Rallies, go to one!

[drw916]

That new, young blood, really does need to be welcomed.  I have attended BMW rally s with friends and had a great time, and attended some alone and felt an outcast.

While most of that is my problem, I think we all can make a point of asking lone riders to join us around a campfire, ask them a few questions and get them to feel comfortable.  Not every one is a social animal.  But most that come to a rally do want to get involved in the social scene.

[Lannis]

You're right Lannis , nothing wrong with that . The Yamaha guy got what he needed , but maybe someone should have at least gone over and thanked him for attending , made him feel welcome .....
  Dusty

That would have been me.   But some people just don't like to interact, it seems ....

All you can do is try!

Lannis

[PJPR01]

Rally's can be fun, always nice to match faces to names. 

But there are a couple of rally's that I won't mention by name but I don't really need to go back to them and it has nothing to do with the people.  If the ride to the rally is long and boring and the roads around the rally are boring then I'm really not that interested in attending the event unless there is some spectacular reason for the location as in food,etc.

Which ones would these be...just out of curiosity?  :)

[Dean Rose]

I try to get around and say Hi to everyone at the rally's that I attend. Then I usually get with the guys I have camped with before and hangout there.

I've been a loner most of my life because I traveled a bunch in work. I have met more friends since I bought my first Moto Guzzi.


Dean

[HDGoose]

I went to the Guzzi national in NH the other month as my first rally. I was really glad to have met Lannis and Chuck in Ind.

...however...   It seemed to me that it was a number of cliques that hung out with themselves. No one ever looked up, said hello, or invited me into their group.

The organizer, Steve Teft (sp) from CT and his extremely attractive wife seemed to be very nice people and did a lot of work to pull things together. However, the food was (by necessity I guess) like in a mess hall. I'm not a foodie- I'm just saying that I can't call the fare a highlight.

I'm not a group ride kind of guy  If I was though, it wouldn't much matter, because there was no attempt by people to reach out and ask me to ride with them.

So, to get back to the original point, why would I ever want to go to another rally?  People have their long term friends, and the rallies are a way to reconnect. I think that's great. Good on ya. However, you can't exactly bemoan the state of things if you don't look at rallies as a way to meet new people and bring people into the club.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not crying myself to sleep. I'm just saying that you all should consider that the burden is on you to notice outsiders and welcome them into your circle. 

I have seen the same types of 'clique' at many organizations. If you want someone to hold your hand, you still gotta reach out.

I am not shy. And as a result I have made friends, acquaintances and have a few who dread seeing me.

[HDGoose]

When my kids were little we'd attend the Va. Rally in Buena Vista if my Carrier wasn't at sea. Kids are great help in heaving tarps into place on shelters as you assemble them! Put them to work and they sleep better at night too. I got away from the Rallies for a while because the crowd was changing. Less of the old guys and do it yourselfers and more of the old frat boys going through divorces who like liquor and "seegars". So I started going to Ural Rallies and helped put them on as they were more family and kid and pet and grandchildren oriented affairs. Although I sold off my Ural stuff this Spring, I still go to Ural Rallies as the folks have become some of my closest friends over the years. I still do a few Guzzi Rallies every year because it's good to see old friends. I'm really looking forwards to the MD/DC Rally at Little Orleans Campground at the end of Sept!
In a few years I plan to kidnap my grand daughter to take her to bike and sidecar Rallies. I'm getting another Ural sidecar in Oct. to attach to my Cali III so I can give her the same rides my kids got when they were little!

I'm in the liquor and ceegars crowd there buddy. Not divorced tho. Not everyone is into the family/kid thing. I'm the guy that used to bring a box of cigars to the rally and leave them out on a table.

[Lannis]

Which ones would these be...just out of curiosity?  :)

Well, we can do some guessing.

Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Western PA, Western MD, Western NY, Ohio, Maine, Vermont, NH ... can't be those because some of the best riding in the country is between most people's homes and the rally.

John Day (OR), NorCal, Colorado, can't be those .....

So I'm afraid we're migrating to the MidWest ....

Lannis

[pyoungbl]

Well, we can do some guessing.

So I'm afraid we're migrating to the MidWest ....

Lannis

Not Iowa...been there three times and the food was outstanding!  Oh, and the parade through town was a real hoot.

[lucydad]

Haven't read all the responses...but I can tell you time is a huge crunch while still working full time.  October 5 that all changes for me.

I have not decided on the October  rally....as I have not had serious time to think for weeks.  Today we set up most of the final investment portfolio strategy with a visit by 3 of our consultants.  The Alzheimer's clinic is open for another week. All my camping gear is stored out of the house due to our upstairs repair.  First we have to get the house re-carpeted, then the boxes come back, then I have to help sort through them, then we go to Hawaii ten days, then come back, then I pull the plug.

Time will not really open.  I need preparation time.

Be patient with those in transition. 

One other thing, and this is a soft issue:  not all of us are extraverts.  I am pretty introverted, and meeting people and socializing is a drain for me.  Some may understand, some may not.  Normally I do fine one on one but big groups of strangers, even those I know on the inter web, can be a challenge for me.  Anyway, keep in mind some of us are socially slow and awkward at times.

I hope I can come to OK, but if I don't there will be later rallys. The swamp thing in Lafayette was much more doable, I am bummed it cancelled.

Making progress here, but big life transitions take time and focus, and keeping Ms. LD happy is priority.

[Lannis]

Normally I do fine one on one but big groups of strangers, even those I know on the inter web, can be a challenge for me.  Anyway, keep in mind some of us are socially slow and awkward at times.

Keep in mind that there will almost NEVER be a "big group" of people, strangers or otherwise, at a Guzzi rally, not even a National with 350 people.   The rally will be made up of a lot of SMALL groups of people and individuals; people sitting around in front of their tents, people sitting at a picnic table with a Pepsi and a bag of chips, people standing around admiring motorcycles.     

I'm never a "big group" person.    Venues like Sturgis, Daytona, Laconia, Honda Hoot, etc are comparable to the Seven Circles of Hell to me and I have absolutely no intention or desire to go to such.   

But at the NH National in June, for example, there were so MANY small separate groups of people, all with interesting people to reconnect with or meet, that I didn't even make it around to half of them, and there were people I'd have liked to have seen that I didn't see 'cause I was either chatting, riding, or eating with someone else ....

Lannis

[LowRyter]

Since Swamp Scooters is out so I just registered for Harvest Classic Luckenbach, Texas Oct 23, 24.  Anyone else in?

Boat, sorry you were disapointed.  Maybe a smaller rally might suit you better.  Every group has cliques, but I agree that someone should handle meet and greet duties.  Always one of my favorite volunteer duties and a great way to meet new folks.  Suits me well because I'm just naturally friendly, I'm from Texas you know.  Introduce yourself to the camp cook, help in the serving line, everyone passes by there.   If all else fails grab a six pack, introduce yourself to a likely group and ask them if they know a good source of 10-60W oil.    You'll find that you'll have a lot more in common than your love of Guzzis.

Jas, 
Make it a family affair.  Many rallys are held in areas that provide ample opportunity for family fun.  Kids are welcome at many rallys. Many of us are Dads and Granddads. Pack up the minivan  get a campsite and join the fun or just stop in for the day.  I know that that is probably easier said than done, but I believe worth the effort.

See ya at a rally soon.
Dave
Galveston

the wife and I were thinking about hitting the N Padre, San Antonio and the Hill Country in the Toy Hauler in Oct.  We might hang around long enough to make the Harvest. 

[LowRyter]

Question from a guy who likes to ride alone, likes to camp and has never been to a rally but been on a Guzzi since 2008. I'm game to check one out though.

Is the best place to find out about them here on the board? The MGNOC?

Sorry if this is a dumb question but I've never  been a rally guy and haven't ever looked into them, just read the reports. It would take a good combination of work timing, kid timing and life timing but I'd give it a go if possible. I'm a generally friendly guy and I'd likely bring my GF along so if no one talks to me, i'd still be ok

(Edit...just noticed half the stickies are rallies.)

Check here.  MGNOC does only club sanctioned stuff.  All Moto Guzzi Campouts and NARs are posted here (with the exception of the Spine Frame Raid). 

[davedel44]

Unfortunately rallies and camp outs can resemble real life . Yes cliques do form , some of the old heads do tend to hang out in small groups , just human nature at work . The solution , roving ambassadors , in fact Davedel is pretty good at this job . When we started the Cedar Vale NAR , we made a conscious effort to make everyone feel included , and so far the effort has been a success . Provide a central gathering place , plan at least one communal meal , and get Rocker to show up and share his wealth of knowledge re history and the Beverly Hillbillies 

 Hey Davedel , for a small percentage of the take , I will promote the idea that organizers provide you with "show up" money 

 Dusty

No payment necessary - well maybe an extra hush puppy at dinner .  I live to serve the Guzzi community.   BTW your spider senses were correct.  Brought home some specs and a black tip.
Dave
Galveston

[davedel44]

the wife and I were thinking about hitting the N Padre, San Antonio and the Hill Country in the Toy Hauler in Oct.  We might hang around long enough to make the Harvest.

Make reservations soon KOA and Armadillo are the closest campgrounds for RVS. Rally site at  Luckenbach is not set up for RVS

Dave
Galveston

[Bill Hagan]

Check here.  MGNOC does only club sanctioned stuff.  All Moto Guzzi Campouts and NARs are posted here (with the exception of the Spine Frame Raid).

Yes, but that last -- SSR -- is "by invitation only," so best left unmentioned.   

Bill

[jas67]

Your "zero" setting is different from mine, if your wife owns a 250 Vespa ...

That's a sore subject too.   She had to have it, but, hasn't even taken the time to take the permit test.    So, while it is "hers", I paid for it, and am the only one that rides it.   Oh, and she gets mad  when I mention wanting to sell it.

[Lannis]

That's a sore subject too.   She had to have it, but, hasn't even taken the time to take the permit test.    So, while it is "hers", I paid for it, and am the only one that rides it.   Oh, and she gets mad  when I mention wanting to sell it.

Tough position to be in!   Usually it's the other way around ... 'Her' bike is a Triumph Street Triple or MV Agusta 600, but she's never ridden it and doesn't have a permit and doesn't even know where it's parked, so the husband has the chore of keeping the battery charged and the tires warm .... !!

Lannis

[boatdetective]

I have seen the same types of 'clique' at many organizations. If you want someone to hold your hand, you still gotta reach out.

I am not shy. And as a result I have made friends, acquaintances and have a few who dread seeing me.

Well, well, well -  that's just the sort of warm, welcoming attitude I was talking about. FYI, I don't live under a rock. One part of my job is public speaking. I present at an international conference and so have to get up on stage and do the chicken dance in front of lots of strangers. Once again, the point of the original post was that people should go to rallies. My experience was that of a first timer who went to a national - went out of my way (read, brought beer) - and can't remember (other than Chuck or Lannis) a single person who asked me my name, where I was from, etc. after I tried to strike up some sort of a conversation.

This isn't like the JFK quote ("ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country"). If you want the rallies to grow, maybe, just maybe, you might consider really busting your hump-smiling- and drawing newcomers in and making them feel welcome.

[Zoom Zoom]

Some very reasonable thoughts Jonathan, and I see your point. It can be easy to get caught up in renewing friendships, especially when you have not seen someone in a few years and neglect the newcomers. However, your point is well taken and we [all] could no doubt put a little more effort into socializing with someone we do not know yet.

I'm hoping your experience did not completely turn you off to rallies, and I hope to run into you somewhere along the line.

You know, it would have been easier to locate you if you had been wearing your aluminum foil deflector beanie.

Seriously though. Point taken.

Cheers,
John henry

[leafman60]

Some very valid points have been voiced with the drift of this thread!

Basic courtesy and friendliness is something one would reasonably expect at a rally, especially from people organizing one! It doesn't always happen. Yes, in those situations, a rally degenerates into a small gathering of friends who turn inward to themselves. That's not really a rally.

I've experienced that myself, even with Guzzi people, and seen newcomers leave the place on the first morning to return home because of it!

Overall, such gatherings dwindle and never attract many people in the long run. Forget them and go elsewhere.

On the other hand, I have attended many rally events that were deemed to be held by snobbish brands and groups and discovered the most friendly and open people in the world. It's all the vagaries of life. Keep an open mind.  Be slow to condemn and keep an open mind yourself. Extend your own hand first and many times it will be warmly received.

I've made many long-term friends at rally events and I hope to continue to do the same.

[Stormtruck2]

My first rally was the National in Iowa in 2012(?).  I knew no one that was there. Food was good, riding, for Iowa, was great   I met Crusty, Noki, Texas Turnip, and  Chuck in Indiana at that rally.  I also had a tipple or two and ceegars. It was great!!  Since I'm just a dumb ole truck driver, I don't have a lot of freetime, and miss almost every rally I want to hit every year. My plan this year?  Cedar Vale, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado NAR or the National. Time and money allowed: Cedar Vale, Mo-Kan. So if you hit just one rally a year, at least you hit one.  If you want to be welcomed in, hit a small NAR.  At a larger rally, they probably don't know you are new, so they don't take extra steps to engage you.  At CV, you will get invited to join us, and maybe even Shanghaied into having fun!!  One of the first things I ask upon meeting someone new at a rally is if they are on WG.  If they are they you already have a connection, and probably already "Know" each other.  If not, I tell them about WG and invite them to check it out. It takes effort on the part of everyone to make rallies grow.  Invite strangers, and if you are a stranger, introduce yourself and remain a stranger no longer.

[Lannis]

When my kids were little we'd attend the Va. Rally in Buena Vista if my Carrier wasn't at sea. Kids are great help in heaving tarps into place on shelters as you assemble them! Put them to work and they sleep better at night too. I got away from the Rallies for a while because the crowd was changing. Less of the old guys and do it yourselfers and more of the old frat boys going through divorces who like liquor and "seegars". So I started going to Ural Rallies and helped put them on as they were more family and kid and pet and grandchildren oriented affairs. Although I sold off my Ural stuff this Spring, I still go to Ural Rallies as the folks have become some of my closest friends over the years. I still do a few Guzzi Rallies every year because it's good to see old friends. I'm really looking forwards to the MD/DC Rally at Little Orleans Campground at the end of Sept!
In a few years I plan to kidnap my grand daughter to take her to bike and sidecar Rallies. I'm getting another Ural sidecar in Oct. to attach to my Cali III so I can give her the same rides my kids got when they were little!

Maybe we need more Riches at rallies!   

At the first Guzzi rally I showed up at (referred to above, the 2000 National), I was riding up the access road toward the rally when I got an escort - a guy with a Guzzi sidecar started riding in circles around me, with the sidecar in the air, exclaiming "Hey Guys, look at the neat BSA coming in!".

I knew I was in the right place!   Rich, I don't have a sidecar but I always enjoy seeing you at a Guzzi rally .....

Lannis

[Nick]

If you think it's hard to infiltrate a Guzzi rally "clique", try sneaking into the exclusive "Stelvio" fraternity.    It ain't easy....     


But seriously, at the urging of my NJ buddy Harry Costello, I attended my first rally in 2006 in Pennsylvania with my son. To this day I'm thankful to Harry for introducing me to the Guzzi family and to the rally side of it.
Yes, go to a rally, introduce yourself and take it from there......you won't regret it. 

[GearheadGrrrl]

Rallies= Best cheap (sorta) legal fun you can have!

I make a rally about every other weekend, would do one every weekend if they were within a days ride. Got into rallies when I was unemployed, cheap fun... Now that I'm permanently unemployed (retired), there's no stopping me!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Rallies= Best cheap (sorta) legal fun you can have!

I make a rally about every other weekend, would do one every weekend if they were within a days ride. Got into rallies when I was unemployed, cheap fun... Now that I'm permanently unemployed (retired), there's no stopping me!

Yep. Me, too. Just on this page I've met most of you at rallies. Like I've said before, I consider Guzzi guys and girls my extended and gloriously dysfunctional family..

[bad Chad]

Some good thoughts here.   I go to as many as I can get away with, 3-4 in a good year, so far just the mid west, but I'll say, bang for the buck it's almost impossible to beat Il and for sure WI!

But, I am going to make it a priority to reach out to.newcomers.  Rallies can get a little cliquey, so I feel us old trimmers need to do are best to welcome new friends.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Some good thoughts here.   I go to as many as I can get away with, 3-4 in a good year, so far just the mid west, but I'll say, bang for the buck it's almost impossible to beat Il and for sure WI!

But, I am going to make it a priority to reach out to.newcomers.  Rallies can get a little cliquey, so I feel us old trimmers need to do are best to welcome new friends.

I dunno. If I was a newby and saw a really big guy with a pink bandanna carrying a bottle of corn oil.. 

[Guzzistajohn]

My first rally was the National in Iowa in 2012(?).  I knew no one that was there. Food was good, riding, for Iowa, was great   I met Crusty, Noki, Texas Turnip, and  Chuck in Indiana at that rally.  I also had a tipple or two and ceegars. It was great!!  Since I'm just a dumb ole truck driver, I don't have a lot of freetime, and miss almost every rally I want to hit every year. My plan this year?  Cedar Vale, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado NAR or the National. Time and money allowed: Cedar Vale, Mo-Kan. So if you hit just one rally a year, at least you hit one.  If you want to be welcomed in, hit a small NAR.  At a larger rally, they probably don't know you are new, so they don't take extra steps to engage you.  At CV, you will get invited to join us, and maybe even Shanghaied into having fun!!  One of the first things I ask upon meeting someone new at a rally is if they are on WG.  If they are they you already have a connection, and probably already "Know" each other.  If not, I tell them about WG and invite them to check it out. It takes effort on the part of everyone to make rallies grow.  Invite strangers, and if you are a stranger, introduce yourself and remain a stranger no longer.

You were drinkin' my 'shine @ that Iowa rally, I wonder why you don't remember meeting me?

[Chuck in Indiana]

You were drinkin' my 'shine @ that Iowa rally, I wonder why you don't remember meeting me?

Dang! Did I forget meeting you, too? 

[Stormtruck2]

You were drinkin' my 'shine @ that Iowa rally, I wonder why you don't remember meeting me?

I don't need shine to forget things.   Moonshine is a funner way to do it though!!!!