Still fragmented
From a bird's eye perspective, the situation is that the Spyder ryding community is still evolving. SRA (Spyder Ryders of America) I believe was the first organization to attempt to bring some coherence to the fragmented local ryding groups so that a national organization could come about. SRA has its strongest presence, I think, in the western states, probably because it started in California. Another national umbrella organization has since started. This one is based in Florida and is called US Spyder Ryders (USSR). Right now I think they're about the same size in terms of number of chapters, but there are still many independent ryding groups, as evidenced by the one which helped me put on the Tombstone Ryde-In (Spyder Ryders of Southern Arizona).
Each of the national organizations has its own strengths and weaknesses and cultures. Any club or ryding group wishing to associate with a national organization should, I think, investigate both. In the end, and who knows when that will be, the two groups will merge or one will eclipse the other. When that happens, Spyder owners will have one dominant organization with the resources and market acceptance to be recognized by BRP and the dealer network as the 'official' Spyder Club, just as GWRA is the official Goldwing club. BRP will then be able to throw its considerable marketing resources behind one strong national (international?) organization just as Honda supports and legitimizes GWRA.
Another, related, issue is that of rallies. Spyder rallies currently are independent entrepreneurial enterprises. Some are sponsored by well-organized clubs (e.g. the Northern California Spyder Rally in September), some are sponsored by a strong, local dealer (I think there is a rally in Wisconsin or Michigan that falls in this category and maybe Spyder Fest does), others are owned by enterprising individuals as money-making ventures (e.g. the former Spyders in the Redwoods and Red Rock Spyder Rally). Currently, no rally that I know of is organized by either SRA or USSR, the national clubs.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out over the next few years. By the way, in case you're wondering, Spyder Ryde-Ins are a completely new breed altogether; they are a way for any local group or club to easily and economically put on a showcase Spyder event for Spyder enthusiasts as an addition or alternative to full-blown rallies.
In case you're wondering where I stand on this issue, it's this. I really like the fact that the Spyder ryding community is so diverse, entrepreneurial and evolving. I dread the day there is one umbrella organization, 'sanctioning' of events and so forth. The big corporate model is not for me.
Ryde on!
