I am not organizing Uncle’s rally in 2015.  However, all is not lost because Peter, a friend of mine, has stepped up to the plate and taken over organization duties.  All the details about the 2015 rally can be found on this thread on Two Wheeled Texans.

Below is some of the information from that thread.  If you have questions or want to register, please contact Peter on Two Wheeled Texans (he goes by Shadman on Two Wheeled Texans).

Attention Big Bend Riders: Mark the dates of March 19 – 22nd, 2015 on your calendars for the 8th annual Uncle’s Around the Bend Rally in Terlingua Texas.

Our beloved Richard, aka Trail Boss, is taking a breather. I’m filling in. Uncle’s 8th Annual will be very similar to last year’s fantastic event with a few minor changes. Key event highlights will include:

• Optional “Early Bird” Group Rides Thursday March 19th
• Arrival Dinner and Check in on Thursday Night, March 19th
• Desert Challenge Friday March 20th
• ADVenture Challenge Saturday March 21st
• Dos y Dos Challenge Saturday March 21st
• Awards Ceremony and Banquet Saturday Night March 21st
• Optional “Last Member” Group Rides Sunday March 22nd

“Early Bird” Group Rides Thursday March 19th Early arrivals on Thursday can meet up in Terlingua for some unofficial riding in groups. We’ll have a station set up for early registration and point folks in the right direction for group rides. There is plenty to see and do, even if you just have 3-4 hours in the late afternoon. If you are participating in the challenges on both Friday and Saturday, this is the best day to try out a taste of Mexico.

Uncle’s Desert Challenge, Friday, March 20th: For any dual sport riders wanting an extra dose of adventure, Uncle’s Desert Challenge may just be the ticket. The Desert Challenge is a one day long-distance dirt ride designed to test your skill and stamina. On Friday morning challenge riders leave at 7 a.m. to ride a specially designed timed loop course that is 195 miles long and consisting of 95% class 1, 2, and 3 roads. The course is long and difficult and will take most or all of the day to complete. Those riders who complete the entire course in the allotted time will receive a finisher’s award.

NOTE: Desert Challenge will need to purchase a pass for Big Bend National Park. I strongly recommend getting your pass before Friday morning if you are doing the desert challenge Friday, but you can get one at the gate entering on Friday if necessary. $10 for 7 days. http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisi…servations.htm

Dos y Dos Challenge, Saturday March 21st: The new “Dos y Dos” (two by two) challenge is a 90% dirt oriented ride starting and ending in Rio Grande Village with finisher trophies going to folks completing an extremely sub-200 mile ride on way less less than 250cc bikes. This is a challenge in line with minimalist touring blogs and forum posts for abuse of inappropriate equipment. Rides such as “Panama and Back on a Super Sherpa” and “Sydney to London on a105cc Honda callled Dot”. The idea is not mine, but comes from Meriden’s planned BW200 x 200 ride: http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthre…&highlight=200 I had to rename it in honor of the sub 200cc bikes found zooming all over our southern neighbor’s streets. This ride will take place mainly on dirt / gravel on the eastern side of the National Park and you will never find yourself more that 25 or so miles from pavement. Unlike the desert challenge, it will run up and back a lot of roads as to keep the total distance from ride HQ at a minimum. Sweep vehicles will run the course behind the last rider and provide pickup and delivery service back to civilization.

NOTE: Dos y Dos Riders will need to purchase a pass for Big Bend National Park. I recommend getting your pass before Saturday morning’s trek to Rio Grande Village (RGV). $10 for 7 days. http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisi…servations.htm

Uncle’s Adventure Challenge, Saturday, March 21st: Are you interested in the Desert Challenge but don’t have a dual sport bike and don’t want to attempt it on your big adventure bike? The Adventure Challenge is designed for adventure riders who want an extra challenge with their rally. Uncle’s Adventure Challenge is a one day long-distance mixed dirt/pavement ride designed to test your skill and stamina. On Saturday morning challenge riders leave at 7 a.m. to ride a specially designed timed loop course that is 313 miles in length with a mix of class 1 and 2 dirt roads and generous portions of twisty asphalt. The course is long and difficult and will take most or all of the day to complete. Those riders who complete the entire course in the allotted time will receive a finisher’s award.

NOTE: The Adventure Challenge does not go into Big Bend National Park so no entry permit is required in order to participate in the Adventure Challenge.

“Last Member” Group Rides Sunday March 22nd As some of us don’t have that far to travel back home, and we may be riding our bikes home, why not spend the morning taking the scenic route with a group headed your way? I’ll be creating a list of guys wanting to ride east, north, west, and possibly even south out of the rally on Sunday so you can get your plans firmed up.

So, please save the date, and try to firm up plans soon! This long weekend is the 2nd weekend of Spring Break for many Texas colleges and some high schools, so plan accordingly. I’m enlisting some members to help me get group rates at Lajitas and another 1-2 moderately priced hotels in Terlingua. Details to follow.

Prices for 2015:
Rally Registration $90.00 USD – Rally, Tee, Trail Map, Welcome Dinner, Two breakfasts, Banquet, Giveaways, All the Fun.
Rally Registration $80.00 No Tee USD
Desert Challenge $25.00 USD
Desert Challenge No Trophy $15.00 USD
ADVenture Challenge $25.00 USD
ADVenture Challenge No Trophy $15.00 USD
Dos Y Dos Challenge $20.00 USD
Dos Y Dos Challenge No Trophy $10.00 USD
Shirt Long Sleeve $5.00 USD
Big Bend Ride Guide $25.00 USD

Peter