Well, the '02 Spring Fling is in the books, all has been said and done; the people came, they told stories and outrageous lies, they ate some damn fine Italian food, and they lied some more. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather, or company. Thanks to everyone who came, and especially to those who pitched in.
Next year, it's Ron Smith's turn. [grin]
When Northwetters conspire, you just know it can't turn out well.
That's right, boys and girls, it's getting to be time for the annual Spring Fling in Kirkland, Washington. Point yourself toward the gorgeous Pacific Northwest and let our gentle rains wash those dusty motorcycles clean. This year's Fling is on Saturday, June 22. Yes, we realized that's technically the second day of Summer - the next person who thinks of pointing that out will absolutely want to reconsider.
The Fling is always held at Cafe Veloce,
who graciously let us have the run of their motorcycle-themed restaurant all day,
while serving delicious Italian food, and tolerating the wildly exaggerated
stories some of us will be telling.
Your beverages will be provided by the kindness of Veloce's hearts, and
the prices for their food items are very reasonable. The food is very tasty;
this is a regular haunt of the Irregulars. You can view their menu, wine list,
and other info on their website.
The Silver Cloud Inn in Kirkland is offering a group rate - just ask for the Spring Fling group discount (1 Queen $77, 1 King $83, 2 Queens $93.) The Silver Cloud is one block away from Cafe Veloce - see the hotel's website for directions.
There will be a bunch of swag to be won, the company of good friends, and great Italian food. There will be a mini-rally of sorts for riders on the way to the Fling, details of which will be posted shortly.
There is no fee to attend the Spring Fling, but
please let know via email (a i r y n @ u m i c h . e d u) if you're
planning to attend (yes, that's right - I'm paying my dues as a Wet Coast
Irregulars newbie.) Also, when you tell me you're coming, please let me
know if you'd also like to attend the Pre-Fling Party on Friday evening,
so the hosts can plan the proper amount of food for everyone.
If for any reason you do not want your name mentioned on
this website as an attendee, please include that in your email.
T-shirts and other Fling items will be available
online, and you will be able to purchase them before and after the
Fling occurs. (Why aren't I selling t-shirts
at the event itself?)
Spring Fling merchandise is now here! See the merchandise page.
This year we'll have something brand new for Fling attendees - stealing
shamelessly from the Feast in the East, we'll be posting bonus locations
on this site.
The rules for the bonuses are spelled out there, and you'll need to
register with Joe Zulaski to complete this portion of the Spring Fling, so
the benefits will go to Bob Mutchler's PolioPlus
Motorcycle Rides organization, part of the Rotary Club's Polio Plus program.
The variety of the bonuses should mean there will be fun for anyone who decides
to hunt some of them out. There will be historic sites, scenic views, amusing
stuffs, and more - the usual rally bonus fare. If you opt not to try for any
bonuses, don't worry - you'll still have a beautiful ride to and from
Kirkland. For suggested scenic routes, as well as directions to Cafe Veloce,
please see this page. There will very likely
be a Pre-Fling BBQ & Gathering at one of the local Northwetter's homes;
as details solidify, I'll post them here.
If you need crash space while in the Seattle area, there is limited space available at Airyn's house; first come, first served, space for approximately ten people - one on the futon in the guest room, two on couches, and a bunch more on the floor, if they have their own sleeping materials. Three friendly cats come with the deal - The Three Sheddingest Cats in the Whole World. If you're allergic to cats, it's probably wise to avoid our house. Also, pets are welcome at the event (in the parking lot/socializing area, but not inside the restaurant itself.)
Anyhow, that's it for now - I'll likely make this site a bit more interesting as time allows, but I had to get something out here before Zulaski had an aneurism. :-) Please feel free to pass this URL along to other motorcycle lists, if you think it'd be something people are interested in. Soon, I'll have a printable flyer here as well, which (if you like) you can print up and place at local motorcycle shops around your area (after obtaining permission to do so, of course!)
Links in a Nutshell: