2020 BTB in the time of COVID-19

[mark]

Hello everyone.

As you're all aware by now, the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly changing virtually every aspect of our lives. All Vermont restaurants and bars are already closed for at least the next three weeks, and the situation continues to evolve rapidly.

At this point it's impossible for us to keep planning for the 2020 Bennington Triumph Bash. We fully intend for the Bash to take place as scheduled, but this obviously depends on how the coronavirus situation develops. At this point we are scaling back the scope of the Bash a bit. The dates will remain the same, and we're still planning on the Friday BBQ in the Paradise Inn's backyard, but the Saturday banquet dinner will be canceled. We're hoping to replace it with another outdoor gathering in the Paradise backyard, and are looking at food options for that, possibly a food truck or maybe pizza. We'll reassess the situation in about a month's time and see what our options are -- obviously, everything will depend on whether gatherings are allowed again by then, and how our restaurants/food vendors have weathered this massive blow to their livelihoods.

Please check back here for updates. In the meantime, please keep yourselves and your families safe and healthy, and let's hope the efforts being made now to prevent the spread of this virus pay off soon!

--Mark, Alan, and Jamie

[bonnevillebilly]

These are some crazy times we are going through right now.
Hopefully we will be through the worst of this by then ?.who know's.
Thanks for keeping us up dated.

Bill

[lzrdking61]

Thanks for the update. Everyone stay safe.

[TonUp]

Greetings from Boise!


Long time no see, please , please please stay healthy, be kind to one another and hopefully we get through this whole. Ride fast and take chances!


Tito
TON UP

[GerryP]

Greetings from Boise!


Long time no see, please , please please stay healthy, be kind to one another and hopefully we get through this whole. Ride fast and take chances!


Tito
TON UP

Tito,

Soooo good to hear from you...and to know you'r still with us.

Gerry

[TonUp]

Had a rough 2019, two accidents not motorcycle related. Doing pretty good now.

We had a pretty good earthquake yesterday in Boise, 6.5 lasted about 30 seconds, house was shaking pretty good O thought the floor and roof were going to crack.

https://earthquaketrack.com/quakes/2020 ... utc-6-5-10


Cheers and stay safe!

Tito
TonUp

[LoVel]

Hey Tito, glad you are well. Everyone in my house is doing well so far. Still hoping to make the bash this year.

[GerryP]

Hello everyone.

As you're all aware by now, the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly changing virtually every aspect of our lives. All Vermont restaurants and bars are already closed for at least the next three weeks, and the situation continues to evolve rapidly.

At this point it's impossible for us to keep planning for the 2020 Bennington Triumph Bash. We fully intend for the Bash to take place as scheduled, but this obviously depends on how the coronavirus situation develops. At this point we are scaling back the scope of the Bash a bit. The dates will remain the same, and we're still planning on the Friday BBQ in the Paradise Inn's backyard, but the Saturday banquet dinner will be canceled. We're hoping to replace it with another outdoor gathering in the Paradise backyard, and are looking at food options for that, possibly a food truck or maybe pizza. We'll reassess the situation in about a month's time and see what our options are -- obviously, everything will depend on whether gatherings are allowed again by then, and how our restaurants/food vendors have weathered this massive blow to their livelihoods.

Please check back here for updates. In the meantime, please keep yourselves and your families safe and healthy, and let's hope the efforts being made now to prevent the spread of this virus pay off soon!

--Mark, Alan, and Jamie

Hey, Guys...

CT has extended the shut down for non-essential businesses until May 20th. Not sure of what's happening in VT.

I believe the Paradise has a canx policy of no charge if reservation is cancelled 30 days in advance.

Any update on what's happening up there?

I hope all of you have a safe and virus free Easter holiday.

Gerry

[mark]

Hey Gerry. Alan, Jamie, and I are discussing.

Vermont extended its stay at home order till May 15, but accommodations aren't supposed to accept reservations before June 15. Jamie is calling the Paradise today to see what this means to existing reservations, but I'm guessing they're basically void.

We'll have a final decision soon on what we're doing.

--mark

[AtticaTiger]

Thanks guys! If it doesn't pan out at normal time maybe another time later in year before leaf peeper season. Tough call at this time. We will all catch up at some point.

[stormrider]

I talked to the folks up at the Paradise. They're hurting pretty bad right now. Currently they are NOT able to take any NEW reservations for any arrivals prior to 15Jun. However, they are not yet cancelling any previous reservations at this time. They're holding out hope that the Governor lessens the restrictions, possibly in early/mid May. So if you already have reservations for the Bash, maybe hold on a little longer. They will NOT be charging anyone for cancellations inside of the normal 30 day period.

I, for one, will be leaving my reservation active, in hopes that cooler heads prevail and the VT governor realizes just how "socially distant" us Bashers can remain while on 2 wheels!!! Of course, it will make for some interesting stops during our rides if we have to stay way from each other or some of our favorite food joints and breweries!!!!

We'll keep everyone posted on status, changes, alternatives, etc. Thanks for being patient!

Stay Well!
Jamie

[mark]

Unfortunately we've got to call it, folks. 2020 BTB is canceled; there's simply no way it's doable with circumstances being what they are. Vermont accommodations are not allowed to accept reservations before June 15, and existing reservations can't be honored. It's also unlikely restaurants will be back to normal by the end of May, and I can't imagine that gatherings will be allowed again by then.

It sucks to have to do this, but the whole situation sucks.

But we've got dates for next year! More info here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1957

--mark

[marde]

I posted this also to the Facebook site.

I have been in touch with Phil at the Paradise Inn. He has offered to keep the same discounted rates for us should we come by later this year. I am hoping that once/if this crazy situation resolves to a state of semi-normalcy, some of us can get together late Summer or so. The ownership at the Paradise has always been very good to all of us, and I would like to show support for them in return. If I have to, I will bring my own Hibachi and cook out by the pool. So, let's stay in touch and if it becomes practicable, we can make some plans.

(P.S.- Miss you all)

Marty

[bonnevillebilly]

I was afraid this was going to happen. I could see it coming.

Bill
A fall time BTB for this year ?......Hmmmm....???

[matts1050]

Stay well you old bastards!