To MGNOC, or not to MGNOC, the threadfest

[steveford]

As the MGNOC is discussed in this thread, I would like to put up a link for Cross-Tie Walkers thread about the video's from our National Rally last year in John Day. I feel he really got the flavor of what a Guzzi Rally is all about, and how much fun they are!!!
The Video links are in the first post of the thread.

Long live the MGNOC

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=37618.msg567711#msg567711

[Tom]

I up to 4 after the Ignore Thread.  ;D ;D ;D  Picked up 2. 

[Wild Bill Guzzi]

I met Ron (VA Rep) at the movie theater in Lynchburg, VA back in 2000 and he told me about the Moto Guzzi Rally in Buena Vista, VA.  Rode my Harley to the rally and eight years later, bought an 03 EV, sold my Harley, and have been going to the rallies ever since.  Best decision I ever made.  People are real down to earth and they don't pretend to be something they're not.  Next motorcycle will be a Guzzi.  About the membership:  It is what it is!  Pay your dues and drive on.

[azguzzirep]

Brotherhood

There have been a lot of good replies to the question about the MGNOC but this is the best. +100!

I joined the MGNOC some years ago and became a rep for the club a couple years later. I have met many, many wonderful people during this time. Not only in the USA, but internationally, also. I wrote a story about it and it was printed in the newsletter.

Recently, I resigned as the Arizona rep, not because there is anything wrong with the club or with Frank, but because of personal reasons. I totally expect to go to more rallies and meet some more of you, here, in person in the next few years. The commoradory(sp)  is great!

I am also going to a Guzzi rally in Germany again, this August. It is just so cool to meet other Guzzisti. Instant brotherhood! It's wonderful. Just like meeting Iceblue a couple weeks ago. Great!

 The MGNOC is a great resource and I hope it remains active for many years.

Tom

[bad Chad]

wow, some of you guys are popular!   I feel kind of small, as I only have one ignore. :'(

[Ragnar]

I am also going to a Guzzi rally in Germany again, this August. It is just so cool to meet other Guzzisti. Instant brotherhood! It's wonderful. Just like meeting Iceblue a couple weeks ago. Great!

 The MGNOC is a great resource and I hope it remains active for many years.

Tom

If you are talking about the Kupferpaste in Germany, I plan to be at that too.
I will be on a Guzzi Targa 750.

I used to be a member of the MGNOC European Section, it was a good club.

[azguzzirep]

I am also going to a Guzzi rally in Germany again, this August. It is just so cool to meet other Guzzisti. Instant brotherhood! It's wonderful. Just like meeting Iceblue a couple weeks ago. Great!

 The MGNOC is a great resource and I hope it remains active for many years.

Tom

If you are talking about the Kupferpaste in Germany, I plan to be at that too.
I will be on a Guzzi Targa 750.

I used to be a member of the MGNOC European Section, it was a good club.

Yes! I will be there!  Look for a tall guy wearing an authentic cowboy hat! I will be with my fiancee, who I met there in 2007.

Tom

[swalker]

I've thought about joining a couple times but haven't.  I'm probably wrong...but my perception is that most of the members are 50+ and own Cali or pre-Cali bikes.  I like all bikes and love wandering around at open houses and multi-make meets looking at bikes and socializing but I'm not really interested in attending a single-make rally.  I'm not sitting here saying to myself, "They should do something for me."  I just don't see the benefit to joining at this time.  I have an open mind about it and could change my opinion if I learned there was something that made it worth my $.   

What bikes do you own now? It might help explain your post. Just wondering. I have never been to a multi-make meet.  Thanks for being part of this forum.
Steve

[swalker]

Yep........both Tex and I go way back,still have my copy of the first issue of MGNOC aka Moto Meatball.Have know Frank since 1971 and he really has given a lot to keeping Guzzi's alive and the riders connected.I remember the days when Frank,Mary Jo and little Debra assembled the NL by hand.

        I remember being at a National or two when they were held at Sylan Grove and Frank would get a broke down call Sunday night and we'd head out to help.

       As Tex says,you'll likely have very little trouble wheeling and dealing with a fellow MGNOC club member.I remember the day the Internet and WG when Guzzi information was harder to come by ol Frank would spend a lot of time answering people's questions.

   Some of the most decent,honest and helpful people go to the Rallies.

    Lets not forget those hard working State Reps who put the rally on.

    MGNOC is like my grandparents,there was always one of them there to help if asked

Hey Gary,
    I hope I get the opportunity to meet you one day.
Steve

[Stormtruck2]

I bought my first Guzzi last year for $1,500. Rebuilt the carbs and that 96 Cali 1100 runs like a dream. I now own 6 of them. Never took the time to join MGNOC. Thousands of thousands of dollars in Guzzi's, but nothing for MGNOC? That is not right. Rectified as of today. Send Frank my dues for MGNOC, and George my check for the rally, next is a check to Luap. If you really want to know a man's values, look into his check book. His money goes to what he values.

[DanR]

I bought my first Guzzi last year for $1,500. Rebuilt the carbs and that 96 Cali 1100 runs like a dream. I now own 6 of them. Never took the time to join MGNOC. Thousands of thousands of dollars in Guzzi's, but nothing for MGNOC? That is not right. Rectified as of today. Send Frank my dues for MGNOC, and George my check for the rally, next is a check to Luap. If you really want to know a man's values, look into his check book. His money goes to what he values.

;-T

[Chuck in Indiana]

I bought my first Guzzi last year for $1,500. Rebuilt the carbs and that 96 Cali 1100 runs like a dream. I now own 6 of them. Never took the time to join MGNOC. Thousands of thousands of dollars in Guzzi's, but nothing for MGNOC? That is not right. Rectified as of today. Send Frank my dues for MGNOC, and George my check for the rally, next is a check to Luap. If you really want to know a man's values, look into his check book. His money goes to what he values.

;-T

;-T ;-T ;D

[swalker]

I bought my first Guzzi last year for $1,500. Rebuilt the carbs and that 96 Cali 1100 runs like a dream. I now own 6 of them. Never took the time to join MGNOC. Thousands of thousands of dollars in Guzzi's, but nothing for MGNOC? That is not right. Rectified as of today. Send Frank my dues for MGNOC, and George my check for the rally, next is a check to Luap. If you really want to know a man's values, look into his check book. His money goes to what he values.

;-T

Thank you very Much Dan...I am sure your support of the MGNOC will be greatly appreciated. This is Our Club Dan...I feel we need to support it....I appreciate your efforts in doing so and am happy this club means something to you. I have always been thankful to Frank for keeping this club going for us. Any one that doesn't agree needs to ask theirself why they chose Moto Guzzi in the first place. Maybe they should switch brands and be done with ours. I don't know.
Steve

[muenzt]

Any one that doesn't agree needs to ask theirself why they chose Moto Guzzi in the first place. Maybe they should switch brands and be done with ours. I don't know.
Steve

You are a little harsh.  I'm a lifetime member of the MGNOC, but I sure didn't buy a Guzzi because of the MGNOC.  Why did I get a Guzzi in the first place?  I don't really have a good (logical) answer to that, but I do know that I like them for whatever reason.  Uniqueness (is that a word?) probably has a lot to do with it.  It surely has nothing to do with dealer accessibility or the wonderful Japanese-like reliability.  It has definitely helped to have the helpful, close knit community the has resulted because of the MGNOC.  I fully support Frank's efforts and have enjoyed attending several rallies when my life has allowed me the opportunity to do so, but not everyone will be interested in participating, and that should be OK too.

I don't know if the chicken came before the egg or not, but I know that I chose the bike without ever having heard of the MGNOC.  I will say, without a group like the MGNOC, I probably would not have bought a second or third Moto Guzzi.  Seems to me, suggesting that someone switch brands because they may not support the MGNOC seems to be a little excessive. 

[Stormtruck2]

I bought my first Guzzi last year for $1,500. Rebuilt the carbs and that 96 Cali 1100 runs like a dream. I now own 6 of them. Never took the time to join MGNOC. Thousands of thousands of dollars in Guzzi's, but nothing for MGNOC? That is not right. Rectified as of today. Send Frank my dues for MGNOC, and George my check for the rally, next is a check to Luap. If you really want to know a man's values, look into his check book. His money goes to what he values.

;-T

Thank you very Much Dan...I am sure your support of the MGNOC will be greatly appreciated. This is Our Club Dan...I feel we need to support it....I appreciate your efforts in doing so and am happy this club means something to you. I have always been thankful to Frank for keeping this club going for us. Any one that doesn't agree needs to ask theirself why they chose Moto Guzzi in the first place. Maybe they should switch brands and be done with ours. I don't know.
Steve

Did you mean Dan or Stormtruck2?  ;) I just joined, but the quote boxes can be confusing who said what.  :D  And I'm usually already confused as it is. And it is I who says thank you very much to the MGNOC and Wildguzzi members. They all have given me more than I will ever be able to give back.  ;-T

[swalker]

Any one that doesn't agree needs to ask theirself why they chose Moto Guzzi in the first place. Maybe they should switch brands and be done with ours. I don't know.
Steve

You are a little harsh.  I'm a lifetime member of the MGNOC, but I sure didn't buy a Guzzi because of the MGNOC.  Why did I get a Guzzi in the first place?  I don't really have a good (logical) answer to that, but I do know that I like them for whatever reason.  Uniqueness (is that a word?) probably has a lot to do with it.  It surely has nothing to do with dealer accessibility or the wonderful Japanese-like reliability.  It has definitely helped to have the helpful, close knit community the has resulted because of the MGNOC.  I fully support Frank's efforts and have enjoyed attending several rallies when my life has allowed me the opportunity to do so, but not everyone will be interested in participating, and that should be OK too.

I don't know if the chicken came before the egg or not, but I know that I chose the bike without ever having heard of the MGNOC.  I will say, without a group like the MGNOC, I probably would not have bought a second or third Moto Guzzi.  Seems to me, suggesting that someone switch brands because they may not support the MGNOC seems to be a little excessive. 

   You are right, I re-read it and it does sound harsh. My thoughts were on people complaining about the way things are now or have been in the past. I was thinking that if someone disliked the club or Frank that much, they might as well get a different brand and move on...Many of the guzzi riders have different brands in their stock of bikes. Thanks...Sorry for the harsh post.
Steve

[Silver Goose]

At the risk of upsetting some and outright making other mad I want to ask this question.

It appears as though the membership of the group is growing smaller and less active. What can be done to stimulate the group? Being a member is fine but it seems as if only a very small group is active. I am not holding myself up as the poster boy of activity, due to other commitments, I have not been able to go and do. Things change. I now have more time and will be willing to get more involved, how? Don't tell me to rejoin the MGNOC, to me that $30.00 a year lost.

Let's suggest ways and make plans to improve the club and awareness of the brand.

I think this forum is a great starting place for voices to come forth and offer input. I am not looking for a slugfest, rather I am looking for constructive input.

If I am out of line say so and I will retract my question, no fault, no foul.

Thanks

[Guzzistajohn]

 :pop This should get some interesting comments. My first thought would be the fact that we're not getting any younger. But there are many other factors.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Everyone is very old


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[Cam3512]

I see Arkansas does not have a state MGNOC Rep.  You can start by stepping up to fill that void and get others involved?

In my experience, most would rather just "show up" for rallies, breakfasts, etc.  And not bother with any of the planning, time and expense involved. Participating in these things and meeting the people is one of the best parts of owning and riding a Guzzi.  

Also helps to spead the good Guzzi word to anyone who will listen.

[Guzzistajohn]

Everyone is very old


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Well............... .not YOU!\

[Guzzistajohn]

I see Arkansas does not have a state MGNOC Rep.  You can start by stepping up to fill that void and get others involved?

In my experience, most would rather just "show up" for rallies, breakfasts, etc.  And not bother with any of the planning, time and expense involved. Participating in these things and meeting the people is one of the best parts of owning and riding a Guzzi.  

Also helps to spead the good Guzzi word to anyone who will listen.

State reps have gone to the wayside here in the middle of the country. A thing of the past. We have gone mostly to "campouts" where no one really makes a big investment prior to an event, just ride in and have a good visit. No rally pins, long distance award, catered dinners, just good fellowship, tire kicking and tellin' lies. Like Cedar Vale, Ks. and the Oklahoma campout, two of my favorites.

I'd like to have a Missouri campout in the spring. I can put you guys right in the middle of some really good Ozarks roads.

Anyone interested?

[dilligaf]

When it comes to activities, MGNOC is the glue that hold us all together.  Wild Guzzi is, IMO, in direct completion to the OC and it's free. Why get off $30 per year when just about all the rally events are posted here.  Also most rally photos are also posted here.  I have never sent a photo or a write up about an event to the MGNOC but I always post here. I'm quite happy with the club however, other than the Rally Calendar,  I seldom read the new letter.

My recommendation is to combine WG and MGNOC and make WG a members only forum. In other words, f%%k the free loaders.  ::(  :BEER:
Matt

[Zoom Zoom]

Since you have no desire to join the MGNOC, Cam's suggestion, at least in part becomes null. In any case, the "club" of which you make reference IS the MGNOC. Otherwise, we are a group of Mot Guzzi enthusiasts. I don't have any desire to debate the merits of the "club", but the requisite of being a rep is pretty simple. 1.Promote Moto Guzzi. 2. Own and ride a Moto Guzzi. 3. Get around and promote the club.

What Cam said is correct though. Like any organization, very few people put in the work for the many. Often times, the complainers are some of those many that I refer to. In reality nobody has to be a member of the MGNOC but you cannot deny its contribution to Moto Guzzi over the years. Please note I said some. There are many who show up someplace and do help in some way. Unload wood, help cook, sell tickets, etc., so please don't think I am pointing a finger at you. I an simply generalizing.

So I would say, come to the rallies. Support Moto Guzzi. Bring young people into the group, regardless of what they ride. Even if they are younger relatives or friends that don't even ride.  Promote Moto Guzzi when the opportunity presents itself.

Overall, the best bunch of people I have ever had an opportunity to be associated with.

John Henry  

[Guzzistajohn]

Just my opinion, but why exclude anyone? Part of the problem here low numbers. Like Dusty said, invite more people, especially more YOUNG people, show them how to have a good time w/o video games, text messaging, and all that other new fangled shit, thank them for coming and invite them to the next one. Maybe they'll go away thinking "hey those old farts were pretty cool" and tell thier friends.


I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member.

Groucho Marx.

[blackcat]

My recommendation is to combine WG and MGNOC and make WG a members only forum.

I could get behind that provided all revenue's are posted as is done on this forum, with simple financial goals and a fair distribution of funds to state organizations for events with a larger proportion held aside for the yearly National. Sign me up.

[Bill Hagan]

Ah, one of the perennial winter threads.   ;D

I don't think the OP's points are necessarily invalid, and, if nothing else, appreciate the nudge to renew as my membership lapses this month and Frank's reminder has slipped well below my screen.  

I do enjoy the newsletter as several contributors there are darn fine writers.  

As for limiting access here to members, seems that would be self-defeating if our goal is continued viability of the brand and, gasp, even growth.  We are a small subculture and, judging from the intro thread, a number have made the leap based on what they found here.  OTOH, come to think of it, who knows what number have bought something else based on our internal self-flagellation and own-brand-bashing, even if candid and ""out of love."   ::)

As others have said, MG (and we) need to attract and keep young people ... or fade away as are our red suspenders.   ;)

Anyway, $30 is several beers, but I'll keep paying it.

Bill

[rocker59]

At the risk of upsetting some and outright making other mad I want to ask this question.

It appears as though the membership of the group is growing smaller and less active. What can be done to stimulate the group? Being a member is fine but it seems as if only a very small group is active. I am not holding myself up as the poster boy of activity, due to other commitments, I have not been able to go and do. Things change. I now have more time and will be willing to get more involved, how? Don't tell me to rejoin the MGNOC, to me that $30.00 a year lost.

Let's suggest ways and make plans to improve the club and awareness of the brand.

I think this forum is a great starting place for voices to come forth and offer input. I am not looking for a slugfest, rather I am looking for constructive input.

If I am out of line say so and I will retract my question, no fault, no foul.

Thanks

If by "Group", you mean "Moto Guzzi National Owners Club", or "MGNOC", then you will need to speak with Frank Wedge.

MGNOC is a company owned by Frank.  There is no board and no officers.  It's his private deal.  Any changes there would need to be addressed to Frank.

Wild Guzzi is not associated with MGNOC other than some of the leadership here are also "members" of MGNOC.  And some of the members here also happen to be "members" of MGNOC.

Wild Guzzi continues to grow and we are glad to see new members signing up here every day.  The information, stories, and reports freely shared by all are invaluable to the Moto Guzzi community.  We are glad and thankful that this is the most active Moto Guzzi community on the web.

We hope it continues to be such.

[sib]

In other words, f%%k the free loaders.  ::(  :BEER:
Matt

Some of the f%%king freeloaders are people like me, who try to offer good technical advice and commentary, so we contribute in a non-monetary way.

[rocker59]

My recommendation is to combine WG and MGNOC and make WG a members only forum. In other words, f%%k the free loaders.  ::(  :BEER:
Matt

MGNOC already has its own website with private, members only, area that could easily be expanded to include a discussion forum.

You may think of taking that topic up with Frank Wedge.

I think you will find Wild Guzzi growing and flourishing and free and open, to anyone interesting in Guzzis, for years to come.