2012 Doofapalooza? Probably not.

[MegaGlide]

Believe it or not, there is a little bit of time (on the part of Boop and I) and expense (for the forum) in doing one of these national git togethers.
Based on the dwindling numbers at ES (event shirts are a great indicator, and we sold a whopping 24 total for ES 2011, including one guy who doesn't attend and some folks who bought multiples), I'm thinking this is going to need to go to a biennial (every 2 years) event, or maybe every 5.
I really want ideas from those who actually attend on how we should proceed here.

I always saw ES as the one centrally located event where everybody got together, and that was what it was about for me, but the numbers just aren't supporting it.

Clue me in, y'all.

[y2kflhr]

I like the idea of East and West, beginning and end (ish) of summer this way if you want to do both you can, and but nobody listens to me

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[y2kflhr]

And then maybe a big one every couple of years???

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[Backroad Mike]

I don't object to every two years or more, that gives opportunities for other locations. My summers are difficult to schedule the time required for ES. This year we're doing Maggie Valley instead. I'd like to attend more, but unless they are tied into holiday weekends, I don't see that happening.

[DaSkip]

We need new Doofs and zINTS. We have to get new members.

[Bone Stockman]

I have some thoughts on this. Let me organize them a bit and I'll post something up.

[orbit]

My job situation kills it for me.

It's easier for me to get time off in the Spring and Fall than it is in the Summer.

Plus, the last two years have sucked majorly for me, work wise, so even if I have the time off, due to lack of work, I can't afford to go to ES.

[dzlfitr]

Originally Posted by y2kflhr

I like the idea of East and West, beginning and end (ish) of summer this way if you want to do both you can, and but nobody listens to me

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Who are you????

[thrasher]

Vacation time is a valuable asset for those of us who are not retired; some get more vacation than others. Its big fun meeting new Doofs and Zints, but I also love going places that I've never been before. That's just me, though. YMMV.

Although I absolutely love my profession, my new job has killed the Crawfish run, Junction, and ES for me this year.

[why_me]

While I love the big get together every year, I think that bi-annual may be a better idea. Gives folks time to stash away a bit and to make other trips. A week+ of vacation every year may be too much for some to lock down year after year. I'm good either way, but in thinking of more than my own personal situation, having a gap in between may work out more overall. If the west coast every gets off their duff and organizes more than an afternoon beer, I'd like to head that way sometime.

[SafetyMan]

I love the people here.

I've been to ES 3 times.

I'm tired of ES.

I don't have the resources to go to a centrally located place in our great country to find out whether or not they have great motorcycle roads, to find out if there is a hotel that is biker, and DooF, friendly, and has the right rates.

I understand the guidelines, and the reasons for them, and have no problem with them. But there are choices to make. I've been there and done that, and I'm ready for something different.

I understand that it costs, both time and money, to put on an event. TotM isn't cheap to put on... but I love doing it. Everyone kicked in to the hat, and I appreciate it, didn't ask for or need it, but it was greatly appreciated. We will most likely continue to host, because we love it....


Aside from all that, it's kind of expensive for us to go all the way over there for most of a week.

See y'all in Maggie Valley!

[TalonChief]

I just didn't want a shirt this year; I'll still be there. Would like to make all of the events, but some of the govt employee perks I hear about on the news must be for other departments.

$4+ gas ain't conducive to frivolous expenditures either.

[y2kflhr]

Maggie Valley is still a long days ride, and I have no problem doing that, but 2 days of riding each way and the timing make it damn near impossible for me to go

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[why_me]

I don't necessarily think even the location needs to change. As far as a centrally located place with great roads and tons of scenery, it's damn hard to find a better spot than ES or that area. Maybe take a year break from the annual, let the local rides grow and flourish a bit more, and feel out for 2013 participation. If the feelings aren't strong enough, give it another year. For me, it's much more than the location, it's the fellowship and meeting up with people that I may only get to see on that once a year occasion. If the economy finally makes a good turn and everyone is in a better position, I would guess participation would go up as well.

[yolkum]

I totally understand wanting to centralize the main event for the Doofs and not put all the burden of travel on those members who live further west. Hell the riding is the whole point, (that and bullshitting for hours in parking lots ). But with that said the distance plays a big factor for me.

I was hoping to go to ES this year... since I haven't gotten to go there yet and it sound like tons of fun, but like everybody I'm controlled by my limited vacation time and the distance I can go because of that.

I basically try to fit in one big week long ride for the year and then as many weekend rides as possible.

With ES being so far away and a week long event, it would really make it tough for me to show up more than once every few years. Not that I wouldn't mind going every year. I'd be happy as a pig in shit to go to every event, plus some... But with my current restraints this would mean ES would always have to be my main trip.

Were events like EC Doofapalooza, Squish, TOTM and Cheese being a 1 day ride and weekend events I can go to a lot of them over the entire year and not use up all my vacation time at once.

I was thinking about this the other day and all the great events that are popping up. What if ES was an every 5 year event. It would guarantee a huge turn out since if you missed it, it would be such a wait before it came round again. It could remain in ES to centralize it and returning there after 5 years would keep people from feeling like they've been there done that.

Same with some of the smaller events. I am so excited for the Dumbside run this year, but at the same time I'm thinking it might be best to put off another for a year or two after this one to make room for new events that are bound to spring up all over the country... Also to not in crouch on events that are very close to the same time. Like what happened by us scheduling the dumbside so close to TOTM and Rolling thunder.

Well I'll shut up now for a few minutes, but that's just my two cents.