I can't say thank you enough to the organizers and volunteers. I am riding up from Texas FOR THIS EVENT! And while I'm all about browsing vendor tents thinking I'll get a fantastic deal, the reality is you can get everything any other time; and what I'm driving 1,800 miles to come see are not vendors, but supposedly some of the best scenery in America! Now, for disclosure, I am getting a sway bar installed when I arrive, but that's only because it's convenient, not because I can't get it any other time and the price is the same.
So congrats to those involved and thank you. While I can empathize with those that are late to the registration and want to 'stop by', I can fully appreciate the logistics of such an endeavor, particularly at such a venue (GEL).
So, my only advice to those complaining... don't get negative, SpyderLovers is a fantastic community of folks that enjoy life! Embrace it and plan ahead next year, work positively with the planners and who knows, maybe some stand-by slots become available, or the venue allows it to expand... but be courteous and gracious. As a side-note, GEL was originally fully booked, and I went online in late July to see if they had any rooms available (cancellations, etc.). This was going to determine whether I went or not... and sure enough, they had rooms. So, stay positive, work with everyone and let's ride together like Spyders do!!
PS - Spydaman60, I like your stripes. I will want to talk to you about them when I get there!
Jon