To MGNOC, or not to MGNOC, the threadfest

[Lannis]

It was YOUR analogy - just holding up a mirror. Don't get me wrong, I like you Lannis, just trying to keep it real.  P:)  ~;

Yep, part of "Real" is that even when people see the same situation and have all the facts, they may very well come to different conclusions about "how it got there" and "what ought to be done" .... that's how you know it's real and not just a mutual admiration society.

I WOULD say I like you too, but there are too many guys watching and it would feel sort of funny so I'll say instead,

"See that Bears game last week?   Yeah. Hell of a game. Hell of a game.  Bears gonna go all the way this year ....."     :D  :D

Lannis

[LowRyter]

I think most will agree the WG pulls most of the Guzzi world together.  MGNOC leverages from it and it serves the International enthusiast as well.  Rallies and get-togethers whether MGNOC or not are all publicized here.  As well as tech info and just general BS- all found here.  

I think Luap and Rocker do a great job of making the Moto Guzzi community of riders and non riders, owners and non owners alike.  

I think MGNOC and WG complement each other and despite a few disagreements are 95% complementary and make each group better.  

MGNOC didn't make it with a message board and WG was able to fill in the gap.  I think one criticism of MGNOC that I've heard more than once is that volunteers have been turned down being appointed as State Representatives because they weren't existing MGNOC members.  Now that is self defeating.  It hurts the club.  And again, WG fills in the gap for active enthusiasts that aren't in the Club.

[redrider90]

I think most will agree the WG pulls most of the Guzzi world together.
I think Luap and Rocker do a great job of making the Moto Guzzi community of riders and non riders, owners and non owners alike.  

 ;-T :+1  WG is truly an international group. I loved seeing the Wallabies that Tazturtle posted on the fender eliminator thread.
And then there is the women in England who restored the V 65 in her kitchen and living room (BTW if you are reading this how is that bike running?)  and the Dutch guy with the collection of small block twins. Dare I leave out Vasco's comments and help from Down Under and on and on it goes. 
MGNOC cannot hold a candle to what goes on on WG. This site is a blast.

[Testarossa]

With that in mind it still surprises me how low on the radar screen driving is for a surprising number of teens. My largest high school has around 700 students and in warmer weather you will see four or five student motorcycles in the parking lots. Most who are into motorcycles are dirt biking or motocrossing but not street riding to speak of.

Well said. I recently watched "American Grafitti" again and was struck by the central role driving played in our social lives (back in the day). My daughter and her friends use computers and phones the way we used cars and motorcycles -- to get to the hang-out. The kids without wheels were SOL. Today the social vehicle is the smart phone.

[rocker59]

add to that the fact that the population is increasing dramatically in the bigger cities.

kids in the bigger cities have less need for a car or motorcycle due to access to public transport and Nike Express.

I would wager that kids in smaller towns and in rural areas are the same, or more likely to have personal transport than in decades past.

[Kev m]

add to that the fact that the population is increasing dramatically in the bigger cities.

kids in the bigger cities have less need for a car or motorcycle due to access to public transport and Nike Express.

I would wager that kids in smaller towns and in rural areas are the same, or more likely to have personal transport than in decades past.

I would expect your logic to be true (and perhaps it is to a degree).

BUT FWIW, I have noticed, even in my limited circle of suburban/rural family and friends what feels like decreased interest in owning a car or other vehicle by youth (teens to twentys).

Even a couple of inlaws who bought used cars in high school sold and gave up on them by or during college.

And others who just plain didn't even seek to get permits or licenses through high school and into college.

Now some of them have moved to major cities, but others are still rural and I'm shocked by how some of their parents have continued to enable them (continuing to provide chauffeuring duties).

Personally once ours are legal to drive then they'd better make some money to buy/insure/maintain vehicles, rely on public trans, or WALK cause the chauffeuring ends there.

First one is just about eligible for her learner's permit. She's on notice to start studying.

[Gliderjohn]

Quote from rocker59:

I would wager that kids in smaller towns and in rural areas are the same, or more likely to have personal transport than in decades past.

In my experience the above may apply to kids actually living out of town, but I am quite sure in town kids have less vehicles as in the past as it is just not as needed. The other big difference is that in the late 60s-70s you hardly ever saw a high school age kid driving a PU as that was for "goat ropers". Also of the kids that have cars, they are generally nicer than what I remember most having in my high school days.
Back in the 90s one of my schools was in a very wealthy area. Us staff would comment that we hoped we could own vehicles sometime in our lives in the same class as many of the students were driving. The student parking lot there had late model BMWs, beautiful restored classics, late model other nice vehicles. One 16 boy was driving a near new original full sized Hummer. One senior girl even had her own airplane (not to drive to school)!
GliderJohn

[rocker59]

I got my learners permit at 14.  I got a "hardship" license at 15, so I had my own vehicle before I was 16.

I was driving to the stables every day at that age to care for our horses.  I even drove myself to some horse shows and drove myself to school.

My brother, on the other hand, didn't get his license until almost 18 because my mom and others would drive him where he wanted to go.  I never understood that, as I wanted the independence afforded by having my own transport.

And, it still does not compute with me why any suburban or rural kid wouldn't want to be driving the day they were able.

I can understand urban and semi-suburban kids who can bike anywhere, take a bus or an EL Train.  If I lived in Chicago, or Kansas City, or St. Louis, I can easily see not "needing" a car. 

[Gliderjohn]

I would think the other problem would be that it would seem difficult to make out in the backseat of your I Phone but then they are probably sending nude photos back and forth.
GliderJohn

[Arizona Wayne]

Nowadays students can have scooters for local cheap or even long distance transportation.  :bike    Young people  have many different options now than we ever had.

[Kev m]

Here in my new home state kids can't even get a learner's permit until 17  :o ::)  :o

That's not helping.

Not to mention I think cars/trucks, even insurance, is a LOT more expensive today than it was when I was a kid (even adjusting for inflation).

It's also harder for kids to find jobs (though they're out there).

And, to make things even more complicated UNDERAGE DRINKING in most states can lose them their licenses. I suspect some don't even bother getting a license just so it's one less thing to worry about.

[Damnyankee]

I love it when a 65 y/o retired curmudgeon (  :P ) tries to tell the dad of a teenager (who has multiple brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws in their teens and twentys) what the "youth" are doing.  :P  :D

Facebook IS your father's Oldsmobile. The youth see it as something their parents do.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/teens-leaving-facebook/story?id=20739310

http://business.time.com/2014/01/15/more-than-11-million-young-people-have-fled-facebook-since-2011/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/10539274/Young-users-see-Facebook-as-dead-and-buried.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gyro/2014/01/09/forbes-where-are-teens-hanging-out-in-2014-hint-its-not-facebook/

Jesus, Joseph and Mary, I'm sure Jersey has gone to the dogs now ;D I'm sure they must have asked you for a visa Kev :bow May be true some youngsters are leaving but it depends on what you call young when you're 65 :P  :-*

[Kev m]

Jesus, Joseph and Mary, I'm sure Jersey has gone to the dogs now ;D I'm sure they must have asked you for a visa Kev :bow May be true some youngsters are leaving but it depends on what you call young when you're 65 :P  :-*

;D but one thing...

I thought it was "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph'? :-\


Oh, on the young thing, I'll let you know in a couple more decades. 8)

[Damnyankee]

;D but one thing...

I thought it was "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph'? :-\


Oh, on the young thing, I'll let you know in a couple more decades. 8)

Your day will come il mio amico  ;) ;D

[Kev m]

Your day will come il mio amico  ;) ;D

I certainly hope so, it beats the alternative.

BTW hope you're enjoying the new adventure!

[dilligaf]

Well, I signed up for that Face Book thing.  ::( Glad we are having Thanksgiving this year so the grandkids can show me how to use it.    ;D  :BEER:
Matt

[Joe A.]

Well, I signed up for that Face Book thing.  ::( Glad we are having Thanksgiving this year so the grandkids can show me how to use it.    ;D  :BEER:
Matt

I'm an old fart and enjoy it for what it is. My page is all goofy shyte, motorcycle, music and cute animal vids! I delete any political postings, whether I agree with it or not. I don't reveal any personal stuff, but I am a wisea$$ responding to friends posts. I really enjoy it for keeping up with friends and family out of the area, and pics from pages I have "liked," e.g. MGNOC, Hot Rod pinups, Keith F%%%ing Richards, etc. Keep it loose and you may enjoy it. Happy thanksgiving!

[flip]

Well, I signed up for that Face Book thing.  ::( Glad we are having Thanksgiving this year so the grandkids can show me how to use it.    ;D  :BEER:
Matt

I opened Facebook accounts for my wife and me last year around the time our first grandchild was born. Since she and her parents live 3 hours away, we figured that would be the best way to watch her grow up. One visit a month just doesn't do it for us.

[Bill Hagan]

I opened Facebook accounts for my wife and me last year around the time our first grandchild was born. Since she and her parents live 3 hours away, we figured that would be the best way to watch her grow up. One visit a month just doesn't do it for us.

I have decided that Kathi is right: I like children "in theory."   ;D

We are only an hour to two away from our 10, and I envy you the 3 hours.  Lordy help me when all are here at once.  Kathi got me some sedative and, unfortunately, will say (publicly!) "Bill, you should take that little blue pill."   :o  But, it does work.    ;)

I am not anti-FB at all.  It is what it purports to be and pleases many.  Kathi is on it every few days or so ... she doesn't need it for the grand babies as she visits 'em every week.  I am afraid of it, as I have zero self-discipline and could envision me getting sucked into its maw.   ::)

Bill

[flip]

I have decided that Kathi is right: I like children "in theory."   ;D

We are only an hour to two away from our 10, and I envy you the 3 hours.  Lordy help me when all are here at once.  Kathi got me some sedative and, unfortunately, will say (publicly!) "Bill, you should take that little blue pill."   :o  But, it does work.    ;)

I am not anti-FB at all.  It is what it purports to be and pleases many.  Kathi is on it every few days or so ... she doesn't need it for the grand babies as she visits 'em every week.  I am afraid of it, as I have zero self-discipline and could envision me getting sucked into its maw.   ::)

Bill

Bill, I suspect that I might feel like you if we had 10 grandchildren.

[Daniel Kalal]

I think most will agree that WG pulls most of the Guzzi world together.

Perhaps not.  The world is a very big place.  I'm pretty sure that the activity on "Anima Guzzista" exceeds this forum by a fair margin.  But, it shouldn't be overlooked that your typical Guzzi rider out there has probably not heard of either and still rides happy.

[rocker59]

Perhaps not.  The world is a very big place.  I'm pretty sure that the activity on "Anima Guzzista" exceeds this forum by a fair margin.  But, it shouldn't be overlooked that your typical Guzzi rider out there has probably not heard of either and still rides happy.

 :+1

[dilligaf]

I tend to agree with Daniel but I have no data to base that statement on.  I just know that when I come up on  Guzzi riders they frequently know nothing about WG or MGNOC.   :BEER:
Matt

Now back to the Face Book thing.  ;D

[rocker59]

I'm an old fart and enjoy it for what it is. My page is all goofy shyte, motorcycle, music and cute animal vids! I delete any political postings, whether I agree with it or not. I don't reveal any personal stuff, but I am a wisea$$ responding to friends posts. I really enjoy it for keeping up with friends and family out of the area, and pics from pages I have "liked," e.g. MGNOC, Hot Rod pinups, Keith F%%%ing Richards, etc. Keep it loose and you may enjoy it. Happy thanksgiving!

sorta the same for me.  Music, Motorcycles, Horses, Photography, Travel, Food, news.

There are all kinds of pages full of interesting information.  Lots of Chambers of Commerce have pages for their cities that post current events and goings-on.  Lots of restaurants and hotels and resorts have pages they keep updated.  Every news agency has a page.

I keep up with a bunch of pages for places in New Mexico and Colorado.  Places I've been, and will be returning to.  I keep up with a bunch of pages for places in Arkansas.  Places I ride to regularly.

I don't really interact with a lot of people/"friends" directly on Facebook.  Only a few that are a long distance away.  Mainly I read comments and look at photos people post.  And, sometimes post my own photos and comments.

Facebook is what you make it.  

[Chuck in Indiana]

Facebook is what you make it.

True. I signed up early on, then realized I would be wasting even more time in front of a computer than just WG.  ;D Signed off. Dorcia plays.. and will show me cute grand kid pictures..

[Damnyankee]

I certainly hope so, it beats the alternative.

BTW hope you're enjoying the new adventure!

It certainly does beat the alternative :D You'll have to pay us a visit Kev. ;-T

[Brightblade]

Maybe I can help on giving a little perspective, I'm fairly new to this site and the only reason I found it is becuase when I googled stuff about MG, threads from here were usually the first thing on the google search.

As far as the other Guzzi clubs and stuff, didn't know anything about 'em till I started reading this thread.  I'm not firing anything at anyone just saying they way it is....

I found a MG California when I was looking for a bike that wasn't JAFH.  Wanted something all its own and wasn't trying to be something it wasn't.  So no advertisments led me to Moto Guzzi.  But I think a MG must be found, not just sold...

I don't like to be a member of something that requires commitments i.e. I must do something to belong or I must give money I don't have.  I like to help out if its within my abillity to do so and its my choice, not compulsory...  Do I feel like I need to belong to a club - no.  However this forum is great, the knowledge the members have here and things that have already been discused is awesome.  As I work on my bike I learn more and more from this place, its a great resource with good people helping each other.  IMHO places like this on the web and in RL are few and far between.

Am I young?  Do I qualify as an opinion?  Well I'm 34, so not that young, hopefully not old either.... and I've only had a MG for a few months.... 

Oh and if anyone breaks down remotly close to the Elkader area and needs help, let me know.  Got a trailer and a shop to work in.  If I can help get your bike back on the road, I will....

[dilligaf]

Well Brightblade you offer of assistance to other MG owners is interesting.   Should someone need assistance in your area and even if they remembered your post and had access to the internet and did a search on WG and found your post, how would they get in touch with you?   ::(

Members of MGNOC would go to their contact directory and if you are a member your contact information and what type of assistance you could provide would be displayed.   ;D  :BEER:
Matt

[Arizona Wayne]

Bb, have you gone to any Guzzi rallies in Elkader?  I bet you have.  They are some of the biggest. If not you should.   There you will find what Guzzistis are really about.

[rodekyll]

It's been said that a lot of mgnoc members don't use the internet.  With the demise of the snail-mailed newsletter/contact list, how then does the mgnoc have an advantage over WG?  If a person doesn't have access to the internet to find WG, it stands to reason that they also have no access to the internet to find the mgnoc.  

 . . . and that's one of my problems with the mgnoc.  Back in the day, members got an actual paper newsletter, tips and tricks, and of course the rally and contact list.  I've got a stack of newsletters up past my knee.  One day that stopped and mgnoc information became limited to that portion of the 'club' that had internet.  Today the mgnoc plays both sides of that game -- claiming a non-technical membership and then presenting itself exclusively via the technology their membership eschews.  Makes little sense.

That being said, BB -- as Matt says, it would be helpful if you'd post your location and some way to contact you, should your generous offer be needed by anyone.    :)