So what did you think of the BRP owners event?

[JJW SpyderRider]

My Spyder experience

This was my first Can AM Event and I was quite pleased. I know people were not happy about the cost of the hotel and the parking but the rack rate for that hotel is usually twice what we paid so I was ok with it. $30 for parking...unfortunately that's what happens when you get to a City like Chicago or New York.

Other than that, Can AM took us on a ride through the Gold Coast of Chicagoland, Let us play with all of their toys, fed us, and drove us around in air conditioned buses to the different locations. I had a great time meeting everyone at the event and appreciated the time that the Can AM Tech team took to look at an issue I was having with my spyder. I left with a few new friends, a few new ideas for mods on my SE5, and a bike that performed better than when I got there. I look forward to many more events in the future. :yes:

This was also my first Spyder event. I don’t have anything to compare it to but did have a good time all day. Meeting other owners was the greatest part! I was lucky enough to sit with a great group at lunch including Forrest :chat:. No rain but it was HOT.

I was in line prior to 9:00 and went through registration quickly making the first RT test ride group. I spent time with the BRP tech and he was able to help with all my questions. I was able to walkup for the ATV test rides, no delay or reservation. The Mexican food may have not been the best choice for everyone but I thought the food was great, but I do love Mexican food.

In the tech tent I was asked by a BRP rep what I liked about my Spyder and what I thought they needed to improve upon. He said that it was his function to get feedback from owners for future versions.

My biggest concern was the buses having to drive so close to those in line to register and around the cycles with everyone walking around.

 

[happyspyder2039]

I am a bit surprised by the amount and the strength of the sour grapes being expressed here about the event. I have not attended other Spyder events, but I have attended many similar things, and have helped organize them. Certainly BRP can learn something from our reactions, but let's consider toning it down a little, lest we sour them and kill these events for good.

Handing out criticism without complimenting what was done well is seldom useful. Balance is encouraging, heavy criticism is not. Perhaps what we need is a thread that does not dwell on this event, but tells what the ideal event would consist of for each of us. All I know is that I am appreciative of what BRP did, and I am disappointed that more people don't seem to feel that way. I know I am always out of step with the rest of the world, but am I that different?

In my experience, events of this nature often require the attendees to pay for the privilege, buy their own meals, or otherwise contribute. This was free, folks! Someone once told me never to complain about free food...or a free hat. I was one of the ones that would not pay downtown prices or ryde in downtown traffic, so I sympathize with those who preferred other accomodations, but remember that accomodations at any of these things are seldom orchestrated, except for staff, and other than a "meet & greet" there are seldom activities planned outside the main event. We are all free to chose the lodging of our choice, and I applaud Lamont for selecting a location so some of us could collect elsewhere. We could easily have been spread all over that huge city, if not for his efforts.

For the record, although not advertised or widely known, Kurt and Dick were running diagnostics all day at the display tent, and helped many a Spyder ryder. Nielsen's also had service specials at their nearby dealership that weekend, and their staff worked hard to accomodate those in need. I agree with BJT that Lamont and the others were previously honored, and it was nice to spread the recognition for others that have done their parts. On the other hand, I was surprised that the RT5 were not even mentioned...they did not need to be rewarded. As for parking, the guests have to work within the rules and desires of the host location, and I doubt the mansion would have cared for Spyders on the lawn. The recent rains made the parking lot sticky, but it was solid, and mud washes off. The lawn could have easily been deeper mud with a little traffic. None of ride trailer queens anyway. Even those that trailered a long distance to the event, rode to the mansion. We expect bugs on our windshields and mud on our tires as a result. Parking could have been marked or assisted, but that slows things down and requires even more volunteers. Perhaps BRP should consider recruiting some of us. Yes, it was a marketing event of sorts. I did not expect otherwise. Technical seminars and presentations would have been nice, but on what? Surely they can't be expected to dwell on flaws or failures. They don't encourage working on the Spyder yourself, and it is too complex for most of us to do so, anyway. They could have talked about mods, but no manufaturer recommends products by others, and to promote their own accessories would be additional marketing. I saw the expected PR, but I didn't sense any active marketing beyond the demos. They know we are already owners.

Once again, I want to thank BRP for hosting these annual get-togethers. I know of few manufacturers that would do so, beyond financial support or corporate attendance at someone else's event. BRP seems to be a bit surprised at the cult that has sprung up around the Spyder, but they are openly supporting and promoting it with events like these. I agree that constructive criticism is helpful for the future, but let's try to keep it light, so we don't throw the baby out the window with the bathwater. We want to encourage them to do it again in 2011!

That is well Said!
I know Lamont had got so peeved awhile back about all the Negative posts also. I did not get the oppertunity to go to the event this year due to work stuff. But I think it is great that BRP has started sort of a tradition.So lets not blow it. How Many car/truck Dealers do you know that do this sort of thing? Just something to think about.

 

[Longlegs]

I didn't mean to come off too negative about what was a great event. I am fully aware of what it costs to put on an event like this and if there was only 350 spyders there, that was pretty expensive when you put it in a per spyder basis. It's just that there was a few logistical things that really need to be rectified for this to grow into a fully enjoyable event. With the new RT I think it is likely to grow in size exponentially. And without any feed back I don't see how they can accomodate that kind of a crowd. Where else are they going to get feedback? I am concerned that a thread like this could escalate to a gripe session, but I think Lamont can keep us in line.

 

[wukka]

If I remember right you had to be talked into driving 200 miles to this event because it was in Chicago. I'm glad you and Nancy made it but if a guy who is a big fan of the Spyder has to be shamed into riding 200 miles to an a event that should say something right there. I agree that it's great that they put on these event's at no cost to us but I don't see this post nearing the sour grapes you posted about your RT. BRP is a big company and I'm sure they handle all the comments just fine and just like they have about the RT and will make changes accordingly. :doorag:

NancysToy was spot-on. There's constructive criticism, and then there's down-right b*tching. Like the old saying goes..."When they give out free money, some people will complain that the line is too long."

Nice slam, too.

 

[superfly3]

I think this was an overall good event:2thumbs: had alot of fun and would do it again but I wouldn't call it great though,there were some things they could have done better like mexican food in chicago? Just to name one.

 

[dave01]

I have finally recouperated from the event. Now for my observations of the event.
1. Registration for the BRP rides could have been done at the hotel the night before for those staying there. That would have shortened the line quite a bit.
2. The buses needed to be further away from the pedestrians. Sorry, but I was watching the bus drivers talk on cell phones while trying to navigate thru the tight crowds of Spyders and people. Not a good mix.
3. The setup for the watercraft was real nice. Where else can you have that many people take test rides on boats and pwc?
4. What a great dealership they had nearby. Nice donut and McDonalds breakfast they provided for us too!!
5. Would have loved to see a tent with all of the BRP options ( clothing, accessories, parts, etc ) in it for sale to us at dealer costs. Most events i go to for other products set up something like this.
6. BRP event shirts in place of the hats would have been nice to be able to purchase, with the date and places of the event on them.

Other than the long lines waiting to register and the need for some more seating to be able to eat, it was a good time. A few organized rydes would have been the icing on the cake, but the traffic in Chicago would not have allowed that.
Just my 02 cents though.

 

[xpeschon]

100 % in agreement about SethO. I made this comment right away at the event and each person agreed. Itshould not be about the mods you do, the money you spend or stuff like that. It should be about the people that ryde the Spyders no matter what obstacles they may have in front of them and those that promote the Spyder in an honest manner. That being said though, Congrats to those that did recieve recognition:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

Well spoken!!! 100 Percent agreed.. SethO you got my vote brother!! Not sure what the criteria was to recieve such an award but off the top of my head I'm thinking MILES and DEDICATION to Ride should have been a major part of it and SethO has clocked some miles for sure... I echo your comment once again though and do say "Congrats" to you all...

Joe
(X)

 

[Bootie]

Great Spyder Event

I agree with Lamont and the others that say this was a great event. IMHO Candlewood was one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in.:2thumbs: I would NOT have attended if the event had stayed in town at $170 + $30(parking) per Day. Thanks Lamont.
We really didn't need the buses but they were air-conditioned
Food was great
BRP Tech tent was good:thumbup:
Best of all was the networking with other Spyder Ryders in and around the parking lot at Candlewood.:2thumbs:
Loved Doc's Aerocharger:doorag:

 

[pitbull]

That is well Said!
I know Lamont had got so peeved awhile back about all the Negative posts also. I did not get the oppertunity to go to the event this year due to work stuff. But I think it is great that BRP has started sort of a tradition.So lets not blow it. How Many car/truck Dealers do you know that do this sort of thing? Just something to think about.

I'm With Lamont! If you have the money and your going to do it< Do it right! It cost alot of us, alot of time and money and vacation time, If it had not of been for Lamont and his planning ahead this event would not have been so great. We all get together to have fun and hang out and get the chance to ryde together......this event if had not been for him, as hard as it was to be together would have been even harder.......I think BRP can handle it, there a company that wants to be the best! No one bleeds more can than us. And yes theres alot of companys that do these event.......maybe not car companys as much.....but alot of motorcycle companys do. So if your going to do it do it right!:2thumbs: Thats the BRP way if your going to do it be the best !!!! quote from our BRP President! I think BRP really should have Honored Lamont at some point,he has done alot of work helping put us all togther and giving us a great place to hang out!!! so no sour grapes. Just R&D some good some bad but thats how it goes. BRP is the best and and so is SPYDERLOVERS, you guys rock! and thanks Jedd and setho and Dave and to the rest.

 

[canam9]

I had a great time. Picked up my RT from Even and Jody,
got to meet there wives and kids. Candlewood was nice.
My buddy was not feeling well so we had to go sooner then
we would have liked.:ani29: