A message from Yves Leduc Vice President & General Manager BRP

[Lamonster]

Dear Spyder owner and SpyderRyder member.


I would like to extend my personal thank you for joining us at our fourth BRP-hosted Spyder Owners Event. We inaugurated this yearly event with the "Homecoming" in Valcourt in 2008 followed by the "Red Carpet" event in Hollywood last Summer and a few weeks ago, the first European event with the "Rotax Homecoming". The destinations are all unique but what makes them truly successful is the camaraderie and passion for the ryde as expressed by dedicated owners, just like yourself.

There are many reasons we host such events but the most important is quite simple: to connect with our owners by spending time together, staging an environment and an opportunity for a great and memorable time. In short, to get acquainted and to say "Thank you!". For me personally, this annual gathering is inspiring. I look forward to it, because I love your passion, I listen to suggestions, and want to help the best way I can when you express concerns. I know my entire team feels the same way, because we know this connection with all of you is vital and necessary if we want Spyder to become the success we all wish for. Plus, and more importantly, these events are just fun!

However, upon my return home from this year's Owners event, I felt that we missed out on the essential – providing you and your fellow owners the best possible environment to share your passion for the ride. And, this environment should have been more in line with riding destinations – not congested urban areas. Many of you appreciated riding other BRP products but, in the end, I believe our most important lesson learned was that we spent so much effort building "The ultimate Playground" with the intent to deliver a homerun multi-product experience to our owners, it resulted in less focus on providing quality time together.

I believe that we did not meet your expectations for this year's event and I apologize for this. We'll certainly make it up to you with future editions and we will better listen to your feedback and recommendations from your peers and ambassadors. Speaking of ambassadors, I read recent remarks on the web forums such as SpyderLovers.com that we had been ungrateful by omitting to thank our ambassadors at lunch. Those comments really stung me! Personally, I never miss an opportunity to thank our ambassadors. I know my team does the same and Lamont, Fred, Ken, Marc, Daniel, and all the others know how grateful we are for their unbelievable engagement and passion. The fact it was not mentioned at lunch is a mistake, and we are sorry, but you should know our gratitude is expressed, and will continue to be, at every level in our organization.

Spyder is a great adventure: we're basically inventing a new industry and community together. For BRP, this is our first product on the open road, it means we're bringing new people to our playground. So we're discovering as we go, which means we'll make mistakes. But be sure of one thing: we are as much passionate about learning and improving, as we are about Spyder! Thanks for your abundant feedback following last week's event. We are already taking it into account for future events. Please continue providing us your feedback and ideas.

I look forward to seeing you, and a growing number of SpyderRyders at next year's event!

Yves Leduc

[canam9]

:2thumbs::ani29:

[northramp]

Quebec City 2011...any seconds?:clap:

[Texmac1011]

Very impressive!

[jedd]

Very nice, Lamont I want to personally Thank You for starting the "What was you impression of the owners event" thread. This avenue was used well in people voicing their opinions, some good, some bad, but gave everyone the opportunity to express their opinions. Most of all it worked BRP listens and watches and I personally can't wait to see whats next for :spyder2: Owners.

Thanks Lamont for the support,
Thanks BRP for listening!

Jim:thumbup:

[docdoru]

Onest message! :thumbup:

[pitbull]

Center things around the spyders and the ryders....thats what its all about the Spyders and the friendships! give us something to do and don't make us do anything! think low cost and have something going on the whole time even if you don't want to do it....These people like being together and hanging out, but would like options....they like to ryde but its not only about that. Games are good but can be over done. We like to be treated like friends not part of a heard........ KISS!!! keep it simple stupid, is the way most of us ryde. an adventure with out all the rules leave it open but never let the party stop! Just my @ cents

[docdoru]

Quebec City 2011...any seconds?:clap:
+1 :D

[dave711]

how about Texas for 2011.... :chat:

[wyliec]

+1 :D


+2:2thumbs:

[bonehead]

HOW ABOUT GATLINGURG!!:clap::2thumbs:

[glynnk]

how about Texas for 2011.... :chat:

Great BRP response and I'll 2nd Texas as the next event location.

Glynnk

[IWN2RYD]

Even though my wife and I had been unable to attend this year :(... This is very encouraging to read. It is not very often the "Big guns" bring comments out in this fashion, and that is commendable.

Makes me proud to own a Spyder! :clap::2thumbs::doorag:

Now I cannot speak for others... But man... How about a spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains for an event??? Some of the most beautiful Ryding in those neck of the woods nojoke

[Rando]

Cookville, TN.

[dancogan]

Wow! After reading about the Chicago gathering and hearing some very well thought out critiques it is impressive to hear this kind of open and candid response straight from the company.

[rnet]

Quebec City 2011...any seconds?:clap: No more cities please. I haven't been to any yet because of the settings. I have been to Americade and Gatlinburg, now those are nice settings or something similar.

[RTGENE]

First
Thank you Lamont for sharing your letter.
We all needed to hear what BRP was thinking after they read Spyderlovers posts.
My guess is that someone had to knock on the Boss's door and tell him we goofed on this one. Wringing his hands the messenger asked what can we do.
HE'S THE BOSS -----and he says's I'll write to Lamont.
Thanks again for sharing

[Longlegs]

I would guess that he read our comments. I am glad he took it as constructive criticism. I am glad that he appears to have a positive attitude about it and the willingness to listen and strive to improve it.
As I look back on the event, I think more support and involvement from local dealers would be beneficial. I just think it's hard to make last minute adjustments when everybody is from out of town. I belong to a National Ford tractor club, and one thing we do well in advance of our annual show, is to name a "Kingpin" He is a local person who checks out motels and makes a recommendation. They also act as a go between for us and the host club, letting them know what we need, ei: space, a tent, tables chairs etc. And if something comes up during the show that is the person you seek out. Anyhow I don't think BRP was too far off the mark.
Just taking away the heat and humidity, or not being in downtown Chicago for part of the event would have changed things drastically.
I am definately looking forward to the next event. One thing I think would be cool is to get an organized photo of all the spyders lined up.

[bikeguy]

Very impressive response. Thanks for sharing, Lamonster. I'd love to vote for Texas but my vote goes for Ruidoso, NM. A fairly small town with lots of nice riding country and they have the facilities. They have hosted the Aspencade and other rallies for years.

Cotton

[NancysToy]

.....One thing I think would be cool is to get an organized photo of all the spyders lined up.
Or a group photo of all the owners...maybe taken from the balcony.

[patches]

Now that he wrote the letter..maybe he and his team can get back to making better products and fixing the supply chain of backordered parts.
I really do wish I would have attended, but the thought of driving all the way there to just drive through a downtown area like the one I have here was not very comforting. Good to see they reconize this and will strive for a better location in the future.
Of course, TN would be great, pretty central for most of us and well, they have some of the best roads in this country for riding.


BRP on the BRP "Blue Ridge Parkway" in 2011...pass it around..might catch on.

[Firefly]

Pretty impressive to come out so straightforward pertaining to many of the 'reviews' posted out here.:thumbup:

Spyder Owners meet 2011 -- Podunk USA! :roflblack:

[GeminiJane]

That was a nice letter - acknowledges errors in judgment and takes into account the feedback of attendees.
There are many wonderful spots in the US and Canada that would be good spots but I have to say for many of us U.S. citizens it would be more convenient for us to have it in the States just to avoid many having to deal with passports, etc.
Also have to consider that over the course of several days for a true "riding event" there have to be quite a few good riding roads to enjoy. I love the Blue Ridge, but basically it's one direction once you start with not many pit stops (even port-a-potties) without leaving the parkway and traveling to a nearby town. Not nearly enough fueling stops, etc.
The Road Runner magazine has what they call "Shamrock Tours" featured in every issue....a central location from which you can ride out in all four directions (N, S, E, W), make a big loop and end up back at your original destination at the end of that ride. This type of scenario makes sense when you get a big group together so that independent groups can head out without every one being in one big cluster. Then have some activities at the "hub". Need to pick a spot that has several motels/hotels, camping opportunities and enough decent restaurants to accommodate the crowd.
Just my opinion.

[Monique]

Quebec City 2011...any seconds?:clap:

Oui oui !!! :agree:

[Justin]

Quebec City or La Tuque. Guaranteed it would be the most Spyders in attendance. Well over 500.

[hawkiii]

Napa, California has some great rides. Has some fairly decent wines. My neighbor says the little restaurant at Turtle Rock at Lake Berryessa has the best lumpia in northern California. Check http://norcal.destinationhighways.com/regions.htm

I ride Pleasant Valley Road all the time. It is about 2 miles from my house. I know they will not be back in California again soon but we have some pretty cool rides out here also. :D

[IWN2RYD]

BRP on the BRP "Blue Ridge Parkway" in 2011 ...pass it around..might catch on.
Wooooo WHooooo! That is perfect!! :clap::agree::doorag::spyder2::bowdown::yes: :firstplace:

[Big Arm]

Even though my wife and I had been unable to attend this year :(... This is very encouraging to read. It is not very often the "Big guns" bring comments out in this fashion, and that is commendable.

Makes me proud to own a Spyder! :clap::2thumbs::doorag:



:agree:

[BajaRon]

Wow! Incredible!

First, thank you to BRP. From top to bottom I've always felt this to be more than a company looking at graphs, charts and plotting the bottom line. While this is important, it is not central to what BRP is all about.

BRP has a genuine interest in being an active part of the experience and enjoyment their customers get from their products. With BRP you become more than just a customer, to an extent you become family.

I am very sorry that I could not make the Chicago event. I really wanted to come and I know I missed out.

But to be truthful, I was greatly disappointed in the chosen location. Nothing about Chicago was appealing to me. Open road is what the Spyder is all about.

Maybe I'm wrong but Chicago sounds like sitting in stop and go congestion. It's impossible to fully apprecite this fine machine under those conditions. The location should enhance, not detract from the experience.

What did appeal was getting together with all of you. And despite the location, I knew it would still be worth the trip.

I did attend the Valcourt homecoming and it was excellent! Why? Because the people were the centerpiece.

In short, our Spyders are not the event. Instead, they are the catalyst which fuse together this great group of people. It is this unique combination which, handled properly, makes for a special experience. This fine machine produced by BRP gives each of us a great excuse to get together and share our common (and not so common) experiences.

Don't miss out! Whatever BRP decides to do next year will be worth the trip because YOU will be there!

[Jornie1]

Should'nt it be centrally located in the lower 48, as convenient as possible for everyone. Say, somewhere near St. Louis??? Or... alternate as does the BMW MOA group, East, West, Middle..etc. Len

[BajaRon]

How about East Tennessee? There is a little bit of decent riding here in these parts.

[Jornie1]

Should'nt it be centrally located in the lower 48, as convenient as possible for everyone. Say, somewhere near St. Louis??? Or... alternate as does the BMW MOA group, East, West, Middle..etc. Len

[spyryder]

Should'nt it be centrally located in the lower 48, as convenient as possible for everyone. Say, somewhere near St. Louis??? Or... alternate as does the BMW MOA group, East, West, Middle..etc. Len
Black Hills would be nice.....NOT during biker week though. :pray:

[SpyderSteve]

Should'nt it be centrally located in the lower 48, as convenient as possible for everyone. Say, somewhere near St. Louis??? Or... alternate as does the BMW MOA group, East, West, Middle..etc. Len Why lower 48? Canadian Company. Quebec is#2 to harley in sales nice, lots of history etc, but so is Niagara Falls [New York or Canada] everything there, border, camping, motels ,hotels, casinos nice roads etc. :dontknow:

[SethO]

that is cool they see what feedback we had, lamont is key to having a place to bounce ideas around an make friends with the spyders for sure.

The one thing I didn't think about until someone else brought it up to me was that with the buses going back and forth from the demo rides were not handicapp accessible and with my spyder being worked on I could not just run down there to ride the stuff I could ride. Sure other owners could have gave me a ride but contrary to not caring what my spyder looks like I do not want to scuff up another owners spyder with me or my wheelchair. Just a thought

[fastfraser]

Why lower 48? Canadian Company. Quebec is#2 to harley in sales nice, lots of history etc, but so is Niagara Falls [New York or Canada] everything there, border, camping, motels ,hotels, casinos nice roads etc. :dontknow:


:agree:+1

Takes a big man ( company ) to admit they were wrong and will do better next time ! Thanks BRP and Lamont for the post .

Where ever it is held, its all about getting there and meeting new and old friends. See you next year .

[G-Man]

I'm impessed. :doorag: Yves, YOU ROCK! Looking forward to the next event. Just an after thought to my previously expressed opinion of the event: once you decide on a location, put someone who lives in that area on your planning team.

Thanks for sharing Lamont.

[Vordak]

Quebec City 2011...any seconds?:clap:


+1

:D

V.

[ladyryder]

Hey how about macinaw, could reserve a whole state camp ground and call it a spyder camp and lots to do there:2thumbs:

[MoonChaser213]

Spyderlovers speak and the Vice President listens. WOW . That's really something. I am happy and humbled to be a part of the Spyderlovers Family. I bought my Spyder for the awesome ryde. THe Family has been an added bonus I never expected. I am so thankful for all the help and support I get from this forum and my new Spyder Friends . Thank you Lamont and BRP and all of ya'll.:bowdown:

[Bersquack]

I would start by making parts so that you don't wait to months for your spyder to get repaired.

I don't want to be a downer, but ask anyone who had a DPS or other serious issue and you will get the same answer: it takes way too long to get repairs done.

No spuder event, plus having to reschedule a two week trip makes for a pissed off spyder owner. What would I do if that was my only vehicule?

*End of rant.

[effgjamis]

As to the next BRP event:
It has been in Canada (Quebec), California, Chicago),
I don't complain much on travel as I love to ride, but, I would like to think the next event should be in the Mid-to Lower 48 states, and that would allow the other's, North, far west to enjoy a good long ride as some of us have done in the past and hopefull in the future.
If, any of the BRP events are to be held in congested, big City enviorement, I shall not attend the next one. Of course that is my decision and has no reflection on the wonderfull people I have met and have become to know and will miss them if that being the case.
I give VP a big big and many at-a-boy for the letter which prompted this thread. All I can really say is Sic-em man you did good.

[BumbleBee]

Thanks Lamont for sharing this letter with us :2thumbs:
Thanks to BRP for a impressive letter :2thumbs:

BRP, please no Cities next year :pray:
mid or lower states is a great idea!

After reading this, I will make it a point to come to next year's event :clap:

Way to go BRP :thumbup:

[boborgera]

I would start by making parts so that you don't wait to months for your spyder to get repaired.

I don't want to be a downer, but ask anyone who had a DPS or other serious issue and you will get the same answer: it takes way too long to get repairs done.

No spuder event, plus having to reschedule a two week trip makes for a pissed off spyder owner. What would I do if that was my only vehicule?

*End of rant.

:agree:It's on back order. That seems to be BRP's slogan!!

[jimclarkf1]

everything is there, great roads, TON of stuff to do, and enough rooms for everyones taste, great location:clap::thumbup: and 2nd takers?

[MarkLawson]

I vote for Lamont's place as the 2011 BRP Owner's event! :2thumbs:

[bjt]

Center things around the spyders and the ryders....thats what its all about the Spyders and the friendships! give us something to do and don't make us do anything! think low cost and have something going on the whole time even if you don't want to do it....These people like being together and hanging out, but would like options....they like to ryde but its not only about that. Games are good but can be over done. We like to be treated like friends not part of a heard........ KISS!!! keep it simple stupid, is the way most of us ryde. an adventure with out all the rules leave it open but never let the party stop! Just my @ cents


:agree:
I went to the Chicago event with those principles in mind. I stayed out at the alternate motel, planned on hanging out with Spyder friends there and arranged our own entertainment / meals based on what we wanted to do. The first night we ordered pizza to the hotel just to hang out with our new and old friends in a quiet environment so we could easily visit. The next night we got a small group together to go out to a local restaurant.



That was a nice letter - acknowledges errors in judgment and takes into account the feedback of attendees.
There are many wonderful spots in the US and Canada that would be good spots but I have to say for many of us U.S. citizens it would be more convenient for us to have it in the States just to avoid many having to deal with passports, etc.
Also have to consider that over the course of several days for a true "riding event" there have to be quite a few good riding roads to enjoy. I love the Blue Ridge, but basically it's one direction once you start with not many pit stops (even port-a-potties) without leaving the parkway and traveling to a nearby town. Not nearly enough fueling stops, etc.
The Road Runner magazine has what they call "Shamrock Tours" featured in every issue....a central location from which you can ride out in all four directions (N, S, E, W), make a big loop and end up back at your original destination at the end of that ride. This type of scenario makes sense when you get a big group together so that independent groups can head out without every one being in one big cluster. Then have some activities at the "hub". Need to pick a spot that has several motels/hotels, camping opportunities and enough decent restaurants to accommodate the crowd.
Just my opinion.


:agree:
Having easy ride routes without going through a lot of city traffic would be nice. Even in the LA event, their major ride involved people riding for 20 minutes or more through major traffic to get to the ride start point. Once everyone finally got there, we still got split up and many were "lost" in the hills of LA and had to find our own way back to the city / BBQ.


Should'nt it be centrally located in the lower 48, as convenient as possible for everyone. Say, somewhere near St. Louis??? Or... alternate as does the BMW MOA group, East, West, Middle..etc. Len

They have been moving it around in an east, west, central way. First year in Montreal, next in LA, next in Chicago.

[Eraser]

Why lower 48? Canadian Company. Quebec is#2 to harley in sales nice, lots of history etc, but so is Niagara Falls [New York or Canada] everything there, border, camping, motels ,hotels, casinos nice roads etc. :dontknow:

BANFF!:yes:

[dltang]

Awesome letter from BRP. Truly a class act. As an owner since March of 2008, I am proud to say I have been to all of the owners events (minus Austria) and enjoyed each and every one. I agree with the assessment, and have stated myself, that Chicago missed the mark in comparison to past events. But for the company itself to come out and publicly acknowledge that they could have done better is truly a step in the right direction. Having gotten to know some of the marketing people just a little bit through past events, forums and phone calls, I can tell you, BRP wants to make it's owner feel special. I know one thing for sure, where ever the next BRP Owners event is, I sure do not want to miss it. I have a feeling it will exceed all expectations. They will not make this mistake again. BRP is listening and responding to us an owners group. I am proud to be a Spyder Ambassador for BRP. Thank you Yves Leduc for taking the time to address us and our concerns. Thank you for being considerate of our wants and desires as owners. Thank you for caring so much about your product that you come directly to us, the customer, for feedback. I know many people, including myself have made suggestions for possible venues for the next event. There is just no possible way to make everyone happy with the logistics of spyder owners out there. So if it happens to be close to us, that would be a perk and I would love it. If it ends up being a bit of a ride, you can bet I will be trying to figure my vacation schedule and economic situation to make sure and be there. But one thing is for sure, I do not want to miss it.

[Bootie]

Quebec City 2011...any seconds?:clap:
I second that emotion:clap:

[Sopher]

Great message from the President of BRP!

As for future cities, lets see... we already had Valcourt, Holllywood, and now Chicago. Lets add these great BIG cities:

Boston
DC.
Dallas

That should cover for most US ryders. Please dont forget that not all of us can take a huge amount of time away from family and work to attend these cities. Yea, the Spyder can ride 2 up... But if my daughter were on the bike sitting behind me, where does my Wife sit?

[boborgera]

Nice Letter BUT My Spyders in the shop 14 Days now and NO ONE has the decency to at least CALL and tell me any status!!!:cus:nojoke
I Have ONLY purchased 14 Fourteen BRP Products!!~!:hun::lecturef_smilie:
:dontknow:
I would think by number 10 or so you would realize that's the way they work!

[Tom in NM]

Should'nt it be centrally located in the lower 48, as convenient as possible for everyone. Say, somewhere near St. Louis??? Or... alternate as does the BMW MOA group, East, West, Middle..etc. Len
:agree:

Actually, CowTown could serve as a hub for a bunch of events.


Tom

[Peoriafirefighter]

[QUOTE=jimclarkf1;225161]everything is there, great roads, TON of stuff to do, and enough rooms for everyones taste, great location:clap::thumbup: and 2nd takers?


Brandon, Mo. Is great and even Fayetteville, Arkansas has plenty of room and great scenic riding. They have the "Pigtail " Which is curvy.

[ArmyJoe]

Should'nt it be centrally located in the lower 48, as convenient as possible for everyone. Say, somewhere near St. Louis??? Or... alternate as does the BMW MOA group, East, West, Middle..etc. Len

With apologies to our Canadian members, the geographic center of the lower 48 states is near the town of Lebanon, Kansas. The population center (based on census records) is in Phelps County, Missouri, which is about 100 miles southwest of St Louis.

ETA: Did some more research...

Looks like the geographical center of the US and Canada is Rugby, North Dakota, but since Canada is mostly trees or polar bears, they kinda skew the point northwards a bit.

I couldn't find the population center of the US and Canada, but if you draw a line between Phelps County, Missouri and the Canadian population center in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, you get Syracuse, Indiana, which is only 100 miles east of Chicago.

[McGone]

Banff or Jasper. No big city traffic and great riding.

Black Hills of South Dakota have some good rides also. I like the one suggestion of having camping available.

[Trickie Dick]

Great message from the President of BRP!

As for future cities, lets see... we already had Valcourt, Holllywood, and now Chicago. Lets add these great BIG cities:

Boston
DC.
Dallas

That should cover for most US ryders. Please dont forget that not all of us can take a huge amount of time away from family and work to attend these cities. Yea, the Spyder can ride 2 up... But if my daughter were on the bike sitting behind me, where does my Wife sit?
United Air Lines, first class. :D

[NewRider]

I believe the 2011 event is already scheduled for Cuba, Missouri...or did I miss out on something?:lecturef_smilie:

[dltang]

I believe the 2011 event is already scheduled for Cuba, Missouri...or did I miss out on something?:lecturef_smilie:
There is an event but it is not the Annual BRP Sponsored Owners Event. The Missouri event is completely owner operated but BRP does help out and support it.

[smokster]

Thought that was from the heart.
Takes a strong person and company to admit mistakes.
I am impressed.

[SpyderGirl]

I also think that something central would be nice... Utah, Colorado, South Dakota... just a thought! :2thumbs:

[BajaRon]

I believe the 2011 event is already scheduled for Cuba, Missouri...or did I miss out on something?:lecturef_smilie:

There are many events. But the source, theme and sponsor are different for each one. We're talking purely BRP homecoming here.

And really, you don't want each event to simply be a clone of the last.

It is great that BRP puts their flavor and purpose into an event for Spyder Owners. That's what makes it unique. I am not sure BRP could improve on intent or effort. This letter from the top simply addresses execution. And from what I've heard, all of BRP's hard work and good intentions were not channeled as well as they could have been on this one.

But that just gives everyone more incentive to make it work better next year. And I would say that is exactly what will happen.

[Anakrid]

Having lived a motorcycle life for over 50 years I have some experience with clubs and interest groups. I belong to HOG (Harley Owners Group) and have been very active locally and have attended many national events over the years. HOG is dealer based in that Chapters have a sponsoring Dealer. I have belonged to three local chapters at one time. Hog has monthly meetings, club rides and many events each year. Christmas toy rides, Halloween Hayrides, Poker Runs, just a few of the many events generated. HOG has a Newsletter/Magazine. Most of HOG rides have a charity aspect wherein event profits go toward various charities. I know Can Am is just starting out in the community aspect but they would do well to get to know the HOG organization and it's setup.

HOG is non political-------charity based, fun based, safety based, but above all it's riders gathering to enrich the experience for all.

I look forward to watching BRP grow with this exciting product!