And the Survey Says...

I want to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed to the lodging survey and especially those who shared the survey with others in your personal riding group.

We had contributions from all over the USA, Asia, and Western Europe, the latter thanks to Gary France who posted the link on his USA Tour on a Harley Davidson blog. Gary is a retiring Brit planning a 14,000 mile tour of the United States that begins on June 22 (or 22 June, depending on which side of the ocean you call home). Ahhhh, the open road...that's what it's all about!

Actually, it's journeys like Gary's that created the calling for Thunder Road. Whether it's a lifelong dream or a mid-life medical crisis that makes one Live Like You Were Dyin', as Tim McGraw so aptly put it, a multi-day motorcycle tour has a way of cleansing the soul like no other.   

So what did we learn from the survey?

I'm pleased to note that the survey confirms many of the business tenants on which we are building Thunder Road - a preference for lodging that supplements the journey experience, value for your hard-earned money, and a clean, comfortable private space in which to relax and refresh after a long day's ride. Amenities are important, but you're not looking for a spa experience.

We also confirmed that you are passionate bikers, with the vast majority of respondants taking multiple trips per year, most of which are 2-5 days in duration and involve group rides. And we validated that the touring locales we are targeting are the places you want to go...or go again. I'm eager to introduce the concept to the Europe market, as our family across the pond is equally as passionate!  I will continue to let the survey run through the remainder of the 30-day open period, but I believe the trends provide a good indication of what you expect when making your travel plans.

What's next?

We're in the funding stage and have entered into preliminary negotiations for properties in several of the target markets. As things progress, one of them will emerge as the right opportunity for the flagship property. Stay tuned, as the announcements will be shared here first!

Meanwhile, if you need route or accomodations ideas, drop us a note and we'll provide some ideas. As an example, here is a route from Ashville, North Carolina to the Texas Hill Country that I recently shared with a member of the Harley Davidson Forum. 

See you on the Road!

© 2010 TRHG Holdings LLC