Don't have an account yet? You can create one. As a registered user you have some advantages like theme manager, comments configuration and post comments with your name.
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:40 am Post subject: 2006 National Rally
WOW!!! What an exhausting week. Mother Nature blessed us with seven straight days of perfect weather. Five of the nights were crystal clear allowing for some incredible star gazing, Seven Sisters, both Dippers, Oryan and best of all the Milky Way. A few folks even saw some satalites passing by.
The Pre-Rally Tour Ride was near perfect. Only two bikes experienced troubles and needed to be loaded into the chase trailer. One rider went two-up on her husbands CBX and the other rode my '75 GL1000 that I brought as a spare for just such a thing.
We had several finger twiddlers, a couple knee-knockers and only two shoulder-holders (Norm Smith and myself) for our three Great Lake experiences. It was a blast body surfing the waves at Whitefish Point on Lake Superior.
As the driver of the chase vehicle I was not able to ride with the others, but did experience the fantastic views with my co-piolet Jim Townsentd. At the Soo Locks a surprise occured: I can't thank Jeff and Ann Suttle enough for offering me their '80 CBX for the ride from Soo Saint Marie back to St. Ignace via the Mackinaw Trail. My only event ride of the Rally - THANKS AGAIN!!!!
Thursday and Friday were filled with some incredible riding. The riders reported that the scenery was spectactular, the roads smooth and clear. Thats right! CLEAR! An occasional passing car or truck, tlhey told of having the roads all to themselves. Deer, wild turkeys, black bear cubs and bald eagles enhanced their rides too.
On Thursday evening the attendies enjoyed a nice BBQ along the shores of Lake Cadillac, followed by the ice-cream social and vintage movies (thanks Norm) back at the Blackmore Lodge. Friday evening brought folks together for an impromtude pizza social while other journeyed to the First Street Beach in Mannistee to watch a spectacular sunset over Lake Michigan.
Saturday started with the bike show and the awarding of trophies to the winners. A well run Board meeting followed (thanks Pete) and Michigan was asked to be the host state for the 2007 National Rally too. The Banquet Dinner was great too!
Missy Smithwick and her staff at Caberfae Peaks Resort did a fantastic job at meeting and often exceeding our needs. Following our dinner, the VJMC and the MI-CenterStands Chapter presented Missy with a nice plaque expressing our sincere thanks and admiration for the outstanding job Caberfae provided our Rally.
Some of the attendies were from WY, TX, FL, NC, MA, TN, IL, IN, MI, Manitoba & Ontario Canada and other distant places. To all of those I give my deepest thanks for making the 2006 VJMC National Rally a huge success. For those who failed to attend this years Rally (for a host of excuses) you missed a good one and better luck next year!
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:04 am Post subject: Rally 2006
Carl,
I am glad you enjoyed yourself at Davenport, isn't it great to have motorcycling options to choose from. I find our members are often looking for just ONE to attend. Cudoes to you for making what seems to be a tough decision.
Have we meet before at any of the previous Rallies? I only attended the three in Oak Ridge, TN and unfortunately missed the prior two in Ashland, NC. I made the 11 1/2 hour (each way) trip to be there and have no regrets. Even this years was 3 hours away and I planned it. It sounds like your only in attending a one-day swap event and not looking at the full flavor of what a National Rally brings. As Steve mentions the Swap is NOT the purpose of our National Rally, it IS the riding, social activities and friendships formed amongst our members.
If the Rally locations don't suit your interest for whatever reasons, don't fuss about it. Instead, become proactive and step up to organize one in your back yard. The VJMC is seeking a site and organizational body for the 2008 National Rally. Are you willing to take it on? And if so, I will be happy to attend.
Orhanizing a National event like this and pleasing some 2,300 members is a daunting task. I find the importance is in pleasing the folks who do attend and not those who don't. Perhaps you feel otherwise, so let me see if your willing to make the rubber meet the road or just do a tyre spinn.
All times are GMT - 6 Hours Goto page Previous1, 2, 3
Page 3 of 3
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
