Rally in our "own Valley

[George Lowry]

Hi Rich,

I have had those moments of weakness also. Our first - we were
supposed to be assistant trail boss while the trail boss would teach
us all we needed to know. At the last moment, because of both health
and legal problems, the trail boss had to withdraw and we were stuck
with putting it on. Over 60 coaches. As I recall, Friday night we
had "heavy Hors d'oeurves" and Sat night was a pot luck and lots of
fun the whole weekend. (Have you noticed how either the steering
wheel gets larger or the seat scoots up towards it after such a rally)
It was dry camping at something like $5/night.

One of the most expensive we attended was the Golden Gate Thanksgiving
extravaganza in Medera, CA. Used to draw anywhere from 400 - 600
coaches. Went from Wed thru Sunday. Four large meals, and eat - eat -
eat. And that was less than $100 for two.

At our last rally, parking went up to $28/night but included 50 amp
power, water, sewer, the use of the clubhouse and laundry facilities
if needed. Since there are still working people, many rallies are a
Friday, Saturday, Sunday affair with arrivals on Friday and departures
on Sunday. that means only two night of camping.... We were still able
to bring that in at $80 for two and that included a pot luck on
Friday, Sat. Breakfast (see below), Sat Dinner of Beef stew, Salad,
and rolls, and Sunday continental breakfast.

I think that pot lucks are a great thing. You get a great variety of
food and everyone participates. And the food is normally better than
store bought or catered. Have as many as you want or the members will
stand.

Regarding your specific questions:

Two to three nights is what we normally see.

Entertainment is talking to other owners and swapping lies. Very few
get to interact otherwise.

WE have a BYOB happy hour and some bring their wine etc. Some do not
drink at all. Personally I would object to having to pay for someone
else to get drunk.

When we attended a rally at Pahrump, NV and a tour was arranged at
Sherrie's Bordello, we just carpooled over there. Interestingly the
women were more interested than the men. Most everyone has a toad and
carpooling is very inexpensive.

Who will help? In our experience, almost everyone that is able. We
have had to turn away help or spread it out so everyone got a chance.
We have found that since we help or volunteer, we enjoy the
festivities much more.

Shopping for an economic campground that welcomes groups and does
things like including the use of a clubhouse, etc. helps to keep costs
down. Making it a fun get together instead of a formal "wait on me"
operation goes a long way. We are attending a rally towards the end
of this month where the total cost of the rally for two is $50. This
includes Friday Ice Cream Social, Saturday morning Eggs N' a bag,
Saturday Dinner, and Sunday Continental Breakfast. It is dry camping
though. BTW, Have you ever had oatmeal topped with ice cream and
cinnamon? Terrific AND low cost. We have many ideas for terrific low
cost meals.

BTW, a couple of years ago we got some Maine lobster and it was not
good. Better would be to go to the boats, but some chicken lobsters,
Get out some large pots and do your own. Cost will be much less and
quality will be much better.

These are some ideas. If dealers or manufacturers want to give a
presentation, let them. Might even include the competition. I BB
sees another manufacturer pitching their former customers, they might
wake up.

my $.02

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD


g_man1146 wrote:

> Hi George, and everyone.
>
> I, in a moment of weakness, volunteered to run a rally for the Blue
> Bird Chapter in September, '06. The lower Maine coast is the
> proposed location. Other BB Chapter rallies were getting to be near
> the $600.00 range, way, way too high, IMO. In speaking to Brenda
> regarding this, she indicated that they wanted to cut back the cost
> of these rallies. Chapter recommendations are for full hookup sites
> in an area of interest and from what I've found so far, 4 nights is
> going to cost about $100.00 (Going rates are $35.00/night less group
> discounts) for the site alone. Dry camping is available away from
> town and for much less. The above is for ocean view, full hookup
> sites and full use of the campgrounds amenities. I'm thinking along
> the lines of a couple of dinners,(got to have lobster)that are
> catered or at a local restaurant plus breakfasts that are supplied
> by volunteer labor. Sightseeing, Summer theater, whale watching,
> cruise, etc. are all possible but add to the cost. Many free things
> to do in the area too.
>
> My questions, and request for input from all Bird owners, regardless
> of year or model, are:
> What should be included?
> How many nights?
> Meals? Restaurants or on site?
> Entertainment?
> Cocktail parties?
> Transportation to events?
> Who will help?
> How can we keep costs down?
>
> In the past, dealers and the factory have kicked in to provide a
> meal or a cocktail hour, etc. I intend to ask all dealers to
> participate with something and to post the gracious offers of those
> who help. The factory will be asked to provide on site service and
> monetary assistance as well. I welcome any and all comments and
> suggestions; please post here or email me direct. I will save and
> sort all comments. Thanks in advance. I need help in planning a
> rally that appeals to as many as possible and, in the past, have
> participated in rallies where the cost was excessive for what we
> received. Your assistance will prevent that from happening as we
> will know just what is necessary and appealing to most. My intention
> is to start planning this summer.
>
> Thanks,
> Rich D. '99LXi43' CT
>