Ideas for next Owners Event

[dltang]

I didn't want to invade the thread for posting your thoughts on this years event so I started a new one. My mind has been filled with this idea since we were headed home so I thought I would post it. Others can also post their ideas. No guarantee any of these ideas will even be used, but we do know BRP reads our forum so maybe, just maybe they'll take our advice.

One of the main problems is getting all Spyder owners in the same place and having something to do to keep them occupied when they are not riding their spyders. My suggestion would be more for fellowship and meeting and socializing than anything else as there is no way we would get in some riding during the main part of the event. I think we should all meet in Miami or New York and take a one or two day cruise to no where. There would be great food, places where people could meet and socialize and play and all the owners would be there together. There is plenty of air conditioned space to have BRP presentations and in comfort to boot. We could even plan a formal dinner and dance night if anyone was interested. I don't get dressed up very often but it might me nice to see other SpyderLovers in a different kind of "full gear" The Casino on the ship would be available as well as dancing. I think we might actually get to supply a little fun for every one. I don't imagine a one night cruise to no where would be that much more expensive than one night at the Sheraton or the Castle in Quebec. I obviously don't have any details ironed out but just thought I would throw it out there. People can can it or expand upon it or just post your own new idea and see where this thread will lead us.

 

[Magic Man]

:2thumbs:

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks for starting this thread, Deb. We're not cruise fans, or big city fans, either. We'd probably avoid that one. We surprised ourselves with Chicago!

Our ideal would probably be an old-fashioned Spyder rally, much like the BMW and Goldwing folks do. A few days of camping (with nearby motels for those who prefer luxury), some good food, gathering together and conversation, some seminars or presentations (maybe they could bring some of their museum exhibits), and a vendor area. Show some movies in the evening, roast a pig (or seven). Add a few organized rides (maybe to a great restaurant for lunch) and some suggestions for "self-guided" tours. It works for the rest of the touring crowd, I think it would attract me.

 

[SpyderGirl]

I'd be more interested in an outdoors type of event, maybe with some camping.

I too am not interested in the big city events either. And something closer to the middle of the country would be nice.... Colorado or Wyoming is beautiful...

Just a thought.

 

[dltang]

Scotty I like that idea too. As long as there is enough food and places for everyone to socialize together. Something more Centralized is good too. As far as my Cruise idea, maybe out of a gulf port is south Texas would be easier. I like both camping and cruising. Scotty, have you ever been on a cruise? How can you not like it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Texmac1011]

Something west of the Mississippi would be nice although east is not out of the question. We would have gladly done the Smokies trip last year, if we had our Spyder earlier, with time to plan.

 

[Eraser]

How about in Canada?Maybe in Southern Alberta.Beautiful scenery and facilities that cater to all tastes.....we would love to show off our country a bit more....:2thumbs:

 

[Lamonster]

My idea for the next owners event is SpyderFest in Cuba. It has all thats good about a "owners Event" including location. :doorag:

 

[Roger]

here's a nice idea

and the best of both worlds Atlantic city, NJ their is camping i'am sure you got hotels, motels gambling and of coarse the beach of coarse i'am in favor of ny i wonder why?

 

[bjt]

I like both the cruise idea and the Cuba idea. I love cruises and the entire town of Cuba really showed us a good time this past spring.

 

[irish2themax]

This is a great thread, Deb.

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I thought BRP's choice of sites was terrible. True, they are in places with lots to do but I feel the downsides far outweigh the upsides...cost of hotel, meals, parking; traffic; etc. Consequently, I have not attended any and probably won't as long as this pattern continues.

IMHO "Spyders in the Smokies" and the recent Cowtown USA event were far superior events. I'd be up for Cuba as a national event except that I'd rather see that stay as "OUR" event and not have BRP muscle in on it.

There are literally thousands of places across this beautiful country that have the types of things that most would want to do at a fraction of the cost.

1. Southern Utah - Highways 12, 24, 89, 191, etc. Breathtaking scenery and several friendly small towns (though not many due to low population in the area)
2. States of Montana and Wyoming - All over. Lots of beautiful scenery, and nearly every town in the state is a small town; terrific rides through innumerable national and state parks.
3. Black Hills of South Dakota - Quite a few wonderful, historical, small towns (Lead, Deadwood, Keystone, etc.) and Mt. Rushmore, too.
4. Southern Colorado - Highway 160 has Durango (Durango & Silverton RR), Mesa Verde N.P., Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek Pass, and Alamosa (near Great Sand Dunes N.P. and Cumbres & Toltec RR). Lots of wonderful things to see along the way.
5. Northern Arizona - Rt. 66 "The Mother Road" Lots of history and beautiful scenery along the way.
6. State of Maryland - Baltimore/Annapolis area has numerous tourist attractions such as Baltimore: Inner Harbor; Fort McHenry; National Aquarium; Camden Yards; Fell's Point; innumerable quality restaurants; and CRABS!! Annapolis: US Naval Academy; Ego Alley; Segs in the City; innumerable quality restaurants; and CRABS!! Within an hour are GREAT rides: Catoctin Mountains with [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]twists and turns. The roads are all asphalt which are fairly well maintained; Gettysburg PA and Battlefield tour; Washington DC which is a memorable Spyder monument tour to include the White House; the Capitol Building; the Lincoln Memorial; the Jefferson Memorial; the Washington Monument, the Iwo Jima Memorial; Arlington National Cemetery (Kennedy graves...JFK, Bobby, and Ted; Tomb of the Unknowns); [/FONT]Holocaust Memorial Museum; Korean War Veterans Memorial; U.S. Navy Memorial; and numerous other historic sites.
7. Albuquerque NM - numerous inexpensive motels; some terrific Spyder trips: Route 66; Sandia Crest - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]loaded with hairpin turns as it climbs to the top of the Mountain[/FONT]; Old Town, "Sky City" Pueblo village; NM 337 through the Cibola National Forest;Indian Country Tour

All of these offer a variety of lodging (motels, hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds) and dining with plenty to keep people occupied during the day or at night and are considerably less expensive than major cities like LA or Chicago.

There is much to do in Canada as well and Eraser has already made a recommendation. I would add Quebec and British Columbia to the list.

I know that other members who know considerably more than I about their areas will have their own recommendations. Let's hear them!!

 

[Justin]

Should just keep it in Quebec. Every event would have over 300 Spyders and they have some of the best riding around.

 

[kentompkins]

I've been thinking about the issue of large Spyder "fests" since I read the many messages about the one on Cuba, Mo. I've also just read the posts on the Chicago Homecoming.

It seems to me that there is room for both types and that both serve real purposes (keep in mind that I was not at either event; I was registered for the Chicago event but decided not to go a few days before).

For me, the Cuba event was a "bottom-up" happening. As I saw it, folks began to plan some sort of meeting of Spyder owners in Cuba and it went from there. Again, for me, this has great appeal; it was planned by and for Spyder owners. Thus there were rides, parties, bbqs, dealer visits, etc. -- all of the things that we, as owners, would want.

The Chicago event seems like a "top-down" event. It seems not to have been organized by local folk, was short so that a whole series of activities that happened at Cuba didn't happen at Chicago and had, at least partly, the purpose of demonstrating new BRP products.

There certainly is nothing wrong with a top-down event though I suspect most of us would prefer something shaped from the bottom-up.

Finally, I suggest that what needs to happen is to help both types of events be better than they were. I'm sure improvements can be made to both and, I'll bet, those responsible for both groups would suggestions and the offer of help.

Just my $.02 from a great distance.

ken tompkins

 

[dragonheart]

I did not make it to the Chicago event for the mere reason it was in Chicago. Not that I didn't like Chicago when I was there - I was very impressed by the city and all it had to offer. BUT I did not go on my Spyder and would not have enjoyed maneuvering through the big city on my Spyder. Cost was also a factor in not participating this year - as Irishtothemax stated, the motels/hotels and meal costs are ridiculous in major cities. I don't go for the motel/hotel or the food - I go to meet new friends as well as see some sites. I went to L.A. last year for the excuse to visit out West. Met some great people at the event, but I could have done the same without the high cost of the hotel.

I missed the Cuba event (sadly) due to other commitments, but it sounds like it was more our speed.

For me - the simpler, the better. Jerry and I both love camping and we both love cruising (no better way to relax than have EVERYTHING provided for you). I love Scotty's description of next year's event and Deb's idea of a cruise (that one wouldn't have to be an Owner's Event, however).

Trying to get "centrally" located and keep everyone happy - wow, that will be a task. One big point would be to please give everyone sufficient notice to plan their vacations.

 

[frozenracoon]

i'd like to see this type of event designated as a SPYDER EVENT and of course welcoming others as well.
it would also be good to have it in central canada such as winnipeg. i may be considered a bit biased as i spent several years there and know we would be welcomed warmly. unfortunately there are problems with mosquitos. (considered by many as the official provincial bird!:joke
there are many inexpensive and good places to eat and one by the name of blondies if you like behemoth burgers.:yikes:
it's a bit flat but on a clear day one can see the city of regina (in saskatchewan):thumbup: good riding north of the city and to the west toward the north dakota manitoba border

give us cannoodlers a chance...we ARE polite and accomodating...

rob

 

[Spyderjuice]

I think BRP should avoid any of the big cities, and try a central location with lots of good riding opportunities, etc. The big cities are just a lot of traffic, noise, etc. I did not go to Chicago for that reason.

The cruise is a nice idea, but my wife will not ride and I would not go on a cruise alone. I'd rather be riding and socializing.

I'm looking forward to Cuba, Mo. and Gatlinburg, Tenn. That seems to be my style or preference.

Stan

 

[bud2061]

Gatherings

Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown.PA just finished up yesterday (Sun)
No official count yet, but guesses ran in excess of 200,000 bikers.

Great event, 13th year,venders, music, great food.... Motels for 60 miles
were full. Most areas were all clean fun and no serious accidents.

Gold Wing Asoc meets here every year................

 

[jedd]

My idea for the next owners event is SpyderFest in Cuba. It has all thats good about a "owners Event" including location. :doorag:

:agree:Everything we need dead center of the Country:agree:

Jim:thumbup:

 

[dltang]

I agree with Lamont about Cuba and Spyderfest, just wasn't sure if we wanted to have that become the official BRP owners event or just independent as is. What I like about a cruise, it everything is provided for the price. Heck for what we were going to pay for 3 nights at the Sheraton, we could have taken a 3 day cruise and that would have included all of our meals and some entertainment. I realize the downfall of a cruise is the lack of riding, but maybe there could be a pre-cruise meet up or post cruise ride. Something like that. The other reason I like the cruise idea, is that you have everyone at the same venue but with so many options of things to do. But as Gayle mentioned, something like a 3 day cruise could be booked and planned with just a group that is interested. Gives me something to think about.

 

[spyder30517]

I'd like to see the Owners event next year or 2012 in Atlanta - well about 45 minutes north.
Up in Braselton GA off I-85 - maybe have HQ at Chateau Elan Resort

http://www.chateauelan.com/

LOTS of other hotels in area
Plenty of restaurants
3 Spyder Dealers within 30 minute ride

Perhaps have the main meeting at Road Atlanta? http://www.roadatlanta.com/
2.5 mile Road racing track about 4 miles from Chateau Elan
Would be a great (and safe) place to be able to test ride and do some high speed "testing"(Doc/Seth)hyea:
Maybe even open it up for a day for the public to come in and meet Spyder riders and take demo rides on the track as well.
Road Atlanta also has an off-road track that is used or was by the Hummer Club so testing Can-Am atvs off road would be easy

Lake Lanier is also within 10 miles of the track so maybe some Sea-Doo demos as well

Oh and the North Ga Mtns have some great riding as well - Helen Ga, Richard B Russell Pkwy,
Blue Ridge Pkwy,
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=5
Cherahola Skyway
http://www.cherohala.com/

Perhaps have it in the early fall sometime when its not so hot and humid

Kinda partial to that area since I live about a mile from RA and CE and I have a few connections at the track

Ill be going wherever they decide to have Owners meeting - just couldnt make Chitown due to bad DPS unit :cus: