WHO WENT TO SPYDERFEST?

[SpyderAnn01]

Pete--when there not much else happening people go shopping. I wish the event was in Utah--that's some of the most scenic land in the Country---only topped by Yosemite basin. Snow skied most of Utah--Dollar Mountain outside of Park City had the most upscale mid mountain dining area. Never saw Alaskan King Crab legs in a mid mountain lodge before.
Bryce Canyon Mountain Park was awesome. Interesting rock formations---everywhere.
Darrell

There was a rally in Utah the past two years. Did you go, or did you have problems with how it was organized too? Sounds like you need to put on a rally so we can all tell you just how badly it sucked.

[UtahPete]

There was a rally in Utah the past two years. Did you go, or did you have problems with how it was organized too? Sounds like you need to put on a rally so we can all tell you just how badly it ducjed.

To put on a rally I think takes a lot of motivation. Sometimes the motive is profit for the organizer. In the past, BRP has provided a generous subsidy, making it a more viable business proposition, but I understand last year they pulled that funding. Some rallies, like the one in St. GEORGE, were counting on that subsidy, which didn't materialize, leaving the organizer in a loss position. Some organizers, like NorCal, have had to increase fees and find other ways to make money. Others, like the Red Rock Rally, have folded their tents for good.

[UtahPete]

To put on a rally I think takes a lot of motivation. Sometimes the motive is profit for the organizer. In the past, BRP has provided a generous subsidy, making it a more viable business proposition, but I understand last year they pulled that funding. Some rallies, like the one in St. GEORGE, were counting on that subsidy, which didn't materialize, leaving the organizer in a loss position. Some organizers, like NorCal, have had to increase fees and find other ways to make money. Others, like the Red Rock Rally, have folded their tents for good.

Actually, anyone planning a rally as they are presently configured has to approach it as a business. And, that's the dilemma for organizers; how to provide the expensive services attendees demand (like food, entertainment and well-organized rides) at an affordable and attractive fee, without losing money? The only way to do that is with a horde of well-trained but unpaid volunteers. That is very difficult to achieve and sustain year after year.

It seems the larger, more successful and enduring rallies are the ones, like SpyderFest, which are organized and sponsored by a company, like Pit Bull, who can stand to take a hit on the gate proceeds because of the invaluable PR, exposure and direct business it generates for them. Those organizers don't need the BRP subsidy for the event to make economic sense for them.

It is much more difficult for individuals (like Spyders in the Redwoods and the Red Rock Spyder Rally) to make it work financially, and almost impossible without having to raise fees considerably. They are also heavily dependent upon willing and able volunteers, most of whom don't know each other and don't already function as a team.

For club-sponsored rallies like NorCal, the volunteer team is already in place and they have the benefit of having ridden and socialized together for a long time so they are already pretty motivated and organized.

[ARtraveler]

Actually, anyone planning a rally as they are presently configured has to approach it as a business. And, that's the dilemma for organizers; how to provide the expensive services attendees demand (like food, entertainment and well-organized rides) at an affordable and attractive fee, without losing money? The only way to do that is with a horde of well-trained but unpaid volunteers. That is very difficult to achieve and sustain year after year.

As one who has had some experience with small groups (15 or so), we can attest to there being a lot of work. For us, it was all about the fun of meeting people from all over the country. We had a more private event here--but would do it again in a heartbeat.

Coming up in 2020--Will be our STA: to Arkansas event.

So far--its looking like 50 plus are interested. We have a few who have already volunteered to help. At least one vendor--so far. And based on what I am seeing, there are at least 10 scenic rides in our immediate area. We are doing this for the fun, and not worried about the cost--so far.

[UtahPete]

As one who has had some experience with small groups (15 or so), we can attest to there being a lot of work. For us, it was all about the fun of meeting people from all over the country. We had a more private event here--but would do it again in a heartbeat.

Coming up in 2020--Will be our STA: to Arkansas event.

So far--its looking like 50 plus are interested. We have a few who have already volunteered to help. At least one vendor--so far. And based on what I am seeing, there are at least 10 scenic rides in our immediate area. We are doing this for the fun, and not worried about the cost--so far.

I'd definitely be interested in attending that. I'll be watching for details as the date approaches.

[Pirate looks at --]

Actually, anyone planning a rally as they are presently configured has to approach it as a business. And, that's the dilemma for organizers; how to provide the expensive services attendees demand (like food, entertainment and well-organized rides) at an affordable and attractive fee, without losing money? The only way to do that is with a horde of well-trained but unpaid volunteers. That is very difficult to achieve and sustain year after year.

It seems the larger, more successful and enduring rallies are the ones, like SpyderFest, which are organized and sponsored by a company, like Pit Bull, who can stand to take a hit on the gate proceeds because of the invaluable PR, exposure and direct business it generates for them. Those organizers don't need the BRP subsidy for the event to make economic sense for them.

It is much more difficult for individuals (like Spyders in the Redwoods and the Red Rock Spyder Rally) to make it work financially, and almost impossible without having to raise fees considerably. They are also heavily dependent upon willing and able volunteers, most of whom don't know each other and don't already function as a team.

For club-sponsored rallies like NorCal, the volunteer team is already in place and they have the benefit of having ridden and socialized together for a long time so they are already pretty motivated and organized.

https://norcalspyderrally.wixsite.com/ncsr. Thanks Pete, we like to think that we are pretty organized. The weekend of June 1st our 15 member committee will be heading up to the Oroville area to ryde the roads and finalize the rydes we hope you will enjoy. We will provide routes to those that want to do self-led rydes, and assign Road Captains to lead those that prefer a guided experience. We will publish those rydes after that meeting. We will pre-ryde them the week of the rally to insure that the road conditions have not changed. Most of us are ryding oriented so we want to give folks lots of options. I think this will be the best Nor-Cal Rally so come out and join us. BTW, we did increase our fees, but we do provide Meet and greet with food provided on Tuesday, a FULL breakfast on Wednesday, and a FULL dinner on Thursday, with patches, pins, and T-shirt included. Let's have some fun! Register soon!

[UtahPete]

https://norcalspyderrally.wixsite.com/ncsr. Thanks Pete, we like to think that we are pretty organized. The weekend of June 1st our 15 member committee will be heading up to the Oroville area to ryde the roads and finalize the rydes we hope you will enjoy. We will provide routes to those that want to do self-led rydes, and assign Road Captains to lead those that prefer a guided experience. We will publish those rydes after that meeting. We will pre-ryde them the week of the rally to insure that the road conditions have not changed. Most of us are ryding oriented so we want to give folks lots of options. I think this will be the best Nor-Cal Rally so come out and join us. BTW, we did increase our fees, but we do provide Meet and greet with food provided on Tuesday, a FULL breakfast on Wednesday, and a FULL dinner on Thursday, with patches, pins, and T-shirt included. Let's have some fun! Register soon!

Thanks for the link. Joe and Ann need to send you an updated picture - they each have different bikes now I think!

We'll soon be finalizing our plans for a tour of the Northwest, to include at least part of the NorCal event. Thanks for the reminder.