off the bike, like the soft luggage and GPS? Let me check into what's around that area for camping, but seeings that most campsites cost over $20 nowadays, $36 for a room might be the ticket.

Mike

Wow, that sounds like a pretty cool offer.

I wanted to get down to the Dragon and Skyway last fall but never made it. This may well play out for a nice trip to include Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, Deal's Gap and the Cherahola Skyway on my way to the STAR. I'll have to work on some logistics, but it sure is getting my wheels spinning.
Time to break out the atlas...




I may be in for this, I normally camp though. Ok I pretty much always camp, come to think of it, I've never did a hotel while traveling with the bike. I guess you have to take everything off the bike, like the soft luggage and GPS? Let me check into what's around that area for camping, but seeings that most campsites cost over $20 nowadays, $36 for a room might be the ticket.

Mike

My advice is to stay at the hotel as there are plenty of evening activities. Not much going on at the hotel during the day as we are all out riding. Some members will camp, but it looks like the camping is 30 or so miles away from the hotel.

I wouldn't be too concerned with security of your bike. The MSTA pretty much has the whole hotel for the duration of the event. Bike parking is always separated from other parking, and there are usually members socializing in this area (all hours of the night).

This year, STAR is centered around the best motorcycling roads the eastern US has to offer. Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia can be ridden to from the hotel and back within a day.

Yes, you must be a MSTA member to attend STAR, but...

If you have never been a member of the HSTA or MSTA we will give you a free 1 year MSTA membership with your paid STAR registration!

Here is the easiest way to do it:
1. Print the STAR registration form located here: http://www.sporttouring.us/documents/Star11Applicationver12.pdf

2. Print the MSTA membership application located here: http://www.sporttouring.us/documents/MSTA_application.pdf

3. Fill out both forms.

4. Write a check for only the STAR registration fees.

5. Mail both forms and the check to the address listed on the STAR registration form.

6. In 2 to 3 weeks you will get your STAR registration confirmation and your MSTA membership packet.

7. At this point you are a MSTA member and can enjoy all of the benefits of the MSTA.

Also, we have many rides that do not require you to be a member. Take a look at our events list at http://www.sporttouring.us. It is kind of thin right at the moment as it is off riding season, but more will be posted as the weather improves.

Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you at a ride or event.


Steps 1-5 completed. Looks like I'm riding to Tennessee in June...

It didn't say anything anywhere about the free membership offer, but I guess the powers that be will figure it out.

Signed up for the lunch ride too, and 5 raffle tickets. :goodidea: Maybe I'll be riding a Tiger home? :thanx:

Mike

Looking forward to meeting you and other Versys riders! If you're interested in saving half on a room, I have reservations at the designated Holiday Inn, PM me if you are a non smoker.

Steps 1-5 completed. Looks like I'm riding to Tennessee in June...

It didn't say anything anywhere about the free membership offer, but I guess the powers that be will figure it out.

Signed up for the lunch ride too, and 5 raffle tickets. :goodidea: Maybe I'll be riding a Tiger home? :thanx:

Mike

You should get event registration confirmation in a couple of weeks and a membership packet in 3-4 weeks. You are are eligible to attend any of the other MSTA regional events as well, such as the mail pouch fly-by in june in Marietta, Ohio or the fall colors ride in Snowshoe, WV in October.

Looking forward to meeting you and all the other Versys riders going to STAR.

You should get event registration confirmation in a couple of weeks and a membership packet in 3-4 weeks. You are are eligible to attend any of the other MSTA regional events as well, such as the mail pouch fly-by in june in Marietta, Ohio or the fall colors ride in Snowshoe, WV in October.

Looking forward to meeting you and all the other Versys riders going to STAR.

Just got my MSTA membership package today, I must say I was quite surprised with all the stuff. Seems like a first rate outfit, very nicely put together. I even put the MSTA sticker on the Versys.

Is it June yet?:D

Looks as if several here are attending STAR 2011 in Johnson City! So far we have 332 registrations, which from past numbers equates to be 650 or more people attending.

Post up here if you are attending. Let me know if I should organize a Versys rider meet and greet...

I'm registered and splitting a room at the Holiday Inn with Windwalker. I think a meet and greet would be a good idea. With so many riders, it's a bit intimidating for new people, but what a welcoming friendly bunch of sport/touring riders. Made me feel welcome right away. Got lots of interest in the Versys, as I'm sure you know. :cheers:

Meet and greet would be cool.

However - life has a way of getting all twisted up, even more so when we do the twisting ourselves.

Almost a year ago my wife got a Harley even after all my suggestions to get the BMW G650GS. She drank the cool-aid. Well after spending a summer of riding the 883L Sportster she told me a week or so ago that the Harely sucks and she ain't looking forward to riding it. Said she was looking forward to riding, just not the Harley, HINT. Well as destiny would have it the local BMW dealer had a leftover G650GS low model available. Yesterday she drove me down there and I got to ride it home for her. It was about 32*, too cold for her. What does that have to do with anything? Well I've had my eye on that Tiger 800XC since you guys sent me over to the MSTA site to check out the STAR and the raffle. Thanks guys! After a nice long talk with the BMW/Triumph dealer about the Tiger 800XC, I'm even more excited. Seems the sales guys got to go out to Arizona for some test riding last month. Nothing but great things to say about it. They're getting a demo in sometime early next month. I'm in line to give it a try, so I can't say for sure if I'll be on the Versys come June... I may need to find the Tiger meet and greet group, LOL.

Maybe the test ride will go somewhat like the BMW F800 demo went, and I'll still be riding the Versys...

Isn't life grand!

Mike

Meet and greet would be cool.

However - life has a way of getting all twisted up, even more so when we do the twisting ourselves.

Almost a year ago my wife got a Harley even after all my suggestions to get the BMW G650GS. She drank the cool-aid. Well after spending a summer of riding the 883L Sportster she told me a week or so ago that the Harely sucks and she ain't looking forward to riding it. Said she was looking forward to riding, just not the Harley, HINT. Well as destiny would have it the local BMW dealer had a leftover G650GS low model available. Yesterday she drove me down there and I got to ride it home for her. It was about 32*, too cold for her. What does that have to do with anything? Well I've had my eye on that Tiger 800XC since you guys sent me over to the MSTA site to check out the STAR and the raffle. Thanks guys! After a nice long talk with the BMW/Triumph dealer about the Tiger 800XC, I'm even more excited. Seems the sales guys got to go out to Arizona for some test riding last month. Nothing but great things to say about it. They're getting a demo in sometime early next month. I'm in line to give it a try, so I can't say for sure if I'll be on the Versys come June... I may need to find the Tiger meet and greet group, LOL.

Maybe the test ride will go somewhat like the BMW F800 demo went, and I'll still be riding the Versys...

Isn't life grand!

Mike
The Tiger 800XC looks like a great bike, and if the finances allowed I'd be on one. You'd still be welcome to join the Versys group. One word to the wise though. You may want to wait until STAR before purchasing a Tiger. In the past, MSTA members have bought bikes while at STAR from the dealer that supplies the raffle bike and have gotten great deals. I can't guarantee that will be the case this year, but the supporting dealer seems very excited to sell some bikes at STAR. Excited enough to provide demo rides at the hotel for a day on several different bikes (not just Triumph) including the Tiger 800. The dealer is also providing demo rides for the remainder of STAR from his shop. Just food for thought,,,

Meet and greet would be cool.

However - life has a way of getting all twisted up, even more so when we do the twisting ourselves.

Almost a year ago my wife got a Harley even after all my suggestions to get the BMW G650GS. She drank the cool-aid. Well after spending a summer of riding the 883L Sportster she told me a week or so ago that the Harely sucks and she ain't looking forward to riding it. Said she was looking forward to riding, just not the Harley, HINT. Well as destiny would have it the local BMW dealer had a leftover G650GS low model available. Yesterday she drove me down there and I got to ride it home for her. It was about 32*, too cold for her. What does that have to do with anything? Well I've had my eye on that Tiger 800XC since you guys sent me over to the MSTA site to check out the STAR and the raffle. Thanks guys! After a nice long talk with the BMW/Triumph dealer about the Tiger 800XC, I'm even more excited. Seems the sales guys got to go out to Arizona for some test riding last month. Nothing but great things to say about it. They're getting a demo in sometime early next month. I'm in line to give it a try, so I can't say for sure if I'll be on the Versys come June... I may need to find the Tiger meet and greet group, LOL.

Maybe the test ride will go somewhat like the BMW F800 demo went, and I'll still be riding the Versys...

Isn't life grand!

Mike

Just buy more raffle tickets!! It's cool that you get the choice if you win, XC or regular. Make mine regular, please.:cheers:

Looks as if several here are attending STAR 2011 in Johnson City! So far we have 332 registrations, which from past numbers equates to be 650 or more people attending.

Post up here if you are attending. Let me know if I should organize a Versys rider meet and greet...

+1 on the meet and greet

and if the finances allowed I'd be on one.

Couldn't agree more. The Versys is just so hard to beat in this department, almost half the price. I guess after selling all my dirt bikes when I got the Versys I'm getting the itch to play in some dirt again. But I may just opt for an older Dual Sport, and still be ahead financially.

Just buy more raffle tickets!! :cheers:

I've got 12 so far :thumb:

Couldn't agree more. The Versys is just so hard to beat in this department, almost half the price. I guess after selling all my dirt bikes when I got the Versys I'm getting the itch to play in some dirt again. But I may just opt for an older Dual Sport, and still be ahead financially.

I have a Chinese Dual Sport, a Lifan 200. Not much on speed or power but lots of torque, like a tractor. It has been very reliable, came with enough spare parts to just about build another one. The best part is, it was free, someone gave it to me!

There has been a shift in the last couple of years on the bikes MSTA members are purchasing. Many are drifting away from the big, heavy ST models and either going with smaller bikes or Adventure tourers. Members are finding out that the adventure bikes handle as well as their big ST's but are much more comfortable. Many have also bought smaller bikes such as the Triumph Street Triple and Versys. At least 8 members have a Super Tenere ordered. Sport touring isn't about the style of bike you ride, it's about how you ride it.

I think most in this group would enjoy the MSTA. STAR would be a great first event! I'll post more on STAR soon, we may be making a free membership offer to any non-MSTA member who registers for STAR. As soon as the details are finalized, I let you know.

Is there a International Membership at MSTA or its only meant for US.

:feedback:

Is there a International Membership at MSTA or its only meant for US.

:feedback:

The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association is an international club. We have quite a few members in Canada and several in Europe. All of our rallies are in the US, but Canadian members are beginning to become more involved and scheduling rides and rallies. The MSTA is a volunteer based club, rallies are planned by member volunteers. We would love to see events in other countries! But we need international members that are willing to plan and develop these events. Many of our members take several weeks a year to tour other countries. Planning these tours around a MSTA event would be awesome.

There is a thread on the MSTA forum titled "Versy-Riders". If this link doesn't work, look under Brand Specific Forums for the link.
Or visit it here if you don't care to log in.
http://www.sporttouring.us/threads/8142-Versys-Riders

The Lunch ride info:

QUOTE:
STAR (Sport Touring Association Rendezvous) is the annual national ralley for the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association. Each year STAR is held in a different location tradionally alternating east and west of the Mississippi River. The primary objectives in choosing a STAR location are excellent riding and adequate accomodations to house the 500 or so attendees. These locations are usually mid-sized cities in mountainous areas of the country. For 2011 STAR will be in Johnson City, TN, a motorcycle friendly city of about 70,000 nestled in the heart of the southern Applalachians and surrounded by great motorcycle roads.


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2011 STAR Lunch Ride/Time Warp Tea Room
Join us Tuesday, June 28th for the STAR 2011 Lunch Ride to Breaks Interstate Park, on the border of Virginia and Kentucky. Created 180 million years ago, Breaks is a 4600 acre park containing a 5-mile long gorge, plunging to 1650 feet, and is referred to as “Grand Canyon of the South.” Far below, the Russell Fork River carved out the spectacular gorge, renowned as the largest east of the Mississippi. Formerly ancient hunting grounds of the Shawnee and Cherokee, Daniel Boone searched for a new way into Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley. In 1767 Boone finally discovered the single passage through the 125-mile stretch of Pine Mountain, and thus gave the area its name: The Breaks.

Explore the old grist mill, go hiking or horseback riding. Enjoy a round of golf, or just relax and enjoy the view of the spectacular Canyon from the deck of the Rhododendron Cafeteria. Watch the whitewater rafters far below as they navigate the river. Your rally coordinators have put together a scenic and twisty 115 mile ride through Virginia's coal country, along the beautiful Clinch River. You'll follow the historic Clinch Railroad with numerous tunnels through the mountains.

We have arranged a box lunch and entrance into the park for $10 per person. There is plenty of space for our "family" picnic. Go to the park website for more information and photos of this beautiful park at Breaks Park .

The "official" lunch ride is approximately 115 miles to and from Breaks Park in Haysi, VA. However we are going to offer an alternative return route through Knoxville to allow those interested to visit the Time Warp Tea Room to view the vintage bikes of members of the Time Warp Vintage Motorcycle Club who will be meeting there that particular night. For those folks the return trip will be about 300 miles making the day around 415 total.

Opened in 2002 by Dan Moriarty, The Time Warp Tea Room - located in the "Happy Hollar" area of Old Knoxville (nicknamed by the frequent gentlemen "guests" of the local ladies) is home to the Time Warp Vintage Motorcycle Club. On any warm, sunny, Tuesday afternoon you can witness the gathering of countless, priceless vintage motorcycles on the sidewalk as the club gathers for its weekly meetings. An informal, very casual and laid-back, dis-organized bunch of vintage enthusiasts meet to share knowledge, swap parts, and generally abuse one-another over gourmet coffee, tea, chai, hot chocolate and smoothies.

The route will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery, on wonderful twisties and sweepers along the way to Knoxville. Enjoy meeting club members, ogle the bikes, and make new friends before heading back to Rally HQ less than 2 hours away where we will have a variety of seminars to choose from.



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VERY Special Giveaways at STAR 2011
We always have lots of great giveaways at STAR and this year, in addtion to all the great stuff that our vendors normally provide, Garmin has ante'd up some really top shelf items. At the members meeting on Monday night we will give away to some lucky member a Garmin Zumo 660 having a retail value of about $800. All you have to do is be there and, of course, have the correct number on your wristband.

A second Zumo (Model 665) having a retail value of about $1,000 will be given away at the Wednesday night banquet based on drawing of bike raffle tickets. That's in addition to the Triumph Tiger, the Held luggage, the Aerostitch and the Olins shock! Those $5 raffle tickets are lookin' pretty darned good, huh?