Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

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Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

June 16, 2018, 02:32:22 pm

We are attending our fourth rally (two in California, one in Washington and now Oregon) here in Pendleton, Oregon. There is a concern among those who participate in rallies, that younger owners aren't interested. Our regional club (California) has over 90 dues paying Motorcaders, but only a handful that go to rallies. We are at a northwest group's rally, but most of us are from California. We are told that the Four Corners chapter has only one or two participants and count on others to participate. Other than that, meeting other owners (some again) has been pleasant and, as usual, we're the youngest couple. I mention this because there is a concern among those who participate in rallies, that younger owners aren't interested. Our regional club (California) has over 90 dues paying Motorcaders, but only a handful that go to rallies. Still, only six couples showed up, and for one, this is their last. There is some nostalgia, among the long time attendees, for the time when most were in their sixties and younger. It is possible that Pendleton isn't the greatest attraction, but it seems like there are fewer people each time we go. We can see a time in the near future, when this sort of thing will die out altogether.
Considering the rarity of our brand and how seldom we see another on the road. it seems a shame.

Hopefully, this gets better.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #1 – June 16, 2018, 03:58:26 pm

Sven, we are in the Great Plains Chapter and as I understand it is a bit low on members as well. We stumbled across one of their rallies when they were in Wisconsin but most of them are in Kansas or Oklahoma, at least two days drive for us so we don't go. The Great Lakes Chapter does a lot in Michigan which is closer and more appealing to us. We went to the GrandVention in Indiana a couple years ago because it was at Cummins. There were about 100 coaches there. We are glad we went, met several new and lasting friends.

We have discovered that the Forum and the Motorcade Club members are not all on the same page. Some belong to both groups but far from most. Motorcade goes back to the very early days of FT and it was the main way for people to connect and meet. A phone call was the primary means of communication. If you needed help you knew who to call. We met a 45 year member of the Motorcade Club in Indiana, not a Forum Member. I have no idea how many FTs they have had but they also got their 400,000 mile badge. Their FT community is in the Motorcade Club. For many of us it is the Forum.

The only way to get new members to join in is to invite them. Call or write, invite them, be their contact and guide. Welcome them and make the experience one they will want to do again. There are 7 or 8 Motorcade members in MN and I have yet to meet any of them. When I see their name as new members in the MC Magazine I try to send them a note welcoming them. Many of the newer members may not be retired yet and that makes what they can do and when more difficult.

Someday it would be fun to just have a mini rally of just those folks. But it takes some doing.

We have had the great joy of meeting many Forum Members partly because we let people know where we are going and when and because we go where they are. A trip through NAC every couple years is a great way to meet new folks and connect with old friends. We meet up with several when we go to Tucson in the winter, 9 last time. And 7 or 8 this year in Fredericksburg. We have had three FTs at Camp Hasting at one time and several FT visitors, mainly from TX, in the summer even if we are not here. It takes some doing but getting a group together can be lots of fun.

Not everyone likes the structured organization of a Motorcade Rally, many have a hard time with just one other coach. For many this is a solo adventure. We have traveled with two other FTs. That one worked well, with others maybe not so. Just getting together at one spot can be challenging. But we have found that most of us do what we want and share what we want with no expectations and not much organizing.

The Motorcade Club is another way to meet another cross section of FT owners and to share experiences. Make the best of both ways to connect and make new friends.

Susan and I are looking forward to meeting you and Kristi. Anyone named Sven should be from MN.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #2 – June 16, 2018, 05:31:38 pm

I have not joined the motorcade yet, and their website gives the impression that it's restricted. Yes i finialy found out you can get to event site. I missed the rally a few weeks ago that was only 45 miles away, found out about it only a few days in advance, and thought about sprinting up there by car or bike but my weekend was already booked full. I would have liked to "see" what a rally is about. Maybe Miz Dani will give a report on the one in Kansas.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #3 – June 16, 2018, 05:35:30 pm

Every "group" we have belonged to has declining numbers. Absolutely it is the "we won't join" generation.

Doesn't matter if it is a service organization, RV organization, etc.

Life goes on!

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #4 – June 16, 2018, 05:45:27 pm

We went to one rally in Brooksville in 2011. That is where I met Gary Omel. Have not gone to another since. We were so much younger ( I think I was 46 at the time) than the other people and the things they had scheduled for the rally did not interest us that much. The people were great but it felt like going to a party with your grandparents I guess because of the age difference. I have stayed a member strictly for the tech support and parts discounts mainly. Also being a DV and on a budget the rallies are kind of expensive for me as well. That is my thoughts.

Mark

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #5 – June 16, 2018, 06:02:18 pm

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – June 16, 2018, 02:32:22 pm

We are attending our fourth rally (two in California, one in Washington and now Oregon) here in Pendleton, Oregon. There is a concern among those who participate in rallies, that younger owners aren't interested. Our regional club (California) has over 90 dues paying Motorcaders, but only a handful that go to rallies. We are at a northwest group's rally, but most of us are from California. We are told that the Four Corners chapter has only one or two participants and count on others to participate. Other than that, meeting other owners (some again) has been pleasant and, as usual, we're the youngest couple. I mention this because there is a concern among those who participate in rallies, that younger owners aren't interested. Our regional club (California) has over 90 dues paying Motorcaders, but only a handful that go to rallies. Still, only six couples showed up, and for one, this is their last. There is some nostalgia, among the long time attendees, for the time when most were in their sixties and younger. It is possible that Pendleton isn't the greatest attraction, but it seems like there are fewer people each time we go. We can see a time in the near future, when this sort of thing will die out altogether.
Considering the rarity of our brand and how seldom we see another on the road. it seems a shame.

Hopefully, this gets better.

Outreach is a big issue. If the motorcader club really wanted to maximize their attendance. They would have a rep that monitors the forum, Announce events, Encourage non-members (via this forum) to at least get on the Motorcader mailing list. I live in Walla Walla 40 miles from Pendleton and had no idea they were going to have a rally. Would have been super easy to go. And boom there's the problem. If you don't put out the open sign, Your likely not going to have many customers.

Brett is also spot on. I'm president of a camera club and at $25 a year, It's not a budget buster to join. Yet new members are very hard to come by. Then there is the issue of only about 25% of our 30 members show up for anything.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #6 – June 16, 2018, 06:03:01 pm

As new FT owners, what do you members feel about the other benefits to being a Motorcade member?

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #7 – June 16, 2018, 07:11:54 pm

FMCA is also experiencing the same issues. That's why they chose to include towables.

I'm a Motorcade member and an FMCA member. In reality we end up attending more FMCA Rallies than Motorcade Rallies. They are both different in their own way. The cost, the food and the activities are completely different. In my opinion it is more costly to attend a Motorcade Rally than a FMCA.

The younger generation is not getting into motorhomes. Let's face it, the cost of a motorhome is not reachable for them. The cost of owning a home is also difficult for the younger generation. Many are moving into Tiny Homes. The Tiny Home movement is growing. The times are changing.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #8 – June 16, 2018, 08:16:03 pm

We are not motorcade members primarily because the traveling that we do is mostly associated with family and the rallies are usually a long way away from us. We would probably have made the Pendelton rally if we were still in Wash St., however, we are now living in SW Missouri. We have family from coast to coast and traveling to see them is our priority. (my 6 remaining siblings, Kathies 7 siblings, 16 grand kids and 13 great grand kids and nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews) It has to be very co-incidental for us to make a rally during one of our visiting tours. Nothing personal folks, just life in a very loving and supportive family. Have a great day ---- Fritz

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #9 – June 16, 2018, 08:37:19 pm

Only been to a couple of rallies, but the 10% discount and same day live tech support make it worthwhile to me. Also like the free camping in the factory lot if I am passing through. Foretravel Motorcoach - Foretravel Motorcade Club

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #10 – June 16, 2018, 09:03:21 pm

Motorcade membership is free for the first calendar when you sigh up. After that is is $100 if I recall correctly. With that you get to call James Triana for technical support. And you get 10% discount at FOT and MOT on most normal services and parts. It does not apply on remodels and paint. We have been a member since 2011 and have saved our $100 bucks every year. We get to NAC nearly every year, buy parts and have them shipped and called when we were really stumped. We get to stay at Camp FT for a couple nights free when we are there (usually more). We have been on one Motorcade event and while it seemed a bit pricey it included meals, entertainment, two tours of Cummins facilities and best of all all of the people we got to meet. In the end it was well worth it.

There are folks at FT who watch the Forum. It seems they don't interact publicly but may behind the scenes.

Is it worth it? Certainly for the first year. After that it is up to you.

Like Brett said, there are fewer and fewer joiners, fewer people open to shared experiences. Lots of folks today who want to go it alone. We enjoy being on our own too but this community has vastly improved the FT experience and the good friends we have made have improved our lives. Thanks to all.

I can't help but think of the wide impact Gary Omel had on so many of us. If not for his joining in, being an active part of the community where would so many of us be.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #11 – June 16, 2018, 09:32:09 pm

I know I have made many friends at our rallies. We are a tedhnical bunch though. We weighed the coaches at all four corners and then the towed car. We bought a group purchase of d2 governors and we all greased our brakes with mobile one. Lots of information is shared and coaches are looked over. Our mid Atlantic group has shrunk with the closing of TN kodk store. We had a rlly in Lexington KY and we had coaches from MI to VA there. Our numbers have dwindled. I think the last rally I held had 32 members ther we had 9 his time and usually have 12 or so now

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #12 – June 16, 2018, 09:38:14 pm

According to the Fall 2017 Motorcader as of January 1st of this year Foretravel "will no longer be offering the one year complimentary membership to first time owners." I still think it is worth the money and plan to join once I become a Foretravel owner.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #13 – June 16, 2018, 10:10:37 pm

Quote from: MAZ – June 16, 2018, 05:45:27 pm

The people were great but it felt like going to a party with your grandparents I guess because of the age differences

That my friends is called experience, and that alone may be worth the addmission price. Just the opportunity to set next to a well seasoned veteran and let them tell you their experience may well save you $$$$.
The new enlightened generation can't seem to figure this out, maybe that's why they struggle and languish.
I'm not that old and lack motorcoach wisdom, technical knowledge yes, been there done that as a motorcoach owner NO!

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #14 – June 16, 2018, 10:34:15 pm

Following up on Old Phart Phred's post - there's an old proverb that says, "if you want good advice, ask an older person." People that have traveled farther down the road have so much knowledge and wisdom to share. Can't put a price on it.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #15 – June 16, 2018, 10:42:45 pm

My wife and I are 59 and 60. When we head out in the motorhome we don't like a set schedule or structured events. We love the more low key un-rally's and traveling with fellow Fortravelors. We have met life long friends doing it that way. We do belong to the Motorcade but do not see ourselves doing an organized rally.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #16 – June 16, 2018, 11:03:19 pm

"Would have been super easy to go. And boom there's the problem. If you don't put out the open sign, Your likely not going to have many customers."

The organizer of this rally sent out 70 emails to those who had joined the chapter. I had asked, on this forum, if anyone would be attending and Saddlesore mentioned that he was getting ready to head out a week ago.

These rallys are loosely organized by regular members who may live near the area and have some idea of what to do and see. They go to a lot of trouble setting it up, something most people won't do. There is a lot of free time to explore on our own and we don't have to go on the tours they set up. Left on our own, we would have missed a lot. It would never have occurred to us to have stopped in Pendleton. We didn't drive to Pendleton from San Diego specifically for the rally. We often chose a time to coincide with a rally that is in an area we want to visit. In this case, Idaho and Washington. It looks like the Northwest chapter will be coming to an end, not for lack of money, but lack of interest.

The cost for this rally was $40 and we could buy tickets for whatever we wanted to participate in.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #17 – June 16, 2018, 11:13:54 pm

My husband and I were really looking forward to the Mid south rally and subsequent motorcade trip on the Chism trail. Due to the coach still being in Nacogdoches, we had to cancel out. Yes, I guess you can say we belong to the older group of over 60. But in all our travels since we got our coach, we have only met two other FT's. Neither belonged to the forum or motorcade , that is not counting the folks at the ladies driving school, the 50 year anniversary party and while on Nac for work. For us, we plan to attend our mid south rally this fall, with a little luck and meet folks. If we do meet other FT folks that aren't aware of the foreforums,we plan to let them know and about the regional rallies too. It seems like on the forum that only the classic coaches are talked about, I lerk here alot and enjoy the posts, but I think that there is only one other Nimbus owner who participates and one Phenix owner also.
I currently am working on a rally for another forum, this time being held close to the west coast. There is a ton of work that goes into a rally, local rallies depend on their members, larger rallies take 10 times the work. Especially trying to find a park large enough to accommodate 75-125 rigs. Entertainment for folks, things to see or do all take planning, contacts etc. Trying to line up vendors and instructors. Trying to find trips that folks want to go on. Then you get snarky comments about the site chosen. It doesn't seem like the younger group can appreciate the work that goes into a rally, grandvention etc.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #18 – June 16, 2018, 11:21:24 pm

We have stopped joining any groups. In the last 10 years, the political divide has become so severe that any slip that causes a discussion to become toxic. We have retreated to the association of our immediate friends to avoid the unpleasantness. We just returned from a 30 trip and enjoyed each other's company immensely.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #19 – June 17, 2018, 12:13:00 am

We are full timers and don't travel on a schedule. Additionally, we boondock whenever possible enjoy the piece and quiet, and the dog likes the no leash tour. In the past 4 years we have met some great friends both Foretravel owners as well other folks, and enjoy seeing them when we bump into each other. Just can't do the club/rally thing just a bit too structured for us. But as they say every body gets to do what they like. 😎

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #20 – June 17, 2018, 01:10:17 am

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – June 16, 2018, 11:03:19 pm

"Would have been super easy to go. And boom there's the problem. If you don't put out the open sign, Your likely not going to have many customers."

The organizer of this rally sent out 70 emails to those who had joined the chapter. I had asked, on this forum, if anyone would be attending and Saddlesore mentioned that he was getting ready to head out a week ago.

These rallys are loosely organized by regular members who may live near the area and have some idea of what to do and see. They go to a lot of trouble setting it up, something most people won't do. There is a lot of free time to explore on our own and we don't have to go on the tours they set up. Left on our own, we would have missed a lot. It would never have occurred to us to have stopped in Pendleton. We didn't drive to Pendleton from San Diego specifically for the rally. We often chose a time to coincide with a rally that is in an area we want to visit. In this case, Idaho and Washington. It looks like the Northwest chapter will be coming to an end, not for lack of money, but lack of interest.

The cost for this rally was $40 and we could buy tickets for whatever we wanted to participate in.

I stand corrected then. I hadn't seen that post. And that's my fault as I have got myself into trouble so often on the forum that I only visit occasionally anymore.

The Foretravel population is rather sparse in the NW. So they have that going against them.

I did drive to Pendleton today to say hi to the group. But as is the norm with me and all things Foretravel. It didn't work out as planned. I missed most everyone. They were headed out to supper just as I arrived. I did manage to talk a short time with local Wa. member Doug Campbell with the IH45.

I still plan on joining the club.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #21 – June 17, 2018, 02:05:58 am

Quote from: bigdog – June 17, 2018, 01:10:17 am

I stand corrected then. I hadn't seen that post. And that's my fault as I have got myself into trouble so often on the forum that I only visit occasionally anymore.

The Foretravel population is rather sparse in the NW. So they have that going against them.

I did drive to Pendleton today to say hi to the group. But as is the norm with me and all things Foretravel. It didn't work out as planned. I missed most everyone. They were headed out to supper just as I arrived. I did manage to talk a short time with local Wa. member Doug Campbell with the IH45.

I still plan on joining the club.

DUDE!!!!
The little "toaster car" that stopped next to you while you were talking to Doug was I !!!!
Wished I'd have known it twas You..now just bummed...
red & Nancy

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #22 – June 17, 2018, 02:33:22 am

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – June 16, 2018, 10:42:45 pm

My wife and I are 59 and 60. When we head out in the motorhome we don't like a set schedule or structured events. We love the more low key un-rally's and traveling with fellow Fortravelors. We have met life long friends doing it that way. We do belong to the Motorcade but do not see ourselves doing an organized rally.

Young HOOLIGANS, HOOLIGANS I tell ya!!!!
WHIPPERSNAPPERS! Why If I get my hands on my cane I'll beat some sense in ya! Might get a good ear boxing too!
Oh , STAY OFF MY LAWN!!!!!!!!!! My air hose tooooooooo!

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #23 – June 17, 2018, 03:18:40 am

Quote from: saddlesore – June 17, 2018, 02:05:58 am

DUDE!!!!
The little "toaster car" that stopped next to you while you were talking to Doug was I !!!!
Wished I'd have known it twas You..now just bummed...
red & Nancy

Yep. That car is certainly shaped like a toaster, And with that beard you were sporting I nearly whipped out my wish list for Christmas

Rbark is coming to Wally world on Sunday and we are going to meet up somewhere after I get done with Sunday service. There's about a million wineries here to visit (if one likes wine) I'll take single malt whiskey thank you very much.

Doug invited me to the banquet Sunday afternoon. Not sure if that is cool though as I'm not an official motorcader member and not actually part of the rally. So that might be inappropriate of me to crash the party.

Re: Motorcader rallies - headed for extinction?

Reply #24 – June 17, 2018, 09:14:05 am

Dog, GO! Every FT owner is a welcome guest, MC member or not. It is a gathering of friends always open to new ones.

Say Hi to Richard and Betty (rbark) for us. We met them at the GV in Indiana three years ago and work at crossing paths with them.

Roger

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