View Full Version : --==^^^ Rally Feedback ^^^==--
Now that all three Rally's have come to an end, I'd like to begin this thread to get feedback from all those that attended.
Feel free to post any suggestions, comments, likes, dislikes and anything constructive about the rallys here in this thread.
The staff and I want to take those suggestions and use them to plan future rallys. Also, I know that all you guys sat around at the dinner table and discussed things, so feel free to share everything discussed......good or bad.
The way I look at it, for KawaNOW to get better, we have to look at things with an open mind and make decisions for all of us as KawaNOW members.
I have also started this thread in the Staff Board. The staff and I will be discussing the rally's also.
Thanks,
Trip
I really liked the Western Rally. It could be that everyone that was there were just fantastic people that we kinda knew already.
Likes:
We were a pretty laid back group. Not a one tried to force their opinion/schedule or agenda on anyone. The egos never came out (if there were ever any). I made some new friends.
The price was right -- casinos have really good prices on buffets and rooms. I spent only about $350 for the entire trip, gas included.
Zion was fantastic.
More than one a year? We're already talking about another one in a few months up towards Cadd's area.
Dislikes:
The heat. Not the location but the time of year. On this side of the country, there are deserts and someone would have to go through them no matter where we went. That we had a heat wave didn't help. Maybe May or even late April next year.
beezer
06-29-2008, 06:41 PM
Something I thought about was to cut the country into 6 areas instead 0f 3 so rallies would have less travel time for people on the far ends. If someone can make it to go to rally in another direction they can do that as well. Like if there was a Northeast and a Southeast there would be those options as well as North Central for me let's say.
I enjoyed staying in the casino. Great food, and I won almost enough money on the slots to pay for the whole trip. (Don't play at the Casablanca. I lost consistantly there. I won everything back & more at the Oasis.)
It was too bad about the heat. I wanted to get in more riding but we were just too fried. It didn't help that I forgot to take my dang alergy pills.
I'd like to do a CenCal meet in maybe staying in Visalia or even Three Rivers, and ride through the Sequoias & King's Canyon, but it needs to cool down a couple months first. I don't see this as a major rally though. Just a minor West Coast affair.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot the communications. Not important but a thought: In CA, we all had each others numbers because of the CA board. Redeye made a list of everyone's phone numbers that posted them. We were able to contact each other on the road and as soon as we arrived, you know, for drinks.
Maybe a Western, Central and Eastern temproary board with passwords to post travel info and other.
mrfuni
06-29-2008, 07:50 PM
To start, Beezer brought up a good point. ;)
As a participant in the Eastern Rally, the distance from South Florida to Northern New Hampshire (and Canada) is huge. Anywhere in the middle is a long ride, and if regional rallies were planned, maybe it would be a shorter distance for all, and more people would participate. I know I'll always be far away in South Florida, but maybe a Southeast rally would save me a day on the road travel time to the rally, and actually shorter for someone South Central, etc.
I read posts from the Western participants about the summer heat. For us in the east, it was the summer rain. I understand it may be difficult with kids in school, and we did have a lot of educators in our group, but if the date could be move up a month or so, maybe it would be a little cooler and drier for all. Riding up from South Florida this time of the year you are going to get poured on, and riding in the rain just isn't fun.
The rally I attended was a fantastic event and I met some really nice people. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but maybe with a few changes it can be more convenient and better for all.
Thanks to those who planned and organized the event, and to Trip for making it all happen.
ride safe...Joe
basco
06-29-2008, 08:00 PM
Just one question how did yall come up with south dakota next year thats like 100,000 miles from central Texas
audiogooroo
06-29-2008, 08:02 PM
Just one question how did yall come up with south dakota next year thats like 100,000 miles from central Texas
And that's exactly why they chose South Dakota! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
Just kidding man. Really great roads up there if you can make the journey.
basco
06-29-2008, 08:06 PM
Just one question how did yall come up with south dakota next year thats like 100,000 miles from central Texas
And that's exactly why they chose South Dakota! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
Just kidding man. Really great roads up there if you can make the journey.
It worked
cactusjack
06-29-2008, 08:10 PM
I had a great time at the Western Rally and as one of the co-leaders, I sincerely appreciate the effort people made to attend. It wasn't easy riding to or from Mesquite.
That said, Mesquite is a great place for a rally: very reasonable rooms, inexpensive food and cheap drinks, just not in the summer.
My only gripe is that we basically had one day of activities - Friday. That's a long distance to travel and a considerable expense for only one full day of activities. Admittedly, with the heat in Mesquite, one day is probably all most people could handle. I suggest (for next time) a location with more moderate temps and more time. I think 2 days are ideal, 3 days at most.
chawnyboy
06-29-2008, 08:30 PM
I attended the Eastern rally, it was a fantastic time. For me I travelled just under 500 miles, which made for a pretty long day. I'm not complaining, it was a great ride down from Toronto. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
For some one like Joe coming up from S Florida, I can understand is quite far and you also need the time to do it in. So dividin' it into 6 areas would be a good idea. All in all was a good time.
kingcruiser
06-29-2008, 09:24 PM
We got back from the Central Rally this afternoon. We had a great time. The distance round trip was 660 miles which was about right for us. We had one day of rain but otherwise the weather cooperated. The day it didn't rain we had a choice of a long ride or a short ride which I felt was a great idea. We had three great dinners together, and the last night some of us got together around a fire and swapped lies. It was nice to see so many Nomads in one place and look at the different mods. I would like to see smaller regions and maybe fall and/or spring rallies every year in addition to a nationwide rally every other year. I would also like to say thanks to all the staff and others that helped put the rally together.
kawgirl
06-29-2008, 09:35 PM
I had a fantastic time at the Eastern Rally as a participant and a leader. Thanks again to everyone who attended and for those who jumped in and volunteered to help with tasks during the rally.
The location was great but I do understand and was concerned about the distance for those such as Joe from South Florida.
I agree that dividing the country up into 6 regions may do the trick for situations like this. Folks can decide which rally(ies) they want to attend.
A brainstorming session(perhaps a discussion board as mentioned earlier) with leaders from different regions may be a fun way to get ideas for things to do for a rally.
If more thoughts come to me soon, I'll post them.
coacha
06-29-2008, 10:27 PM
Heck, my only though is to keep it in June or July. I have spring ball in May and fall practice/work starts in August.
ringadingh
06-29-2008, 10:37 PM
Im ok with the rally's being within a days drive. I rode 9 1/2 hours to get to Elkins, thats just about it for me, 530 miles. Thats about enough for one day on a bike, no reason to torture yourself.
Scoot
06-30-2008, 01:27 AM
Im ok with the rally's being within a days drive. I rode 9 1/2 hours to get to Elkins, thats just about it for me, 530 miles. Thats about enough for one day on a bike, no reason to torture yourself.
I hear ya, Just looked up how far Custer, SD, was from me. lol would take me 3 full days of hard riding just to get there 1581 miles. Was hoping for something little closer.
mrfuni
06-30-2008, 04:19 PM
I hear ya, Just looked up how far Custer, SD, was from me. lol would take me 3 full days of hard riding just to get there 1581 miles. Was hoping for something little closer.
2168 miles for me from Naples, FL to Custer....
That might be pushing it a bit... :)
beezer
06-30-2008, 04:54 PM
I hear ya, Just looked up how far Custer, SD, was from me. lol would take me 3 full days of hard riding just to get there 1581 miles. Was hoping for something little closer.
2168 miles for me from Naples, FL to Custer....
That might be pushing it a bit... :)
I had you in mind when I suggested that Mr Funi ;)
Custer is 1700 miles for me and that ain't happenin'. I'll take that gas money and time and go on a cruise.
ruruson1
06-30-2008, 05:07 PM
Well I missed the Central ralley and anly live 30 miles away. I tried to get there but family issues and a few other things made it impossible. maybe next year. Hope to see ya'll in the future.
davidjones1
06-30-2008, 06:18 PM
the eastern rally was a 500 mile each way and this wasn't to bad for us here in southeast Tenn.
the best part of this was meeting our new friends
I think it would be good to split it up into 6 area rallies as this would make it a little more rider friendly for a lot of the kawanow folks.
the time of year was great here in the south or east side.
the eastern rally was a 500 mile each way and this wasn't to bad for us here in southeast Tenn.
the best part of this was meeting our new friends
I think it would be good to split it up into 6 area rallies as this would make it a little more rider friendly for a lot of the kawanow folks.
the time of year was great here in the south or east side.
David, I can't remember what town you are near....how far are you from Boone NC.....we were over there the other day and was thinking about you
davidjones1
06-30-2008, 06:58 PM
just above chattanooga todd, you were about 3hours away from me. I was thinking about it but just was slammed with crap around the house with the 4th coming up. about 100+ due here for the 4th. got any room at your place LOLOLOLOL. just looking to excape.
ride safe.
unwind2
06-30-2008, 08:05 PM
First of all would like to say we had a good time at the Eastern Rally. I appreciate all driving distances to attend and what a great group of folks. It was 1300 miles round trip for me, would do it again in a heartbeat. Had group dinner Thurs night to meet and greet and that gave folks Thurs night to rest up from riding in. Had organized rides Fri and Sat with group dinner Fri nite and grill out at local park sat nite which I think everybody really enjoyed as you could walk around and visit more easily than at a restaurant.
We decided to have door prizes the last night at the grill out. Lots of folks wanted to bring something. Ended up everybody went home with something! There was some really great gifts too! Want to send a heartfelt thanks to Wompas and Coach for the special door prizes they provided.
I got a (Partial ;)) bafflectomy. Lots of folks were interested and watching this mod being done. So who knows if folks wanted volunteer to have little mod sessions I think folks would enjoy that. Thanks to davidjones1 for helping me have a little more rumble. ;)
We did at the last moment come up with 2 rides on sat one short/one long which as someone mentioned I think is a good idea to give folks an option.
The saturday ride landed up with a total contribution to the Bryan Alzheimer's Research Center of $237. After some others on the forum contributed, Amy had a total contributin of $427. I was so proud we could all do that. Several expressed that they liked the idea of having a fund raiser for a worthy cause.
As someone mentioned about the Western group, those at the Eastern group had a 'group' mentality. We all looked out for each other and so many jumped in and voluteered to help like at the grill out etc...
Couple of thoughts here from comments others have made so far:
(1) I do think the rallies should have a least a couple of days of events as it is a long way for someone to ride for a one day event.
(2) As far as dividing up into 6 regions I think that would have to be an outgrowth of a growing membership. To break it up into 6 regions too soon may have very small groups and be more like some folks getting together for a ride than a rally. Also may be more difficult to come up with that many rally leaders.
(3) Yep Custer SD may be a long way for some of us (me too). But didn't Trip say that the years that have one rally would rotate to different sections of the country. I know with the Motormaids group they have one big annual convention and rotate each year west us, central us, east us, canada...then start again.
FYI: My husband, Ken, says to tell all how much he enjoyed the rally. Said he felt very comfortable and relaxed with everybody. Says most enjoyable m/c group he has been around. Our guest Ronnie and Reba (on goldwing) had to leave a day early due to weather concerns and work schedule. Ken says after they left Ken's goldwing was referred to as 'Brand X'. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
Sorry for long repsonse.
coacha
06-30-2008, 08:10 PM
Unwind, thanks for the compliment, it was my pleasure. I went to the winery the other night and told them that the bottles were a hit. For any of you that may want a commemorative bottle from the rally, let me know and I'll check into it for you. I think they can ship almost anywhere...except Virginia...sorry Brian.
beezer
07-01-2008, 04:03 AM
free drunk
the wine's on coacha http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif
dantama
07-01-2008, 05:45 AM
Couple of thoughts here from comments others have made so far:
(1) I do think the rallies should have a least a couple of days of events as it is a long way for someone to ride for a one day event.
(2) As far as dividing up into 6 regions I think that would have to be an outgrowth of a growing membership. To break it up into 6 regions too soon may have very small groups and be more like some folks getting together for a ride than a rally. Also may be more difficult to come up with that many rally leaders.
(3) Yep Custer SD may be a long way for some of us (me too). But didn't Trip say that the years that have one rally would rotate to different sections of the country. I know with the Motormaids group they have one big annual convention and rotate each year west us, central us, east us, canada...then start again.
That sums up my thoughts very well unwind.
Hey Trip, 1 big complaint.......... I missed out!!! but I must admit it is great to vicariously live the rallies through the posts, vids, pics etc. One day, One day!!
How many members are in Australia? Its a big place but maybe we might get a chance to ride together?
Well said unwind2. Sounds like you guys had a blast at the Eastern Rally.
I'd like to give my 2 centavos worth on the National Rally in Custer. I know many of you are doing the math on miles and saying, "No way". I realize for some of you Custer, SD is a long trip. But, the whole idea behind holding a National rally was to get EVERYONE together in one place. It just so happens that Custer represents some of the best riding and countryside ever seen by a human being.
We want to promote Custer early, so that everyone can have the time to plan for the trip. One of the reasons why we own a motorcycle is to ride it. What better way to ride than to spend the time riding to a National rally. It may take several days to get there, but remember, sometimes it's not the destination, but the journey.
In my case, it's going to take me three days riding over 450 miles a day to get there. But, I don't care. I'm used to riding that much in a day and I enjoy it. With proper planning, I believe that anyone can make it there and back home safely and enjoy the trip. You really don't have to ride alone. With proper planning, anyone can link up and ride in and back with other members.
I believe that Custer is going to be something we'll never forget. I encourage and challenge each member to consider attending and not worry about the miles, but take a look at the comradery and adventure a trip like this can afford. If you take a look at my states traveled map down in my footer, you'll notice I haven't ridden a motorcycle in South Dakota. I'm looking forward to seeing the scenery, riding the roads the Custer area provides, getting to meet and see every one of you and putting another notch in my map. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
Trip
From what we've seen, mini-regional rallies are going to happen in any event, not necessarily sanctioned by KawaNOW but just as folks find each other and decide to get together for long weekends. The 6-regional rally idea has merits too and people who can travel longer distances could go to the one(s) of their choosing. However, the best chance to get the most folks together at one place at one time is a somewhat centralized national rally as Trip has suggested, will be a long trip for some no matter what.
Well, I'm working on my wife a bit. Maybe we'll go to Custer. If I go through Tahoe instead of Mojave it's only like 5 miles farther, though a lot more on the superslab, but Nomads eat up the superslab. She's never been across the Bonneville Salt Flats, though I'm not sure that would be much of an enticement if she really knew what they were like. Ditto the north route across Nevada. My biggest issue would be this: after 2 days in Mesquite I still didn't get to really meet and talk to everyone, and our group was only about 20 people. If 100 or more show up in Custer, it'll take a lot more than 2 days just to get around to say "Hi" to each of them, assuming we're actually going to ride there.
cactusjack
07-01-2008, 10:13 AM
Well, I'm working on my wife a bit. Maybe we'll go to Custer. If I go through Tahoe instead of Mojave it's only like 5 miles farther, though a lot more on the superslab, but Nomads eat up the superslab. She's never been across the Bonneville Salt Flats, though I'm not sure that would be much of an enticement if she really knew what they were like. Ditto the north route across Nevada. My biggest issue would be this: after 2 days in Mesquite I still didn't get to really meet and talk to everyone, and our group was only about 20 people. If 100 or more show up in Custer, it'll take a lot more than 2 days just to get around to say "Hi" to each of them, assuming we're actually going to ride there.
I agree with you. I'd have liked to been able to spend more time visiting with people, including you. I didn't get to talk with you much.
I guess no matter where I'm headed, I have to go through desert to get there. 1250 miles to Custer seems a little intimidating to me, but I should have my trailer by that time. I'd like to be able to ride it in 2 days, but that is probably a bit aggressive. Although if the weather is cooler, I might not tire as quickly. I could probably do Phoenix to Denver in 1 day, but it would be a really long day.
Just a thought...
I can see the logic of going to more (6) rallies would water down the attendance and thus needs to be more of a consideration of membership growth... however... to play the devils advocate....
What if the dates were stagered... lets say a spring and fall rally for each region. For example... A spring central rally in SD and a fall central rally in TX.
Of course keep in mind this suggestion comes NOT from a guy who has unselfishly burned his free time organizing ONE rally (like some of you) but from a guy who hasn't done shizznit on any of them. I could not make ANY of them this year but I do appreciate the work done by those who organized them ! ! ! ! ! ! !
davidjones1
07-01-2008, 10:40 AM
trip you are right it is the journey, when my wife saw the miles she said no way but then I told her what better way to see some of the country we have not seen before, and too meet people like we met in w.va. our trip will be1,466 one way so my plans will be and 11 day run as to enjoy it and not have to push too hard. I think these rallies are important for this forum as they give a much needed break from the typical rallies like bike week and sturgus, that meaning we have a much needed control of who is attending, I have pass the need for the roudy and drunk parties and I am much more comfortable bring my wife too a rally like our's then theirs, I hope that as many of the members that can make this rally.
ride safe.
Right now I'm looking at approx. 1500 miles each way. I don't see my wife being able to ride more than 300 miles a day for consecutive days, so that's 5 days traveling each way. If we have a day of bike prep & packing and a day of recovery, that allows two days in custer for a 2 week vacation.
If I tow the bike I can do it in a max. of 3 days each way, which means 6 days riding in custer. A much nicer scenario, but I'll need to buy a suitable trailer and twice as much gasoline as the bike would use, so the cost mounts.
All this hinges on the dates as well, as my wife teaches school and she can only vacation when the school is on vacation.
coacha
07-01-2008, 12:43 PM
I can't go to the one next year because of football....:(. But I will be there in spirit. Of course, if I were to resign or get fired, that would free up some time :)
Are the dates set in stone yet or is their a possibility that they could change to June? Just asking...well actually, begging so I can go.
redeye
07-01-2008, 01:52 PM
[quote author=caddmannq board=general thread=4868 post=89638 time=1214933564]
If I tow the bike I can do it in a max. of 3 days each way, which means 6 days riding in custer. A much nicer scenario, but I'll need to buy a suitable trailer and twice as much gasoline as the bike would use, so the cost mounts.[quote]
The costs do mount, but so does your comfort. I will be towing my bikes to Custer. In fact I'm looking for a toy hauler right now so we can camp en-route to cut costs & expenses.
kawgirl
07-01-2008, 02:15 PM
My thoughts on the rally are not the miles. It is the journey that makes it worthwhile. My problem is the time, as I , like others, teach and have to vacation when school vacations. I would need 2 weeks at least to make it out there and back safely. I'll have to sit this one out too. I know it will be a great one and look forward to the pics, videos, and stories all will have to tell.
dantama
07-01-2008, 02:18 PM
Fly in and rent a bike :)
kawgirl
07-01-2008, 02:25 PM
That's a thought. Are there Nomads for rent anywhere?
No. You'd have to rent a *cough* Harley.
If I tow the bike I can do it in a max. of 3 days each way, which means 6 days riding in custer. A much nicer scenario, but I'll need to buy a suitable trailer and twice as much gasoline as the bike would use, so the cost mounts.
The costs do mount, but so does your comfort. I will be towing my bikes to Custer. In fact I'm looking for a toy hauler right now so we can camp en-route to cut costs & expenses.
Somehow buying a toy hauler, and paying the fuel tab to haul it, doesn't equal cutting expenses in my mind.
kawgirl
07-01-2008, 04:46 PM
No. You'd have to rent a *cough* Harley.
That's what I thought and just don't know yet that I could muster up the thoughts of doing that. Todd, you rented one in Vegas. How was it?
CaddmannQ you have a good suggestion. Nothing wrong with trailering your bike to the rally. In fact Kawgirl, you might try arranging to see if someone would come up with you and put two bikes on one trailer. That way you can tag team at driving.
And as CaddmannQ suggested, fly in and rent. What would be wrong with flying to Denver and renting a Nomad?
Just a thought.
Let's see how the voting goes on the National rally dates, Kawgirl.....you might get to go afterall...
kawgirl
07-01-2008, 05:04 PM
That would be great if it works out. Thanks for putting up the poll.
And as CaddmannQ suggested, fly in and rent. What would be wrong with flying to Denver and renting a Nomad?...
No, that was Dan Lund that suggested that.
And if you can find somewhere that rents Nomads, I'll rent one; but I think chances are about the same as me winning the lotto.
(And that's bearing in mind that I've never bought a lotto ticket in my entire life.)
cactusjack
07-01-2008, 07:39 PM
I've never heard of or seen any place that rents Nomads. Harleys, yes. Scooters, yes.
You won't either. They're too expensive to drop.
I once looked into renting a Nomad in the Denver area, wasn't an exhaustive search but seems dealers have a hard time keeping them in stock so not that much incentive for them. There may be other possibilities but I didn't find them a couple years ago, except... cough, HD, but might be better than staying home. Someone might try a more thorough search and some of us here could do some leg-work if something interesting comes up. The other "near by" metropolitan areas, e.g., Salt Lake, Minneapolis, might also be worth a check. Maybe listing of Kawa dealers in general area would turn up something.
mrfuni
07-01-2008, 08:30 PM
Find a rental option and you'll save me 4500 too and from bike miles :)
vBulletin® v3.8.2, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.