--==^^^ Rally Feedback ^^^==--

[trip]

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

[tomk]

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]

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.

[tomk]

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]

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]

Just one question how did yall come up with south dakota next year thats like 100,000 miles from central Texas

[audiogooroo]

Originally Posted by Basco

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!

Just kidding man. Really great roads up there if you can make the journey.

[basco]

Originally Posted by audiogooroo

And that's exactly why they chose South Dakota!

Just kidding man. Really great roads up there if you can make the journey.

It worked

[cactusjack]

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]

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.
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]

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]

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]

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]

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.