PDA

View Full Version : The Americade Ordeal


AirportFF
06-12-2005, 06:05 PM
Susan wrote a bit about the "Americade Ordeal" in her forum. I figured not too many people would see it there. So here's a brief summary.



Day 1 Thursday June 9th

Left the house at about 10:00am for the 200 mile trek up to Lake George for Americade. ( www.tourexpo.com )

Arrived up there at about 3:30pm, not bad time considering she has never had the bike on the hiway.

Check into the motel, unload everything, get cleaned up, head downtown. All is right in the world.

Find an AWESOME parking spot right on the main strip!!!! Both bikes are parked side by side and I take mucho pride when I see folks stopping to check them out. Especially hers. Wander around a bit, go to a small bar/restaurant for a quick bite to eat. I even had a beer!!!

Start wandering around some more checking out the bikes. Surprisingly there wasn't all that many Spirits. :undecided Did a little shopping, went through the "House of Frankenstien Wax Museum" (somehow it was much scarier when I was nine)

The weather started looking bad so we decided to head back to the motel. Now keep in mind we are on THE main drag here. Guess who lost her key?? I'll give a hint, it was Susan. I am instantly FURIOUS :furious2: cause now we have to backtrack everywhere we were. And I knew it would all be for nothing. Guess what, I was right.

She tracked down this 12 year old cop, (at least he looked 12) and he said to get it towed back to the motel and call the dealer in the morning with the VIN and he could get a key. COOL!!! :beatnik: We manage to get hold of Billyjoejimbob the towing guy. He said that the bike would need to be moved so he could get to it. Does anyone know how embarassed I was moving the bike in front of all those people?? Really sucked.

Susan told me to head back to the motel since the rain was on the way and she would wait for the tow guy. I just about got a block from where she was and the monsoon hit. By the time I traveled another block I was soaked. I FUCKING HATE RIDING IN THE RAIN!!!!!!!

I get back and take out all the soaking wet items in my pockets and waited for Susan to arrive on the flatbed of salvation.

Billyjoejimbob and me get the bike offloaded and parked for the night.

Take a shower, order pizza (it took almost 2hrs to arrive) and hope for a better day on Friday.


Day 2 Friday June 10th (the better day)

Wake up bright and early and patiently waited for the dealership to open. So took the opportunity to clean up the bikes.

The dealer is open WOOOHOOOOO!!! Called them up and told them I needed a key and I have the VIN number in hand. He says no problem, get the bike towed over here and we have to get the number off of the ignition switch. WHAT!!!!!! :veryangry This is the same bike we had towed to the motel (that was $125) now they want it towed to the dealership!!!!!


I suggested that Susan contact her insurance company. In the meantime I was starting to pack up to go home. Luckily the insurance company said they would cover the tow!!! COOL!!! :luxhello: AND they were gonna find a locksmith to help us out!!! EVEN COOLER!!!! :luxhello: :luxhello: He even arrived an hour earlier that he said. (I could tell he NEVER worked for the cable company) He files this key down by hand, in the meantime I'm in the motel watching The Transporter on TV. It's just coming to the best part when he goes back to the bad guys house, rings the bell, and kicks in the door. Uh Oh....Susan's pissed about something, her debit card was declined, DURING THE BEST PART OF THE MOVIE!!!!!!!! I go out with mine wait an eternity to sign the papers run back in the room, FUCK missed it.

Ok he's paid, the bike starts, we're off. Go down to the Mobil station to fuel up for the day. FUCK FUCK FUCK the new key doesn't unlock the gas cap. I suggest we head to the dealership, maybe we can get them to cut another. She should
have enough fuel.

We get there, and they don't think they can help. One kid at the parts counter, Jason, I think. He cuts us another key and wire brushes the piss out of it. Like magic it works. AND he fueled her bike up for free, KICK ASS!!!

We take the back route back to Lake George trying to avoid the rain clouds. Rt 9L north from Queensbury to LG is absolutely gorgeous.

Decide to take in the trade shows. All kinds of neat gadgets for sale. But we didn't by anything, not even rain gear (remember that statement) We did get dorags to cut back on helmet head.

We were getting hungry and wanted some lunch. Wandered up to the main strip and went to this really nice looking restaurant. There was a group of 4 ahead of us and that was it. But after seeing that it was total pandemonium as far as the hostess was concerned we split after about 5 minutes. Off to the next place, The Lobster Pot, where for a mere $5 cover charge they would allow us to sit and look at a menu. Then we would have the additional pleasure of paying overinflated prices for food. FUCK THAT!!!

She wouldn't go to the McDonalds a few doors down. Guess where we ended up??? The same fucking place as the day before, where I know in my heart her key is!!!! I had 2 beers this time.

Honestly how muchwalkingaround can you do? After that we headed back to our secret lair and waited for dinnertime.

Since this was our last night here we wanted a nice dinner. Went to a nice place about a mile from the motel. Spent what seemed to be an eternity waiting for a table. Susan noticed people complaining about something. We were told by a honest waitress that the kitchen was really backed up, like a half hour or so.

We were off in search of food again. We remebered a nice place, Grannies Kitchen, up the road and decided to go there. We get into the lot and it happens, Susan dropped the bike. Her foot slipped on the asphalt sealer and it was game over. Luckily the engine guard took the hit and there was no damage. Bars were knocked off center and the sidemount was bent. Both were easily fixed. There was some guy there when it happened and the cocksucker didn't even ask if she was ok. Just got on his bike and split. Let me tell ya, Granny is a lazy little bitch, it wasn't even 8 and they were locked down!!!

Off we go again for dinner (all the while I know that there are 2 slices of pizza left so I have mine, ya know) This time we had to go through the main drag. It was thunderdome. Drunken retards on bikes, in cars, walking around. I'm all for a good time, but for christ sake use a little common sense. This BITCH driving an F350 with an air horn was about to make me insane. If I could have gotten away with it I would have dragged that skank out of her truck and ran her through the nearest woodchipper.

Get all the way on the other side of town to joint that a guy told us about the day before. I ordered the Turkey dinner and Susan ordered the prime rib. Get this, the turkey is suppose to have mashed or baked potato, they are out of both. So I get the fries. For my salad I wanted ranch dressing, they were out...how about creamy italian.....nope out of that too. I settle for russian.

Somehow, the main course shows up before the salad. That's odd. I remind her about the salad. She has this, I'm an idiot smile and goes to get it. In the meantime Susan is touching her meat, (insert stupid comment here). It's not only cold, but raw!!!!!! Apparently it was on special because they didn't have to cook it, who knows. That goes back to the kitchen. They had the nerve to charge her for the fries, That she didn't want but ate anyhow. What the fuck are people thinking???????

Dim the lights on day 2


Day 3 Saturday June 11th

Woke up about 7am

Packed

Left that godforsaken hellhole behind

Hit monsoons about a half hour from home.

Sure wish we bought some rain gear.

SmokeShowin
06-12-2005, 09:53 PM
Sorry to hear you had such a bad time. Glad to see you guys made it home ok, wet but ok.

Rheopipo
06-12-2005, 10:32 PM
Well that is quite and adventure! too bad that it was and expensive and a bad one :-( but now you now never leave home with out it.. ( a spare key!)

RustyJake
06-13-2005, 08:42 AM
another day above ground is a great day!!! Thank goodness for your anger management course!!!!
Sorry to hear about all the mishaps, but at least you got that all out of the way, nothing but clear skies and great riding ahead.

Mr.Sinister
06-13-2005, 09:39 AM
I is official , I will never go on vacation with you guys . :furious3: It is nice to know you kept a positive mental attitude the whole time . :wink_2:

Mr.Sinister
06-13-2005, 09:40 AM
" It Not I , Sorry "

olpanrider
06-13-2005, 01:27 PM
hey FF, chin up. It can always be worse, and like RJ implied- every day's a good day. Try missing one!!! Besides, ya'll look back later and laugh your asses off.

Wicked Wanda
06-13-2005, 03:11 PM
Based on your, ah, um, "experience", would you recommend Americade as a rally to attend? This is one that has been on our list to attend and we haven't made the time to do it. I know it's one of the more expensive but have heard it's worth it for the riding, vendors, etc.

Sorry about the key thing...always have your riding partner take an extra key with you. :stunned: We have Frog Toggs for raingear and they're fabulous - not hot to wear and they do keep you dry.

croach1
06-13-2005, 03:13 PM
Give it a little while and this will be the vacation you never forget and laugh about every time it comes up.

I think we should all vacation with the two of you. Now you have the experience to get the rest of us through problems.

AirportFF
06-13-2005, 08:38 PM
Based on your, ah, um, "experience", would you recommend Americade as a rally to attend? This is one that has been on our list to attend and we haven't made the time to do it. I know it's one of the more expensive but have heard it's worth it for the riding, vendors, etc.

Sorry about the key thing...always have your riding partner take an extra key with you. :stunned: We have Frog Toggs for raingear and they're fabulous - not hot to wear and they do keep you dry.

Americade was originally a "touring" rally. Mostly stuff for Goldwings, etc. But since Laconia Bikeweek is the week after Americade there has been a trend towards the hardcore biker crowd the past few years.

It is a good time, great riding up there, and I'm sure that there are a lot of great folks that attend. Hold off on making any plans just yet for next year. They may be moving it out of Lake George, or at least that's the rumor.

AirportFF
06-13-2005, 08:40 PM
Give it a little while and this will be the vacation you never forget and laugh about every time it comes up.

I think we should all vacation with the two of you. Now you have the experience to get the rest of us through problems.


My next vacation is without the bikes. Hopefully a long weekend in New Orleans.

But I'll give ya my cell number and I can talk you through any problems :wink_2:

Machinehead
06-14-2005, 12:05 AM
Run out of juice in N.O. and ya may not wanna go back...seriously....

Sorry to hear that you and S had probs.....

One thing I'd assume you'd know by now is when and where to stash the back-up KEY. Doesn't take a magician to figure it out....for instance...if ya wanna spare for your auto....hide a trunk key and hide the ignition key in the trunk....etc...

Wicked Wanda
06-14-2005, 08:38 AM
Americade was originally a "touring" rally. Mostly stuff for Goldwings, etc. But since Laconia Bikeweek is the week after Americade there has been a trend towards the hardcore biker crowd the past few years.

It is a good time, great riding up there, and I'm sure that there are a lot of great folks that attend. Hold off on making any plans just yet for next year. They may be moving it out of Lake George, or at least that's the rumor.

Interesting...thanks for the heads up. Will keep an eye on my Dad's GWRRA-AARP :wink_2: magazines...

Hardcore bikers - you mean people who actually ride or folks who pose with their HD's? :ignore:

AirportFF
06-14-2005, 05:31 PM
Interesting...thanks for the heads up. Will keep an eye on my Dad's GWRRA-AARP :wink_2: magazines...

Hardcore bikers - you mean people who actually ride or folks who pose with their HD's? :ignore:

Laconia Bikeweek in New Hampshire starts the day Americade ends. So there has been a trend that later in the Americade week, Laconia folks start showing in LG to get a jump on the partying. I guess the best way to describe Americade is it's considered family friendly.

Statistically the majority of the problems (Noise complaints, DWI's, accidents, speeding in town) happen in the latter part of the week. That's when the Laconia folks start arriving.

They had a double fatal accident this past Saturday morning. An inexperienced poser with his shiny new Hardley was driving drunk on rt 9 south, crossed the center line and wiped out 3 guys from Canada. He killed one of them and himself.

FFsLady
06-15-2005, 08:46 PM
I'm just like "whatever".
I asked for protection and safety during that trip. Maybe losing the key and all was meant to be.
It wasnt the best vacation I've had but they'll be more. I'm just happy to be home and working on the new house. :happy:

FFsLady
06-15-2005, 08:49 PM
My next vacation is without the bikes. Hopefully a long weekend in New Orleans.


New Orleans is FUN. good food, music, drink, etc. The next time I go, I'd like to travel to the Garden district and do a cemetary tour. I've only stayed in the French Quarter.

HaChayalBoded
04-01-2006, 09:34 AM
I know this is old but a friend of mine is in the same situation, he lost his keys. I called two dealers and they were complete assholes saying I needed to get a new ignition, now I needed keys for a few cars in the past and I was able to get them from dealers with just the VIN. So I wanted to ask how exactly you got the keys cut? Did you just call the dealer and give them the vin and the ignition code and they just said ok here is a key? Also how much did it run you?

BTW Bike in question in a 2003 Sabre

miclash1
04-23-2007, 05:12 AM
BOY! YOU DO REALLY KNOW HOW TO TELL A STORY..........LMAO!!!!!

well all i was saying, is if you need a place to stay, we have rental property up there. sorry to hear you had a bad experience. but u are right, it is one of the most beautiful places in new york.

hey airport, did u at least get laid that week end? would have made it all worth it buddy.........

miclash1
04-23-2007, 05:21 AM
Interesting...thanks for the heads up. Will keep an eye on my Dad's GWRRA-AARP :wink_2: magazines...

Hardcore bikers - you mean people who actually ride or folks who pose with their HD's? :ignore:


WANDA ,

IF U CHECK THAT LINK I POSTED IN THE FIRST THREAD, IT EXPLAINS ALOT.

THEY ARE REAL HARDCORE BIKERS. PEOPLE WHO REALLY RIDE, BUT AT NIGHT U GET ALOT OF THE YOUNGER KIDS WITH CROTCH ROCKETS AND POSING ( YA KNOW ).

BUT THERE ARE ALOT OF TOURS YOU CAN GET INTO AND RIDES , AND YOU CAN TEST DRIVE ALOT OF DIFFERENT BIKES. YOU JUST HAVE TO REGISTER ONLINE A HEAD OF TIME. TAKE A RIDE NORTH THRU LAKE GEORGE INTO HAUGE ( THE TIP OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN ) IT IS ABSOLUTELY GORGIOUS.) YOU AND YOUR HUBBY WOULD LOVE IT.

AIRPORT IS RIGHT, ORIGINALLY IT STARTED OUT AS A WING RALLY AND MORPHED INTO SOMETHING HUGE. ABOUT 50,000 BIKER LAST YEAR.

I JUST ABOUT GREW UP THERE, AND I MAKE SURE I GO BACK EVERY YEAR. IT'S ABOUT AN HOUR FROM MY HOUSE.


http://www.tourexpo.com/data/index.php

or this website


http://www.americade.info/
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=500 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=4></TD><TD colSpan=3></TD><TD rowSpan=5></TD></TR><TR><TD rowSpan=4></TD><TD colSpan=5></TD><TD rowSpan=4></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Wicked Wanda
04-23-2007, 10:52 AM
WANDA ,

IF U CHECK THAT LINK I POSTED IN THE FIRST THREAD, IT EXPLAINS ALOT.

THEY ARE REAL HARDCORE BIKERS. PEOPLE WHO REALLY RIDE, BUT AT NIGHT U GET ALOT OF THE YOUNGER KIDS WITH CROTCH ROCKETS AND POSING ( YA KNOW ).

BUT THERE ARE ALOT OF TOURS YOU CAN GET INTO AND RIDES , AND YOU CAN TEST DRIVE ALOT OF DIFFERENT BIKES. YOU JUST HAVE TO REGISTER ONLINE A HEAD OF TIME. TAKE A RIDE NORTH THRU LAKE GEORGE INTO HAUGE ( THE TIP OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN ) IT IS ABSOLUTELY GORGIOUS.) YOU AND YOUR HUBBY WOULD LOVE IT.

AIRPORT IS RIGHT, ORIGINALLY IT STARTED OUT AS A WING RALLY AND MORPHED INTO SOMETHING HUGE. ABOUT 50,000 BIKER LAST YEAR.

I JUST ABOUT GREW UP THERE, AND I MAKE SURE I GO BACK EVERY YEAR. IT'S ABOUT AN HOUR FROM MY HOUSE.


http://www.tourexpo.com/data/index.php

or this website


http://www.americade.info/
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=500 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=4></TD><TD colSpan=3></TD><TD rowSpan=5></TD></TR><TR><TD rowSpan=4></TD><TD colSpan=5></TD><TD rowSpan=4></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Thanks for the insight...we're about rallied out. Taking a break from them for a few years.

dakota99rt
04-23-2007, 04:08 PM
Hey airport I dont know when your planing your next vacation but dont come down here right now. wait till next year to come and visit. were only about 75% back to where we were before katrina. While there promoting tourism really hard right now and most of the tourist stuff is back, theres still ALOT that isnt. and not being from here its really not safe for tourists after dark. if you make a wrong turn or go down the wrong street you will end up dead. (Im being very serious with this) the news and polititions are doing there best to keep alot of what goes on here quiet but even though the population of new orleans is half what it was before the storm the crime and murders have almost doubled.

AirportFF
04-23-2007, 08:01 PM
Hey airport I dont know when your planing your next vacation but dont come down here right now. wait till next year to come and visit. were only about 75% back to where we were before katrina. While there promoting tourism really hard right now and most of the tourist stuff is back, theres still ALOT that isnt. and not being from here its really not safe for tourists after dark. if you make a wrong turn or go down the wrong street you will end up dead. (Im being very serious with this) the news and polititions are doing there best to keep alot of what goes on here quiet but even though the population of new orleans is half what it was before the storm the crime and murders have almost doubled.

As much as I want to go. Current finances won't allow it. Maybe if I get a third job I can swing it.:freak: