Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out
| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313225] |
Tue, 14 February 2017 20:47  |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
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In addition to what Emery has stated, simply FINDING a suitable AND affordable site to handle all the needs for a convention is a very tough task.
I'm a part of a non-profit ham radio group that puts on a 2-day ham convention (4th weekend in July) in Oklahoma City that has had between 650 or so to 1500+ attendees in the 25 or so years it has run. And we don't have to provide a suitable campground for that!
You must also remember that the Spring and Fall conventions pretty much monopolize the area for around an entire week, including setup and tear down.
Kim isn't much for bragging, but she does a whale of a job trying to keep all these balls in the air!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ Member GMCMI and Classics ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
|[ ]~~~[][ ][]\
"--OO--[]---O-"
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Emery Stora
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 19:35
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out
That message was sent before I was done with it.
As I said, the selection of Convention sites are done for the benefit of members and are not based of how many GMCs are in the state.
It might be more accurate to use the number of GMCMI members in each state as that is more representative of how many attendees we might get when we pick a site.
Karen - you might consider discussing the information with Kim Weeks, Convention Manager for GMCMI as she can tell you what criteria the club uses to select locations for Conventions.
Emery Stora
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Emery Stora
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out
> Date: February 14, 2017 at 6:29:26 PM MST
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
>
> Karen
>
> The information is a bit misleading and there are some omissions. I haven’t gone over it in detail but I see that you are missing the last Convention we had in Ohio, Fall 2016 and also the one that we had in Rapid City SD in 2015.
>
> The numbers you show for each state is obviously from a GMC registry, not the number of GMCMI club members in the states. For example you show 1050 in California but we only have about 160 GMCMI members in California.
> The selection of sites are done for the benefit of members and are not based
>> On Feb 14, 2017, at 4:47 PM, KB wrote:
>>
>> I was grumbling to myself about how far away the next GMCMI rally is again (Oklahoma), so made this map:
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/international/p62151-gmcmhi-rallynums.html
gmcmhi-rallynums
www.gmcmhphotos.com
Here are all the GMC International Rallies from 1982 to 2017, shown per state, plus totals by regions. The total coaches per state are from the map on the Registry site, which dates from 2009.
>>
>> I got the region groups from the GMCMI site. Not sure where Mexico fits into that, but there are only 2 coaches there.
>> The total coaches per state are from the registry site map, which is from 2009.
>>
>> I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
>>
>> Karen
>> 1975 26'
>>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313231 is a reply to message #313225] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 08:57  |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
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I agree. That's a bloody hard job and Kim does it really well. I've been fortunate to get to all 3 International Rallies in AL so I sympathize with those that have to go a long way to get to one. But I'm sure Kim would be willing to have some help with finding a spot near you. GMCMI has a spot on their website with the requirements and a way to submit sites that meet them. If you are interested in having an International Rally near you, I'd advise you to find a spot and fill out the form. It's far more effective, and helpful, than a simple map that demonstrates a concern or complaint.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313243 is a reply to message #313225] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 10:57 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I looked at sites in the area. The ones with sufficient coach space don't have meeting/cooking space available. Our show venue has 100+ RV spaces, and a huge climate controlled venue. A week costs us 25 Large plus the metered electric usage, and we have to use the three food vendors located there. Finding a spot ain't easy.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313247 is a reply to message #313225] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 11:40 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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I thought about going by club members (if I'd had a map of it), but decided number of GMCs was a better metric.
Why? In the ~8 years we've had this coach, there has been ONE rally that we could have even considered: Pueblo, CO in 2009.
It would have been almost 1400 miles each way, across the two largest mountain ranges in the US.
Given the condition of the coach back then, there's no way we'd have attempted it.
Even now, after 8 years of working on it, we'd have doubts.
If it weren't for the AZ rally next year, we would not continue being members.
If I'd known there'd be no rallies anywhere near us for more than 8 years, we wouldn't have signed up.
I bet there are others who feel this way.
Karen
1975 26'
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313249 is a reply to message #313247] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 11:58 |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
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Hello Karen,
> If I'd known there'd be no rallies anywhere near us for more than 8 years, we wouldn't have signed up.
I didn't know that the rallies were the only reason to become member of
GMCMI. I thought it was about information exchange and taking the GMC
MotorHome into the next century/ies.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
'76a Eleganza II, VA
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313256 is a reply to message #313251] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 13:27 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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International Rallies are the icing on the GMC cupcake. Unfortunately, the United States is a rather large country and lots of miles to cross at times. The journey is part of the experience of owning one of these wonderful beasts. Blue highways rule.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313263 is a reply to message #313225] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 14:16 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
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It is very unfortunate,
My vote goes to Hawaii, it doesn't look like we have had a rally there yet.
And from the pictures I've seen, they could sure use our business.
Those poor ladies, not even being able to afford normal pants and shirts.things that we take for granite......
Just the humanitarian side of me coming out.
Scott.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313267 is a reply to message #313250] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 14:56 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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I don't remember where the BIG rally took place last year in Oregon, IIRC. Three west coast clubs coordinated/combined to make that rally possible. Just the cost of moving the many crates of GMCMI material back and forth between wherever they are kept when not in use would be prohibitive!
The Continental Divide, its grades and distances for GMCMH owners east of the Rockies has the same effect. I am in Oklahoma City, and six or seven days each way to ANY of the Pacific rim states would be simply and totally out of the question.
While I am retired, the locations of rallies over the past 4 or 5 years would have been possible if I had a reliable coach! I have made Shawnee, Dothan, and Branson, but had to motel/cabin the last two after my coach sort of cratered on the way home from the first Shawnee affair.
Even a rally that is ONLY a single day's travel is a problem for anybody who is still in the full-time work force.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ Member GMCMI and Classics ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
|[ ]~~~[][ ][]\
"--OO--[]---O-"
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of KB
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 12:22
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out
k2gkk wrote on Tue, 14 February 2017 18:47
> In addition to what Emery has stated, simply FINDING a suitable AND affordable site to handle all the needs for a convention is a very tough task.
There have been rallies in the western third of the US in the past. Any of those would likely work for a repeat.
As for serving the members, the rally in Santa Rosa, CA in 2008 was the best attended in the last 10 years,
and in the top three since 2002.
I'm in NO WAY condemning Kim or anyone else who works on these. I'm sure they do a fantastic job.
It'd just be nice if it wasn't impossibly far away.
Karen
1975 26'
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313274 is a reply to message #313249] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 18:10 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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> Going to Karen's defense here a bit, she did not mean to criticize Kim or
> any other GMCMI member or officer. She was just pointing out what is
> obvious to those of us located west of the Continental divide. GMCMI is
> conspicuous by its absence west of the Pecos. By intent or pure
> happenstance does not matter much. It is factual. What has been stated is a
> common problem when planning any convention, motor home included or not.
> Las Vegas has several venues. L.A. County has a couple, but is
> geographically situated on the west coast, too far away for many in the
> east. Same said for Oregon, Washington, and Canada. Venues exist, but the
> complaints are as valid for the eastern gmc'ers as Oklahoma is for the
> western owners. Splitting GMCMI into 2 groups when we are trying to
> increase membership makes little sense either. A thorny problem, FMCA does
> it, but has a much larger membership. If there is an easy answer, it
> escapes me.
> Jim Hupy, President, GMC CASCADERS.
> MEMBER, 49ers, GMCMI, F.M.C.A.
For some reason, Jim's post isn't on the forum, but is on the email list. Not sure what
that's about. But thank you. As I said, this is not a criticism of the people doing the work.
At any rate, I could see GMCMI doing the magazine and being a central source for ALL significant documentation,
but leaving the actual rallies to be run by two or three regional multi-state clubs. Then GMCMI really would be
"International", could focus on promotion, and the rally equipment transportation costs would be minimized.
Just an idea.
As our coaches dwindle and age, I think multi-state rallies will need to be more common.
And in my experience, the more coaches we can get in one place, the more fun it is.
Karen
1975 26'
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313275 is a reply to message #313274] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 18:41 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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KB wrote on Wed, 15 February 2017 16:10
At any rate, I could see GMCMI doing the magazine and being a central source for ALL significant documentation,
but leaving the actual rallies to be run by two or three regional multi-state clubs. Then GMCMI really would be
"International", could focus on promotion, and the rally equipment transportation costs would be minimized.
Just an idea.
It would also be nice if there was some kind of cross-club agreement. That is, a member of
any of the regional clubs could attend rallies put on by the other regional club(s),
as long as there's space available. Priority could still be given to the local members if necessary,
but there would be no requirement to join 2 or 3 different groups just because you are able to
travel more, or live in a border zone.
just a thought.
Karen
1976 26'
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313277 is a reply to message #313274] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 19:17 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
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Another point is that you do not HAVE to drive your coach to a far distant rally !
I have attended three rallies, only my first to Shawnee with my GMC MH. It went toes up about 5 miles from home.
I attempted to drive to Dothan, a couple of years later but got only 50 miles before I had to leave it and go back home by a neighbor who came the distance and took us home. We got a night's sleep, then packed up our Ford Flex, drove it some 700-800 miles with one stay in a motel, and then on to Dothan where we stayed at a motel about 2 miles from the rally site.
We went by car again to the Branson rally at the KOA and stayed in one of their Kamping Kabins.
Rob Mueller from Australia flies to the USA to attend a rally, including the one in Oregon last year, rents a car, and stays in a nearby hotel/motel. I know that more than just a few GMCers do the same for far-distant rallies. Cost is frequently far less than driving 1000 or 2000 miles over 4 to 8 days (one way).
The comradery, meals, tech sessions, vendors and more are superbly worth the effort involved to attend !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ Member GMCMI and Classics ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
|[ ]~~~[][ ][]\
"--OO--[]---O-"
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of KB
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 18:10
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out
> Going to Karen's defense here a bit, she did not mean to criticize Kim or
> any other GMCMI member or officer. She was just pointing out what is
> obvious to those of us located west of the Continental divide. GMCMI is
> conspicuous by its absence west of the Pecos. By intent or pure
> happenstance does not matter much. It is factual. What has been stated is a
> common problem when planning any convention, motor home included or not.
> Las Vegas has several venues. L.A. County has a couple, but is
> geographically situated on the west coast, too far away for many in the
> east. Same said for Oregon, Washington, and Canada. Venues exist, but the
> complaints are as valid for the eastern gmc'ers as Oklahoma is for the
> western owners. Splitting GMCMI into 2 groups when we are trying to
> increase membership makes little sense either. A thorny problem, FMCA does
> it, but has a much larger membership. If there is an easy answer, it
> escapes me.
> Jim Hupy, President, GMC CASCADERS.
> MEMBER, 49ers, GMCMI, F.M.C.A.
For some reason, Jim's post isn't on the forum, but is on the email list. Not sure what
that's about. But thank you. As I said, this is not a criticism of the people doing the work.
At any rate, I could see GMCMI doing the magazine and being a central source for ALL significant documentation,
but leaving the actual rallies to be run by two or three regional multi-state clubs. Then GMCMI really would be
"International", could focus on promotion, and the rally equipment transportation costs would be minimized.
Just an idea.
As our coaches dwindle and age, I think multi-state rallies will need to be more common.
And in my experience, the more coaches we can get in one place, the more fun it is.
Karen
1975 26'
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313278 is a reply to message #313275] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 19:17 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Karen,
Unless something's changed, ANY FMCA member is supposed to be able to
attend ANY OTHER FMCA club's events. I know there have been "unofficial"
rules such as "you can attend one rally before joining", but I think the
FMCA rules really override that, if anyone were callous enough to contest
it.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
For my part, I belong to GMCMI, GMCDL, and GMCSS and felt very welcome at
GMCWS Pueblo. I wouldn't hesitate to sign up for any club's event if I
were going to be nearby. We seldom attend GMCSS events, but enjoy staying
in touch with our many friends through their newsletters. For more distant
clubs, clubs, the incentive is not as strong. I do know at least one
couple who belong to almost every club in the country.
Ken H.
On Wed, Feb 15, 2017 at 7:41 PM, KB wrote:
> It would also be nice if there was some kind of cross-club agreement.
> That is, a member of
> any of the regional clubs could attend rallies put on by the other
> regional club(s),
> as long as there's space available. Priority could still be given to the
> local members if necessary,
> but there would be no requirement to join 2 or 3 different groups just
> because you are able to
> travel more, or live in a border zone.
>
> just a thought.
>
> Karen
> 1976 26'
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313281 is a reply to message #313278] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 19:31 |
Sandra Price
Messages: 709
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 1
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Bob and I "crashed" a Tidewater Crabs rally once and we're warmly welcomed
by all. We attended a Dixielanders rally about a year ago and, again, we
were warmly welcomed. I believe that would be the case with any GMC club.
We would love to attend a Western States, but that has been at the wrong
time and too far away from where ever we were going to be for several
years; however, we have no doubt we would again be warmly welcomed. Just a
wonderful, welcoming group where ever you are.
The GMC and our humanity are the common threads.
When you want to join a group, just communicate with them.
Sandra Price
On Feb 15, 2017 7:19 PM, "Ken Henderson" wrote:
Karen,
Unless something's changed, ANY FMCA member is supposed to be able to
attend ANY OTHER FMCA club's events. I know there have been "unofficial"
rules such as "you can attend one rally before joining", but I think the
FMCA rules really override that, if anyone were callous enough to contest
it.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
For my part, I belong to GMCMI, GMCDL, and GMCSS and felt very welcome at
GMCWS Pueblo. I wouldn't hesitate to sign up for any club's event if I
were going to be nearby. We seldom attend GMCSS events, but enjoy staying
in touch with our many friends through their newsletters. For more distant
clubs, clubs, the incentive is not as strong. I do know at least one
couple who belong to almost every club in the country.
Ken H.
On Wed, Feb 15, 2017 at 7:41 PM, KB wrote:
> It would also be nice if there was some kind of cross-club agreement.
> That is, a member of
> any of the regional clubs could attend rallies put on by the other
> regional club(s),
> as long as there's space available. Priority could still be given to the
> local members if necessary,
> but there would be no requirement to join 2 or 3 different groups just
> because you are able to
> travel more, or live in a border zone.
>
> just a thought.
>
> Karen
> 1976 26'
>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313285 is a reply to message #313277] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 20:18 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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k2gkk wrote on Wed, 15 February 2017 17:17Another point is that you do not HAVE to drive your coach to a far distant rally !
A lot harder to do if you have pets. Our dog is part of why we have a GMC.
And then there's the cost aspect. It's a lot more expensive to stay in a hotel than your coach,
and the farther it is, the more the gas or airfare plus car rental.
That can put it out of reach for a lot of folks.
Karen
1987 26'
[Updated on: Thu, 16 February 2017 09:59] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313287 is a reply to message #313274] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 20:48 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Quote:> Going to Karen's defense here a bit, she did not mean to criticize Kim or any other GMCMI member or officer. She was just pointing out what is obvious to those of us located west of the Continental divide. GMCMI is conspicuous by its absence west of the Pecos. By intent or pure happenstance does not matter much. It is factual. What has been stated is a common problem when planning any convention, motor home included or not. Las Vegas has several venues. L.A. County has a couple, but is geographically situated on the west coast, too far away for many in the east. Same said for Oregon, Washington, and Canada. Venues exist, but the complaints are as valid for the eastern gmc'ers as Oklahoma is for the western owners. Splitting GMCMI into 2 groups when we are trying to increase membership makes little sense either. A thorny problem, FMCA does it, but has a much larger membership. If there is an easy answer, it escapes me.
Jim Hupy, President, GMC CASCADERS.
MEMBER, 49ers, GMCMI, F.M.C.A.
Karen, Thank you for passing that along.
Jim,
I am glad we have met both when you were in Michigan and at the Western States in Pueblo.
What I am about to say is not intended as derogatory at all, but GMCXX has a very different problem than does FMCA. I know this so well because I studied a lot while trying to manage GMCES.
What I learned really hit home during the last two GLAMA rallies that I volunteered to work parking.** If you look at the badges at an FMCA rally you will see lots of newer numbers and a few older numbers and, outside of the bus conversion lot, there will be nothing approaching the age of a new GMC. While the people maybe newer members, the age is not that far off. But a large portion are Full Timers with new (from our POV) coaches. And when you realize the population that FMCA can draw on (all of the motorhome owners in the USA and Canada - and they have recently consented to allow towables) That makes a 1000 coach rally a little less of an accomplishment. The last GLAMA rally was a few less than 500, but two years before that had filled out the 574 available slips.
This brings in another factor. As many are full time, they have forever to get anywhere. I have even met some of the 2/2/2 people. They drive 200 miles, are in a crampgound by 2pm and stay 2 days. (I learned of this after we had just finished an 1106 day. I took me a long time to figure out how those people get anywhere.)
There is another thing that I have heard a number of times in the other web RV places that I prowl. Non-members of the chapter are not treated very well, (as we were not at the first time at Glama) and non-FMCA even less so. This is a big difference. When Western States had their rally in Pueblo, we took the advantage and got there. It was only 1600 miles and we had the time available. We were not treated as outsiders at all. I did know a lot of names, but maybe an half dozen faces - total. We have been to a few other rallies by chapters to which we are not members (like my first time at an Eastern States). It is always a good time.
I will always remember when we arrived at Berrien Springs. It was the last day of the rally, and we had not brought the coach. (Two beer story there.) Mary had been in e-mail contact with Emery (need I say more). When we arrived, we were treated like long lost friends - By Every Body. This was 2006, someone asked how long I had owned the coach. I answered about a week. I actually looked at my watch and figured it was about 156 hours. It was a day that made being a GMC owner even more special.
So, to Karen, Show up at any GMCXX rally you can get to. You don't even have to be an FMCA member until the nest one (their insurance rules). You will be among friends. In the original Muppet Movie Gonzo sings a song that has a line "There's not a word yet, for old friends that just met." I have a word. It starts with GMC and I hope I don't ever know the end.
Speaking of this, Billy, in the calendar, there have been two rallies now that we might have made. There was no contact information and the chapter's website was no help. Not that you don't do enough, but if you could watch for that, it might help. I am trying to convince younger members - most of whom have jobs and families - to try to come out to meet us.
**About parking at FMCA. I set myself up to park the GMC paddock as part of my responsibility. I'm no fool. I knew that all I would have to do is say "Use this slip. Your power is there. SeeYa!" and I get credit for parking a coach and get to go back to trying to get some fool to get something like between the lines....
If you bothered to read all of this, Thank You.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313289 is a reply to message #313285] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 20:53 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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We accommodate any guest at our rallies, whether or not they even own a
coach. I invite them to attend as my guest. The same goes for any club
member, east or west, Canada or international. Just a bit of western
hospitality.
We have been guests of the Great Lakers at Potato Creek campground
during our route 66 rolling rally, and stayed at Oak Park, in Chicago, and
Battleground, Missouri as guests of Randy and Margie Van Winkle and the
Flatlanders. Again, an airport overnight stay at Valparaiso with Bob tells
me that it is reciprocal. Never, ever, have we been treated to anything but
wonderful hospitality. Love this community. I almost forgot the limo ride
to Mt. Rushmore and steak dinner thanks to Bob and Pam Shilling. Could name
many other examples.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Feb 15, 2017 6:19 PM, "KB" wrote:
> k2gkk wrote on Wed, 15 February 2017 17:17
>> Another point is that you do not HAVE to drive your coach to a far
> distant rally !
>
>
> A lot harder to do if you have pets. Our dog is part of why we have a GMC.
>
> Karen
> 1987 26'
>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313290 is a reply to message #313281] |
Wed, 15 February 2017 21:03 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I'm not saying there's been any enforced prohibition against attending other clubs as a guest.
In my experience, GMCers are usually a warm and welcoming bunch. However, the rules of most of
the clubs I've seen say you have to be a member if you've come more than once or twice as a guest.
I was just musing that IF we divvied this up as I suggested (big IF), it'd be good to have a formal agreement
so people didn't feel like they had to sign up to more than one regional group.
From where I sit, such a division would have little effect day to day on us here in
the west since MI hasn't been out here in years anyway. What would change is all the documentation could be
made freely available in one place instead of being spread out across multiple clubs and sites and member-only areas.
The MI folks could focus on promotion and education. The multi-state groups could focus on rallies and events.
There would be a clear division of turf instead of the overlap that currently exists. If the east/central groups
decided to divide into two, there could be twice as many rallies east of the continental divide. And if all the multi-state
clubs worked together to avoid holding rallies at the same time, any member could attend all of them if they wanted.
This is all just me thinking about the problem, proposing a possible solution, and hoping
others will think about it too. But maybe I've stumbled onto a sore point and should just shut up.
Maybe it's an idiotic idea, but will get somebody to come up with a better one. Or maybe it's fine as is
and MI should just do more western rallies so we can catch up on the count.
Where it goes from here is not for me to decide.
Karen
1975 26'
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fwd: GMCMI (International) rallies mapped out [message #313302 is a reply to message #313290] |
Thu, 16 February 2017 06:38 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Another possible idea would for club to hold a rally the weekend before an International, along the way. Breaking up the journey. Ok, for me is three days drive, AZ probably five days. Balance, Dothan was five hours.
Frankly, the Or rallies sound great. I might try to get to one before I age out.
At least gas prices are helping us out. Much more fun at $2, than $4.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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