SPYDERFEST 2018

[Ryan12]

First Fest

I too was disappointed with Spyderfest. I also was expecting a lot more. As this is only my 3rd rally. 1st was BBB Fayetteville, 2nd Sturgis. SO as I read all this info from everyone I will have to say A BIG THANK YOU for all that put this on. My goal Thurs was to get an appointment for Laser Alignment but Squared Away was Squarely gone. S0 I picked up some LED headlights. The T shirts were pretty picked thru by the time I got there. On a budget so a host hotel was out and I think that was my mistake. Sounds like I would have had a better time at a host hotel. I don't know if they had a big party room or not but it would have been nice if this kind of info was known before hand. 1st thought was never again, but now I am saying maybe next year will be better.

 

[Buckeye Bleau]

It is hard for me to believe some of this conversation, there seems to be far too much finger pointing.

First, I may be the most non-political person on this site. But I do still remember my mother teaching me, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all!" That is just being a good and grcaious human being, it has nothing to do with political correctness.

I am close to someone else that was VERY unhappy about a few thing at the FEST and she made it very public on social media, that is just acting out, if you have criticism, direct it to the party or parties involved, not broadcast from the rooftops! That behaviour is just a means of self aggrandizement, so pat yourself on the back and take a bow.

I had issue with some things but then I too can find the negative in everything, I just prefer to focus on the positive, then I have a better attitude. I hqd to laugh at many of these posts, one person compared Spyderfest to his trip to Sturgis, really that was your expectation?

Anyway, enjoy the colors and the situations that you encounter, dwelling on the shortcomings will only ruin your day!

Joe

 

[Wildrice]

Guess you were holed up in you room when a great band played before the drive-in movie at the Springfield Pitbull. You missed it. Too bad. It's easier to complain than to do something about it.

About political correctness... I know there are hidden handicap and overt handicap people. The gentleman you didn't meet had problems navigating. He just needed to ask, and MoGang would have helped him.

Very sorry you only talked to one person while you were at Spyderfest. I said 'hello' to some people and they acted like I was offending them, or they just ignored me. Maybe you were one of those?

Really thinking your phishing to keep this thread alive...

"All they have is vendors, a concert at night, bike exhibition, and a demonstration during the day." A concert at night has turned into "One Band Played before a drive in movie".

"Very sorry you only talked to one person" Actually I talked to a lot of people.

" I said 'hello' to some people and they acted like I was offending them, or they just ignored me"
Maybe those people just recognized a BS'r---everyone I said hello to or talked with were very pleasant people--no one ignored me. Plus how would you possibly know where I was or what I was doing?

Don't get me wrong---I like good quality BS--unfortunately your's don't fall into the Good Quality category.

Everything I say is the truth--not so with you. This is my last post on this topic. Your BS is getting higher than my boots.
Adios Yazz

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I too was disappointed with Spyderfest. I also was expecting a lot more. As this is only my 3rd rally. 1st was BBB Fayetteville, 2nd Sturgis. SO as I read all this info from everyone I will have to say A BIG THANK YOU for all that put this on. My goal Thurs was to get an appointment for Laser Alignment but Squared Away was Squarely gone. S0 I picked up some LED headlights. The T shirts were pretty picked thru by the time I got there. On a budget so a host hotel was out and I think that was my mistake. Sounds like I would have had a better time at a host hotel. I don't know if they had a big party room or not but it would have been nice if this kind of info was known before hand. 1st thought was never again, but now I am saying maybe next year will be better.

I don’t know what time you got there on Thursday but we were there from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. We started a little late on Thursday due to the rain but we were there, and busy all day. Our banner was up with our phone number on it so you could have called.

And please do not try to compare ANY Spyder event to Sturgis or BBB. The attendance at Sturgis is a number that is close to the TOTAL number of Spyders ever sold. So unless every Spyder on the planet were to come to Spyderfest, you would have been disappointed. EDIT: The attendance at Sturgis in 2017 was 480,000 people. It was at Spyderfest in 2015 or 2016 when BRP delivered the 100,000th Spyder.

The Courtyard Marriott had an awesome courtyard with a huge gas fire and tons of seating. It was the gathering place every night.

 

[flamingobabe]

Spyderfest is a small group of volunteers...who all have real jobs and no one gets paid.....Pitbull gave away 3 Freedom trailers....basically made $10 off of registration.....10 X 600 (or more...not sure of the head count) = $6000......that covered 2 trailers.....plus all the drinks....the burgers and brats.....t-shirts for staff and MoGang...the different bands...electricity...and the list goes on and on.....difficult to compare to BBB or Sturgis....the budget is completely different.....as far as the rides go...one year you plan organized rides...few show up...next year you have fewer organized rides and people are unhappy....flip a coin....personally I think staying at one of the host hotels is best cause you see the same people everyday and more likely to start a friendship......and the Marriott Courtyard had a wonderful fire pit...lots of seating....had a bar...or allowed you to have your own drinks....when more people came to visit...there were more chairs brought out so everyone had a seat.....I had a fabulous time....hope y'all try to come next year...it will be the 10th anniversary...if should be epic.....be there or be square

 

[flamingobabe]

As I understand it, you must be present at the dinner Saturday night to win the trailer?

That is correct...had to be present to win....there were some really excited winners....even for the small stuff....

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

PRESENT OR ?????

As I understand it, you must be present at the dinner Saturday night to win the trailer?

Yes and three people who weren't at the Dinner... WON.... trailers but didn't get them because they weren't present. So other numbers were picked ...... Mike :thumbup:

 

[jchawkjr]

So out of a weeks worth of activities, I may have missed out on a trailer because I couldn't attend this one event? Paid my money like everyone else. Next year, I'm out.

Yes and three people who weren't at the Dinner... WON.... trailers but didn't get them because they weren't present. So other numbers were picked ...... Mike :thumbup:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

So out of a weeks worth of activities, I may have missed out on a trailer because I couldn't attend this one event? Paid my money like everyone else. Next year, I'm out.

Oh come on! Almost every raffle requires you to be present to win, including most other Spyder events. 3 people who attended the dinner won.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

Sure, but it would have been nice to know that. I put my name and number on the little red ticket and that's all was said about it.

Didn't even "get the T shirt", got a $25 coupon for stuff that they were "out of".

Rode up to Bolivar and had to park in the dirt because they didn't think to park cars and trucks there.

More arts & craft flea market types than vendors.

Tried to talk to someone in pitbull parts and service for half an hour and gave up.

Come to think of it, I'm out of here too.

The only folks that did not enjoy it were the ones who did not try. Sorry if that offends you but it is what it is.

Cruzr Joe

 

[Tango]

The only folks that did not enjoy it were the ones who did not try. Sorry if that offends you but it is what it is.

Cruzr Joe

I enjoyed it, and I wasn't even there. :roflblack: Still waiting for my hat Joe. :dontknow: Tom :spyder:

 

[ndspyderlover]

the Spyderfest is like everything else in life. you get out of it, what you put into it. if i am given lemons I make lemonaid. this was my second year and I enjoyed myself. I went on solo rides and ate at my favorite places. I don't think anyone should be accountable for someones enjoyment.

 

[crazycanuck]

Sure, but it would have been nice to know that. I put my name and number on the little red ticket and that's all was said about it.

Didn't even "get the T shirt", got a $25 coupon for stuff that they were "out of".

Rode up to Bolivar and had to park in the dirt because they didn't think to park cars and trucks there.

More arts & craft flea market types than vendors.

Tried to talk to someone in pitbull parts and service for half an hour and gave up.

Come to think of it, I'm out of here too.

ok.....well.........................................Bye :trike:

 

[UtahPete]

Sure, but it would have been nice to know that. I put my name and number on the little red ticket and that's all was said about it. Didn't even "get the T shirt", got a $25 coupon for stuff that they were "out of". Rode up to Bolivar and had to park in the dirt because they didn't think to park cars and trucks there. More arts & craft flea market types than vendors. Tried to talk to someone in pitbull parts and service for half an hour and gave up. Come to think of it, I'm out of here too.

I have to wonder just what you were expecting to get out of the experience. Is it possible your expectations were unrealistic?

Also, are you often disappointed in others? Are you expecting others to entertain you, to help you enjoy yourself?

I've got a strong feeling Spyderfest is not the first time you have felt let down by an event.

 

[Elembytes]

My two cents worth of helpful criticism

This was our 6th Spyderfest. It was good but I do wish that Mogang and Pitbull understand that not everyone uses Social Media. There has to be better communication about the event(s).

The evening of Saturday at the VFW Post was poorly thought of. Not enough seats at all for the group. Some of us that don't stand up for long periods of time had no place to sit down other then the ground or on pallets that were stacked in the back.

When serving food to this many people and only having one line is ridiculous. Also allowing people to serve themselves makes that line go even slower. So we elected to NOT eat at Saturday night's event.

I know that Len said next year will be the 10th year and they are going to knock it out of the ball park according to him. This year things got caught up with opening a new location and moving the original store to the new location and also opening up another store in Joplin. So things got hectic.

I do agree that Spyderfest shirts etc., should have been at both locations, especially for the one's who didn't want to ride all the way back to the other location.

IT was a good event, was good to see old friends again and had no issues at the hotel we have stayed at for years. Would have liked to have seen more from BRP at this event. They weren't really making a presence this year for what reason I don't know. They had a couple of representatives there but we only knew of that when we heard it at the Saturday Night Dinner event.

Raffle tickets should be just one color, and names should be on them all. Reading numbers and different colors for different tickets was a nice idea but took a long time to do that part of things Saturday Night. Also, that should be done earlier in the evening, not so late after the sunset's as it's hard to see in the dark, and people with poor eyesight don't want to drive at night per say.

People are right it does take a lot to put something like this together and we will see what they do for next year. I hope MoGang can reach out to all of us to allow all of us to put our input in about things so they can improve as well. Overall though it was a good event and they did what they could. Thanks MOGANG and Pitbull Powersports!!!!!

For what it is worth, that is my two cents worth! Take it for what it is!

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Elembytes, the BRP crew was easy to pick out. They were anout the only 20 somethings in attendance! Not saying we are an old crowd but we are old!

Good feedback on the dinner. We got there late and were too tired to stand in line for food so we also ate elsewhere.

 

[pauly1]

This was our 6th SF (or maybe 7th). We've also worked at putting on other events on a local and national level with volunteer staff. We've learned to pick and choose what we're want to do, as there is plenty in thearea. We don't need to be entertained but certainly enjoyed what we attended. We took advantage to reconnect with friends we onlysee at SF, especially around the firepit at the hotel. Yes, this year was different, but the weather was fine.

Over the years we've given back (a little) to the event and rolled up our sleeves to help; see the second statement as to why. From that glimpse behind the scenes, there is a fine group of volunteers that make this event happen. We've been to Daytona twice: there is no personal attention or connection, unlike SF. Sturgis is just too big, and is about the party not the people.

For us, we will be back to SF 10, the best vote of confidence I can give.

Wayne

 

[Spyder_Cowgirl]

....personally I think staying at one of the host hotels is best cause you see the same people everyday and more likely to start a friendship......and the Marriott Courtyard had a wonderful fire pit...lots of seating....

Bingo … that is probably the best advice to anyone attending Spyderfest (or any event, for that matter)! If there is a host hotel, take advantage of the rates (usually negotiated lower for a group), and take in the full breadth of the event. Now, I have never been to Spyderfest, so I have no opinion one way or the other … but I do know, from personal experience, putting on an event such as this is no easy task. My hat is off to MOGANG for all they did this year, in past years, and will likely do next year! And with all that Pitbull had going on this year (new locations, moves, and such), it can't have been easy to provide the assistance that MOGANG simply must have.

As Prairie_Spyder (and others) have said … when MOGANG reaches out for comments and recommendations -- please take the time to respond (and no need to be nasty when you do). I am sure they will take it all in and work on making the event even better next year.

All the best …. Ann

 

[spyderCodes]

As stated elsewhere there were some divisive elements during this years' Spyderfest.
The community has grown and disagreements have developed.

Which is exactly what happens when interests begin to diversify.
And, when done in a competitive spirit, it makes everyone better off.
Better farkles, better prices and room for friendly arguments as to who offers the best.

It's too easy to lose sight of what our community is.
It hasn't been, and I hope it won't be, a purely market driven thing.
While this Spyderfest I wasn't at too many garherings, those that I did attend I had no trouble
finding folks to talk to.
I had great conversations ranging from belt tensioners, hyper expensive farm machinery and the best way tp prepare ribs for the barby.

I enjoyed this past SF and hope that our community can weather and grow with the changes that are inevitable by-products of growth and diversity.

As pointed out by SpyderAnne, most of us are of a certain mature age.
We all grew up, if not in the same area, the same relative time period.
We share that plus a passion for the odd three wheeled wonder from Quebec.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

This was our 6th Spyderfest. It was good but I do wish that Mogang and Pitbull understand that not everyone uses Social Media. There has to be better communication about the event(s).

The evening of Saturday at the VFW Post was poorly thought of. Not enough seats at all for the group. Some of us that don't stand up for long periods of time had no place to sit down other then the ground or on pallets that were stacked in the back.

When serving food to this many people and only having one line is ridiculous. Also allowing people to serve themselves makes that line go even slower. So we elected to NOT eat at Saturday night's event.

I know that Len said next year will be the 10th year and they are going to knock it out of the ball park according to him. This year things got caught up with opening a new location and moving the original store to the new location and also opening up another store in Joplin. So things got hectic.

I do agree that Spyderfest shirts etc., should have been at both locations, especially for the one's who didn't want to ride all the way back to the other location.

IT was a good event, was good to see old friends again and had no issues at the hotel we have stayed at for years. Would have liked to have seen more from BRP at this event. They weren't really making a presence this year for what reason I don't know. They had a couple of representatives there but we only knew of that when we heard it at the Saturday Night Dinner event.

Raffle tickets should be just one color, and names should be on them all. Reading numbers and different colors for different tickets was a nice idea but took a long time to do that part of things Saturday Night. Also, that should be done earlier in the evening, not so late after the sunset's as it's hard to see in the dark, and people with poor eyesight don't want to drive at night per say.

People are right it does take a lot to put something like this together and we will see what they do for next year. I hope MoGang can reach out to all of us to allow all of us to put our input in about things so they can improve as well. Overall though it was a good event and they did what they could. Thanks MOGANG and Pitbull Powersports!!!!!

For what it is worth, that is my two cents worth! Take it for what it is!

Some good points made...the food lines should have been multiple, more places to sit, and probably a big tent there at the VFW would have worked well. The drawing was painful and too drug out. I like the drawing in place of the auction though. Next year I would like to see Len draw tickets and the number he draws be put up on a big screen in the order that they get drawn. That way he could draw, announce the number once and put it up on the screen. If someone isn't there to pick up their winnings, then draw again after a certain time. I think the drawing ticked a lot of people off and a lot of folks got so frustrated that they left. But like I said, it was better than the auctions from years past. A lot of folks, ourselves included needed to load/pack up on Saturday evening and be on the road early Sunday. It would have been nice to wrap up the Sat event by 9pm. I enjoyed the whole week and plan to go back. Each year is different, some things improve, and others don't. Ya can't please everyone with everything