Quote from: tom.gabriele on September 25, 2012, 10:45:18 AM
I am in CT and could cover New England, down through NJ or so, easily.

...But it's getting cold, and my bike is currently in the ICU. But come Spring, yes!

Agreed Tom.  Winter is coming, especially for us northern folk.  I think Spring would be the best.  Over the Winter we can plan and route for the Spring.

I'd even be willing to do a weekend trek

I think it would helpful ranking the criteria for our relay. OP - maybe a poll is in order?

My opinion would lie somewhere here (in order of importance)

1. number of riders involved - most important
2. number of states/cities/landmarks visited
3. miles traveled

1. Rider involvement is first priority - me bringing it to someone else in CT, and they bring it to MA would be better than me just bringing it to MA myself. Us riding together, even better.

2. Instead of going right to joe schmoe's house in MA, take the baton through downtown Boston to see the sights.

3. We don't need an efficient panamerican route - backroads, doubling back, loops - all good. More miles = more better.

Quote from: tom.gabriele on September 25, 2012, 11:09:57 AM
I think it would helpful ranking the criteria for our relay. OP - maybe a poll is in order?

My opinion would lie somewhere here (in order of importance)

1. number of riders involved - most important
2. number of states/cities/landmarks visited
3. miles traveled

1. Rider involvement is first priority - me bringing it to someone else in CT, and they bring it to MA would be better than me just bringing it to MA myself. Us riding together, even better.

2. Instead of going right to joe schmoe's house in MA, take the baton through downtown Boston to see the sights.

3. We don't need an efficient panamerican route - backroads, doubling back, loops - all good. More miles = more better.

True.  Interest for this is more than I originally anticipated...just threw it out there, and looks like it may be a winner for the Spring.

Rider involvement and route is key.  Without people in certain areas, it will stall.  I don't think it is fair for someone to have to ride 1000 miles across the barren desert because of poor planning.

My thought is to have an "official" thread document the journey.  This thread is just a brainstorming area to get good ideas such as yours.  Riders could document their trip through the countryside/landmarks visited and take pictures along the way (we all like pictures).  Also, a US map could be updated to indicate progress and routes traveled.  I would suggest limiting Interstates, but I know that for certain routes, they are a must...like to cross major waterways, etc.

Judging from Australia's experiences, it looks like the riders met somewhere other than a residence.  This is preferred since if you meet in the town square, you see the local sites, and have lunch or a cup of coffee to swap lies before the next journey of the trip.

Poll is a good idea.  I'll try and get that setup soon.

I think the most important thing to remember is that it's not a race, and to have fun along the way.  See some new sites, and meet some other GSTwinners...that's what it's all about.

Another idea! i will have to look into this when I get home.

Is there some photo sharing site where anyone can edit the picture? I am imagining map of the US, with circles drawn by each rider demonstrating how far they would be willing to ride. Then it would be east to tell if we have enough coverage. Will be like a giant Venn diagram.

Possibly, because in the meet and greet area you can map where you are.  It's a map pinpointing where everyone is located.  Not sure about the route though...but I'm sure it is definitely doable.

Tom, let us know what you find.

I'm interested. Located in CA as well. I do trips down to SoCal occationally, so could possibly loop a SD or LA rider in that way.

Just an update-  I dont mind riding miles. plus it would be great to meet other people and ride with them. So my wife and I can cover ma nh or newengland mass and above.

Quote from: tom.gabriele on September 25, 2012, 11:28:12 AMIs there some photo sharing site where anyone can edit the picture? I am imagining map of the US, with circles drawn by each rider demonstrating how far they would be willing to ride. Then it would be east to tell if we have enough coverage. Will be like a giant Venn diagram.

i was trying to think of a way to tackle this part as well. maybe just a map of the US posted, then each participant adds thier own color coded circle, then reposts?



i just opened it up in microsoft paint, added a red circle where i would be able to go, added some text, put it on photobucket, and here it is 

Dry_Humor, let me know how this works...I'm a B-/C+ student when it comes to this sort of thing...

MAP UPDATE!

Great idea Tom!! I went ahead and setup a GS Twins route planning map through google.

Instructions:
Its pretty damn easy to draw your spot on the map. First start by clicking the RED Edit button near the top left. Then either right click and click 'draw shape' or in the top left corner you have 3 buttons with the third being a drop down, bottom button in its drop down is the draw shape. Draw your shape by clicking the points(points can be adjusted afterwards as well) after the shape is drawn, add your GStwins user name in the shape's title.

It may take a second for the shapes to show up. I've set the map to full public access, but let me know if you have problems.

Link:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216083428469334706913.0004ca8b0ee9785ee8b2b&msa=0&ll=36.949892,-91.142578&spn=26.819707,57.084961&iwloc=0004ca8b3b0ed93615aaf

If you browser freaks out when you try to draw your shape(like mine the first time), just close all google map windows and reload.

Added my circle/oval/trapezoid-thing.  You have to draw a shape first, like a triangle, then stretch it out to look like a circle.

Steezin, a very big THANK YOU for getting this setup for us.  I confirmed that the original link saved my changes when I added my shape.

I love it when a plan starts to come together...

So far the route is missing all of the midwest... I'm in Illinois territory and could easily do a 200mi radius that would reach both North (Chicago area) and South (Carbondale) areas.

Also, I can't figure how to edit the google map.  I have a google account, logged in, but can only view it... I don't have editting options. What am I missing?
Edit: I just figured it out. I'm lame.  You press the red Edit button, then you have the options on the map.

- Bboy

No worries mang! I though of the image for a while as was afraid or the size and quality after so many edits. 'Preciate the leg work though dry_humor!

Edited my instructions to include clicking the edit button. Sorry about that bockin! haha

Really stoked to see all this interest!!! the vin map is going to work out really well. karma korn to you Tom!!

Quote from: steezin_and_wheezin on September 25, 2012, 12:56:03 PM
Really stoked to see all this interest!!! the vin map is going to work out really well. karma korn to you Tom!!

You're not the only one who's stoked about this...

I'm in Normal, Illinois.  I will add myself to the shape map.  I'm sure I'll overlap with Bboy.

Updated the google map with my area. 

Some names I can think of in NC/SC: The Buddha and Ben2go

And another thought, just because it is too cold to ride up north doesn't mean we can't move our baton along a southerly route this winter.  In fact, I know it can get miserable riding down here in June/July/August.  Oh, I'd do it anyway, but some might not.

I did a 1000 mile run in Mid-October.  Mainly south through Tennessee and Kentucky.  It is possible, but watch out when the sun sets.  Cold.

That is one idea that I had, was to start this going south, and let it trickle along the Southern US to the west coast during the Winter, and head north in the spring.  If there is high support and demand for this, then we can try it.

Quote from: bombsquad83 on September 25, 2012, 01:01:12 PM
I'm in Normal, Illinois.  I will add myself to the shape map.  I'm sure I'll overlap with Bboy.

No worries, we could arrange a group leg of the relay if it works out that way!

- Bboy

Added myself to the well covered area of the map! Looks like we'll at the very least, get the tri-state area covered!