Why do you participate in some events and not others?

[MT Wallet]

Over on the thread discussing the demise of FT folks were questioning why the West coast get togethers were less participated in than East coast and other area get togethers including the UNs. Folks can we share some insights here?

[mnTwin]

This is a factor (population density of USA):

 

[TEWKS]

Current active member count on the east coast vs west coast?  A lot to love but some negatives I can think of. Riding distances are much greater (more time, more money, and sometimes more agony) to get to a rally site out west.

East… Boston to the southeast anywhere is fifteen hours. Twists and turns galore, some of the most awesome back country forestry roads to explore. The one negative is, it’s not Colorado. 

[Dennis Andress]

BMW was selling their new oilheads in 1996. By 1999, when Carey started his website, a lot of us in Cali were already riding oilheads. BMWST became our happy place and boy did we have a good time! Years went by and one by one people drifted off to start a family, advance a career, do whatever. In a real sense the need for BMWST was there before the site came to be. The timing was good, and we took every opportunity to enjoy.

 

 

A couple of years ago Whip and I talked about the site and whether or not it was growing. Even then we were getting 50 new members a month. Whip and Chris had contacted a few of them, most of their answers were that they'd bought an old RT to commute on and came here to get instructions for servicing or fixing it. They had a family, and had no time or interest on getting together for a ride.

[Twisties]

Two east coast events a year, and they move around.  Six western events a year and they generally stay put in the same location.  I second the idea that distances are longer and riding conditions may be tougher.  Also, I notice that hotel costs seem to have gone up much more in the west than east. 

[Twisties]

3 hours ago, mnTwin said:

This is a factor (population density of USA):

 

But that doesn't account for the fact that the western events used to draw 100+ and now they are drawing 20 or less.  

[EEK]

Could it possibly be weather related?  West coast has riding season pretty much all year round and has a sensory overload of sorts of what rallies/events to attend vs east coast being holed up in the winter months and are chomping at the bit just waiting for that moment to hit the road....and as many rallies/events as they can?

 

And, on another thought...back when I would attend the rallies/events that I could, ( it was through printed publications then)  I could see all the rallies and events for the summer. East of the Mississippi always had more over that three month period than the west.  I can still remember lamenting about being stuck out here and wishing i was over there somewhere with all those event/rallies to choose from. I mean it seemed like there was a ton of them to choose from vs what I could do out here ( being in the southwest region) and not having nearly as many to pick from.

[roadscholar]

12 hours ago, Twisties said:

Six western events a year and they generally stay put in the same location

 

That may be part of it. If it were me I'd like to see different locales and ride different roads instead of the same ones over and over. Granted it's a big area and I don't know the West like you guys that live there but it seems there could be some other options. Just need somebody that'll take the time to scout and plan for new locations, we're fortunate to have more than of few of those type fellers over here in the Southeast and Midwest.

[MikeB60]

1 hour ago, EEK said:

Could it possibly be weather related?  West coast has riding season pretty much all year round and has a sensory overload of sorts of what rallies/events to attend vs east coast being holed up in the winter months and are chomping at the bit just waiting for that moment to hit the road....and as many rallies/events as they can?

Don't think that's it. Most of the attendees are from the southeast and generally can ride year round. 

[JCtx]

I think long distances and expenses are 2 of the top factors IMO, at least for people like me, who live in the middle of nowhere. For me the expense is not a deal-breaker, but it gets very expensive, since if I go somewhere by myself, then my wife 'gets even' in some other way, so I end up spending way more than just my trip. Ha ha. Anyway, the huge distances are often a deal-breaker for me, at least if I have to tow my bike, since it'd involve 2 to 3 full days of driving ONE WAY, and by myself, which I do NOT enjoy. So only when my cousin offers his bike, I jump at the opportunity, like going to the dragon, and other far away places (I just fly there). Another big factor is there are very few sport-touring riders left, and that might be the main reason, for all I know. The great majority of riders I know and I've seen here are either dirt riders, or Harley/cruiser riders, which ride like grandpas. Ha ha. And the few sport-touring ones I knew just quit. I only ride for the twisties, so the day I cannot (or I'm not willing to) do that anymore, I'd stop riding. I tried riding with a group of cruisers, and it was a disaster, so first and last. They were not only endangering themselves and others, riding in a huge group, but were slow as f*ck. Finally, a couple of other possible factors. Many riders don't frequent forums like this one. And the other is a lot of S/Os are not into riding, including mine, so that makes it a lot harder to do more riding trips. Finally, it gets well into the 100Fs for months here (in summer), and just can't stand that. Then it's too cold on the mountains in winter, so my riding season here is very short. But every time I get on the bike, I really enjoy it. And just thinking about that, is incentive enough to keep in shape, so I can keep doing it, hopefully for several years more. And yes, it's time for another track school camp to keep my riding skills sharp. It's almost 5 years after doing Laguna Seca, so might do Barber this year (probably my last camp), which is one of the best tracks for bikes. Then hit the dragon or the Ozarks after that. We'll see. Ha ha.

[Skywagon]

Distance.  If it is more than 10 hours to get there, it's not for me.  That makes it 2 days to get there and 2 days to get home, not counting the event.  For me it isn't the expense, it's spending the night on the road two times - fore and aft just to attend.  It temps me to ride a 16 hour day, but with age comes wisdom.

[MikeB60]

9 hours ago, Skywagon said:

Distance.  If it is more than 10 hours to get there, it's not for me.  That makes it 2 days to get there and 2 days to get home, not counting the event.  For me it isn't the expense, it's spending the night on the road two times - fore and aft just to attend.  It temps me to ride a 16 hour day, but with age comes wisdom.

Trailer! No shame in pulling the bike to a great event or riding destination.

[Skywagon]

Don’t own a trailer and for once or twice a year…. Besides, I don’t want to look like a Harley on a trailer 😁

 

Still the same issue, more than 10 hours a day not safe or fun IMHO

[syntorz]

14 minutes ago, Skywagon said:

Don’t own a trailer and for once or twice a year…. Besides, I don’t want to look like a Harley on a trailer 😁

 

Still the same issue, more than 10 hours a day not safe or fun IMHO

Last check, a U-Haul motorcycle trailer rental was about 20 bux/day. So consider that if you have a suitable tow vehicle.

 

The distance issue is still valid tho. I *love* to drive on the open road, but I'm getting to the age where a 10 hr trip is more like 12-14 with the requisite rest stops. START and the Un are each straight thru 10 hrs for me according to Ms Google. Still contemplating both...

[9Mary7]

4 hours ago, Skywagon said:

Don’t own a trailer and for once or twice a year…. Besides, I don’t want to look like a Harley on a trailer 😁

 

 

I have a Kendon Stand-up that waits patiently in the corner of my garage....... I don't care what people think, just want to go ride some curvy roads.

Where I live, that takes some traveling to get to.

[John Ranalletta]

41 minutes ago, 9Mary7 said:

I have a Kendon Stand-up that waits patiently in the corner of my garage....... I don't care what people think, just want to go ride some curvy roads.

Where I live, that takes some traveling to get to.

I've been trailering since beginning riding.  Slabbing it to/fro events is painfully boring and enthusiasm for putting in 3 days of riding after being wind whipped and rained on evaporates.  In the early years, I could work with clients (sell) while driving.  Never embarrassed about it.

[Calvin (no socks)]

I only participate in BMWST events. No MOA...no HOG...no IBA...not a paperwork fan.  I'm not a clubber... never have been. I like the unconfining feel of our group. I rarely ride with anyone. I will ride 1000 miles to eat BBQ with one of our members if so inclined. From north Florida to anywhere is a long haul. I don't own a trailer and have only hauled a bike twice in my truck.  (K1600 to Red Lodge and Super Sherpa to Purgatory)  Some years I ride more than others. Retirement is looming at the end of the month... that should free up some time for events for me.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

On 2/9/2024 at 8:07 PM, MT Wallet said:

Over on the thread discussing the demise of FT folks were questioning why the West coast get togethers were less participated in than East coast and other area get togethers including the UNs. Folks can we share some insights here?

 

When I was young and single, I did a bunch of trips across the Great Plains, as well as a lot of east-coast and southeast events.  My body didn't mind the miles, and I had plenty of vacation time to burn on myself.  The latter was really key: if I want to go to Torrey, it takes 4 days each way (I could do it in three if I slabbed between Denver and Torrey, but the good roads start and end in Denver, so...two days between Michigan in Denver, and two more between Denver and Torrey).  Add in three days at Torrey, and one day each way to visit my sister and her family in the Denver area, and it's a solid two weeks.  

 

After getting married, I started spending more and more of my vacation time with my wife, and it also didn't feel right to abandon her at home for a couple of weeks at a time.  I still take an annual trip to the Driftless (Wisconsin), as it's only about 300 miles between home and the good roads, and I can have a damn good time while only being away from home for five or six days.  START/FART is a bit farther away - more like 600 miles, give or take - but still means just a 5-day trip.  

 

On 2/10/2024 at 12:04 AM, Twisties said:

But that doesn't account for the fact that the western events used to draw 100+ and now they are drawing 20 or less.  

 

This came up four years ago, when Whip was wondering about the general ebb of enthusiasm on the site.  

 

 

At the time I chalked it up to two things, summarized here (go here for all the details):

 

• The original BMWR1100RT.com crowd from the late '90s and 2000s were uncommonly passionate about a particular bike, riding it well, learning how to work on it at home, and being social.  It set the bar pretty high, and in terms of enthusiasm, we've really had nowhere to go but down since then.  Over the past 10-15 years, we've aged, and many of us have developed other interests and priorities (e.g. my own history at the top of this post).
• Young folks these days aren't as heavily into cars and motorcycles as we and our parents were, and they're much less into touring.  You'll see them on smaller bikes running errands around town, but you won't see many of them cruising cross-country for days on end just for the sake of riding.

I still think that's accurate, and there's probably not much to be done about it.  I think the only thing you can really do is what I mentioned four years ago: endeavor to be as welcoming and helpful as possible to newbies, both here on BMWST and in person at whatever riding events you do attend.  See someone new on the board?  Find out where they're from, and point them toward  upcoming BMWST events that are happening not far from them -  and then shake their hand and bring them a beer when you see them show up at an event.  Many of us old salts can be skittish about riding with folks we've just met, but if we never do that, then we'll never fully welcome new members here.  So chat up the noobs, find out what kind of riding they do and how long they've been at it...and if their skill and discipline level sounds adequate, consider taking a chance and sharing a riding day with them.

 

[Dave_in_TX]

17 hours ago, John Ranalletta said:

I've been trailering since beginning riding.  Slabbing it to/fro events is painfully boring and enthusiasm for putting in 3 days of riding after being wind whipped and rained on evaporates.  In the early years, I could work with clients (sell) while driving.  Never embarrassed about it.

To each his own but I find spending long hours in a four wheeler much more boring than riding a motorcycle even when stabbing it.

[Hosstage]

56 minutes ago, Dave_in_TX said:

To each his own but I find spending long hours in a four wheeler much more boring than riding a motorcycle even when stabbing it.

Unless it's raining...

[TEWKS]

1 hour ago, Hosstage said:

Unless it's raining...

 
Still wearing a beanie helmet, huh.  Stinger raindrops! 

[Hosstage]

I rarely wear a helmet, a beanie would help!  If I'm long distance travelling, I put on the full face helmet and windshield on the RoadKing, or take the Ultra.

Day riding and getting caught in the rain, no windshield, no helmet, no bandana, no scarf, Suuucks. BBs pelting me.

But I look good!

[Red]

I'm 70+.  I live in the west.  I'm done crossing the center of the country.  I would enumerate the reasons but ya'll know them.  Shoulder season, May & October, are no longer a challenge they are a threat.  That narrows my self imposed opportunities.

[szurszewski]

I've been to a few Uns, one START and - I think - two Torrey gatherings (in Utah, for you easties who don't pay attention to the west stuff). 

 

I think I've been to every Un that was feasible for me to attend - no - not true. There was one in CA I could have attended but didn't. My family - or at least my wife - has joined in a few as well, and a good to great time has always been had. I'd like to attend a DVD but historically didn't have time (or money - or both - but mostly time). I have had time the last couple of years, but - and I say this hesitantly not wanting to bring an argument into this thread - FT has been a huge turnoff for me and I've skipped a couple opportunities to go because of that. (I always knew my inclinations and beliefs in a number of areas were not necessarily in line with other members here {and the world in general - not trying to say it's an issue specific to this group} but it was never ever an issue at an event and what WAS apparent at events was the areas we do agree {love of community, love of riding, love of helping each other etc.}).

 

If any of the "west" events were a day's ride from me, I'd probably have gone anyway, and I've probably have had a great time as I've always had before, but like @Skywagon if it's going to mean two days on the road each way, I don't necessarily want to burn four days of time (and usually that would mean four days of slab - to make it fun I'd need three days in each direction) to get there and back. 

The locations being the same isn't necessarily a bad thing if the roads are great (Torrey and DVD both have that going on for sure) and there are enough options to do different routes on different visits - but for me the "events" are more about the people than the riding anyway (I can go find great roads and ride them by myself and be perfectly happy). 

And, I'd love to hit more east coast events, but to be a fun trip that would mean weeks of travel either way - I'd love to do a multi month ride every year, but that's just not the way life is arranged right now...

[Skywagon]

58 minutes ago, szurszewski said:

Torrey

 

I lived in N California in the late 80's, 90's, and some of the 2000's.  There was a Torry event I went to a couple of times on my old airhead.  I didn't know about this site and don't know if those rides were part of this site.  I kind of think they were MOA trips, but honestly don't remember.  There was a pretty big crowd.

[Tank]

Southern Oregon Coast here, early 2002 I found BMWST and fell into a happy space, tech days were for me a constant draw. little by little I grew able to handle repairs on the road. Went to gatherings when possible, the people are the greatest , many became friends and the years went FAST in more ways than one. my lifestyle has caused damage to my body that has required a full time doctor (hehheh) I spend a bit in physical therapys . ...which does not always coincides with the  gatherings I have enjoyed. BMWST is  still really close to my soul and when possible I will travel. we had a UN just down the coast from me just  the other year and will note that the cost of lodging  was far above  my fundollars.. in closing  i would like to say  LETS MOTO

 

[szurszewski]

2 hours ago, Skywagon said:

 

I lived in N California in the late 80's, 90's, and some of the 2000's.  There was a Torry event I went to a couple of times on my old airhead.  I didn't know about this site and don't know if those rides were part of this site.  I kind of think they were MOA trips, but honestly don't remember.  There was a pretty big crowd.

The BMWST Torrey event, as I've known it (not sure if these are the dates going back to the early oughts which is when I think it started), are the last weekends in May and September - or something very much like that, and they/we center activities around The Chuckwagon. If you ever decide to ride up there again and want some company - let me know. Maybe we can Tank over there too - it's just a little south and then straight east from his place!

 

1 hour ago, Tank said:

Southern Oregon Coast here, early 2002 I found BMWST and fell into a happy space, tech days were for me a constant draw. little by little I grew able to handle repairs on the road. Went to gatherings when possible, the people are the greatest , many became friends and the years went FAST in more ways than one. my lifestyle has caused damage to my body that has required a full time doctor (hehheh) I spend a bit in physical therapys . ...which does not always coincides with the  gatherings I have enjoyed. BMWST is  still really close to my soul and when possible I will travel. we had a UN just down the coast from me just  the other year and will note that the cost of lodging  was far above  my fundollars.. in closing  i would like to say  LETS MOTO

 

 

This is a great post - and straight from one of the many great people I've met through this board. :)