21st Annual Last Ride of the Year
Twenty-one years ago, some long-distance motorcycle riders and members of the Iron Butt Association ("IBA") starting going to the Stagecoach Cafe in Stockton, Alabama, for the "Last Ride of the Year." Also, called the "Stagecoach RTE" ("ride to eat"), this event has grown to the point where several hundred bikes now show up. The event is always on December 30th. Because Dec. 30th falls on a Saturday this year, they are expecting almost 1,000 bikes to show up. Many people ride hundreds or thousands of miles to attend this event. You can expect to see BMWs, Harleys, Gold Wings, Moto Guzzis, Nortons, Ducatis, ... basically every type of motorcycle will be there. Some are set up for long-distance riding with interesting seats, complicated instrument panels, and extra fuel tanks.
The Stagecoach Cafe will open at 7:00am for breakfast, but most people arrive around 9:00am. The Cafe also serves lunch starting around 11:00am. About 12:00pm, they will hand out awards for things like "oldest rider," "youngest rider," and "who rode the farthest to this event." By 2:00pm, the parking lot will be mostly empty.
This is a great opportunity to see some interesting long-distance bikes and riders, and generally enjoying some country-style food and camaraderie.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2186/2146795395_f014f762d7_o.jpg)
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Although it has not been officially announced, Striker and Jynx (the dogs) have given us permission to open the doors to any Motorcycle Alabama member and their guest to stay with us over the Last Ride of the Year at the Stagecoach Café in Stockton, Alabama.
We have limited indoor spaces, but with plenty of backyard for tents (no trees in our yard). If you want to stay the entire weekend, that will be fine with us.
If you want to arrive on Friday, Dec. 29th, we will have dinner at the house (BYOB). And if you decide to stay till Sunday, Dec. 31st, we will send you off with a good breakfast (and lots of coffee!!!)
The plan is on Saturday (Dec. 30th) morning we get up and leave the house about 8 am and will be at the Stagecoach by 9 am.
If you are interested in staying with us, please let us know. Indoor spaces (extra bedroom, floor, camper) are a first come, first served basis.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Hope everyone will think about Joining us at this event!
Chuck & Susan
21943 College Ave.
Robertsdale, AL 36567
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I can't make it but that is more than generous to open up your home. Good people!
Chuck,
We have met some wonderful people throughout the state on this forum. And Susan and I would like to do what we can to make an affordable weekend for those wanting to attend "The Last Ride Of The Year" seeing how it's in our area. It's not our event but we are planning to be there rain or shine / hot or cold. Anytime a social can be tied to motorcycles we have enjoyed it. It's just an offer to those who would like to have a motorcycle weekend without finding or paying for motels and such.
Chuck & Susan
I'll have to work on Friday and probably won't get free until 6pm. That means that I'll be too tired to ride to Mobile on Friday night.
But I'll see you at Stagecoach on Saturday morning!
Chuck and Susan, thank you for the warm invitation! I'll be rushed to get there Saturday morning myself, having just returned from Christmas in Virginia, and hopefully arriving at the Stagecoach with two buddies alongside!
Goat, if you'd like some company on the road, please share your travel plans. One of my riding buddies is joining us in Cullman, which potentially puts us right in your neck of the woods! :) It would be awesome to be able to travel down together, and hunt down Chuck and Susan when we get there! ;)
I'm a maybe. I had fun at it last year !
Might be able to meet up with ya for the ride over C&S.
Not sure if anyone will be with us but you could meet up with us at 225 and 31. i was planning to take 225 up. It's a better ride than hwy 59 thru Bay Minette. The plan is to KSU here at the house at 8am. We should be able to meet you in the shopping center there about 8:20. How does that sound?
Sounds good to me.
I was hoping to be there for breakfast at 7:00am, but that may be too ambitious. I might drive part way Friday night, stop somewhere and sleep, then go the rest of the way early AM Saturday. But my plans will have to be fluid since I don't know what time I'll get out of work on Friday.
Quote from: Nice Goat on December 01, 2017, 11:34:58 AM
I was hoping to be there for breakfast at 7:00am, but that may be too ambitious. I might drive part way Friday night, stop somewhere and sleep, then go the rest of the way early AM Saturday. But my plans will have to be fluid since I don't know what time I'll get out of work on Friday.
I'm keeping an eye on you, Goat. I want to go to this. I have all day Friday to get there, though. Maybe Buzz can hook up with you as he has to work until 4:00 on Friday.
Oh, so yeah, if anyone wants to join me Friday DAY, to ride down, let me know.
I had seen where they serve breakfast till 10am. that's why I was planning to get there by 9am. But we can shift that time earlier.
This is very gracious of you. Thanks for the invite.
I'm sure we have a lot of members that have no idea with the Stagecoach RTE is. Do you mind editing your first post with some basic information or would you prefer that we start another thread about the ride and leave this thread just for folks visiting with you. That might reduce some confusion if it becomes a popular thread.
Quote from: Mulley on December 01, 2017, 07:56:29 PM
I'm sure we have a lot of members that have no idea with the Stagecoach RTE is. Do you mind editing your first post with some basic information or would you prefer that we start another thread about the ride and leave this thread just for folks visiting with you. That might reduce some confusion if it becomes a popular thread.
Some of the Mods might have a better idea of witch is best. But I have no problem ether way. Might be better to keep it all on one thread. Just one place to look at everything concerning the "Last Ride Of The Year"
Susan and I are just trying to do our little part to help the MC-AL community. Everyone has been great to us.
Quote from: Chuck & Susan on December 02, 2017, 08:46:06 AM
Some of the Mods might have a better idea of witch is best. But I have no problem ether way. Might be better to keep it all on one thread. Just one place to look at everything concerning the "Last Ride Of The Year"
Susan and I are just trying to do our little part to help the MC-AL community. Everyone has been great to us.
I would say to have a thread titled something like 2017 Stagecoach ride, last ride of the year? In that thread explain the ride, tell how folks come from all over to go on it and in that thread have a link to the thread here.
It would be like the rug in that Dude movie. It would really tie everything together. :)
If you have never been, it is definitely a fun, good ride to go on! Folks REALLY do come from all over. On my second run down on this ride I meet a couple from California. Their plan was to continue down to the Florida keys, explore southern Florida and make it back home "sometime" in June!
Retirement...sounds like a good idea to me! 8)
I bumped my thread in Ride Report of last years event for the pics. I no good with linky.
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Quote from: merc16 on December 03, 2017, 01:48:37 PM
I bumped my thread in Ride Report of last years event for the pics. I no good with linky.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
No problema my good man, linky: http://www.motorcyclealabama.com/rides/index.php?topic=1499.msg21325#msg21325
Thank you !!!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
On Dec 30, 2011, @ 3am I left my house and trailered my bike from N.E. corner to just south of Bham. There I met up with BR members and we rode mostly backroads down to Stockton. I loaded the bike up and made it home around 11pm.
Springer's GPS led us off course, so Rodney took over and we rode about 10 miles on a dirt road to get back on track.
Here's a few pics.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eUjxNmYZ7Uw-pJ6Bv9URDZWe_RAIIuIilEY__JafWo2maBZbm3a_VZ7IuyTCuvxVRpJZ2cs_sR-mMAnAIWfV92fS51uynbU_TqPOUzc02X-g9JY1ga5aJl0CndVmyQCF5ISow6DoV2qMceHJ8DyfXKD-GkE5mJqxXarACkc3flJY_IqwMJmPL96qCRIAIjG9pAxKQFNrxt1NJcdHu6zOmLKeZ6cYCIdCOAhSiITihrqXeA9Ceakd3DLqfH-WIz_ThTvAIRyci4audwS1JrjIJjXrrWO1IMbwTsYyrOqHLOyb2i0ysrzsErkW2bTI9m-0XvcwEcCK4oAK35AZFdvVcE1kX_hWdJHBnKWkhnyFMSw9GRnullBgL5b3cZFO0xd2sgsp3flLN0WIA1Um6Ago0m78vAb982PHZIUSYDaXXHPDsQ3aLOinTsBryk2SWWyaS0MBUJ-8ajNdy3GqpqVMfYJPiXr49uPiCzZX5XMBUqvfsmy9U7lyiCHvtQC_Ii0QmJGFS8am8gLh5AJB2W2RhZJGQUY5JwPEN3JfbQ6VxYWyYT2PA911ttTaOWCW1RClwe07UFmHnAN5oETYrVm1R3mTZKUSv9Bc2NOi3pI1xwA=w1529-h1016-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VmJ0FgwyXAPbFS7kXtE3MbdnrVRkN3m9gyqzNlYxmJYs0VBjnf6wfho1yKHNIHXbZ3U45WW5JJuJSN2JBsc1M9OLVsGTEZE2sksLD8Qof-KsLUQP0uHpwBZGg1XS5fzPwUHrxsZdpBSSCaLbV7-i54yJc5hEZM6AtTZE6i-VmOX7IALm2npCZWdu_GVkswhS8Itn8suJiZtvEygdNR2JkYJpspzpS9YHMsxX7oS7wVD4vGXBMHt2syjmOfXvh-bVtw9XbeJZTGdRRqz4VG2Kg_fXKy34U5IPXPhCUYLWlAwXP9aWmRfte2C_-JT3MUiFtYOxku73WHZqEC-49wXWarNurVa7WIlGpJE1sdtdCmmYuTbEiA8cGgAz-5MIc6WH74UyD-YS1ppbk8BaUUXE9_xRLDi-SeCSkLkrtrWU2tjefnfmVtZUmjONHh3mjtFDWnZNARjtE0wqMfbeYmRK4tG4Ry7oWt-5MNp2IeFP68S-pTwoqMt91e-T4Pbjx0kagPq36ZxAXcFrNAg3UDY31ZCFi_vYliHLW-2gPqYCq1_X_dehCB97cNl7fZYPsrPEKTSqbj9rKv0_1YkTLdFnJ3VlDdjstZ1GksfifpodTx4=w1529-h1016-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EAjogj5etKGDeLBTcGOMcbaeiiqSYT8KwgaRvMxKJILs_1g8KGVyzjlMp0Hs93EZ2_1iw-JlAn6ad-WrzVM2EcZlwSY2gqtJxboP7kVB916UnDT3PL1QUn6oZPIJI6dBcvhLH_i-K7gCC4QSOv6UIn5L81xpKjExI3HQ14GvKU0Sg6qL-th3RppTIHUqcWBBIriUKadqjMci6ZXrQh4dbN8YExSRgR5TIA7Jj6fT5BjK2LhlwciEKzfZG44kLbom1a76Q89ivAY0eEelSAdSCLwRWUf62LXmcAq_CagSC-XwAvYpp1Nh93ZBp1_gEa0eHFm_WtS0Y5a0wfc-V96WvASBK97X_TOaKhguTyxfSfyoq7PgyAr-S31tcyjWMoR5oMx1Qh85ZP61eJfwakozi6_AFmXKAj769ls7M4KuJ7j8rxKcpjCD33Ttjh3KELt-vaoKO1sLp1roeDs8MLnd2Ns6dvt0UDAl_tSEJlowk_A8m1FKnOZ2YJxO8y4re8b5HOHn3yzCdkLzLOdFF0LYIvhC3mlwX0DTmfL1g7mq2QcPScMDOMsA6nEIPl1ndMbMGKWjlNlPYRMGKtsIC9RRzXNv48BEQnExOWwSGSLCO7w=w1529-h1016-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PErjQ97Evc5Kmt_H4D8sMiSnlWo4IM7Z52cKxPDyF99ZPpz6DynpCvU6vY5M8Nap5hWRO18HPqSdQxCxGXuR-LQuVpizkpQ_IeRMIWaRwJMh1RnrzHRr0TwvxF8MjqbNMeEqAyKVqcmlVTUxpGiMJ8g3nEMzDCFtMpZOtlBqRDhmkZ9nqqP9lUgrqWUXDOKdaoe3c0V7aidu53XpovYDUWvpnUksgDGD4y3FqIp0stezbjUWzyto7VqOUVQsfj_MYkqIj_6VQ9icwoed6-8yjF0GCA6PvoUigZk9kP74OPR8XKiKoCzvxwVy8Zw3VEvg2H4heNw3MQLanOd4Jmun3gt3z53_a6lYrNwXmWi51W28hn0VMmWHSPGqb07Jv6jS-IfqoPkt8ev4CXimotpa9jPoylQ_CMZ4LqbSgXo1N-fn8OJ_IuyS0z3uRWMD63rMOP7OcCRfjb7y12NoJiPqhAAmA_ZcgGfzBBAkU_a6sVgMQK2M4Oq_jlSjdN1CJJBcd_AIUvKwVJcAPe9Cr7h6-xOPumKQ24BFhPWp07669Mz0dbd3i9mr9p6cClasn-B2vNzcagGvslSJasrWUHlZ1xW4x8TJjCZbPKrNvxlau0c=w1529-h1016-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8ZDdEB-KmtX9fDHVKXUEsaXdxMFkiNOerBQhusyIQBnfaSuqleJTq9yNWF9E1yro4yiYK6jf023qIw-ZbvahRD6mutYnW1AEwJr5lE5Or0tkPCGoQxj7DC6HJwhEG16LiJB3MHxIFClH2UWV6LpKFflawFc8ClCmsdFkyQysvNTgiWmfrM2KLToft7uHkXxVRv9ASmKc-hXJ0XWT3YcwpU7FxBde6rbys4oBSlR911598lDXl33lRAYTAkvny9nNWY1i_aSMhNb7TrocbVIl8x8jDzgFe1Ht7sZ7JEeo1YKImkE46zMlx6q3V4YmieQy97gdzD_48G8EtDWuw8Gxnp1-g76iEqW4D1VAAwsvfcuN-fn1hUcz6WTD_jehhXjnS-DHHEB4HXRyhU9x9RDtEkrETFs_kijTuKmxaNbPkfR34SpPBoSzS3Fd74TbESyO8dAIgc69sDOcn5CSZTYEgopsDzG9xLxNJ7WVpfd0BHs3kM6g8HEB9R4tSPHVa81BTfxt6gvFTf0hCECdLjJrP6e6DPJaYZmCj1ONkqvL-rJV_m9w-vyu6_8lj2Fvr6eIvakS97rZSGU0e4j0PDXQuN9AIdyQQtlwRt3-SnZuHg=w1529-h1016-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MOu_9uTk0G7wwqMxMrApQvHmGsn2fw98YRLi-RGPKqzUgNBZhKnymau0vI4ba0b59qLYfBGwSwIWyEsA6xKkTl420alRp4ra9NLPpP3fU7u_SPw6C7G4JrBT-qV4jSQkMXniuvU_shn6jB-UHzmfzWeJ1atXOzcUSplLSqsTIEnMcP7eNpMNoswzqohr8PBLh3AzMkla8KYo72OLE8z93eTf9JieliT5QJmv8LWMHHNKIbZFFVa5FlcO6K7FbAqx7SI_C4BKQMy4QrvqWy9z4sC4X3Mr1Rg-3FBX-q0YmdnhHsoPFZBAkXMNkVG9m6J8-MmHTfeHSZb4FwpGmqVamuWBazBTGwPXHN__sDTwkyVtmyr_lNn0_w_tDJpQpsoWIQH_p9-zKFnjA9U-4nK05l07ZaEm93ZIOUzvRDtPjCkOY7fqnVUzX2CR91McDCq8IB_UXOfkyZZfWXtVAW3co3q9pjScNN_3Rjl8FvgIsiNICaszEq92dfjX-3qbe25RrfzmdbcJEErRL3gJBKzYiJPFXPqYcJjzHED6fB5ldALZ2ED6B-2jkUwsCSnpKO7y1qqB78v_uBpKqz5jVqLOZD6ZQBRZyo3rla9oOqMNOQ=w1529-h1016-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kZNxuYzEcZXb2QsDLVug2EUX3RDMXXZIYLRYGcMb9FRGOruc_d34I0yNnJTw27XW9u2yx6Ypgf-AFDxQTMedrT_7Np4I9G838xrWtbD96PkLiAYL7Bwm3zc5CqekYrPRFiNUhHS7_Vxycc-m_ZUjKuJ0QFQquAjQ9uz502Kg8vUYempq8zKhFmCvoMYq2-1JTRMeQt5IhRrtqVgPGksm-o-8xeZ3bUPfTYPJi5fux_6iJ8UPve-Adu_UTYrzexy6psJ_59OeK62fpwT5ecagDFIcvKNt5trlKI02WFxncCYKI5Yuu_9F6AXu6v4Oz4OyKBzB9jCc-gHo0ynXevI4DCo3NO86snofSV71D8bN34bnVFqed3Fiy978oTUQUWbRRYfWwxqTR41ERqdvV6a1XuFRWf1etQ3h4fmXM9PRwOb-XMWySiWHrMhDoX86SYVogjreK2AeYnv_cCk5WT37kJdV_9S7X4_QGaeJt7t0W1exWLYfraiujaSZefYT7q2nUQh0DV8Egmbx-ibRzBeQcrVqgJb0f2CjclQi9kGZXxJGfo6uzZ6wZXi8CRTSvtYwoMzIHCvD7KEaUQIqhzCITNXuwlGjT9dnQjIyGesLPFI=w1529-h1016-no)
Really need a picture of my GPS for folks to realize why "it quit working". :D :D
Best picture I have of my "GPS" mounted to the tank...in case y'all are wondering WTF? That is blue painters tape(removes with out leaving sticky stuff behind) and what y'all cann't see are the hand written directions.
The problem with this "GPS" is once my hand writing gets "cold" even I can't read it. :D :D
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee446/owenwoolley/Snapbucket/4B45E34E-orig.jpg) (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/owenwoolley/media/Snapbucket/4B45E34E-orig.jpg.html)
I have a good pic of the GPS, just don't know where it is at the moment. I think you were looking for 95 instead of 9 S.
Also, your gloves were soaked from the fog. We didn't get any rain that morning.
Quote from: springer on December 04, 2017, 12:52:41 PM
Best picture I have of my "GPS" mounted to the tank...in case y'all are wondering WTF? That is blue painters tape(removes with out leaving sticky stuff behind) and what y'all cann't see are the hand written directions.
The problem with this "GPS" is once my hand writing gets "cold" even I can't read it. :D :D
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee446/owenwoolley/Snapbucket/4B45E34E-orig.jpg) (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/owenwoolley/media/Snapbucket/4B45E34E-orig.jpg.html)
JB to the MFT ?
helllllll yaaaa
(painters tape)
This is a fun ride. I have done it several times. Thinking about going This year too.
And My GPS works great. I just have to remember to turn on the dirt roads avoider option. Granted I mostly use it to get home after I get myself Ummm aquated with an area,
and how many ways there are to get back to the same point.
Just remembered I had a video of the 2011 ride.
Looks like this one is coming up soon! I hope to be able to make it this year!
O and a word of advice. Get gas before you get there. Every really close station will be low. The one across the street will run completely out.
Quote from: Spicciani2 on December 19, 2017, 03:50:20 PM
Looks like this one is coming up soon! I hope to be able to make it this year!
Susan and I and possibly more will coming out of Robertsdale that morning and the plan is to meet Gulfcoaster in Spanish Fort about 8:20~. Look for us in the shopping center parking lot on the north east corner of Hwy 31 and 225. I'm easy to spot us, will be the Black and Gray Wing.
I think I seen that you where in Mobile.
Quote from: Chuck & Susan on December 20, 2017, 08:07:05 AM
Susan and I and possibly more will coming out of Robertsdale that morning and the plan is to meet Gulfcoaster in Spanish Fort about 8:20~. Look for us in the shopping center parking lot on the north east corner of Hwy 31 and 225. I'm easy to spot us, will be the Black and Gray Wing.
I think I seen that you where in Mobile.
I'll be there to meet you early or not at all :D
Everybody planning on going should exchange phone numbers by PM. That way if you are running a few minutes late, you can call and let everyone know.
Here is a bump.....
Anyone that wishes to come down for The Last Ride of the Year, you can stay at our house Friday night and Saturday night. If you need to trailer your bike, we have a place you can park and then ride.
Just let us know.
Chuck & Susan
looks like I am out this again this year.
My brothers-in-laws fatherm (sister's husband) passed away this morning.
Looks like I am out this Year.
My Brother-in-laws (sister's husband) father passed away.
Sorry to hear of the passing. Yep you definitely need to be with them . I offer my condolences.
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Quote from: LawnmowerRG on December 27, 2017, 12:18:33 PM
Looks like I am out this Year.
My Brother-in-laws (sister's husband) father passed away.
Sorry to hear that.
So sorry for your loss.
Chuck & Susan
Condolences, Lawnmower.
(https://i.imgur.com/AlQVZ0I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uTuOiKK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jmnXkaO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IM7nO1Y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MeRRdKu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xrquhn4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L1JqxmH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BxAuJd6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HF6qqO1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OZaJmd5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xQ160pL.jpg)
Couple of Videos also:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4GjChc8R7w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=283rAADIJYg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Obe7V1BYn0
Very nice! Love the drone shots.
Wow! This event is getting really BIG!!!
I don't think they every really get a count... But it is a bunch!!
I belive that those arial pics and Video still dont show all that came and went the whole time.
saltcreep, thanks for posting. Are you the couple from Bay Minette that was flying that drone? Thanks and nice meeting ya'll at the event. Please do an introdution to the group in the "Welcome" area. Let everyone know a bit about you.
If it is who I think we met.... Really good people!!
Chuck & Susan
Quote from: Nice Goat on December 31, 2017, 02:10:54 PM
Very nice! Love the drone shots.
Did you find all the dirt roads back to Atmore? I'd ask for tracks if I knew how to work my Garmin.
Quote from: Chuck & Susan on December 31, 2017, 02:58:17 PM
saltcreep, thanks for posting. Are you the couple from Bay Minette that was flying that drone? Thanks and nice meeting ya'll at the event. Please do an introdution to the group in the "Welcome" area. Let everyone know a bit about you.
If it is who I think we met.... Really good people!!
Chuck & Susan
Thanks Susan, nice to meet you and Chuck! I'll get Mel to get registered also and do an intro post.
Quote from: gulfcoaster on December 31, 2017, 03:35:41 PM
Did you find all the dirt roads back to Atmore? I'd ask for tracks if I knew how to work my Garmin.
Followed this route back to Atmore. Some nice scenery, and some incredibly red dirt roads that were actually smoother than the paved portions.
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/display/20180102185025-57251-map.html (http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/display/20180102185025-57251-map.html)