Amerivespa 2012, June 21-24, Lake Geneva, WI

chloefpuff · Post by **chloefpuff** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:06 pm

Well, like the moron I am I just started looking my lodging today. I ended up with a room at the Fontana Inn, about 8 miles away at the other end of the lake. It's actually cheaper than the group rates were.

I will ride the ToughBunny from Holland to Muskegon, about an hour, and then take the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Then its a quick scoot to Lake Geneva. FUNFUNFUNFUN

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:18 am

chloefpuff wrote:Well, like the moron I am I just started looking my lodging today. I ended up with a room at the Fontana Inn, about 8 miles away at the other end of the lake. It's actually cheaper than the group rates were.

I will ride the ToughBunny from Holland to Muskegon, about an hour, and then take the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Then its a quick scoot to Lake Geneva. FUNFUNFUNFUN

Hey Chloe!
I was thinking of doing the ferry too, how much does it cost?
I'd be riding from Kalamazoo...

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:25 am

chloefpuff wrote:Well, like the moron I am I just started looking my lodging today. I ended up with a room at the Fontana Inn, about 8 miles away at the other end of the lake. It's actually cheaper than the group rates were.

I will ride the ToughBunny from Holland to Muskegon, about an hour, and then take the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Then its a quick scoot to Lake Geneva. FUNFUNFUNFUN

Hey Chloe!
I was thinking of doing the ferry too, how much does it cost?
I'd be riding from Kalamazoo...

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:59 am

Is Chicago the closest airport? I know I'm flying into Chicago. No idea how I'm getting to Lake Geneva or back to Chicago!

Hmmm…

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:33 am

ericalm wrote:Is Chicago the closest airport? I know I'm flying into Chicago. No idea how I'm getting to Lake Geneva or back to Chicago!

Hmmm…

Probably. and there are 2 airports, O'hare and Midway...

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:49 am

That ferry from MI to WI is ridiculously expensive. There are a couple ferries that vary in price a bit, but they're all around $125 PER passenger, and $80 per bike, round trip. I think one-way wasn't much less.

Big Airports:
Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport 36.7mi
Chicago O'Hare International Airport 51.0mi
Chicago Midway Airport 65.8mi

Mitchell's closer than O'Hare, and less of a PITA I'm sure. Midway's cheaper and easier, but it's on the south side of Chicago. That extra 12 miles over O'Hare doesn't seem like much, but it'd be straight through city traffic.

Smaller Airports:
Chicago Pal-Waukee Airport 42.8mi
Greater Rockford Airport 43.5mi
Madison Dane County Regional Airport 59.0mi

Palwaukee and Dane County are tiny, but Rockford might be worth looking into, it's a fairly large city.

Bryan

gr8dog · Post by **gr8dog** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:50 am

ericalm wrote:Is Chicago the closest airport? I know I'm flying into Chicago. No idea how I'm getting to Lake Geneva or back to Chicago!

Hmmm…

Milwaukees Mitchell Field is probably about the same distance as Ohare but you may find it a lot easier to travel to lake Geneva from Milwaukee. A lot less city traffic between Milwaukee and Lake Geneva than from Chicago.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 2:00 am

gr8dog wrote:Milwaukees Mitchell Field is probably about the same distance as Ohare but you may find it a lot easier to travel to lake Geneva from Milwaukee. A lot less city traffic between Milwaukee and Lake Geneva than from Chicago.

Exactly, MKE to AV is 10 miles of suburbs then 25 miles of farmland. ORD to AV is 40 miles of dense suburbs and 10 miles of farmland. Even on the highway, traffic sucks all the way to the Wisconsin border from O'Hare, and getting in and out of O'Hare in the first place is a pain.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 11:57 am

The Muskegon/Milwaukee ferry is a bit pricey (the Ludington/Manitowoc ferry to the north is a little less) but it has the advantage of bypassing the Chicagoland sprawl of northern Illinois and Indiana. I used the northern ferry to close the loop on my ride "around" Lake Michigan and I'd probably take the southern one it if I were going to Amerivespa.

I'm not sure it'd be worth riding up to Muskegon from Kalamazoo, though. It's a nice enough ride, but those two hours might be better spent riding the other way, around the Lake.

Rippinyarn · Post by **Rippinyarn** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 2:56 pm

I'm torn on taking the Lake Express ferry (at a eye-watering $535.00 R/T for the fam and the Transit Connect) or slogging it out through Chicago traffic. I'll have to check out an alternate route around Chicago and see what the time/cost per mile extra is. If it were just me, I'd bust it right through Chicago, but with an eight year old (and her sometimes impatient mom), the shortest, most scenic/high adventure route might be better for all involved. This looks to be an expensive adventure.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 3:11 pm

If you stay on 80 to 355 to 290, it's not *too* bad (though lots of tolls that are more expensive if you pay cash, bring your iPass or whatever indianans/michiganders call it). It really depends on time of day, if you can time it right, you'll sail right through in an hour, but friday afternoon/night could take three hours from the IN/IL border to the IL/WI border to Rockford.

In any case, it'd have to be faster than a FERRY, right? and even with gas and tolls, it can't cost $395 to drive from central Michigan to southern wisconsin, right? The ferry might be fun but in my experience, very few ferries are fun, it's just sitting around waiting to load, then sitting around looking at water and cars, then sitting around waiting to unload, ha.

Bb

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 3:19 pm

Of course now that I look at a map, I can see Lake Geneva is right off the highway from MKE, and nowhere near a highway directly from Chicago, so you'd have to drive all the way out to Rockford and cut back towards MKE, or take 14 up from Huntley (which isn't too bad, I've done it, but it'll slow you down.)

So back to the airport thing, for anyone interested, seems like you'd be WAY better off flying into MKE, if you can find a reasonably-priced flight. Plus, you can see the Harley Museum, which is really good, even if you hate harleys (like me), and stay at the kinda expensive-but-totally-worth it Iron Horse Hotel across the street if you have an extra night to kill. Milwaukee is a really fun town.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:26 pm

illnoise wrote:If you stay on 80 to 355 to 290, it's not *too* bad (though lots of tolls that are more expensive if you pay cash, bring your iPass or whatever indianans/michiganders call it).

The toll road doesn't go through Michigan, so we don't call it anything.

In any case, it'd have to be faster than a FERRY, right? and even with gas and tolls, it can't cost $395 to drive from central Michigan to southern wisconsin, right? The ferry might be fun but in my experience, very few ferries are fun, it's just sitting around waiting to load, then sitting around looking at water and cars, then sitting around waiting to unload, ha.

You won't save money, but you can save time. Lake Express is 2.5 hours, shore to shore, much less than it would take to get between the same points by land.... but less of an advantage if you're starting in southern Michigan, of course.

There's some stuff to do on board, but I can't speak to whether a ferry across Lake Michigan can be fun, because the only time I've taken it was the red-eye crossing, and I slept. That's (and the potential time savings) is the main selling point of the service: that you can just hang out for a few hours (sleep, read, play Parcheesi, whatever) instead of piloting your own transportation or sharing the back seat with your two sisters.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 12:20 am

My theory, if I were not riding, would be to fly into Omaha and take a rental to Lake Geneva. Sounds way less expensive. Just thinking out loud though; haven't done any math.

If you're riding, why not go the long way around Chicago? Sounds like it would cost less and be a much nicer ride....

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 5:36 am

ericalm wrote:
Rippinyarn wrote:Just in case this helps - There are going to be several Genuine-specific activities at Amerivespa. As in, ride your Genuine to _____ and something will happen. It sounds like a very cool event for Genuine riders... and so my decision is made. It's the Blur, and probably trucked to the event (family is coming along )
I was just talking to someone at Genuine about this. Plans are afoot!

That is so cooool! Dag nabbit, I wish it was closer

Not that I could make it even if it was actually in my state this year, but still. I wanna goooooooo

Just out of curiousity, where has it been held the last few years? I wonder how likely it will be that it will come close to me soon...

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Sadly, I'm out. My job just went away. Bah.

Ohnoes! I'm sorry Skootz, that really stinks. I hope you find something else soon!

EDIT to say all you lucky dogs that are managing to go better take some PRIMO photos and video, and bring MB some cool newbies!

aaronnobody · Post by **aaronnobody** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 5:24 pm

to my west michigan people, especially you missy, the ride to amerivespa should be a piece of cake.

when i bought my malaguti I took the ferry to milwaukee, where the scoot was waiting for me. I rode it all the way back, 242 miles. the malaguti was 50cc at the time and still had the variator restriction. I was getting an indicated 43-46 mph during the day and 48-52 in the evening.

I mapped out the route with google earth ahead of time. I didn't have a gps device at the time so when I got turned around I had to give my uncle a call for some guidance, he's a chicago resident.

I would consider a group ride, but I might do the lake michigan circle tour before hand. I'm no quite sure about that yet though.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:01 pm

aaronnobody wrote:I would consider a group ride, but I might do the lake michigan circle tour before hand.

If you're thinking of scootering all the way 'round Lake Michigan, drop me a line. I went from Grand Rapids to Green Bay (by way of the UP) a few years ago. Great ride, but there are things to look for, and things to look out for.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:18 pm

pugbuddy wrote:My theory, if I were not riding, would be to fly into Omaha and take a rental to Lake Geneva. Sounds way less expensive. Just thinking out loud though; haven't done any math.

Omaha to Amerivespa is an eight-hour drive! Through Iowa, the Boring State™

The rally's like an hour from Milwaukee and an hour and a half from Chicago, maybe 2 hours with traffic and off the interstate.

pugbuddy wrote:If you're riding, why not go the long way around Chicago? Sounds like it would cost less and be a much nicer ride....

Going "around" Chicago is hard, since Chicago sprawl spreads deep into indiana and wisconsin, and even michigan. It can be done, of course, but you'd be going WAY out of your way.

Going the OTHER Way around Lake Michigan would be scenic and pretty wonderful, actually, but it's a LONG ride. By car, from Muskegon (where the ferry is), it's 656 mi/ 12 hours by the north route, 272 mi/5 hours through Gary and Chicago. If you have the time, and want to do a 2-day ride there, ride for three days, and do a 2-day ride home it's great, but probably not an option for most.

Comparatively, the south route, avoiding downtown and staying off the interstates (so, via scooter) through South Bend, Hammond, Joliet, Elgin, would be 342 mi/8.5 hrs.

Of course it depends on where you're coming from in Michigan, too.

TVB, be sure to factor in sitting around waiting for the ferry to load/unload ads some time too. But I hope you do it because I wanna do that sooner or later and I want to know how it goes. : )

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:21 pm

Also, those are google times not scooter times. It takes about 12 hours to ride from Chicago to Lake Geneva if you're riding a vintage Vespa that you put together the night before, with a leaky one-gallon tank, and changing a few cables on the way and stopping every 20 miles so it doesn't overheat.

Bb.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:59 pm

illnoise wrote:Going "around" Chicago is hard, since Chicago sprawl spreads deep into indiana and wisconsin, and even michigan.

It's not quite that bad. Going from Chicago eastward, you'll hit farmland before you reach the Indiana/Michigan border. It's actually pretty nice scooting country from that point on up the Lakeshore.

Going the OTHER Way around Lake Michigan would be scenic and pretty wonderful, actually, but it's a LONG ride.

Yes. It is. Both.

It took me a week, with stops to smell the roses, detours to see the sights, and general lollygagging.

TVB, be sure to factor in sitting around waiting for the ferry to load/unload ads some time too. But I hope you do it because I wanna do that sooner or later and I want to know how it goes. : )

I've done the crossing on the Badger, but not the Lake Express. On that ship the motorcycles loaded last and unloaded first, because otherwise we'd be in the way of the cars. I was off the boat and scooting away within several minutes of docking.

aaronnobody · Post by **aaronnobody** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:04 pm

if I end up riding direct to amerivespa from holland, its a one day trip. I'll be taking my recently acquired vespa s150. bluestar hwy to red arrow hwy to dunes hwy etc.

I'm curious if scooterworks or motorworks are going to have a meet-up for the ride there on thursday.

also, when will an itinerary be released for the whole event?

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:47 pm

aaronnobody wrote:bluestar hwy to red arrow hwy to dunes hwy etc.

That's definitely the route to take if you're going by land.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Wed Mar 14, 2012 3:00 am

Just out of curiousity, where has it been held the last few years? I wonder how likely it will be that it will come close to me soon...

2010 it was in San Antonio; 2011 it was in New Orleans. I expect a coastal location in 2013. Just my thoughts.

I haven't completely figured out my route yet. I did some Google-mapping initially but probably won't do any more until about a week before the rally.

If anyone knows of a nice, scenic route from Tulsa OK to Lake Geneva WI that is not more than 2-3 days, fill me in! I'm looking at a two day ride but may arrive around Noon on day three just to get more country in!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:59 am

Past Amerivespa locations...
2011 (New Orleans, LA)
2010 (San Antonio, TX)
2009 (Los Gatos, CA)
2008 (Chattanooga, TN)
2007 (Seattle, WA)
2006 (Denver, CO)
2005 (Cleveland, OH)
2004 (Salt Lake City, UT)
2003 (Madison, GA)
2002 (Portland, OR)
2001 (Oklahoma City, OK)
2000 (San Diego, CA)
1999 (San Diego, CA)
1998 (Knoxville, TN)
1997 (Knoxville, TN)
1996 (Manitou Springs, CO)
1995 (Manitou Springs, CO)
1994 (Springfield, MO)
1993 (Springfield, MO)

I have a couple guesses where the next one will be. I was pretty close last year; I guessed Chicago.

Still holding out hope for Vancouver (not actually one of my guesses), mostly because I want to do the ride from LA.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Sun May 06, 2012 1:04 am

Hello all,

I am seeking a roommate or two to help with costs during AV 2012 this year. There are two beds, I'm taking one--not sharing my bed, sorry; but I'm willing to "rent" out the second one.

I'm generally well kept, don't dance around in the buff, don't snore (no complaints of which I'm aware concerning this), and leave other folk's stuff alone. I'm not a crazy, late-nighter although I'll happily stay out with friends when the opportunity presents itself.

Let me know if you are interested (PM will do or reply here). Split is evenly divided by headcount (re: if you're a "couple" you've got 2/3 of the bill).

Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
300 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
888-746-7371
www.harborshoreslg.com

Arrival Date: 06/20/12 (Wednesday)
Departure Date: 06/24/12 (Sunday)
Room Rate: $101.00 per night
*Parkview*
$42.44 (10.5% Sales Tax Applied)

Total Charge: $446.44 (US)

opposable_thumbs · Post by **opposable_thumbs** » Sun May 06, 2012 1:07 am

ericalm wrote:Past Amerivespa locations...
2011 (New Orleans, LA)
2010 (San Antonio, TX)
2009 (Los Gatos, CA)
2008 (Chattanooga, TN)
2007 (Seattle, WA)
2006 (Denver, CO)
2005 (Cleveland, OH)
2004 (Salt Lake City, UT)
2003 (Madison, GA)
2002 (Portland, OR)
2001 (Oklahoma City, OK)
2000 (San Diego, CA)
1999 (San Diego, CA)
1998 (Knoxville, TN)
1997 (Knoxville, TN)
1996 (Manitou Springs, CO)
1995 (Manitou Springs, CO)
1994 (Springfield, MO)
1993 (Springfield, MO)

I have a couple guesses where the next one will be. I was pretty close last year; I guessed Chicago.

Still holding out hope for Vancouver (not actually one of my guesses), mostly because I want to do the ride from LA.

I def need to make next years no matter where it is!!!!!

Post by **ericalm** » Sun May 06, 2012 2:29 pm

After riding around north San Diego County last week, I sure wouldn't mind seeing it return there! But I don't think that's going to happen.

opposable_thumbs · Post by **opposable_thumbs** » Sun May 06, 2012 2:41 pm

ericalm wrote:After riding around north San Diego County last week, I sure wouldn't mind seeing it return there! But I don't think that's going to happen.

I personally would love San Diego or Vegas!

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Sun May 06, 2012 4:41 pm

ericalm wrote:Past Amerivespa locations...
2011 (New Orleans, LA)
2010 (San Antonio, TX)
2009 (Los Gatos, CA)
2008 (Chattanooga, TN)
2007 (Seattle, WA)
2006 (Denver, CO)
2005 (Cleveland, OH)
2004 (Salt Lake City, UT)
2003 (Madison, GA)
2002 (Portland, OR)
2001 (Oklahoma City, OK)
2000 (San Diego, CA)
1999 (San Diego, CA)
1998 (Knoxville, TN)
1997 (Knoxville, TN)
1996 (Manitou Springs, CO)
1995 (Manitou Springs, CO)
1994 (Springfield, MO)
1993 (Springfield, MO)

I have a couple guesses where the next one will be. I was pretty close last year; I guessed Chicago.

Still holding out hope for Vancouver (not actually one of my guesses), mostly because I want to do the ride from LA.

Looks to me like it's high time for it to come closer to here

Here's to hoping for next year...

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Sun May 06, 2012 6:41 pm

I heard a rumor (and just a rumor) that it might be New Orleans again in 2013.

If you want it in Richmond, you'd have a good shot at it, it comes down to a good local scene, good places to ride, and solid support from good local shops, which you definitely have, but the biggest thing is organized, pro-active, gung-ho locals with a solid plan and who are willing to do the groundwork.

Eric, When the VCOC has their national rally in L.A., VCOA can have theirs in Vancouver. I think theirs is in Vancouver pretty much every year, so just go to that!

Bb.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jun 05, 2012 12:54 am

Going to Amerivespa? Let us know here:
topic22283.html

Modern Buddy

Amerivespa 2012, June 21-24, Lake Geneva, WI

Just booked my room!

Re: Just booked my room!

Re: Just booked my room!

Roommate Wanted