Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Sven and Kristi on October 08, 2018, 02:03:35 pm
Title: Rally issue
Post by: Sven and Kristi on October 08, 2018, 02:03:35 pm
I really appreciate having a forum where political discussions don't insert themselves; it's a safe refuge from what we are all bombarded with on a daily basis and nothing seems to be accomplished by arguments/debates except that lines are drawn.
I'm hoping that this approach is used at rallies as well. We've been to three rallies and have had a great time, with the exception where politics raised its ugly head at one event. We've noticed a drop off on the number of attendees and I understand that the NW club has disbanded due to lack of participation. Politics has the potential to cause further erosion. Sven
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: folivier on October 08, 2018, 02:12:29 pm
Very true. I only discuss politics with a very small select group of friends. I have friends of differing political persuasions and we've mostly all agreed to disagree knowing that we won't change each other's minds. Now about the darn weather........
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Moby on October 08, 2018, 04:39:32 pm
Three things never to discuss: Religion Politics Making recommendations on doctors.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Green99 on October 08, 2018, 05:02:30 pm
X2 what Moby said!!!!
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 08, 2018, 05:31:46 pm
I wanted a real engine. That's why I have a Cummins! :D :) :D
Better check your year 5.9L Cummins for a KDP, killer dowl pin. My 10.6L alley cat just purs up 6% grades, and down grades because there's no replacement for displacement.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Tom Lang on October 09, 2018, 01:56:14 am
Wagon Masters Tom & Diane Lang California Chapter Foretravel Motorcade 2018 Fall Rally! Pechanga RV Resort 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592 Check In – Thursday Nov. 29th - Check Out Monday Dec. 3rd $375 for Two People $325 for a Single – includes RV park fees, group activities, and a continental breakfast each day We've planned fun group activities – winery tour, tasting and lunch, March Field Air Museum tour, and Old Town Temecula Community Theater production of "A Christmas Carol. You'll also have plenty of time to enjoy the Pechanga Resort, Casino & Spa and tour Old Town Temecula. For additional information, Call Tom Lang: (626) 260-6727 Please reserve your space by sending your payment by October 15th to Treasurer, Betty Bark 10480 Canyon Lake Drive, San Diego, CA 92131 (858) 695-2022 First Name: ___________________________________ Last Name:_______________________________ First Name: ___________________________________ Last Name:_______________________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone Number: _________________________Other Contact Number:_________________________ Email Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Length of Coach: _____________Number of Slides: ______________ Number of People: _____________ Foretravel Motorcade Number: _________________________________________________
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: bigdog on October 09, 2018, 02:20:21 am
I understand that the NW club has disbanded due to lack of participation. Sven
The NW chapter had a rally in Montana not long ago. I wasn't able to attend, But maybe a decision was made at that event. Although as a member of the NW chapter. I haven't been notified.
I did go to the rally & chapter meeting in Pendleton, Or. as a guest. What I heard was: 1, Very low Foretravel density in this region. 2, The NW region is very large. So with the large area and not many Foretravels in that area, Just getting to a regional rally is a days long journey for a lot of folks to attend a 3-4 day event and a days long journey to get back home. So it takes a dedicated person to attend an event. 3, Lack of volunteers.
The NW Motorcade faces the same issue I do in the running of the camera club that I'm president of. Lack of active members and even fewer that come forward and volunteer. We have 30 total members and only about 5 core members are involved and at most 15 attend a meeting. The other members haven't been heard from in a great long while, But still pay dues.
Then there is the modern American that seems to think they have to schedule 30 hours of activities into their 24 hour day 7 days a week and then wonder why they are so busy and don't have free time.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 09, 2018, 01:51:27 pm
We are in the Great Plains Chapter. In almost eight years there has only been one rally within a days drive. There are 7 or 8 FTs in Minnesota that are in the MC Club. I have sent each of them a welcome note and info on the forum. I have met only one of them. We have had more FTs visit us in Hastings from TX than there are MN FTs. Other states as well, if you are passing this way let us know, friends are welcome.
It would be fun to have a MN rally.
The Great Lake Chapter events mostly centered in Michigan is still a two day drive but probably more inviting to us.
Civility and respect are the norm at most of these get-togethers. If that is not the case you are free to seek other more compatible company.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Sven and Kristi on October 09, 2018, 02:12:58 pm
"I did go to the rally & chapter meeting in Pendleton, Or. as a guest. What I heard was: 1, Very low Foretravel density in this region. 2, The NW region is very large. So with the large area and not many Foretravels in that area, Just getting to a regional rally is a days long journey for a lot of folks to attend a 3-4 day event and a days long journey to get back home. So it takes a dedicated person to attend an event. 3, Lack of volunteers."
We attended this rally, along with some other California owners from outside this chapter, and the attendance was not large. We would not have traveled so far (from San Diego) if we were only going to the rally. As RVers, we are pretty accustomed to traveling long distances and are less inclined to attend rallys in our "back yard", since there isn't much we haven't seen. We did a tour of the NW, but based the timing around the rally dates. We enjoyed meeting NW members, two of whom we visited after the rally at their homes. The officers expressed some frustration in that there were no volunteers to relieve them of their responsibilities. Since they did not want to continue indefinitely and since no one offered to step up, they felt the chapter would close. There was a small contingent of NW Motorcaders at the Pendleton rally and that did not help.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Michaelhayley on October 09, 2018, 02:48:46 pm
We are attending our first rally in Florida Dec 5.
I sure as heck don't intend to discuss politics. But that is nothing new; I avoid that everywhere I go.
We are newbies and want to absorb knowledge about running these coaches. It would also be cool to gain some friends. Next month we celebrate 2 years owning the coach. In exactly 19 months we retire and hit the road full time.
This discussion is a reminder to me that I need to volunteer to assist the organizer.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: bigdog on October 09, 2018, 06:18:16 pm
"I did go to the rally & chapter meeting in Pendleton, Or. as a guest. What I heard was: 1, Very low Foretravel density in this region. 2, The NW region is very large. So with the large area and not many Foretravels in that area, Just getting to a regional rally is a days long journey for a lot of folks to attend a 3-4 day event and a days long journey to get back home. So it takes a dedicated person to attend an event. 3, Lack of volunteers."
We attended this rally, along with some other California owners from outside this chapter, and the attendance was not large. We would not have traveled so far (from San Diego) if we were only going to the rally. As RVers, we are pretty accustomed to traveling long distances and are less inclined to attend rallys in our "back yard", since there isn't much we haven't seen. We did a tour of the NW, but based the timing around the rally dates. We enjoyed meeting NW members, two of whom we visited after the rally at their homes. The officers expressed some frustration in that there were no volunteers to relieve them of their responsibilities. Since they did not want to continue indefinitely and since no one offered to step up, they felt the chapter would close. There was a small contingent of NW Motorcaders at the Pendleton rally and that did not help.
Part of the issue I have had within the photo club (and is likely the same in most clubs) is the fact that the general membership expects a jam packed gala event at every meeting. Yet won't lift a finger to help or take a chair position. Yet I don't blame folks for not wanting to step into the line of fire. It's a tough job keeping the "I must do it all every day" Americans from complaining or getting bored. (can you tell I lived in Europe & Japan for years?) Much more relaxed life styles.
After 20 years of military service, I became a seat of my pants impromptu sort at heart. So I'd be happy to just talk, Go somewhere, Do something extemporaneously. I loathe vacations that must have an agenda planned down to the minute from sunrise to sunset. Which of course doesn't fit well with clubs.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: George and Steph on October 10, 2018, 05:17:09 am
Many things like clubs are in transition because of advances in media. I attend our wood turning club for the joy of hands on examination of projects and a live demo of techniques. The location is 30 miles away. BUT Youtube has videos on virtually every technique I can imagine. The online clubs have searchable databases and I have long distance friends and mentors.
Hmmm, kind of like the forum. Time was we met with others at these gatherings and did show and tells and how to. I spent the last year holed up in my drive while the ticker was in maintenance. The coach was a great diversion. But without media it would have been tough. So these gatherings have become something done for the joy of friendship. They have also become less formal. We have spent many January's in Quartzite. However I will confess that Motorcades are starting to appeal to us as the clock takes its toll and the ability to exercise independence narrows.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Dan Stansel on October 10, 2018, 08:13:17 am
Mid South next week Hot Springs, Ark
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: SteveB on October 10, 2018, 10:27:10 am
We have 27 coaches signed up for the Mid-South rally. This about normal for this chapter. We try to coordinate our fall rallies with the GrandVention so this probably helps. I think we have a few coaches from other chapters, too. I think there about 85 coaches registered for the Branson GrandVention. If you haven't tried a chapter rally or Motorcade event I would encourage you to give them a shot. Just like this forum it is another venue for keeping the Foretravel faithful in touch with one another.
Steve
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: George and Steph on October 10, 2018, 10:28:29 am
Might be nice to have a dedicated page for coming rally's. Perhaps a tab in campfire.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Sven and Kristi on October 10, 2018, 11:03:41 am
It looks like the east has more participation. More FTs back east?
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 10, 2018, 11:38:36 am
More FTs and they are closer together.
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: kb0zke on October 10, 2018, 08:22:13 pm
"Might be nice to have a dedicated page for coming rally's. Perhaps a tab in campfire."
Great idea. We've not attended any Foretravel events in the five years that we've owned this coach, for several reasons. That said, we're certainly open to the idea IF one happens to be somewhere near where we are going to be. The problem is that we aren't available to go somewhere as much as we'd like. For example, the Grandvention in Branson would have been nice, but we're campground hosts this month in NW MO. We have some free time in November and December, but we also have some things scheduled (service at FOT, tires, church conference). Anything happening in Texas then?
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: SteveB on October 11, 2018, 08:59:58 pm
"Might be nice to have a dedicated page for coming rally's. Perhaps a tab in campfire."
Great idea. We've not attended any Foretravel events in the five years that we've owned this coach, for several reasons. That said, we're certainly open to the idea IF one happens to be somewhere near where we are going to be. The problem is that we aren't available to go somewhere as much as we'd like. For example, the Grandvention in Branson would have been nice, but we're campground hosts this month in NW MO. We have some free time in November and December, but we also have some things scheduled (service at FOT, tires, church conference). Anything happening in Texas then?
David,
The Mid South Chapter rallies are scheduled spring and fall. I'm pretty sure all of the chapter rallies are listed in the Motorcade magazine. We contact all of our chapter members via email or USPS with upcoming rally info. You might check with your chapter president if you are not getting rally info. If you don't know what chapter you are assigned to you will need to contact Beverly Koonce at FOT. She runs the Motorcade program.
Steve
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 11, 2018, 10:13:38 pm
I have a feeling that the Motorcade takes care of its own business pretty well and that the Forum is not the place to promote its events. But many of us go to these events and to ask which other Forum Members might be going and to report on how it went are good topics of interest. Not every Forum Member belongs to the Motorcade Club and many Motorcade Members are not Forum Members.
Title: Lights
Post by: Dan Stansel on October 14, 2018, 02:57:34 pm
How do u turn on fog lights or lights on bottom?? 02 how do u change running light bulb on passenger side? Need assistance
Title: Re: Rally issue
Post by: juicesqueezer on October 14, 2018, 03:17:59 pm
When we had our coach, we attended several FT rallies and really enjoyed them all. There is more east of the Mississippi and attendance back in the early 2000's was very well attended. Having been on several boards and also camera clubs, we are seeing a huge decline in volunteers. Seems with all the technology we have today, we have even fewer time because of it. Sad indeed!