2023 Richmond VA: The 50th National MOA Rally

[1074]

The natural would be the Spartanburg County Fairgrounds, AKA Piedmont Fairgrounds. June average high 87. June average low 67. Average number of days with rain in June, 7.

I think I heard a rumor that some of the folks think we should go back and give Bloomsburg (AKA Doomsburg), PA a second chance.

What's the weather like in Fargo?

[flyhi2cfar]

Everyone appreciates information from a "local".
Your contributions, and others from nearby Doswell/Richmond (Club members or not)... will be valued.

Anybody passing by this weekend on a day ride please report.
Have they mowed the grass this month?

[skibum69]

No mowing, we're in a drought. No rain for 6 weeks plus.

[jgoertz]

Are there tollways in/around the area near the rally? Should I mount my EZ-Pass reader on my RT for this trip?

[gsinnc]

Are there tollways in/around the area near the rally? Should I mount my EZ-Pass reader on my RT for this trip?

While I can't speak for the Richmond area specifically I would suggest having your EZ Pass handy as there are more and more toll lanes popping up in the southeast and mid-atlantic regions. They are in NC for sure and I know in the DC area as well.

[83014]

Are there tollways in/around the area near the rally? Should I mount my EZ-Pass reader on my RT for this trip?

Unless your route from AL takes you through WV, I doubt you’ll hit any toll roads. In NC and VA, there are non-toll options for getting around. However, if you have a transponder, it won’t hurt to bring it.

Doug

[gsinnc]

Unless your route from AL takes you through WV, I doubt you’ll hit any toll roads. In NC and VA, there are non-toll options for getting around. However, if you have a transponder, it won’t hurt to bring it.

Doug

Good points and while there are non-toll alternatives in many cases I have found the "toll lanes" to be a safer option. Especially in NC. BUT ... also keep in mind that on the I-77 Express (toll) lanes motorcycles ride FREE! It is the only toll road in NC where Motorcycles ride free and it is truly a much safer options as the non-toll lanes experience frequent stop and go situations i.e. 80 MPH to dead stop. That usually never happens in the toll lanes. The Express lanes run for about 20 miles from around exit 16 to exit 36.

That being said not sure you will be running up I-77 on your trip but just good information

[jgoertz]

Looks like I'll need to check w/SWMBO to see if she'll be heading up to visit her sister in NJ while I head to the Rally. We only have one transponder that we move to whatever vehicle is heading to EZ-PASS world.

[83014]

Looks like I'll need to check w/SWMBO to see if she'll be heading up to visit her sister in NJ while I head to the Rally. We only have one transponder that we move to whatever vehicle is heading to EZ-PASS world.

If she’s going to NJ, she’ll need the ez-pass more than you. Most of the toll roads and bridges in the Northeast are unmonitored and you are billed by transponder or photo, if you don’t have a transponder. The photo option gets really expensive, really fast as you’re charged the full rate plus processing fees. You, on the other hand, can enjoy the nice scenic back roads. Near the rally, the only toll road that I’m aware of is the express lanes on I95 between Fredericksburg and DC.

Doug

[gsinnc]

If she’s going to NJ, she’ll need the ez-pass more than you. Most of the toll roads and bridges in the Northeast are unmonitored and you are billed by transponder or photo, if you don’t have a transponder. The photo option gets really expensive, really fast as you’re charged the full rate plus processing fees. You, on the other hand, can enjoy the nice scenic back roads. Near the rally, the only toll road that I’m aware of is the express lanes on I95 between Fredericksburg and DC.

Doug

ABSOLUTELY! I was born and raised in NJ and (unfortunately) visit a few times a year and you can't easily navigate the Garden State without EZ Pass !! As Doug noted many of the tolls are unmanned and many have odd rates as well. You need a GPS and the tolls are not cheap even WITH EZ Pass! But have a great trip

[PGlaves]

ABSOLUTELY! I was born and raised in NJ and (unfortunately) visit a few times a year and you can't easily navigate the Garden State without EZ Pass !! As Doug noted many of the tolls are unmanned and many have odd rates as well. You need a GPS and the tolls are not cheap even WITH EZ Pass! But have a great trip

That supports my earlier decision to avoid New Jersey whenever possible. Life is too short for rent-a-road mania.

[gsinnc]

That supports my earlier decision to avoid New Jersey whenever possible. Life is too short for rent-a-road mania.

And a wise decision it was Paul! We only go back to visit friends and family and can't wait to exit !! But it was a great place to grow up !

[Voni]

There are some incredible and lovely backroads in New Jersey. You just have to "know someone"


Voni
sMiling

[gsinnc]

There are some incredible and lovely backroads in New Jersey. You just have to "know someone"


Voni
sMiling

There certainly are! We attend Americade in Lake George almost every year and when I would take a new buddy up to Americade I would make sure we stayed in western NJ and then would get up, usually on a Sunday, and ride Rt. 517 all the way up through Sussex and into Florida NY and then have breakfast at the Goshen Diner ... a REAL Diner! They would also comment ..."WOW I can't believe that was NJ" !! HA!

[BrianAMcPhail]

Are there tollways in/around the area near the rally? Should I mount my EZ-Pass reader on my RT for this trip?

It would not hurt. The toll roads are in Richmond- not in the immediate area of the rally. Fairly easy to avoid most tolls in Richmond- but it will just depend on where you are going and if you care about saving a few minutes. Just check your phone map app for a suggested route avoiding tolls vs. regular.