Why attend a VBA Rally?

[rickyboy]

shameless ploog, .....plug

[GIBBY]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

You mean Greg's NOT an ax murderer???

He chops me up pretty good on here!!

Now that's funny, no matter who you are

[Sin City Stan]

Why go to a Rally? It's got to be the free alcohol and cigars. Did I just let the cat out of the bag??

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by Sin City Stan

Why go to a Rally? It's got to be the free alcohol and cigars. Did I just let the cat out of the bag??

Stan, are you one of those dreaded "freeloaders"? My "investment" in Rally Bottles is over $100.00 (so far). . . I think that's about 1/2 of what Kris "invested" at the Redwoods. I don't know what Brad spends on the Cigars, but they didn't look like the free ones.

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

While I agree 110% with you on keeping the pace reasonable during group rides, it can also become a pain for everyone around us when we have a 1/4 train of bikes, going slow, and not letting cars into their lane.

It's best if everyone knows where we are going and how to get there. Generally maps are posted months in advance. If there is a small split-up in the group, what's the harm?

Yes...a reasonable pace.

[chainsaw]

At the Custer Rally, CJ learned how to enjoy a camp fire without any flames.

[Sin City Stan]

Originally Posted by markclark57

Stan, are you one of those dreaded "freeloaders"? My "investment" in Rally Bottles is over $100.00 (so far). . . I think that's about 1/2 of what Kris "invested" at the Redwoods. I don't know what Brad spends on the Cigars, but they didn't look like the free ones.

Mark, I'm the last guy you have to worry about. I don't smoke and always travel with aged rum or bourbon. Sometime both.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by Sin City Stan

and always travel with aged rum or bourbon.

Your friends got some funny names there Stan?!!

[Netnorske]

Great thread Joel..!! I can only substantiate what has already been said here. My first KawaNOW/VBA rally was the 2009 National Rally in Custer, SD. My wife and I rode out there with a group I had only just met...and when we rolled into the parking lot at the hotel, there were many Nomads and people chatting everywhere! It was a funny feeling as I recognized a few people simply from their forum Avatars or Sig pics, but otherwise did not really know anyone. I had not been off my bike 30 seconds before people who recognized me from my own forum pics came up with big smiles and handshakes...just an awesome feeling. I still lament the fact I was not able to chit-chat with everyone at that rally, but I made some friends who still take my phone calls to this day...!

I have since attended the 2010 SW Regional in Cortez, CO., the 2010 NW Regional in Kalispell, MT, and the 2011 Rally in the Redwoods in Crescent City, CA. Two of those I helped to organize. This year I am adding the 2012 SW Regional in Kanab, UT and the Canadian Rockies Rally in Canmore, AB. BTW...nice job on the shameless plug Ricky...!! I have met many members here who have become good friends....willing to share their homes on a pass through town, while I offer the same on my end with only a smile and a good laugh or two asked in return.

While some people can't get the time off, many of you can if you really wanted to. These rallies have become the highlight of my riding each summer, and putting faces to names makes my time spent here on the forum that much more enjoyable! The mid-week venue dates allow for incredible route-planning. I have seen so much more of the country traveling to and from these rallies than I ever would have had I not made the effort to attend. It's hard to describe, but there is nothing on Earth like the feeling you get when every horizon you come over and every corner you come around brings a view you have never in your life seen before. It becomes addicting and only fuels my desire to ride even more!

You newcomers to the VBA and this forum have everything to gain by attending a rally near or far. You will be welcomed and made to feel right at home. You will be left with great memories and photos to remind you of it all. When I rode to Custer in 2009...that was the longest ride away from home I had ever done (about 1400 miles one way). While there was a certain anxiety about that, their was also a great thrill. For the first time in years...I felt like I was truly living, seeing new country with every mile and making friends I never knew I had.

There are two sayings that I firmly believe in, neither of which I can attribute to an author, but they mean everything to me...one of which is in my signature. The other....

"I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees"

Stop being that worrysome guy that thinks "I won't know anybody"...or "what if my bike breaks down"....or "it's too far away". DON'T BE THAT GUY! If you give yourself a chance and make the commitment to attend an upcoming VBA Rally...my money says it will be the best time you've had with your clothes on in a very long time...!! With any luck at all...you might even win a cool door prize....!

[trip]

Some of my best memories on a motorcycle have been at KawaNOW rally's. I say KawaNOW, because our first VBA rally will start at the end of this month.

I too was asked by my kids years ago why I was riding long miles to a rally where I didn't know anyone. I told my kids that that was just the way it was... they might see me again... and they might not. I knew I'd be back. There aren't any axe murderers at a VBA rally.

They're might be some obsessed with ironing, or they're might be a few others that like to jump cement cliffs with their Nomads... but all in all, I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone at a VBA Rally.

My first rally was the Custer, SD rally in 2009. I remember sitting across the parking lot at the hotel, looking at Vic (Nightmare) and wondering if he was going to kill me if I introduced myself. The man looked like he had lived on his Nomad for 5 years including a home-made trailer that was the size of an 18-wheeler trailer.

But, like Waterman has said, at these rallies, you get to put a face with a name. I met CJ for the first time at the Custer rally, as well as Blowndodge (that was an experience in itself). I got to drink taquilla with Netnorske and his wife as well as smoke some cigars.

The most memorable time of that rally was when we all met for the first day of riding and I thanked everyone for being there. And Jim (Oldbikers) said, "Thank you Trip for starting KawaNOW", and everyone clapped. Tears came to my eyes. For the first time, I actually saw the fruition of my dream.

I've been to many of the KawaNOW rallies, but I'm sorry to say that I haven't been able to attend any rallies out of the SouthCentral region. Either I haven't been able to get time off of work or the money to make the trip just wasn't there. I hope someday to ride and attend every regional rally from coast-to-coast.

And who can forget the National rally last year in Maggie Valley, NC. It did my heart good to see so many members and Nomads at that rally! Over 100 Nomads.... close to 200 attendees. I spent time in the parking lot, wandering around, saying "Hello" to everyone I met. It was like we were all one family.

Yep, attending a VBA rally, whether it's a Regional or National rally, is the best experience in the world. One of these days, when I'm on my dying bed, I'll think of those times and experiences... and I'll die in peace... with a smile.

Trip :^)>

PS. Keep your eyes pealed later on this year for information on the 2013 VBA National Rally. It's going to be held in Colorado. More details later. Plan to attend!

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by Sin City Stan

Mark, I'm the last guy you have to worry about. I don't smoke and always travel with aged rum or bourbon. Sometime both.

No worries here Stan. All are welcome at my bottle/table. If they bring something too, that just means there's more to share.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by rickyboy

{this has been a paid advertisement by the Canada West regional Leader for the Canadian Rockies Rally}

Hey Ricky, your payment has not been received. Be prepared to be deleted.

[BudMan]

Originally Posted by usranger74

I would also add do not be intimidated about riding with others that may (or may not) be more skilled that you. The rally rides that I have been on have been on moderate roads and at a moderate pace. Some riders may take a more aggressive road and pace but there is no pressure on you to do the same.

Good point Bill. That was my number one concern at first.
But quickly discovered it wasn't anything to worry about.

[coacha]

We have been to both National Rallies and all the Southeastern stuff. Can't say enough great things about the people we have met.

Trip, you forgot to mention the biker pie bar we visited in Custer.

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by coacha

We have been to both National Rallies and all the Southeastern stuff. Can't say enough great things about the people we have met.

Trip, you forgot to mention the biker pie bar we visited in Custer.

Was that the little purple place?