2013 Rally

[trikeleader]

It has been suggested that we move the rally to a more central state in the country.
This poll is to see what you, the members, think of this idea.

Shall the rally stay where it is?
Shall the rally be moved?

 

[Tip Schwartzbeck]

I like the idea of a rally that moves around the country.Being close to me would be great - but not fair to those that live farther away.Give everyone an equal chance to attend without crossing the entire US>
My thoughts,
Tip

 

[Lucky]

Since Kansas is I believe the center.Who all wants to load up and run to Kansas in June?RIDE SAFE

 

[retdpd]

The Blue Knights for the past 35 years having found that moving around to be the most effective to maintain the morale and integrity of the organization.

Doug

 

[TNTriker]

Maggie Valley is a beautiful area, but I ride the area several times a month, so new territory would be wonderful! I'm in!

 

[Blondie Gal]

GWRRA's yearly convention, WingDing, is in a different location every year, and thousands flock to it.

 

[rmrc51]

Moving further west would leave me out of next years rally. If it's still in Maggie Valle, I'll be there. But I do agree that all members should have a chance to attend the rally.

 

[Rod69]

Moving the rally around seems like a nice solution to get members to attend that havn't been able to. Though Maggie Valley is a beautiful place.

 

[clint44]

It either needs to be more centrally located or move it around the country,if you want to increase attendance.

 

[Blondie Gal]

Hope everybody remembers to 'vote' at the very top of this thread! Thanks!!

 

[Gorilla]

Here's a thought, Who is going to setup this rotational rally every year? How will they know how many are going to attend to book a large enough motel? Maggie Valley is working now because the small volunteer group has been able to make the required contracts over the last 3 years to make the rally happen without an enormous work load. Move it to a new location will require a lot of local members to that area to step up and try to put a rally together. All these other organizations mentioned are well established dues paying groups. We are a small family style group volunteer organization, that just thought it would be nice to meet every once in awhile to meet and greet. I believe regional meetings setup by the regional groups can be a great supplement to our annual Maggie Vally family re-union.

 

[msocko3]

Here's a thought, Who is going to setup this rotational rally every year? How will they know how many are going to attend to book a large enough motel? Maggie Valley is working now because the small volunteer group has been able to make the required contracts over the last 3 years to make the rally happen without an enormous work load. Move it to a new location will require a lot of local members to that area to step up and try to put a rally together. All these other organizations mentioned are well established dues paying groups. We are a small family style group volunteer organization, that just thought it would be nice to meet every once in awhile to meet and greet. I believe regional meetings setup by the regional groups can be a great supplement to our annual Maggie Vally family re-union.

Very well said, lots of work to make the rally go as smooth as it does.

 

[Maryland Triker]

I have been to Maggie Valley three times and although a nice area with great riding roads if it is held there next year I will not attend but select another rally at another location. I do indeed go to these rallys to socialize but it is also my vacation and I like to see new things and ride to other areas.

 

[Gold Rush]

In just the short time I have been a board member I've seen our member roll grow by leaps and bounds. I'm sure there are lots of folks that would love to actually meet other members but just can't make the trip all the way to Maggie Valley. I understand the sentiment of keeping the rally there but think if occasionally it were moved around to other parts of the country way more members could attend. By mid to late June, the weather in nearly all parts of the lower 48 is pretty nice (some may still be a tad cool) so that should not be a huge concern.

I am not a huge rally attender as a rule but would sure do this one if possible. I wanted to visit Maggie valley last year by surgery prevented it. I'll be there this fall though. Yes, I know it's not the same...

Ride Save My Friends!!!

 

[meredog]

well I for one will continue to do Maggie Valley each year because it is a beautiful place to ride---with or without a Ralley
That said we would also do the ralley if it were feasable ---Branson Mo area is a beautiful more centralized area ?

 

[trikeleader]

To be fair to all the members, We need to move the rally from time to time so everyone gets an equal shot at attending. People should take turns traveling long distances to the rally. As for setting up a rally, two of us (me and Marge) have already gotten a proposal for a hotel, meal and maps for about 10 different rides. This was done in one weekend. The main flavor of the rally will still be preserved. ThumbUp


Gorilla Re: 2013 Rally

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Here's a thought, Who is going to setup this rotational rally every year? How will they know how many are going to attend to book a large enough motel? Maggie Valley is working now because the small volunteer group has been able to make the required contracts over the last 3 years to make the rally happen without an enormous work load. Move it to a new location will require a lot of local members to that area to step up and trTy to put a rally together. All these other organizations mentioned are well established dues paying groups. We are a small family style group volunteer organization, that just thought it would be nice to meet every once in awhile to meet and greet. I believe regional meetings setup by the regional groups can be a great supplement to our annual Maggie Vally family re-union.

 

[rwhgme]

Our first rally was 2012. We will go again regardless of where we pick. To me, it was the friends on this site that drew us to the Rally. The riding was great, but we would've come even without the Dragon. Whatever the choice...COUNT US IN!

 

[spiritdream]

Personally I go to socialize with the members - I've been to two so far, and haven't ridden at either one! :laugh: Now that I know I can trailer mine, the "where" isn't so important anymore. Plus, if there's less twists & turns I may actually sneak in a ride next year! ThumbUp

That being said, $$ is always an issue for me (as with many others) so I need to start saving now if I want to go to 2013. And since I'll have to take the guzzler (hubby's truck) no matter where it's held, I'll need to save extra for gas money. Unless I hit the lottery - in which case, I'll be buying a nice, cushy trike and I'll ride that!!

Looking at the poll so far, I'm guessing it won't be Maggie Valley next year. Is there a deadline for the poll? Oops, never mind! Just saw the closing date. Question answered!!

 

[deanone98]

I have been a GWRRA member for more than 25 years and have attended many Wing Ding Rallies, yes they do have their rallies in several areas to keep their membership alive. Changing to different sites, have advantages and disadvantages. My question is how many of you now travel with a group on a regular basis and don't you pretty much go to the same areas all the time. So I think it is not a good argument that you have seen Maggie Valley several times. A good argument is that you want to be in a central location for all the members to possibly attend. Regardless of what the outcome is, there is a rule called 20/80 (parietal) rule. 20% of the people do all the work and 20% also create the issues for any organization.

 

[greyfang]

this was a tough vote for me, we made it to Maggie Valley just once ( 2011) and the location is awesome. It is difficult though for the people farther west to make it each year. Another vote for Branson Area.

 

[berngren]

I agree with Doug (RETDPD). The Blue Knights change their International meeting place every year. This year it's in Tyler, Texas which I'll be attending. It's only fair to say that by changing the location annually this gives everybody a chance to attend one year.<br />
<br />
I believe the best way to handle this is to have everyone vote this year where to have it next year. Then at the 2013 rally form some type of committee to determine where to have it in 2014. Those who attend the 2013 rally should be able to vote on the 2014 rally or whatever decision is made by a the committee. But some type of organization needs to be formed to handle this issue.<br />
<br />
The Blue Knights vote on a location every two years. Example. This year they will vote where to have the International meeting for the next two years. I'm just suggesting some ideas that might assist in determining a location.

 

[trikermary]

This is a tough one to call, TT Rally has grown each year just through word of mouth to the nice size crowd that attended in Maggie Valley this year......yet there are some rallies that are very successful and attendence grows each year like Americade in Lake George that has been at that location for over 25 years.......surely people are tired of the location but they seem to go back every year....personally, I love Maggie Valley,don't think you can possibly see all the nearby interests in one rally visit...............but, I do live close enough that I can visit Maggie Valley any other time as well.......so, I see why the other members farther away would like it closer so they could attend and meet the members!........I will try to attend no matter where it is located.

 

[Ozarkryder]

We love the Smokies. Would go there every year if the TT rally stays in that area. Looking at the members map for the US, it seems the vast majority (about 2:1?) of the TT members are in the east half of the country. Trike Talk Membership Map
Moving the rally a bit west (Branson has been suggested) may open it up to more folks, but too much west (say, Reno) could close it down to even more US members. >NOT trying to marginalize the folks out west, it is just the didtribution of TT members in the country.<

Branson has come up, and it is in a great riding area. The thing is, the city itself is very hilly so a bit hard to get around. June is in the show/tourist season, so traffic is horrendous and lodging is expensive for the area. About an hour from Branson and bit to the west and just across the Arkansas border is Eureka Springs, also great riding, interesting shops in town, motorcycle friendly, and some interesting places to visit in the general area.

 

[viper]

I went to my first rally this year and enjoyed it very much. I would like to see a National and Regional rallies since the group has grown so much. The National locational to be decided on by the members and the ones for regional can start a rally for there region.This would be fair to all. Maggie Valley is with-in my range but i can make anything on the east coast!

 

[mojogo1]

This was our first time on our trike to do the rally and it was a wonderful blast. We both feel to centralize the rally would be a start to possibly expanding the locations out to other beautiful places...The USA is LARGE and there's lots of new places to see..The Branson suggestion might be the ideal starting point for new adventures...Just our thoughts..Thanks C & M McMillan

 

[curley03]

Bring it to TEXAS and I'll be there. Can't ride cross country.

 

[Angelbymyside]

I agree that this is a tough call. I have not been able to make the Maggie Valley Rallies, but my plans are already in the makings for the 2013 rally no matter where it is held. <br />
<br />
Famous words from the "Field of Dreams" movie---"Build it and they will come."

 

[Papa Zook]

I appreciate everyone's input. What I am hearing is that having the main rally in a more central location and possibly moving it every 2-3 years might be the best soulution as it would be accessable to a majority of members. It would also keep it "fresh" as far as variety of different rides, scenery, dining, entertainment, etc. Eureka Springs, AK has been suggested so we are exploring that option.

 

[Ed Hobgood]

Eureka Springs/ Harrison AR would be my vote also, I've not made it to Maggie Valley during the ralley yet! But I do plan on going next year where ever it is. Thanks to all who work hard on making these events happen.

 

[retdpd]

Eureka Springs has my vote!!!!

Thanks for keeping everything fresh and alive!!!!

Many thanks to you, Marge and your inner support group

*Michigan will make a good showing and support

doug :wave4: