Smoky Mountain Spyder Rally this past weekend.

[maliamd]

I attended last year and was very disappointed with the lack of organization. I knew something was terribly wrong when he charged $35.00 a piece for tacos AND ran out of food!! After the event I warned people about Larry and his questionable business ethics. Some people chose to believe while others did not. I have zero tolerance for people who are dishonest. Good riddance Larry and don't let the door hit you in the rear on your way out.

 

[blacklightning]

If that is all you need then I am suggesting that you organize something just like that yourself.

No problem! If no one has anything scheduled in the area by mid July, I will definitely be organizing something for the fall. But just for the ones who like to ride and enjoy just being in the company of other spyder owners. Not for people who expected too much, got taken advantage of, and then whine about how they were not treated fair. I feel sorry for those who were taken advantage of, but when the inflated prices started flying after what was advertised as a "free rally", I would have pulled out. BTW, maybe I missed it, but I was never asked for any money for this event. We just booked our room and showed up. If anyone should be pissed, it should be the vendors that paid too much for their spot.

 

[JayBros]

Being new to the Spyder game and having had a fun time at Spyderfest where I met a bunch of real great folks, I saw the prices for all the options, except for fresh NC mountain air, I just chalked is off as too commercial for my liking. Yes, I missed meeting some other Spyder riders, particularly Tar Heels, but there will probably be other opportunities to do so.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

No problem! If no one has anything scheduled in the area by mid July, I will definitely be organizing something for the fall. But just for the ones who like to ride and enjoy just being in the company of other spyder owners. Not for people who expected too much, got taken advantage of, and then whine about how they were not treated fair. I feel sorry for those who were taken advantage of, but when the inflated prices started flying after what was advertised as a "free rally", I would have pulled out. BTW, maybe I missed it, but I was never asked for any money for this event. We just booked our room and showed up. If anyone should be pissed, it should be the vendors that paid too much for their spot.

Exactly, you were never asked for any money because you didn't attend his event, you attended the event that arose from other's experiences last year.

 

[Deer Slayer]

I would like to see a return to Robbinsville, NC. Robbinsville in the intersection of the greatest rides in the USA. There is room and a great visitors center in Robbinsville for assistance. I wish the new folks all the best. I hope the time is the same, as the Fall colors just knock ya boots off. :cheers:

 

[TommyBwell]

I Appreciate what you are saying but I don't think the venue was an issue at all. Robbinsville is great but I much prefer the more isolated and beautiful surroundings of Fontana. I know a lot of people stayed in Robbinsville and commuted but I loved my room at Fontana. I have done stayed there many times and will definetley stay there again. The breakfast bar did suck though.

 

[Lady Lamonster]

I usually try to stay out of all negative postings about people/events but I do have to chime in on this one. Chef you are spot on about the SITS events. I loved meeting all the people, loved the weather and great riding but the event organizer scammed a lot of people out of money. BRP gave this man $10000 to help out with this event and he probably made a good $7000 or more for the entertainment tickets he made us buy to get the "free meal" ticket from BRP. In case you were not there the 4 man band supposedly backed out at the last minute...yet he could not give us a refund because he is filing a lawsuit against the band. Slim Shady he is! All I can say is shame on him for claiming to be all God like and then steal money from good people such as the Spyder community. Don't let this one event keep you from others. I've been to a lot since 2008 and have never been disappointed with the organization until this one. There are good, hard working people out there, such as Lamont, that does events for the love of the product and the people who buy them. I would shoot an email to BRP and let them know how we were scammed and I even filed a dispute with Paypal. I doubt if I get my money back, but if enough of us bother Paypal, maybe they will at least remove his business from their services.

I believe this says it all. It would be hard for any event to fail in that area of the country. I'm so sad people are feeling duped out of their money and expectations in what should have and could have been a memorable event. After Larry's other event earlier in the Spring I can't say I'm surprised. Please, to those of you who attended a rally for this first time, this is not normal at any other rally or event. Don't judge future events on this experience.

 

[JacqueTanis]

We went last year and had a fabulous time - because we hung out with current and new GOS friends, didn't attend any over priced events and had our meals in the restaurant - just like Larry. Mmmmhmmm, while his guests were outside freezing and eating overpriced Taco's he was inside the restaurant enjoying a nice warm meal with a group of his friends. No, we won't attend any functions he's associated with but we sure had fun with with our GOS buddies ...

 

[SpyderDuck]

Poor Larry. Ride leaders DID show up; I was one of them. We did lead Thursday's ride. He probably got his drawers in a wad because we couldn't lead every ride. Regina's bike desperately needed alignment, so that is what we did Friday morning. My sister Regina is taking over the rally, but because Larry 'owns' so many website names, we have to think of a new one. That's another thing - he wanted Gina to 'buy him out'. That's something else that he is probably pissed about. That was a big no. I really could not think of what she would get for her money, and neither could anyone else. Maybe a few jackets?

We might suck at this. We might suck badly. But we don't want to make one darned dime, and we will improve with experience.

You know, I have tried and tried to give Larry the benefit of the doubt, and have been nice to him despite the money irregularities (I figured that I could choose what I would pay for), but him saying that NO ride leaders showed, after we led a ride that neither of us had been on, and him wanting money for this proposition, I am done. We actually found out that the rally was being 'given' to Gina when everyone else did. Later, she was asked for money, and to lay a little guilt trip on her, he said that he would leave the amount to be paid between her and god. Yep, I am done.

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[Chef G]

Let me know how I can help

With 30 years of hotel, event planning and foodservice experience, I am sure I can contribute in some way. Thanks for responding to my post. Thanks to everyone! Great group! Can't wait to meet more of you.

 

[Roadster Renovations]

Screw Larry. Ride leaders DID show up; I was one of them. We did lead Thursday's ride. He probably got his drawers in a wad because we couldn't lead every ride. Regina's bike desperately needed alignment, so that is what we did Friday morning. My sister Regina is taking over the rally, but because Larry 'owns' so many website names, we have to think of a new one. That's another thing - he wanted Gina to 'buy him out'. That's something else that he is probably pissed about. That was a big hell no.

We might suck at this. We might suck bad. But we don't want to make one darned dime, and we will improve with experience.

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That is awesome!! You need to start a new thread and ask for names!! And completely divorce Larry from everything. In fact, he should be banned from any further events. Kathy and I are excited that Regina is taking over!! Again, offer her our help in any way we can!! I think that as long as Count Larry aka "Vendor Vampire" is out of the picture, the event there will still be successful, regardless of what it's called.

 

[Lamonster]

I have mostly stopped POSTING....However - for this ...I ALMOST went to it....but after reading the " fine print " and remembering that this was the same person who Engineered the " MYRTLE BEACH " fiasco. I decided not to.. And I'm very glad I didn't because after what you and others have said .....my fears were verified I hope BRP gets the reviews on this failure " EVENT "..............Don't be turned off by this experience, it is definitely not the NORM...........and I hope in the future Lamont refuses all advertising of anything this individual promotes....... jmho ..Mike :thumbup:

I've been refusing him for 5 years now. He's been booted off this site under various names for this very reason and more. I'm sorry some did not have a good time but you got to love the riding in that area and the Spyder owners who show up apart from the event.

My BBQ was tied into the events in this area and the last BBQ we had at my place fed 650 people and there was no charge, all donations. I was just asked to promote another event there next year but it would be hard not living there now but I am considering it.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Poor Larry. Ride leaders DID show up; I was one of them. We did lead Thursday's ride. He probably got his drawers in a wad because we couldn't lead every ride. Regina's bike desperately needed alignment, so that is what we did Friday morning. My sister Regina is taking over the rally, but because Larry 'owns' so many website names, we have to think of a new one. That's another thing - he wanted Gina to 'buy him out'. That's something else that he is probably pissed about. That was a big no. I really could not think of what she would get for her money, and neither could anyone else. Maybe a few jackets?

We might suck at this. We might suck badly. But we don't want to make one darned dime, and we will improve with experience.

You know, I have tried and tried to give Larry the benefit of the doubt, and have been nice to him despite the money irregularities (I figured that I could choose what I would pay for), but him saying that NO ride leaders showed, after we led a ride that neither of us had been on, and him wanting money for this proposition, I am done. We actually found out that the rally was being 'given' to Gina when everyone else did. Later, she was asked for money, and to lay a little guilt trip on her, he said that he would leave the amount to be paid between her and god. Yep, I am done.

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I wish you the best of success, as Lamont said it is hard to have an event fail in such an awesome area for riding. Just as Spyderfest has the MOGang you need to recruit a TN/NCGang to help you with your event. :clap:

 

[pwm]

Although work often gets in the way, I will help how ever I can Lamont

 

[Lamonster]

Although work often gets in the way, I will help how ever I can Lamont

Thanks. I still have three boys that live near by so that would be another good excuse for doing it. We did have a some great times :doorag:

 

[blacklightning]

Exactly, you were never asked for any money because you didn't attend his event, you attended the event that arose from other's experiences last year.

I don't understand the above statement. I attended what was announced as a free spyder event that was held in my area. As I see it, if there was an official dinner or something there could be a charge, but I am not about that anyway. So, with anything else, look before you leap and things will work out. Sorry this situation got you so upset. BTW, did you even attend?

 

[blacklightning]

Thanks. I still have three boys that live near by so that would be another good excuse for doing it. We did have a some great times :doorag:

I didn't get my spyder until september of 2014, but after meeting and talking to you for the brief while in maggie valley this past june, I am sure any event you put together will be a success. Even though I am in the middle of the state, I would help any way I physically can to make the event a success.
BTW, thanks again for letting me test out your F3.

 

[bruiser]

That's another thing - he wanted Gina to 'buy him out'.

The nerve of him. But not surprising.

 

[maliamd]

I am so pleased to hear that people are offering to help in organizing another event in the Smokies. Count me in. I live in Maggie Valley during the summer and fall months so I am very familiar with the area, the great rides, and its ammentities.

 

[Cavman]

When someone gives their 'testimony' and then minutes later for the lame hairy man contest, ask the ladies to remove their shirts, that just showed me he's not what he said he was. :lecturef_smilie:
Somehow I ended up with two each of the concert and dinner tickets for Saturday night? His website for the event was not computer dummy proof and confusing.
The vendors were nice but then I don't go to buy stuff but to see the area and do some riding.
The prices asked for lodging at the event were way above what I was willing to pay. I stayed at the Tumbling Waters Campground about 19 miles away. I looked forward to returning to the campground each day/night to socialize with the other campers. My heated cabin was $40 a night too. I plan to return and stay there sometime soon when they open back up next Spring. Great bunch of folks I met there and that run the place!
I was pretty disappointed with the event but went ONLY because BRP was supposed to be there? The BRP reb bain out early we were told.
Because I had a registration number under a certain number, I got a BRP Event pin for the event.
I was told that the guy in charge ran a poor event but I took a chance anyway. I won't pay to attend that event again.