To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

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To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

July 28, 2010, 04:20:49 pm

Most of you are aware that I have been vocal in my opinions about actions taken by the MC at the last Grandvention, as a result I refused to pay my MC dues and dropped out.
I still have the same negative outlook about the MC in general... However ... After discussion with several MC members who I respect and trust I have rejoined it. The rationale I am using goes along with that of some others, I cannot influence or do anything about the actions of the MC if I am not a member, so with this in mind I rejoined and will in the future do what I can to change the current Corporate controlled mindset of the MC. I may not be successful by myself but perhaps all of us working to gether can turn the MC into a true OWNERS club instead of a FT Corporate spokesman.
There is not reply needed to this rant, I just wanted opthers to know my outlook on the situation and YES I will take my crow with dressing on the side, well done.
Gary B

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #1 – July 29, 2010, 11:15:30 am

While it was sad to cancel it, the cost of running it at a loss would have been higher. There were so many people who dropped out at the end that there was no choice. There is a cost to scouting a Motorcade and to running one. They are not a profit center but rather try to break even. FT has cut support so the Club must be self sufficient. It is a great tool and owner benefit and I have made and met a lot of FT owners because of it. I like it better than FMCA as the owners are similar and we have a great time when we are together.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #2 – July 29, 2010, 11:35:34 am

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It is a great tool and owner benefit and I have made and met a lot of FT owners because of it.
I like it better than FMCA as the owners are similar and we have a great time when we are together.

I can't agree more.
On those long trips, I got to learning a lot about my coach.
Lots of expertise from the owners to draw from.
Having the tech on board for the trip was an added benefit & I learned quite a bit from them watching them do repairs.

I know we have access to James Triana's Technical advice for free no matter how old the coach is or even if we are not members.
But I wonder how difficult getting technical help would be if he was not available anymore.
So I look at the dues as my small contribution to say thanks for having him available for which he has saved me so much more.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #3 – July 29, 2010, 11:59:17 am

And the 10% discount I just got when ordering a Foretravel specific part was nice. And also the fact that they still have the said part available for a '94 model year! Saved me $7.50. May not seem like much, but it all adds up.

But I do understand where Gary is coming from.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #4 – July 29, 2010, 01:39:08 pm

I am with the "Glad to have the MC" Has saved me more than the dues in windshield replacement alone.
To each his own, we all have reasons for everything we do, sometimes from experience, sometimes from a feeling, sometimes we are right and other times we are wrong.
As the saying goes it's a "Crap Shoot" so good luck.
Cheers

Dave

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #5 – July 29, 2010, 01:52:40 pm

I agree that the MC is a worthwhile organization and we are glad to support it. The discounts at FOT alone pay for the membership. We have not joined a motorcade as yet, but plan to in the future. I think if they were able to publish the cost of each motorcade farther in advance (i.e., at least 6 months ahead) they might have more participation. Even publishing the cost of the last motorcade for a given destination would be better than nothing. Inviting participation from owners of SOB motorhomes seems like a good idea too.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #6 – July 29, 2010, 02:00:59 pm

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I think if they were able to publish the cost of each motorcade farther in advance (i.e., at least 6 months ahead) they might have more participation.

I asked about that one time & Beverly said that they don't know what the cost will be until they know how many are actually going & then they can get final numbers from the campgrounds, tour company's, restaurants etc.
They usually give the prices about 90 days ahead to the ones who have signed up.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #7 – July 29, 2010, 03:03:22 pm

Joining the Motorcade Club has lots of advantages even if you don't plan to go on a long motorcade. The shorter events including chapter rallies, FMCA pre-rallies and the Grandvention are great activities to attend. At the chapter rallies, you have a chance to meet and get to know wonderful people with whom you have a lot in common. If your chapter has a friends rally, you can bring friends with an SOB and introduce them to Foretravel. It's nice to arrive early at a site and/or stay longer and explore the area. Also, you are welcome at any chapter rally in the country.

The pre-rallies have the same attraction as chapter rallies and, in addition to the fun, you have an opportunity to caravan with other Foretravels. If you've never traveled through a small town and then onto an interstate in a caravan with 100 or so other coaches, you don't know what you're missing. And the Grandvention is just grand!!

If you'd like to follow some chapter happenings and see lots of rally photos, our North Atlantic Chapter has a group on Facebook and you are welcome to join. Just go to the group page 'North Atlantic Chapter - Foretravel Motorcade Club' and become a member.

Marlene W.
2000 U320

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #8 – July 29, 2010, 09:05:40 pm

Quote from: George Hatfield – July 29, 2010, 01:52:40 pm

I think if they were able to publish the cost of each motorcade farther in advance (i.e., at least 6 months ahead) they might have more participation.

Quote from: Barry Beam – July 29, 2010, 02:00:59 pm

I asked about that one time & Beverly said that they don't know what the cost will be until they know how many are actually going & then they can get final numbers from the campgrounds, tour company's, restaurants etc.
They usually give the prices about 90 days ahead to the ones who have signed up.

Steve and I have struggled both with the unknown about the cost and then, unfortunately, with the final cost per day of MC events. We just talked about it, because we'd like to participate and support the club more. Our only event to date was the TMS Grandvention.

I wonder how much of the $100-200 per day is the cost of meals, and if there might be an opportunity for "tiered" pricing, for those of us who prefer not to eat out/like to do our own meals. Perhaps even just a couple of options - MC inclusive, and MC, lunch on tour days only or meals on your own. If the delta were significant enough, it might make the MC events more attractive to our travel style. The Grandvention certainly offered significantly more (and larger) meals than we normally partake of.

Michelle

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #9 – July 29, 2010, 09:55:20 pm

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Perhaps even just a couple of options - MC inclusive, and MC, lunch on tour days only or meals on your own.

I too think that food is a large expense for the MC on these type events. I'm also thinking that the tech's cost as well as the fuel, etc. for the caravan leader(s) is a club expense. These items alone racks up the costs.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #10 – July 29, 2010, 10:31:14 pm

From what I understand, it is the bus that takes you to the various venues to tour. THe Club has used a tour bus and that is why you need so many people so that you can mostly fill a bus. Also, there is scouting and pre-running expenses as well as the tech who goes along and the director too. The previous posts on the pre-rallys and the chapter events are spot on too.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #11 – July 30, 2010, 12:38:10 am

This discussion is very interesting. I didn't realize that most of the meals were as a group. That is fine for some meals, but one reason we bought a motor home is that it allows us to "eat at home" while traveling.

Does one take a "toad" on these motorcades? If so, what is the need for a bus? Seems like a lot of extra expense.

I like the idea of traveling together in an organized way and with a mechanic, but I'd rather have a more independent approach to group travel. Do the Good Sam motorcades (and others) have the same approach?

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #12 – July 30, 2010, 12:55:44 am

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Does one take a "toad" on these motorcades? If so, what is the need for a bus? Seems like a lot of extra expense.

Most people take a toad.
They hire buses to tour around locations and it would be difficult to have everyone driving their cars.
Sometimes if the attraction is fairly close they do use their cars.
Even though you paid for everything, you do not have to go to everything or go out to eat if you prefer not to.
They do not caravan the coaches to each destination.
They give you good directions and a time to be there at the drivers meeting each nite so you can travel at your leisure.
The Technician leaves last so in case anyone breaks down they will be in front of him.
Everything is very well planned and they try to fit a lot of things to see.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #13 – August 22, 2010, 10:21:57 pm

Quote from: George Hatfield – July 29, 2010, 01:52:40 pm

I agree that the MC is a worthwhile organization and we are glad to support it. The discounts at FOT alone pay for the membership.... Even publishing the cost of the last motorcade for a given destination would be better than nothing....

Membership discount just saved us about $800 on repairs from our visit to the mothership last week... paid for itself many times over, so if for nothing else, membership is worth it. We too, have wondered about the cost of a motorcade or at least a close estimate. Being new members, we don't have a reference point.

While we like the occasional group meals for events in the evening or a brunch, we prefer to eat in the coach - I like Michelle's idea on the tiered approach to MC's...

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #14 – August 23, 2010, 03:12:10 pm

In almost 15 years as a member I have never spent enough to recoup fees, also I have never used the shop in NAC, there are too many other places that can do the same work at better prices.
The only use I have for The MC is the friendship of other members at local rallies.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #15 – August 23, 2010, 08:33:16 pm

This is an interesting thread. What is the cost of membership to the MC?

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #16 – August 23, 2010, 08:43:53 pm

Quote from: Dick S – August 23, 2010, 08:33:16 pm

This is an interesting thread. What is the cost of membership to the MC?

Membership dues are $80. Here's a link for more info.
http://www.foretravel.com/motorcade/index.php

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #17 – August 23, 2010, 08:56:56 pm

Quote

This is an interesting thread. What is the cost of membership to the MC?

If you buy a new or used Foretravel they will give you a one year membership in the club for free.
No matter where you bought it.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #18 – August 24, 2010, 07:28:05 am

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If you buy a new or used Foretravel they will give you a one year membership in the club for free.
No matter where you bought it.

I believe that your "free" membership expires at the end of the calendar year regardless of when you sign on.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #19 – August 24, 2010, 10:33:32 am

Quote from: Rick – August 24, 2010, 07:28:05 am

Quote
If you buy a new or used Foretravel they will give you a one year membership in the club for free.
No matter where you bought it.
I believe that your "free" membership expires at the end of the calendar year regardless of when you sign on.

I think Rick is right.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #20 – August 24, 2010, 01:57:02 pm

Quote from: Rick – August 24, 2010, 07:28:05 am

I believe that your "free" membership expires at the end of the calendar year regardless of when you sign on.

Yup... the clubs fiscal year runs from January to December.

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #21 – November 10, 2010, 01:39:41 pm

Why are there only 1000 Motorcaders with over 6500 Foretravels and almost 1100 Foreforum members?

Why does only one out of six Foretravel Owners choose to remain a Motorcader? I say "choosse to remain a member because everyone who purchases a Foretravel for the first time is given a motorcade membership for the remainder of the year.

There has been about 17,000 Motorcade memberships, which means there has been almost 3 owners for each Foretravel and yet there are only 1000 Motorcaders.

Is there a list showing the number of Motorcaders over the years, and/or a Motorcade Club history?

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #22 – November 10, 2010, 02:03:32 pm

They lost a LOT of members when they raised dues dramatically a few years back. Most of the events are/were pretty expensive. There were some devious things going on under the time of Fore ownership too. Of course when you are a privately owned company you can pretty much do anything you want...

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #23 – November 10, 2010, 02:07:20 pm

Wyatt, I can not address how many do or do not and or why they do or do not join the motorcader club,I can only respond to my reasons for keeping my membership up to date.

Discounts on Foretravel items and services more than pays for the annual dues.
Simple math if for no other reason.

You gotta do what fits your head and pocketbook, I feel if you are using your Foretravel, you will gain a lot, heck just the savings on a windshield half, more than pays for the dues alone.
FWIW

Re: To be or NOT to be a Motorcader

Reply #24 – November 10, 2010, 02:39:41 pm

Motorcade, unlike other Owners groups is owned and controlled by Corp FT, Individual FT owners have little or no input into the activities of the club. I keep hoping that at some point the MC could be converted into a true owners group along the lines of an FMCA Chapter, but as long as FT controls the MC AND the Foretravel International FMCA chapter it ain't gonna happen.

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