MoGang: PLEASE move Spyderfest to MAY

[Captain Fin]

Interest

spyderfest is spyderfest and mogang won't be doing it in paradise! however, captain fin--- maybe you could put together keylargofest and we'll have another excuse for more fun!!!:thumbup:

The best time to come here and play is December thru April and I know by the posts that I see in the winter that those up North would love to have a break from the cold. Those that are interested can let me know what month would be best and I will see what we can do here at the resort to accomodate everyone. It could be a Spyder Winterfest with trips to Key West, Florida Everglades and other nearby points of interest. Let me hear from those that are interested. I think we are a big enough group that we could have a Spyder Winterfest in the Winter and Spyderfest in the Spring. I would like for everyone to experience the beauty of the Keys.

 

[MouthPiece]

A bushel of spinach leafs weighs a whole lot less than a bushel of corn. I'm not one to weigh my pound of corn in another's bushel. (cornfused?)

Chris

 

[1551retired]

Dear Len and MoGang members: I am thoroughly tired of the April showers in Missouri (or was it Misery?)...how about trying for the May flowers instead (as the childhood rhyme goes)? Those of us not used to the cold could better acclimate to the weather in May...the time between Mother's Day and Memorial Day would work well (i.e. May 14 - 17). It wouldn't be too close to the Owners Event. Or consider moving Spyderfest to the fall. We could enjoy fall foliage and some great riding. It was a bummer to be in the Ozarks and get very little Spyder riding in.

Thank you for saying what I've been thinking for several years. I have not gone to the event simply because it's still cold in April. Late May would be ideal. You can't do anything about rain but there's a much better chance it will be warmer and no snow in late May.

 

[dmdahnert]

Coming from northern IL, we expect it might be a bit chilly in April but then again, at the end of April it may be hot as well. It's known as spring in the midwest! Last year it was 91 degrees as we rode through St. Louis ad of course this year it was raining and about 50 degrees. It is what riding is all about. If you want to ride, you put up with some of mother nature's little quirks. Yes, my partner spent Friday in the motel room while I rode around Springfield investigating. It may not be enjoyable to ride in rain but it is a lot safer on 3 wheels for sure. Len and the MoGang have pulled together an astonishing event and I can only begin to thank them over and over for all they do.:clap:You get into May and it is mother's day, graduations and Memorial day. Come the fall, well an early fall can bring just as much rain and cold as a late spring. I've rambled enough but I am happy with the current timeframe and will attempt to make the next Spyderfest as well if at all possible!

Diana

 

[Desert Spyder]

I LOVE SF! They should make a t-shirt (please include the plus sizes next year) saying this with a great + size Spyder in back.

Springfield was great! Why there's more traffic in the rain the sun I will never know. And I never saw one city bus. Are they there? The city is basically laid out in a grid pattern which explains the grid lock in places. Just when I figured how to get around the place without a navigator I have to leave. I have never seen so many places to eat in my life! A lot of hospitals too for a town of 150,000. Is there a connection between hospitals and food I wonder?

The road to Branson is awesome! Didn't go on any group runs. Only did the passport. Maybe when the groups are broken down in groups of 10 or so I might consider it. Very hard to group rookies and experienced people properly, if there is such a way. You would need 20 guides for one run.

The magic of SF is not the ryde or the weather. Its the people. Give me Spyderfest or give me Sturgis! And I chose the fest. In April.

 

[bullant12]

Poll created

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...en-would-you-like-to-see-Spyderfest-Happening

I just created a poll so that we Spyderlovers can have an idea of what the average SL and SF participant would like to see this happening.

As I stated on the thread, this is in NO WAY to submit a petition to Len and/or MoGang to change the date. This is to see what the people think. This is Len and the MoGang's call so please respect their decisions. They work very hard on doing all this and they know the area better than any one of us, so there is a reason behind why they picked the date.

 

[Firefly]

I'm not seeing a poll set up on that link??? Good idea

 

[NancysToy]

I'm not seeing a poll set up on that link??? Good idea

It shows up for me.

 

[boomboom1]

Weatherand other Spyderfest thoughts........

For me the weather greatly reduced my enjoyment of the event. Cold and rain are not a good mix. Scheduling a few weeks later would not guarantee good weather, but it would most certainly increase the probability of better weather. After having lived in Florida for the last 50 years, my body can just not take the cold and rain. I understand that hotel prices would go up some, but I would rather pay more for a hotel room and not be miserable. None of the above is intended to be critical, but frankly, I would not be willing to drive over 1,100 miles to the event and roll the dice on the weather again. The MO GANG is to be commended for the volunteer hours that they put in. I am impressed that volunteers can pull off an event of this magnitude. I am sure that it took a great deal of work and planning. I went on the ride on Thursday. I thought the ride leader, and other ride captains did a great job of controlling a group of that size. The scenery in the area was beautiful. I just wish that I could have seen more of it. One minor complaint was the food quality. I definitely think the food needs to be upgraded. Perhaps that could be accomplished by charging the vendors a higher fee to attend. Thanks again to all of the volunteers.

 

[lookerjdc]

sure, the weather could have been better, but no one (at least not that we know of) controls the weather

sure, would have preferred more ryde time

but, as I have said in another post, it was WONDERFUL to have spent time with and met all the Spyder Ryders that stayed at the Best Western - we had nightly conference room sessions that I'm sure drove the non Spyderfest guests a little crazy...... lol

and with the rain, Pitbull was overrun and I again would like to thank Len, Eric, and the rest of the Pitbull crew and MoGang folks for doing a great job in less than great circumstances

Hawaii anyone? lol...... it rains a lot there also

 

[bullant12]

sure, the weather could have been better, but no one (at least not that we know of) controls the weather

sure, would have preferred more ryde time

but, as I have said in another post, it was WONDERFUL to have spent time with and met all the Spyder Ryders that stayed at the Best Western - we had nightly conference room sessions that I'm sure drove the non Spyderfest guests a little crazy...... lol

and with the rain, Pitbull was overrun and I again would like to thank Len, Eric, and the rest of the Pitbull crew and MoGang folks for doing a great job in less than great circumstances

Hawaii anyone? lol...... it rains a lot there also

Every time I go to Florida (and I go at least once a year), it rains... no matter what part of the state!!

 

[donnellpj]

I didn't make the trip to Spyderfest this year, and I regret it, but I will tell you this, and its already been said here... weather is something that is out of everyone's control.

Some of us from the MD Spyder Web took a ryde a couple weekends ago, and although the outlook was good, it turned out to be very cold! Most of us dressed in layers thinking we would be shedding gear by noon that day, but it just never warmed up, so by 3pm, it was freezing and we were all got caught off guard.

The ryde home at 9pm was in mid 30's temps (plus the windchill), and we were in warm weather ryding gear,... those things happen sometimes on a bike, especially this time of year. all you can do is plan as well as you can, and hope to have a good outcome.

Having said all that, I wouldn't have traded that day for anything! We had a great time. Great ryde, good sunshine for the most part, and awesome company! This is why we ryde, the people.

Like Tanshanomi said, I would take a cold rain over a tornado or a driving thunderstorm any day! ... /shudder,... When life hands you lemons, you have choices,... I do my best to make lemonade when I can. I'll be in MO next year come hell or high water, and I can't wait to see you all again!

Ryde safe! --P

 

[krzychick]

From a VENDORS VEIW POINT, super idea !!!!!

Hey KRZY CHICK here, Rivco Products would love that as well...the 2 weeks in between Mother's Day and Memorial Day....there are NO other Rally's on our calendar, so it may be something we could atleast take into consideration:chat: for next year ????HURRAY ANOTHER VENDOR:yikes::2excited: !!!!! anyways...I do hope they think about it, I did hear weather was lousy, so chances are May would be a WIN, WIN, for Rivco anyway...thanks for thinking this 1 up !!!!!KRZY CHICK






QUOTE=DocRags;612566]Dear Len and MoGang members: I am thoroughly tired of the April showers in Missouri (or was it Misery?)...how about trying for the May flowers instead (as the childhood rhyme goes)? Those of us not used to the cold could better acclimate to the weather in May...the time between Mother's Day and Memorial Day would work well (i.e. May 14 - 17). It wouldn't be too close to the Owners Event. Or consider moving Spyderfest to the fall. We could enjoy fall foliage and some great riding. It was a bummer to be in the Ozarks and get very little Spyder riding in.[/QUOTE]

 

[jthornton]

Hey KRZY CHICK here, Rivco Products would love that as well...the 2 weeks in between Mother's Day and Memorial Day....there are NO other Rally's on our calendar, so it may be something we could atleast take into consideration:chat: for next year ????HURRAY ANOTHER VENDOR:yikes::2excited: !!!!! anyways...I do hope they think about it, I did hear weather was lousy, so chances are May would be a WIN, WIN, for Rivco anyway...thanks for thinking this 1 up !!!!!KRZY CHICK

krzychick, May is the wettest month of the year in Springfield Mo by far. Why would you want more rain?

I think the amount of rain we got in April was just the right amount...

JT

 

[Kratos]

Putting in another two cents worth. I can totally appreciate the time schedule of late April. May does start the "real beginning" of tourist season in the Ozarks. And the beginning of riding season. And having tried to plan events in May, it is next to impossible without the tourist aspect---ie, Mother's Day, Proms, Graduation, end of school activities etc. And April is perfect timing, even if the weather doesn't always cooperate. Mother Nature is fickle and the last weeks has proven that---rain one day, chilly temps another, sunburns the next. I think everyone who is posting "moving" Spyderfest needs to step up! I think first you have to find an AWESOME dealership like Pitbull and Len to be your MAJOR sponsor, and find a group of people who work as hard as MOGANG to put it together and work their keesters off making sure it is a success. I just want to say I am appreciative, and we have to take what mother nature dishes out.
I rode home to Oklahoma yesterday, rain and cold, and almost all the clothes in my saddle bags to keep warm, and today rode in shirt sleeves. Come on, Spyderlovers, quit the belly achin' and appreciate what we have been privileged to share!

Excellent point about graduation, prom, mother's day, etc........ this is hands down the strongest argument against moving it to May.

 

[krzychick]

Hi JT

I was replying more on the fact that oooooh if it were moved to May yippie,:clap: we could maybe squeeze it into the crazy Rivco Rally schedule. Trust me we don't book our Rallys that we go to around rainy seasons... or can we control the weatherray:, maybe in the future? Ya never know with the way technology has become ???? How nice that would be hey????? KRAZY CHICK

krzychick, May is the wettest month of the year in Springfield Mo by far. Why would you want more rain?

I think the amount of rain we got in April was just the right amount...

JT

 

[krzychick]

WOW

What a beautiful photo....and that is a super duper idea, to do some type of Winterfest.getaway, doesn't have to be a Rally, I know as being a Vendorbilly, that's a looooong way to go, and Semi travel is dangerous coming from WI.during the winter months. But hey as a fun getaway with fellow SPYDERLOVERS, nice,..especially in the Keys WOW...it's been tooooo long since I have been, but I have great memories of a GREAT PLACE....KRAZY CHICK

The best time to come here and play is December thru April and I know by the posts that I see in the winter that those up North would love to have a break from the cold. Those that are interested can let me know what month would be best and I will see what we can do here at the resort to accomodate everyone. It could be a Spyder Winterfest with trips to Key West, Florida Everglades and other nearby points of interest. Let me hear from those that are interested. I think we are a big enough group that we could have a Spyder Winterfest in the Winter and Spyderfest in the Spring. I would like for everyone to experience the beauty of the Keys.

 

[GuitarPlayer]

I couldn't be at this year's Spyderfest for a variety of reasons. It sounds like that some people let the weather and other things get to them, and most everyone else dealt with what happened and had a good time anyway. It also sounds like the MoGang did a fabulous job in organizing an event with over 800 Spyders at a completely new venue in just 5 months. Except for the MoGang, does anyone know how hard that is? Then you've got a dealer who in my humble opinion is nuts trying to sponsor such an event, while opening up a new building and dealership, and move from one side of Missouri to the other. And some people complain that the weather wasn't perfect like they expected the organizers to control the weather along with everything else. Like people said in posts before this one, if Spyderfest didn't meet your expectations this year, don't come next year. My hat's off to everyone who was a part of organizing and running Spyderfest. You have a lot to be proud of. :bowdown:

I don't care when Spyderfest is in 2014. All I know is that if it's possible, I plan on being there. After I get through traveling to Maggie Valley this year for the Owner's event, traveling to Spyderfest next year will be a breeze.

Tony

 

[jthornton]

Hi krzyckick

I was replying more on the fact that oooooh if it were moved to May yippie,:clap: we could maybe squeeze it into the crazy Rivco Rally schedule. Trust me we don't book our Rallys that we go to around rainy seasons... or can we control the weatherray:, maybe in the future? Ya never know with the way technology has become ???? How nice that would be hey????? KRAZY CHICK

I think it is more fun to just wake up then stick your head out the window and pull a quarter out of your pocket... about as accurate as you can get in Missouri.

JT

 

[kinggeek]

DITTO!

:agree: But I will be there whenever it is.

J. D.

DITTO!