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Updated on 08/27/05 Feel free to submit pix and write-ups to Ron Sands mail to Ron Matt Weinert asks for everyone to send pictures to him for submission in the Torque magazine. Mailing a CD to him will work the best for him.
We set a new record this year with attendance shooting up to 125 (fantastic!). But before I go too far, we really must thank our sponsors who really helped in a huge way this year! Hermy's Cycles and Martin's Motorsports sponsored the Friday evening buffet. Kissell's Motorsports and Windber Triumph sponsored the Grand Canyon Lunch at Colton Point. RAT, Collin's Cycles, Hermy's Cycles, Windber Triumph, Martin's Motorsports and Kissell's Motorsports all donated great prizes that were awarded on Friday and Saturday evenings. Thank you all! Your support is greatly appreciated and is the main reason this event is so successful!
Once again, we had riders come from far and wide. There seems to be a growing Canadian influence. We had several packs in attendance - the largest being the Windber (WARP) pack. Other packs included: Hermy's (Royal RATs) Martin's (Triumph Riders of Coventry) Kissell's (Nittany RATs), Uncommon Cycles Triumph of Pittsburgh RATs Capital Area Triumph (King's Brigade) Mt. Holly Triumph (Jersey Devil RATs) Crazy Canucks from Ontario
This RAID is becoming a huge reunion for many riders who have attended many if not all of the years that it has been held. The camaraderie is strong here! On top of that, we welcomed new North American RAT Coordinator, Matt Weinert who has been to the RAID several times and knows many of us. Great job, Matt! Once again there were a few groups that rode together as well as many that went out on their own to various destinations. The highlight of Friday was a ride to Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield, PA. Denny's is known for having the largest hamburger in PA. Afterward, many of us rode on Wykoff Run which was repaved this year and is terrific.
After returning from the rides, most of us jumped into the pool at the Towne House which was especially refreshing with the heat. The bar waitresses kept many of us refreshed by bring drinks to poolside. What a way to go! Afterward, Matt kicked of the evening's festivities outdoors under the canopies which included the buffet and door prizes. A long time later that evening, a few brave souls did venture out to the Bermuda Triangle Pub Crawl. The highlight of Saturday was a lunch at Colton Point State Park on the western rim of the PA Grand Canyon. (Several of us hit Wykoff Run once again to get there!) Ron and Ann Woodhead made all of the arrangements for this lunch which was held at a pavilion in the park. Thank you Ron and Ann! After relaxing a bit during lunch, some of us headed over to the Leonard Harrison State park to see the eastern rim. Some great sites were available from the overlooks. Off then to the Hyner View for more spectacular views of the Western Branch of the Susquehanna. Though hang gliders often use the rocky perch, none were there this day. Many of hit rain at some part of the afternoon while riding back to St. Marys but Mother Nature had a surprise for us as we were taking the group shot and preparing for dinner. A huge storm was brewing but fortunately, we were able to get the picture in and get under the tents before the heavens opened up. The rain subsided during dinner and the outdoor presentation of awards and door prizes went off without a drop of rain. The Towne House once again arranged for a DJ to be on hand for the Saturday evening entertainment. A few did kick up their heels dancing to the tunes. Another run on the Bermuda Triangle was in order for a few after the evening at the lounge. There were no organized rides on Sunday but yet a few did their own ventures. Several folks told me that they cannot wait until next year. See you in 2006! Enjoy the tons of pictures! Ron
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