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Posted by Troll
- August 29, 2014, 19:11:09 PMI'm a bit of a traditionalist, but I'm also open to new things. Some of the ideas you posted sounded very interesting, and the new ones were intriguing, as well. Like I said, for me it's all about the ride...the ride there, the rid back, and what ever riding is done during the rally... This is NOT Sturgis....(I wouldn't go if it even reminded me of it), so take it easy and just see what develops over time...New people, new places, old faces, it's all part of the experience. I will tell you this much: I've been riding since '63, and except for a few times when I had no choice, I ALWAYS ride alone....Since I went to Helen last year, I've been looking forward to riding with the VDOG members....I never thought I'd say this, but THAT is a group ride that's fun, not a PITA...
The jury is still out on all that but I would like nothing better than to give him a shit burger and prove him wrong by riding to Kentucky next summer. Well Dancing Bear, it's all up to you how you handle this......starting today. You don't live very far from me, so If you decide to go, I can accompany you just in case of emergency....
Posted by racemom91
- August 29, 2014, 18:48:37 PMCDNRatman - HA! Thanks! 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 29, 2014, 15:55:37 PMChère racingmom pour vous chère dame
Je suis dans le même bateau que 49 , en ne l'ont pas été , je ne suis pas vraiment en mesure de dire oui ou non , j'étais près à aller cette année, mais a dû se retirer , mais je suis préparons à aller en 15 .
J'ai trop été impliqué dans des fonctions unité , l'escadron et des escadres qui prennent beaucoup de planification et d'organisation à retirer . J'ai lu tout ce chef a publié , je ne suis pas sûr au sujet des dates ou telle ou ce que les gens veulent, je suis demi à la retraite, et un revenu fixe afin de comprendre vouloir le meilleur coup pour le mâle et d'avoir à regarder mes fonds , comprendre tout à bien cet aspect .
Je veux vraiment faire ce prochain , même juste pour passer une journée à jouer avec Troll et GreenBarn . Mais ce n'est que le début pourquoi ne pouvons- nous pas attendre et donner à l'Organisation aux gens le temps de passer à travers et comprendre ce qu'ils font et dans quelques mois, puis peut-être poser des questions pour savoir pourquoi et comment se fait . Je déteste vraiment perdre certains membres en raison de blesser les sentiments plus rien d'important . Pour ma part, j'aimais le concours de T-shirt l'année dernière , même si aucun de mes entrées rendu à la finale , mais pourquoi ai-je dû les envoyer à Greenbarn en premier? Je vais laisser cela on aller si je ne suis pas heureux avec la chemise , il est facile, je ne vais pas commander un , je vais porter mes autres chemises .
Mais ce n'est pas sur des chemises ou quel jour on est sur qu'il est sur le point de rencontrer d'autres personnes avec le plus cool vélo sur terre et avoir le temps de se changer les idées et de voir ce bling et mods de gens ont fait à leurs manèges .
Alors, laissez le drame derrière et laissez-nous profiter de la balade et le plaisir et la satisfaction de l'autre ........ si vous ne pouvez pas se comporter , je vais devoir obtenir Elmo en temps sur tout le monde.
mes coups de gueule se fai
Posted by DriftinGirl
- August 29, 2014, 14:01:44 PMWell said jmbo!!
Posted by jmbo
- August 29, 2014, 13:39:42 PMOK I thought I was done with this but let me chime in with my two cents. I've run a lot of events in my career everything for multimillion dollar New York galas to helping my buddies run a annual weakend car show (39 years and counting) Is it a lot of work? Hell yes! But the goal is always to make it a success and to insure people have a good time. Here are a few suggestions that might help bring this back on track:
1) Listen to your people! Event planning may not be a true democracy but it sure as hell is not going to attract people if the first thing they read is "Not all will be happy how this is run, but ultimately it is our responsibility. The goal is to make people happy and give them a good time. If people feel that this is a "my way or the highway" event with little on no regard for their input or the things they look forward to, then they will bail.
2) Don't say no! Plan the event. Focus on the good things. If you want to try new things or eliminate some old things then bounce it off a few insiders before you take it online. But for God's sake don't kick this whole thing off by saying we are no longer doing this or that because "Personally I never liked (it) so I refused (do it). That simply doesn't cut it. If you are not ready to kick this thing off on a positive note then wait until you can.
3) Don't underestimate what people hold dear. Don't mock traditions. Traditions are important especially in annual events. I have watched countless annual events fall flat on their face because "someone" thought we don't need that or why bother with that. Find out what folks think are important and keep it going.
4) Never let them see you sweat! Behind the scenes event planning is just that. People want to look forward to a good time and not hear all the pain and agony that it took get there. People have too much drama in their lives as it is. Nothing spoils and event more than behind the scenes drama. "The chicken is delicious!" "Ya but do you know how hard it was to get it? FirstI had to chase the chicken. Then I...."
5) Don't be afraid to reboot! If you sense things are getting out of hand then reboot. Stop defending the problem. Acknowledge it for what it is, apologize for the false start and start over. It is never too late to rebuild trust.
That's enough for now. Safe to say I've been in the hot seat many times. When it works it's great but when it sucks you can hear it for years.
I have a selfish reason for wanting to see this work. In June I fell down a elevator shaft an crushed my left heal. Needless to say this year's riding season ended for me. Now the doctor is questioning whether or not I'll ever ride again. The jury is still out on all that but I would like nothing better than to give him a shit burger and prove him wrong by riding to Kentucky next summer. Well Dancing Bear, it's all up to you how you handle this......starting today.
Posted by racemom91
- August 29, 2014, 12:38:13 PMOK, just to be a pain in the ass: do it in french please 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 29, 2014, 12:30:40 PM I am in the same boat as 49, in not have been I am not really in a position to say yes or no, I was close to going this year but had to withdraw, but I am ramping up to go in 15.
I too have been involved in Unit, Sqn and Wing functions that take a lot of planning and organization to pull off. I have read everything chief has posted, I am not sure about the dates or such or what people want, I am semi retired, and a fixed income so understand wanting the best bang for the buck and having to watch my funds, understand all to well that aspect.
I really want to make this next one, even just to spend a day messing with Troll and GreenBarn. But this is only the start why can we not wait and give the organization people time to shift through and figure out what they are doing and in a few months then perhaps ask questions as to why and how come. I would really hate to lose some members due to hurt feelings over nothing important. I for one liked the T shirt contest last year, even though none of my entries made it to the finals, but why did I have to send them to Greenbarn first? I will let that one go if I am not happy with the shirt it is easy I'll not order one, I'll wear my other shirts.
But this is not about shirts or what day it is on it is about meeting other people with the coolest bike on earth and to have time to change ideas and see what bling and mods people have made to their rides.
So leave the drama behind and let us enjoy the ride and the fun and meeting each other........if you cannot behave I'll have to get Elmo to time out everyone.
my rant is now done.....
I can do it in French if need be.
Posted by racemom91
- August 29, 2014, 12:18:56 PMGreenbarn, Troll, REO - -you're all good folks 
That's it - just that.
Posted by greenbarn
- August 29, 2014, 11:35:10 AMWHOA NELLIE!!! I think we all need to take a deep breath here. This whole Drift-in 15 thing is starting to balloon up, and I don't want to see it "de-rail". It's a fun event among friends – this year was my first one, and I'd like to enjoy more. I know some people can't or won't attend, but I'd hate for it to be for the wrong reason. I enjoyed meeting everyone this year, and would like to meet more new faces next year.
The problem with communicating on a forum or email is the lack of personal interaction – voice inflection, tone, etc. Of course we all know this – but sometimes it's easy to forget- and we read something and take it the wrong way. I'M NOT YELLING RIGHT NOW, but it sure looks like it with the caps on, doesn't it? It's hard to tell the mood or intention of the person writing the message.
Ron, after having the privilege of rooming next to you and your lovely wife this Drift-In and getting to know you, I really think that you're a great guy. And Heidi seems like such a sweet person, I can't imagine anyone being rude or disrespectful to her – shame on them, if that was the case.
On the T-shirt design, the dates and weekdays for the event, the white elephant, and the other issues, etc. I've been reading about – I have an opinion on each of those- but I understand I did not volunteer to put the work into planning this event, so I'll have to take it or leave it the way it is.
I just think there have been lots of correspondence that has been taken the wrong way recently – and I don't want to see this cause further problems in the group. I spent a good part of my corporate work career in "go between" positions – I was always stuck between QA and Production, Corporate and Division, R&D and Marketing... I've seen this kind of thing a lot – and I've gotten good at reading between the lines and being able to see when people may mis-understand someone's intentions and then over-react in their reply. There has been a lot of that going on, I think, in this and the VDR thread. My main goal here is not to point fingers anywhere – we are all human and no one is to blame – I would just like to see us all remain friends in the end, and would like to see Drift -In 15 be a huge success.
Posted by Troll
- August 29, 2014, 11:28:11 AMRelax. You have plenty of time to fine tune this complicated event. I have a few thoughts that might mean something, or not. I would consult with Scott Steen, since he created the event, and ask him for ideas..For me, it's all about the "ride". I absolutely love the trip, the scenery, the site seeing and the twistys, when available. It's more about going someplace and seeing something I've never been before. Seeing the people we correspond with and meeting new people is an important part of that whole experience. The food and the prizes, etc. are not important to me. Sure, it's nice to win something, but it's not a be all or end all. On that note, I think it might be nice to consider expanding the show categories. I realize this is a friendly ride in show, but a little wider field of view might be in order. There are just so many variations on the theme that a little wider focus could improve an already good event. Just my thoughts, FWIW. I don't envy you this daunting task. I actually considered putting my hat in the ring for this one, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on it when the time came. Soooo, in closing, keep in mind, you can't please everyone, and each rally should be a unique experience......now take a deep breath, and say OOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Posted by 49Reo
- August 29, 2014, 10:46:56 AMI for one say "well done and thank you" to anyone who takes on the responsibility to host this event. From past experience being involved with other organizations, I know what a load it can be; both physically and emotionally. As I will not be helping to get this organized, I cannot and will not have any "opinions". I sincerely hope to make it in 2015, as I have not been able to get to a Drift-In yet. I for one, and I know a lot will agree, am in it for the riding, seeing new country, and meeting others with the same interests.
Good luck, and many thanks to you and your wife for taking on this onerous task.
Just sayin'
Posted by BamaBikerMom
- August 29, 2014, 06:53:00 AMI think DKTime and I will pass on 2015 also... We would have to take extra vacation time to attend due to the dates and we really like to get the most out of our time. And it has been way to much drama and it is still 11 months away... so with that being said.. I wish yall the best of luck and hope you have a good turn out...
Posted by jmbo
- August 29, 2014, 00:08:14 AMYou know Dancing Bear you are right. It's your show and you run it as you please. As you say "Not all will be happy how this is run, but ultimately it is our (your) responsibility." Sorry to say as much as I'd like to get together with my fellow Drifters I'll pass for this year. Besides I'm at a point n my life where I don't need any more drama. I'm just in it for the fun. Maybe things will settle down a bit for 2016. No hard feelings. Best of luck to you and you wife on the rally.
Posted by Dancing Bear
- August 28, 2014, 23:02:02 PMI most certainly did not jump down your throat.
We are still in the planning stages and you cannot imagine how hard it is to try to make a direction when so many want to go in so many directions.
You will have to decide if you want to attend and I hope you do. I am sorry about your injuries and hope all heals well.
Only you can decide what your plans are, but hope to see you. I do not jump down throats I just say it how I see it. I prefer not to offend, but I know sometimes I lack in diplomacy. The nice thing is no one ever gets anything but the real me. Some like it some don't, but I am who I am and pretend to be nothing different. You are correct we don't know each other, I hope that changes.
Personally I never liked the logo voting so I refused to vote. I think decide and move to the next piece of business.
Dancing Bear
Posted by jmbo
- August 28, 2014, 21:42:34 PMHold on Dancing Bear. Look you don't know me and I don't know you. You are probably a great guy in real life so there is no need to jump down my throat with all sorts of accusations about my challenging your authority. All I did was make a polite reasonable request to reconsider the logo contest. You started this post to solicit comments or complains. Don't shoot me for making a suggestion.
I missed out on this year's rally due to an injury. I had hope to go to the 2015 rally if all mends well. I have to admit based on what I see the jury is still out on that until I know more of what you have planned.