New Year New Opportunities!

[Vance]

It was wonderful to see all who attended the annual planning meeting this past weekend in Birmingham. The room was filled with passionate members who really care about this club and its future. Mari and I have been involved since 2002 and over that time we have immensely enjoyed the places we have been, the rides we have taken but most of all the fellowship with like minded riders and the friends that we have made along the way.

We want to personally thank the membership and the officers past and present that have stepped up to take leadership positions and keep the club moving forward. With that said I offer special thanks to those that have agreed to serve our club for 2020.

Safe travels everyone....ride well and ride often!

[BamaBiker]

I had planned to attend this meeting, as I -- even though I don't attend meetings -- enjoy the camaraderie I've found within the club members at the events I am able to attend. I'm anxious to get the minutes of this meeting, find out who the 2020 officers are, and see what events I can dream about.

[HSV-Phil]

2020 Planning Mtg

Although significantly shrinking in size, those folks who attended were passionate to see that the club moves forward into another decade. Ms Karen (Secretary) & Mr Phil (VP) plan to travel throughout the summer collecting National Park stamps across the US, AK & Canada, but we'll do our best to contribute to the momentum moving forward as much as we possibly can.

I've contacted "THE LODGE AT GULF STATE PARK, A HILTON HOTEL" to get a cost estimate on park-view or gulf coast-view deluxe rooms. As mentioned at the mtg, month-end March will be prime Spring Break for colleges & families. But it certainly will be an enjoyable weekend for those who choose to participate! Should be getting a 'group rate proposal' for ten rooms via Email by 29Jan. More rooms can certainly be added if folks jump at this opportunity...

See: https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/al...ons/index.html


Here's a shot of the front rows; you know where U sat!
IMG_0005.jpg

And another view toward the back:
IMG_0004.jpg

Thanks for continuing to support the ALaBeemers!
We're halfway thru Winter - days are now getting longer!
See y'all at the very end of Feb at Chilly Chili, Blue Springs State Park!

CIAO! Phil & Karen

[Gail]

Gee Thanks for the pictures! Paul & I look like we've started "dippin" Skoal.

[Gator]

Gee Thanks for the pictures! Paul & I look like we've started "dippin" Skoal.

[Gator]

Just checked on a reservation at the Lodge at Gulf State Park through my Hilton Honors membership and a 2-queen room with a balcony would be $199.00 per night with free cancellation. With a prepaid no cancellation it would be $182.00 per night. This is the cheapest room available.

Gator

[HSV-Phil]

Just checked on a reservation at the Lodge at Gulf State Park through my Hilton Honors membership and a 2-queen room with a balcony would be $199.00 per night with free cancellation. With a prepaid no cancellation it would be $182.00 per night. This is the cheapest room available.

Gator

Other thoughts on this particular March Meeting location are Most Welcome. Indeed, I've been provided a proposal for ten reserved rooms (1 King or 2 Queens) for $179 per nite (Lake-side view + taxes + $5 parking [$209+ for actual Gulf frontage rooms]).

Waiting for the Prez to chime in, but it seems a 'little too high-brow' for this club's usual attendance... I'd say the POV from the HSV Friday Nite low-brow meeting at The Nook is "Let's find another more frugal destination." That we may be doing ASAP...

Ciao! VP-Phil & Sec'y-Karen

[HSV-Phil]

So Clubmates, not much in the way of feedback but here's what we got thus far:

We propose visiting Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, AL. It has Wilson Lake (not "The Gulf," but it's water), a less-expensive Lodge with restaurant, plus Cottages & RV spaces nearby.

Unfortunately, their GP campground was destroyed by a tornado last fall, but there are other campgrounds in the vicinity if needed. Their cabins are in the park, but they are closer to the dam rather than being near the Lodge.

Standard Lodge room is $80 plus taxes and fees with 2 queens and a balcony. The Cottages are 2 or 3 bedrooms (sleeping 4-6 respectively) and run $200-250 plus taxes and fees (definitely more that the Lodge).

The lodge's restaurant has prime rib on Friday, seafood special on Saturday { and a Sunday Brunch Buffet for late departures }.

Local attractions include the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Muscle Shoals experience, Belle Mont Mansion, Helen Keller birthplace, Wheeler Plantation, etc.

PLEASE give us your thoughts. We'll need to start booking rooms pretty soon if this is "our chosen meeting place," rather than the Upscale Gulf Shores.
Team Ager

[delta61]

Hey Phil,

If you haven't sent this idea to Pam( The President ) you need to as not everyone will visit the website here to see the change. Pam can send it out in an eblast to everyone and it can get changed on the meeting info on the home page

Jim

PS I am out of the loop for 2 weeks so whatever the board comes up with is fine with me

[HSV-Phil]

Have sent it to ‘the BoD,’ but no response yet from Mme Prez.
I hope other potential attendees will Express Themselves. Hint hint...

The partial board is meeting now, on Fri, at The Nook in HSV.

[Gator]

Joe Wheeler State Park sounds good to us. We've had a club weekend there before and it was nice.

Gator

[jeanne z]

Although I will miss the Gulf and the seafood, I think Joe Wheeler is more reasonable $$ for the membership. The club has been to the Wheeler location before but I was unable to attend so I can't speak to the amenities. The photos of that weekend look like everyone had a good time. Maybe someone who was there can address that.
On the same note, we are having difficulties getting our first choice for the October meeting in Guntersville but we are working on it.

[HSV-Phil]

Joe Wheeler State Park sounds good to us. We've had a club weekend there before and it was nice.
Gator

Okay club mates: I've requested six rooms in the Lodge for our club Gathering on Sat night, 28 Mar 20.
For full info: see https://www.alapark.com/parks/joe-wh...k/resort-lodge

Y'all should call, (256) 247-5461, and ask to get a room changed over from the VP's last name to Yours!
The helpful agent just mentioned they currently have 25 (minus the 6) that were available to all Guests, so let's see if we can get some more Attendees!

Personally, Team Ager will be showing up on Friday for a preview of their Dining room & the Lounging facilities.

For those Camping in your private RVs, you can find info elsewhere on Joe Wheeler's website. Try not to wait too long on your travel plans!

Meanwhile, we'll be at the MOA Getaway in Orange Beach for Valentine's Day weekend,
And then we'll see you at Blue Springs State Park on Friday Feb 28th for our 1st Chilly Chili...

VR, VP-Phil & Sec'y Karen

[R90srider]

Looks good Phil, thanks.