Author Topic: OtP XV (2017) Is On!!! (Read 19467 times)

Jorge · « **Reply #50 on:** February 21, 2017, 12:31:35 am »

OK... for all those who patiently have awaited the moment

And all those who have not been patient

There were a number of really great nominees, most of them unable to accept the nomination for a variety of reasons, but we are left with two really great COGgers...without further ado,
congratulations to the candidates for OtP 2017 Traveler:
Dan Breeden

and

Mark Hartman

In the next days, look for Dan and Mark to submit their write-ups. Dan and Mark, this is the time to not be humble, but instread let COG know what you have done for the club, why you should be this years OtP traveler, and how you're gong to solve the Middle East problems and World Hunger.

In the mean time, and until the end of collections,
KEEP THOSE DONATIONS COMING!!

If you want your votes to be counted, please send them to: otpvotes@cog-online.org
There is a devoted ~~slave laborer~~ volunteer that will be collecting the votes, and once the voting period is concluded, will total them. At that time, we will confirm all is still a "GO" for the winner, and proceed per the schedule.

As a reminder, the voting rules are being copied below:
Requirements for Voting
1) Current COG/GCE Members are entitled to 1 Vote.
2) An Associate Member {of a Current COG/GCE Member} is entitled to 1 vote.
3) Significant Others {That are NOT Associate members}, can vote 1 time.
BUT (before Voting) a $10 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.
4) Forum Subscribers (with a minimum of 20 posts, and registration prior to OtP announcement date) can vote 1 time, but before voting a $10 Minimum Donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.
5) Non-Members can vote 1 time, but before voting a $15 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person

connie_rider · « **Reply #51 on:** February 21, 2017, 12:53:13 am »

Congratulations Dan and Mark!!!!!

We'll be waiting to see your write-ups.
After that,, we want to see some good old "Campaigning".
(Smear campaigns are preferred).

PS: Don't tell anyone, but my vote CAN be bought. {But, I ain't cheap}.

Jorge, ya did good.
shhh, don't let anyone know I sed that.

Ride safe, Ted

bird-hill-trekker · « **Reply #52 on:** February 21, 2017, 05:18:11 am »

Congratulations also from Over The Pond to Dan and Mark.

It seems, we will see at least one of you on the international (but originally German) GTR gathering,
which is called "Treffpunkt 2017" (meeting point). This meeting happens every year since 2002 and was founded by Anette Arrenberg (OTP traveler 2016) and Bernd Neumann (OTP traveller 2011). Usually it has more participants than the GCE Rally.
2017 that meeting will be in Kiefersfelden @ the border between Bavaria (Germany) and Tyrolia (Austria).
From there nice motorbike tours can be planned in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany all reachable within one day.
More information you'll find here: http://www.1000gtr.de/ (refer to the first topic).
Yes, the disciption is in German. But this is the advantage of the location Kiefersfelden.
The traveler(s) only need to learn German because all day rides will be within an area where people speaks and understand German. Additionally there are other local languages too: different colours of German dialects, Italian, French, Raetroroman.
But the most common language in the Alpine area is German ("German first, like Americans would say 😉).

So Dan and Mark, start to learn German and riding switchbacks. Ask expierienced OTP travelers.

And now we need to find out, who of you will be Guy, comming to Kiefersfelden.
Ralf Peter is coordinating OTP 2017 on our side of the pond (if needed with my and Anette's help).
Alois and Johanna Herfurtner are organising the Gathering itself (contact data you'll find at the a/m link for Alois or at COG member book for Ralf and me).

wolfram · « **Reply #53 on:** February 21, 2017, 07:22:03 am »

Congratulations Dan and Mark!!!!!

Looking forward to see you in Kiefersfelden.

Wolfram

AAD-Germany, GCE# 37
Over The Pond VIII Traveler 2009

Kawasaurus · « **Reply #54 on:** February 21, 2017, 10:06:27 am »

congratulations Dan and Mark!

hope we can see one of you, or both at the GTR Meeiting Kiefersfelden (close to Kufstein)

and maybe, i can guide you on your way there...

connie_rider · « **Reply #55 on:** February 21, 2017, 02:21:56 pm »

OMG!! Ralf is gonna lead the Traveler??

One of ya'll is fixin' to learn a whole new version of "riding twisties"!!
Twisties in the Alps.... Kawasaurus style..

(Did I mention, that Ralf will be leading you on twisty mountain roads,,, "where he lives".

You guy had better start campaigning!!!!

"I wanna go"!!!

Ride safe, Ted

PS: Jorge, please check the list of nominee's again.
I think my name was missed.
I'm certain I'm supposed to be one of the Candidate's!

Old Man on a Connie · « **Reply #56 on:** February 22, 2017, 02:31:29 am »

Hey! Why is it always Dan and Mark? Why not Mark and Dan?

Once again I am humbled by the ~~foolish~~ awesome folks that nominated my old arse. There are so many that deserve this treasure more than me. You know what's really cool though? Both Nominees are from the SW area that has been going through a phoenix style rise in the past 4 years. To that the dedication of the SW members holds sway. And to them I thank you. As well as the awesome support from the BOD and the members of all of the areas within COG. So many of you I have met and enjoyed the company of. To this day! I stand in awe of the people of this great group of motorcyclists. From the day I came, I saw, I joined I have not been disappointed. From school yard squabbles on the forum to bare knuckle brawling there was never a question that the betterment of the club was 1st and foremost in everyone's mind regardless of viewpoint. From the support of members that were down on their luck to those that suffered tremendous loss you folks stepped up. Again and again. I am so proud to be associated with each and every one of you. This club rocks and I will always know that if I do things honestly and without malice I'll have several hundred folks, across the Nation and across Europe, that have my back. And for that, my Friends, I thank you.
Mark Hartman
COG/SWAD

Rusty · « **Reply #57 on:** February 22, 2017, 02:49:54 am »

Congratulations to Mark and Dan! I hope both of you get to go and I am extremely envious!! You are going to have so much fun!! I wish I could have rode with Ralf when we went last year though Bernd was fantastic! Good luck to both! As Ted says!!! I wanna go!!!!

SantaCruzRider · « **Reply #58 on:** February 22, 2017, 03:25:51 am »

Thank you to whomever nominated me for OtP. After reading and editing all the OtP rider reports the last couple of years, it's a bit surreal to think about having the same opportunity.

Of course in truth, it's a bit like fantasizing about winning Super Lotto, because I have the horrible luck of running against Mark. My greatest hope this that COG members will wisely recognize that Mark is too great an asset to the club to risk sending overseas and will choose to send me instead -- much less risky.

In the meantime, maybe I'll brush up on my German. I already know how to order a beer, how to say "thank you", how to order another beer, how to ask for directions to the men's room, and then how to order another beer -- so I guess you can say I'm fairly fluent.

In that spirit, Prost to COG for the honor of even being considered.

bird-hill-trekker · « **Reply #59 on:** February 22, 2017, 05:07:09 am »

Hi Dan, Mark

Organisation is running...
Ralf Peter will be the guide.
We reservated a bed together with someone who snores.
If Dan will win, he will be responsible for ordering, bringing (and paying) the beers for our riding group.
This increases his chances to get votes from Europe.
Mark, what can you offer?

Kawasaurus · « **Reply #60 on:** February 22, 2017, 08:54:58 am »

Quote from: connie_rider on February 21, 2017, 02:21:56 pm

OMG!! Ralf is gonna lead the Traveler??

One of ya'll is fixin' to learn a whole new version of "riding twisties"!!
Twisties in the Alps.... Kawasaurus style..

(Did I mention, that Ralf will be leading you on twisty mountain roads,,, "where he lives".

You guy had better start campaigning!!!!

Ey Ted, would you like to say, i was too slow for you? $:-\$

maybe, but i remember , that i have loosen the guys in my mirror, i have to wait for them sometimes...

connie_rider · « **Reply #61 on:** February 22, 2017, 02:29:44 pm »

Ralf, (I admit it) you had to wait for us a lot! (and your bike was running on only 3 cylinders)
But, I have an excuse. It was the first days we ever rode in the Alps. We did get a little better.
Be gentle with the new Rookie.

Dan, I saw your first campaign note... Pretty good start.. I like the sneaky angle...

My greatest hope this that COG members will wisely recognize that Mark is too great an asset to the club to risk sending overseas and will choose to send me instead -- much less risky.
And you said you know the most important words in German. Ein Bier, bitta?

Mark, ya was nice, polite, and hit the high points that appeal to us; ya mentioned beer drinkin', bare knuckled brawling, and how great COG is..
Good start...
Ya also asked about Mark and Dan, vs Dan and Mark. I like your smoooooze!!!
But, I think Dan one upped ya.. Time to get creative!

You two, need to shake hands and come out fighting!!!!
Name calling, and smarty remarks is ~~necessary~~ mandatory!!!!

Only 1 problem, I haven't received your offers {to pay for my vote}?? "Bid high"!!

Ride safe, Ted

Sport Rider · « **Reply #62 on:** February 22, 2017, 03:14:41 pm »

Quote from: Jorge on February 21, 2017, 12:31:35 am

OK... for all those who patiently have awaited the moment
And all those who have not been patient

There were a number of really great nominees, most of them unable to accept the nomination for a variety of reasons, but we are left with two really great COGgers...without further ado,
congratulations to the candidates for OtP 2017 Traveler:
Dan Breeden

and

Mark Hartman

.......

Given the candidates which were nominated, when voting is open, can I write in Donald Trump instead?

Kawasaurus · « **Reply #63 on:** February 22, 2017, 03:20:38 pm »

okay, i forgot that you live in a country with only loooong straight roads,

without twisties and turns, but a speed limit of 55 mph (maybe 75)

at the first hour of our ride, ous speed was between 35 up to 50 mph (50-80 km/h) thats exactly the speed of heavy tuned 50cc scooters...

but be sure, i will be carful with newbies in the Alps...

connie_rider · « **Reply #64 on:** February 22, 2017, 03:22:07 pm »

Given the candidates which were nominated, when voting is open, can I write in Donald Trump instead?

No, don't write in Donald,,

write in "TED"...

But be sure, I will be carful with newbies in the Alps...

Ralf,,, remember who your talking to. {Your nose is going to grow like Pinocchio}
I've seen you being careful with ~~the newbies~~ Al and me!! <grin>
Bwaaaaaaaaaa, shift, bwaaaaaaa, shift, etc etc etc!!!

{That was "in" the turn, after the turn, you sped up!}

I wanna go!!!!!

Ride safe, Ted

Sport Rider · « **Reply #65 on:** February 22, 2017, 03:31:07 pm »

Quote from: connie_rider on February 22, 2017, 03:22:07 pm

Given the candidates which were nominated, when voting is open, can I write in Donald Trump instead?

No, don't write in Donald,, write in "TED"...

Ride safe, Ted

Who's Ted Trump? Donald's redneck brother? (Think Billy Carter)

connie_rider · « **Reply #66 on:** February 22, 2017, 03:41:57 pm »

Great idea!!

Vote fer TED.
He don't offer no stinkin' Billy Beer.
He offer's "Ted Shine"....

No!! Hans!!!
Step away from the Flog-O-Matic!!!! <gloom>

Ride safe, Ted

bird-hill-trekker · « **Reply #67 on:** February 22, 2017, 03:59:25 pm »

O.k. I just received some cans of Surstrøming.
Hans-Ove told me, put it in the sun. No problem
Surstrøming becomes better in the sun and the
Can gets more under pressure.

Mark and/or Dan, we are ready to welcome you
with our legendary Swedish delicousy

bird-hill-trekker · « **Reply #68 on:** February 22, 2017, 04:16:25 pm »

@ Ted!

Katja just sent me news in Facebook:
A Swiss court just convicted a German guy in absentia to 30 month in jail.
He rode 200 km/h inside the St. Gotthard tunnel. $:-\$

But it wasn't me. It was TED! He rode my Blue Whale

On their speeding foto instead of the registration number, they just found a sticker:
"Don't mess with Texas"

Kawasaurus · « **Reply #69 on:** February 22, 2017, 05:56:41 pm »

Quote from: connie_rider on February 22, 2017, 03:22:07 pm

But be sure, I will be carful with newbies in the Alps...

Ralf,,, remember who your talking to. {Your nose is going to grow like Pinocchio}
I've seen you being careful with ~~the newbies~~ Al and me!! <grin>
Bwaaaaaaaaaa, shift, bwaaaaaaa, shift, etc etc etc!!!
{That was "in" the turn, after the turn, you sped up!}

I wanna go!!!!!

Ride safe, Ted

ted, i know mostly where are the places of the radar traps, and i also know the places where i must slow down, and where i can speed up. our cops are not so bad like in US, they dont shoot you about a bit more speed than allowed, but they will sent you a ticket via mail if you are going in a speedtrap.

in Germany and Austria it is not too expensive, but in swiss it is more expensive than all othe countries.

SantaCruzRider · « **Reply #70 on:** February 22, 2017, 08:23:06 pm »

I'm starting to get a little suspicious about this whole process. I find it really interesting that there were supposedly lots of qualified nominees, and all but Mark and I (two guys way out here in the wild west) were "unable" to attend.

Any chance that the abstainers reasons include Ralf or Surstrøming??? I've heard that one can leave you dizzy and feeling like your stomach has been turned inside out, and the other is a food. hmmmm

Kawasaurus · « **Reply #71 on:** February 22, 2017, 08:39:04 pm »

Dan, look at this videos, you will get an little taste of what awaits you...

at 12:40 is where the fun begins... and turn your sound loud...

https://youtu.be/S03Iu6Z6_8A

SantaCruzRider · « **Reply #72 on:** February 22, 2017, 09:08:12 pm »

Wow, that's amazing. And it's nice to see they don't obstruct the views with a lot extra guardrails. Looks they only put them where the drop off is more than 1,000 feet.

Some of those roads look a bit narrow too, very cool. We have those here, but we call them bike paths.

Harry Martin · « **Reply #73 on:** February 22, 2017, 09:25:14 pm »

I thought Dan-Mark was on the udder side of the pond...

Oh wait, Dan AND Mark...okay, got it!

Congrats to Dan AND Mark!

connie_rider · « **Reply #74 on:** February 22, 2017, 10:49:50 pm »

Don't worry about the guys that declined. Their justa bunch of sissies.
And the Surstrøming tastes pretty good. Ya just got to get past the smell....

I woulda kept up with Ralf, but I was behind Bernd and waiting for Al.
(That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!)

I hate to tell you this.
"But"
Those "were" the flattest, widest roads.
And they had far more guardrails than most...

Oh, and did you notice Ralf passing in the turns?
That's the norm over there.

{Out of the kindness of my heart}
If'n you win and "chicken out".
I'll be more than happy to go in yer place!!

Where's Mark?
He's being too quiet.
I suspect he's doing something sneaky...

Ride safe, Ted