Embarrassed to be a Member

[r1100r]

Snookers, thanks, that would of been nice to find some cold beers!

It was getting expensive to maintain the bike anyway, so I'm still going with a Triumph Speed Triple, but I'll bring it to the next BMW rally next year (funny thing is I noticed this speed triple at the rally).

I think that the suggestion to camp out will make it a better experience and I'll give that a try next time. i did stay at a hotel and there for had to be concerned with not drinking so I could drive back, camping would solve that problem. I'll also volunteer if my wife lets me out for more than 2 days.

thanks

[statdawg]

Snookers, thanks, that would of been nice to find some cold beers!

It was getting expensive to maintain the bike anyway, so I'm still going with a Triumph Speed Triple, but I'll bring it to the next BMW rally next year (funny thing is I noticed this speed triple at the rally).

I think that the suggestion to camp out will make it a better experience and I'll give that a try next time. i did stay at a hotel and there for had to be concerned with not drinking so I could drive back, camping would solve that problem. I'll also volunteer if my wife lets me out for more than 2 days.

thanks

You didn't hear this here. But there are sport bike / urban cruiser events similar to the GS Giant in the works that will be open to foster community if the right matched sponsor signs on in the Show Me State. Its the parallel universe of sorts influenced from the beast within that I know, but it must be a sell first. Marketeers forget that the young set want to be fast or dirty or fast and dirty.

Austin Vince ( a once young rider that traveled the world ) feels Triumph ought to extend their reach so perhaps where BMW has shortcomings Triumph can gain a footing to benefit you. But still hang on, hunger feeds innovation...........there will be opportunities to change things........ I can see them now being involved. It wasn't long ago another was frustrated by the way things were and is helping getting things sorted for the future torch bearers regardless of iron.

Camping is a good change but placing yourself in the right company could be made easier. If not, hopefully the Color in the Catskills with a resort base camp would be a nicer fit come October...... even with your wife along there will be an opportunity to meet riders such as yourself.............lets hope there is a Color in the Catskills.

For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.

[Paul_F]

Maybe its b/c I don't belong to a local BMW MOA chapter, not that there are any conveniently near me, but I did not feel that welcome. Not sure what I was expecting, but as a younger member in my 30's I felt totatlly alone. I spent 2 days there and talked to maybe 4 people for a total of 30 mins! Mostly I walked around,bought things, took pictures of beautiful motorcycles, and ate some good food. It was nice to be surrounded by fellow BMW motorcycle owners but really they are older people, much older actually, that wouldn't even give me the time of day! They mostly sat in tents with their travel buddies and local chapter friends. So where was i to fit in? I don't have any BMW riding buddies locally, I drove there to meet some and drove all the way back to CT, 4 hours, without 1 name.

I thought, was it me? I'm a pretty social person, versed in many things, and overall approachable.

I have to say, I'm selling my BMW this weekend and buying a Triumph this weekend with the hopes of meeting people more my age and with a little more in common.

Not sure what I was expecting, but I was honestly dissapointed. At least the 8 hours of driving was a fun learning experience.

Thank you for your time,

As mccodavj says, don't give up on us so soon. Volunteering at a rally is an excellent way to meet new friends. In Vermont, my first rally in '06, although I didn't volunteer, I met lots of people. At the next three I volunteered where I met lots of new friends. The people I have camped with at these rallies also became friends. I am constantly amazed at just how friendly so many people are at the MOA rallies. Give us one more try.

[Doubleplay]

I wasn't gonna say anything but I cant resist: I am embarrassed to be a member of this club.

I knew that the MOA was an "Old Mans Club" when I joined but I never imagined that I would be reading this much bitching and complaining after a national motorcycle event.

Maybe the next rally should be at some kind of Health Clinic or Hospital where we can all have our own air conditioned rooms with a host of nurses ready to attend to our every discomfort.

Sure it was hot, but as a "biker" you should expect that from time to time .... along with the possibility of cold, rain, wind .... and some other stuff Nature has to offer.

I feel SO badly for anyone that put effort into the rally - and there was alot of effort. I personally didn't lift a fingar but I think those who did did a great job and put on a good rally. Thank you.

With that said, its time for me to get out and ride (after I check the thermostat)

I ride my motorcycle to have fun and escape the daily stresses of this life. Riding a motorcycle attgatt in 100 degree weather is not fun for me and probably %99 riders out there. I'm 52 years old in good health and not feel like an old man at all. I know what I like and don't like doing. I'm running marathons and doing triathlons to test my endurance. Motorcycle riding is my hobby not my sport.
Since you are so embarrassed to be a member of this club I suggest you resign.

[nytrashman]

i'm not embarrassed to be a member, but i bet there are a lot of members embarrassed to know me

[moondog]

i'm not embarrassed to be a member, but i bet there are a lot of members embarrassed to know me

[2bikemike]

I wasn't gonna say anything but I cant resist: I am embarrassed to be a member of this club.

I knew that the MOA was an "Old Mans Club" when I joined but I never imagined that I would be reading this much bitching and complaining after a national motorcycle event.

Maybe the next rally should be at some kind of Health Clinic or Hospital where we can all have our own air conditioned rooms with a host of nurses ready to attend to our every discomfort.

Sure it was hot, but as a "biker" you should expect that from time to time .... along with the possibility of cold, rain, wind .... and some other stuff Nature has to offer.

I feel SO badly for anyone that put effort into the rally - and there was alot of effort. I personally didn't lift a fingar but I think those who did did a great job and put on a good rally. Thank you.

With that said, its time for me to get out and ride (after I check the thermostat)

If you were embarrassed about the complaints of heat, if you had read some of my posts that were deleted by the mods, I supposed you would have immediately resigned from the MOA. If I ever learn to be politically correct, I guess I'll fit in. Having said all that, heat IS a dangerous thing.

[R80RTJohnny]

Maybe its b/c I don't belong to a local BMW MOA chapter, not that there are any conveniently near me, but I did not feel that welcome. Not sure what I was expecting, but as a younger member in my 30's I felt totatlly alone. I spent 2 days there and talked to maybe 4 people for a total of 30 mins! Mostly I walked around,bought things, took pictures of beautiful motorcycles, and ate some good food. It was nice to be surrounded by fellow BMW motorcycle owners but really they are older people, much older actually, that wouldn't even give me the time of day! They mostly sat in tents with their travel buddies and local chapter friends. So where was i to fit in? I don't have any BMW riding buddies locally, I drove there to meet some and drove all the way back to CT, 4 hours, without 1 name.

I thought, was it me? I'm a pretty social person, versed in many things, and overall approachable.

I have to say, I'm selling my BMW this weekend and buying a Triumph this weekend with the hopes of meeting people more my age and with a little more in common.

Not sure what I was expecting, but I was honestly dissapointed. At least the 8 hours of driving was a fun learning experience.

Thank you for your time,

Why yes the BMW crowd is older. Much older. Been riding BMWs since I was 22 and now I'm in my mid 40's so I'm slowly catching up to the median age of BMW riders. Yes you will find an "older" crowd in age but not certainly not in spirit.

Take the time to introduce yourself to others. Pay them a compliment about their bike. Ask questions. You'll find that BMW riders will be very happy to talk about pretty much anything.

Come to think of it I only spoke to one person younger then myself at the rally. Yikes!

[r11rs94]

Maybe its b/c I don't belong to a local BMW MOA chapter, not that there are any conveniently near me, but I did not feel that welcome. Not sure what I was expecting, but as a younger member in my 30's I felt totatlly alone. I spent 2 days there and talked to maybe 4 people for a total of 30 mins! Mostly I walked around,bought things, took pictures of beautiful motorcycles, and ate some good food. It was nice to be surrounded by fellow BMW motorcycle owners but really they are older people, much older actually, that wouldn't even give me the time of day! They mostly sat in tents with their travel buddies and local chapter friends. So where was i to fit in? I don't have any BMW riding buddies locally, I drove there to meet some and drove all the way back to CT, 4 hours, without 1 name.

I thought, was it me? I'm a pretty social person, versed in many things, and overall approachable.

I have to say, I'm selling my BMW this weekend and buying a Triumph this weekend with the hopes of meeting people more my age and with a little more in common.

Not sure what I was expecting, but I was honestly dissapointed. At least the 8 hours of driving was a fun learning experience.

Thank you for your time,

Sorry to hear that you are selling your beemer. The RI club has several members from Ct. I too went to my first rally when I was young had had the same complaints back then. Looking back I do think it was also partly my fault. I can't speak for the Triumph club, but good luck in your choice and if you come back we will be there.

[r11rs94]

The RA national rally was hot thur. and fri. in the upper 90's and I had no problem partying OR sleeping just ask the people camped around me that put up with my snoring!

That was you snooring? As for the rest of your post +1

[DrGonzo]

I have been to BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi rallies in the past, in all types of weather conditions, and I would echo the sentiment of the original poster.
I have never heard so much whining about petty things....
Save that for the "garbage davidson" crowd, or better yet join them...
Great Job Rally Organizers, volunteers etc.
I Had a great time....

Pour on the negativity......

[CTellman]

What was accomplished in Bloomsburg. We volunteers rose to the challenge. My responsibilities were signs. My job didn't change with the heat. In the hierarchy of the chairs signs are pretty low. Usually ice/fresh water are also pretty mundane responsibilities.
Bloomsburg took water/ice from the bottom of the list and it became a major responsibility. People's health and well being depended on a group of volunteers to attack the issue with professionalism and determination.
I heard that on Thursday, we used more ice than is usually needed for an entire rally!
So a group of volunteers took on a challenge of immense proportions and did a great job.
Well Done!
Campbell Tellman II
Sign Chair

[patiodadio]

Attitude is the difference between adversity and adventure.
Tom

.

[osbornk]

Attitude is the difference between adversity and adventure.
Tom

Excellent!

We don't remember the rallies, vacations or other adventures that went smoothly. We remember the ones where things went wrong or unusual things happened. The ordinary fades from our memory but the unusual stays with us. I don't remember some of our vacations but the one in 1974 when I dumped my 3 year old daughter from a canoe in the rapids in 30 degree weather is as clear as if it happened yesterday. She popped up out of the water and didn't even cry until she saw the panic on her mother's face.

[Visian]

I heard that on Thursday, we used more ice than is usually needed for an entire rally!
So a group of volunteers took on a challenge of immense proportions and did a great job.
Well Done!

Friday was like that too, and I saw it first-hand.

I also saw first-hand who pulled it all off. They're all too modest to say anything about it here, though.

ian