Opinions needed for InZane 2012 - - VOTE NOW!

[f6gal]

I've been negotiating with a couple of hotels for 2012 (please don't ask where yet, nothing is for sure).
Anyway, seems we can get much better rates if we avoid the weekend.  It's been bantied about in the past that the event should be on weekdays, leaving weekends to travel there and back.  Plus, the riding roads and other area attractions are likely to be less crowded.  So, is this possibly the best idea all around or a huge mistake???

So... which do you prefer?  
Like now (Wed-Sat, departing on Sunday)
   or
New idea (Mon-Thurs, departing on Friday)

[f6gal]

Interesting early returns!  ???

[Scott in Ok]

If I take my VRCC Staff hat off, and just as a member of the VRCC, I actually like the idea of having it during the week.  As it is now, I can't get the whole trip in taking a week off from work.  I usually end up taking that following monday as a travel day(and sometimes the Friday before).  And who can complain about cheaper rates!

I too am curious what people think.

-Scott

[Daniel Meyer]

Voted for "whichever" but after thinking a bit...I like the new plan...like Scott said, puts the entire thing in one week and makes vacation easier.

[f6gal]

Voted for "whichever" but after thinking a bit...I like the new plan...like Scott said, puts the entire thing in one week and makes vacation easier.

Yep... that was the reason it was discussed in the past. 
From an admin point of view, the risks are kinda scary... it's a big change.

[R J]

Just so long as it is not an Obama change.   Those are not for the best.

I doubt if I'll be able to attend, but the Mon-Thursday would sound a lot more reasonable for the people who work.

Us old retired farts, we can go anytime.

I do like the sound of cheaper rates.

It kills me to miss these events.

I had perfect attendance till the last Colorado get it on.

Enjoyed every dang one of them also.

Got to meet some exceptional people during that time frame also.

No names please, ya'll know who ya are.

[solo1]

Monday through Thursday is my vote. Since I'm retired, I plan all my stuff during the week when everyone is working, I avoid the weekends, especially on travel to state parks.

Cheaper rates are always good.

[John Schmidt]

I agree with the weekday program possibility, would make it easier for those still working and there may well be a price advantage. Like RJ, Solo1, and others, I'm retired so the timing hasn't been of real importance to me when it comes to days off. Aside from that, I'm flexible as to when it's held, but I am curious why changing to a weekday program presents a scary situation for admin. Regardless, keep up the good work....you guys are appreciated more than you know. 

[Disco]

I voted "Doesn't matter", but I do like the new plan.  

[six2go #152]

Being another retiree, I voted for "Doesn't matter", but if I was still working I would prefer the new plan. My work history is based on a Monday - Friday 40hr workweek. I realize that many of the "new age" jobs are not that way. It seems that it would be much easier for most to arrange vacation during one Mon. - Fri. time period than splitting it up over two weeks.

Just have it, they will come! 

[T.P.]

WHOOO HOOOO  CONNIE !!!   Good to start the planning right now,  I know that we have lost some members attending this year because they couldn't get vacation time. some folks need to make that choice by January 1st.  M to T would work great as would the Blk Hills area.  but not during Sturgis time.     T.P.

[Misfit]

I vote for the new plan. I think it would fit eveyone better.

[f6gal]

I am curious why changing to a weekday program presents a scary situation for admin. Regardless, keep up the good work....you guys are appreciated more than you know.  

It's scary because not everyone attends the entire event (though most do); our most highly attended days are Friday and Saturday.  
The rates we pay to the hotel for the different function spaces we require is typically based on the number of room nights we book.

Oh, and thanks for the kudos!   

[f6gal]

WHOOO HOOOO  CONNIE !!!   Good to start the planning right now,  I know that we have lost some members attending this year because they couldn't get vacation time. some folks need to make that choice by January 1st.  M to T would work great as would the Blk Hills area.  but not during Sturgis time.     T.P.

Believe it or not, we always start this early the years we are changing location... it's not a quick process.  
Hey and BTW, this year we announced the location and dates way before January 1st.  So, we didn't lose attendees for that reason.

[3fan4life]

It's scary because not everyone attends the entire event (though most do); our most highly attended days are Friday and Saturday.  
The rates we pay to the hotel for the different function spaces we require is typically based on the number of room nights we book.

I can see where it can be somewhat of a "crapshoot" either way.

I would suggest "polling" the attendees of this years Inzane, as it seems to me that they are the people who are most likely to attend another one in the future.


For us it is more an issue of location than it is days of the week.

We were able to attend both Inzanes in Johnson City, TN because it was close.

Colorado was out because of the additional travel time.

The "new" proposal might have helped with that.  

The last two just haven't been feasible for us.

I hope to make 2012, but I am secretly hoping that it will be close again.


BTW, Thanks for all of the work that you guys do.

I have some idea of what it takes to plan for such an event and how much work is involved.

[Momz]

I'd like to suggest the next IZ be in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Curvy roads, lakes, mountains, and tons of waterfalls. Any where near Ithica, Corning, Watkins Glen, or Elmira area.
 
Of course that is just my suggestion. I'm sure Oss and Gman would agree.

[f6gal]

I would suggest "polling" the attendees of this years Inzane, as it seems to me that they are the people who are most likely to attend another one in the future.

Part of the reason for the question is to find out if might make it easier for ppl who couldn't attend previously. 
Polling only this year's attendees excludes a large part of our membership... many that might like to attend.   

Sorry you couldn't attend in Bellaire... heck isn't that just 800 miles from you?

[six2go #152]

I've already posted my opinion on the different plans as far as days of the week, but here's another idea; Is anyone else open to having Inzane some other time on the calendar rather in the hottest part of the Summer? I personally don't ride the Valk much from about the middle of June until mid September. I just don't tolerate the heat like I used to. I would like to see it happen in late Sept or early Oct in order to get away from the oppressive heat we run into most of the time(Remember Paducah?). Just another thought 

[Stude]

I vote yes to the idea of Sun. night till F6gal making pancakes for us Sat. morning 

[3fan4life]

Sorry you couldn't attend in Bellaire... heck isn't that just 800 miles from you?

I know 800 mi doesn't sound like so much, but with the "wife unit" in tow I'd have to break the travel to and from into 2 days each way (you know what they say "If momma ain't happy aint nobody happy".  ).

The extra 2 days aren't a total deal breaker but they do factor into the total equation.


I'm not complaining, I fully understand the logic behind moving the location around.

And no location is ever going to work for everyone.

Personally I am quite fond of Johnson City, TN.

We attended DOTS, Inzane VII and VIII, we thoroughly enjoyed all of the opportunites to ride there.


I don't envy the task of  picking a location, wanting it to be enjoyable for everyone and knowing that no matter what some will be disappointed cannot be an easy task.

Just remember that lots of "twisties" are always good.     


AS far as the "New Plan", I see pro's and con's both ways.

Not sure which is better.

I'm not even totally sure at this point if it would help or hurt our ability to attend, but i am glad that you guys are entertaining the possibility of making changes if they would benefit the membership as a whole.
 

[fudgie]

Not sure if I can vote since I have never attended.  I think the M-F would be good. IZ is what, 2 days ride for most? Sat/sun would be good travel days.

Good question Connie.

[Dave Ritsema]

If I take my VRCC Staff hat off, and just as a member of the VRCC, I actually like the idea of having it during the week.  As it is now, I can't get the whole trip in taking a week off from work.  I usually end up taking that following monday as a travel day(and sometimes the Friday before).  And who can complain about cheaper rates!

I too am curious what people think.

-Scott

Agree with Scott on this one, thanks to the staff for thinking outside the box! 

[bigdog99]

i waited as long as i could to make vacation plans for the inzane date. if we could know the month a bit earlier i can make sure my 2 week vacation doesnt interfere.
i too dont get the chance to end a week on thurs, and follow that with taking off monday too.
works better for me to do mon - thur

[Disco]

...this year we announced the location and dates way before January 1st.  So, we didn't lose attendees for that reason.

Actually, I know one of my Texas buddies had to put in his vacation request before details were announced, so, based on last year's schedule, he bet on the third week in July.  He lost.   

Giving everyone almost a year to plan schedule and destination... 

[Crazyhorse]

I voted that the time doesn't matter I will be there. I have been blessed to make all but two of the Inzanes through the years. The two I missed (1 and 6) I missed because of work. The first (Inzane 1) I was told to cancel my plans that I had to work that weekend. The second one (Inzane 6) I had just change jobs and did not have enough vacation time built up. I now have a job with good vacation time and the freedom to take it. If a person has limited vacation time he or she might not be able to take a whole week to attend but could make a weekend ride in. I personally like the Monday through Friday with the weekend for travel and it might be that it would not hinder anyone from attending. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Inzane and want to say thanks to the staff for all the work they put into these meetings.

[MP]

...this year we announced the location and dates way before January 1st.  So, we didn't lose attendees for that reason.

Actually, I know one of my Texas buddies had to put in his vacation request before details were announced, so, based on last year's schedule, he bet on the third week in July.  He lost.   

Giving everyone almost a year to plan schedule and destination... 

Kind of what happened to me.  We are having a Family Reunion this summer, and I have not attended one for over a decade due to work.  So, I promised them this year I would go.  They scheduled the Reunion around when I could make it.  My best GUESS as to Inzane date was to pick the week it has been for the last several years.  WRONG!

So, now I am committed to going to the Reunion, and I will VERY MUCH miss being at Shanty Creek.  If I had had Inzane's date about a month earlier, the family reunion would have been set on a different date, and I would be going to Shanty Creek.

Point is:  the earlier you can set the date, the better!  And, I will plan on seeing all of you in 2013!

I think the "best" idea would be to announce the date and location of the next Inzane, at the big evenings get together at Inzane itself.  Kind of make it the vocal point of the evening.  I also realize that would not be possible this year, but consider it for next.

MP

[Stitch]

I've been lucky enough to attend all InZanes, but the 2 in Colorado - mainly because of the distance. It does take work to pull these events off, so A HUGE THANK YOU to the staff, for all the work involved here.

Timing, I do believe that I like the new plan better, most folks plan for this anyway, so to adjust a day here or there should work out for most.

Since there have been a few "suggestions" tossed out there, here's another - but this will be one of your 'scarier thoughts'. Some talked about the heat of the summer (I agree), but with weather - you just never know. But it would be kinda nice to do a southern rally - in Georgia or Alabama (?) along the gulf shores, but would need to do this earlier, like maybe April.  The biggest problem would be that us 'northerners' might be fighting some still crappy weather, for us to leave in - which might hurt attendance.

But I'm suggesting this because 1) for us in the north, we can't wait to get back in the saddle and ride, after sitting all winter, so this would be a great start to OUR season. and 2) come the summer, we have every week-end booked with SOME SORT of ride already, this would relieve some time restraints.

[Misfit]

...this year we announced the location and dates way before January 1st.  So, we didn't lose attendees for that reason.

Actually, I know one of my Texas buddies had to put in his vacation request before details were announced, so, based on last year's schedule, he bet on the third week in July.  He lost.   

Giving everyone almost a year to plan schedule and destination... 

Kind of what happened to me.  We are having a Family Reunion this summer, and I have not attended one for over a decade due to work.  So, I promised them this year I would go.  They scheduled the Reunion around when I could make it.  My best GUESS as to Inzane date was to pick the week it has been for the last several years.  WRONG!

So, now I am committed to going to the Reunion, and I will VERY MUCH miss being at Shanty Creek.  If I had had Inzane's date about a month earlier, the family reunion would have been set on a different date, and I would be going to Shanty Creek.

Point is:  the earlier you can set the date, the better!  And, I will plan on seeing all of you in 2013!

I think the "best" idea would be to announce the date and location of the next Inzane, at the big evenings get together at Inzane itself.  Kind of make it the vocal point of the evening.  I also realize that would not be possible this year, but consider it for next.

MP

MP Inzane is not something you can just pull off of the shelf like a can of beans. It takes a ton of work and alot of man hours to pull this thing off. If this was a paying gig and the staff did not have day jobs ar a life and all they had to do was put Inzane together your idea might work. As it stands everyone is still puting on the finising touches for this year and have no time for planning and hagaling with the next hotel. By the way it sucks that you can't make it this year. It is always a pleasure to see and visit with you. I look forward to 2012. 

[MP]

...this year we announced the location and dates way before January 1st.  So, we didn't lose attendees for that reason.

Actually, I know one of my Texas buddies had to put in his vacation request before details were announced, so, based on last year's schedule, he bet on the third week in July.  He lost.   

Giving everyone almost a year to plan schedule and destination... 

Kind of what happened to me.  We are having a Family Reunion this summer, and I have not attended one for over a decade due to work.  So, I promised them this year I would go.  They scheduled the Reunion around when I could make it.  My best GUESS as to Inzane date was to pick the week it has been for the last several years.  WRONG!

So, now I am committed to going to the Reunion, and I will VERY MUCH miss being at Shanty Creek.  If I had had Inzane's date about a month earlier, the family reunion would have been set on a different date, and I would be going to Shanty Creek.

Point is:  the earlier you can set the date, the better!  And, I will plan on seeing all of you in 2013!

I think the "best" idea would be to announce the date and location of the next Inzane, at the big evenings get together at Inzane itself.  Kind of make it the vocal point of the evening.  I also realize that would not be possible this year, but consider it for next.

MP

MP Inzane is not something you can just pull off of the shelf like a can of beans. It takes a ton of work and alot of man hours to pull this thing off. If this was a paying gig and the staff did not have day jobs ar a life and all they had to do was put Inzane together your idea might work. As it stands everyone is still puting on the finising touches for this year and have no time for planning and hagaling with the next hotel. By the way it sucks that you can't make it this year. It is always a pleasure to see and visit with you. I look forward to 2012. 

I realize that.  That is why I put "best" in quotes.  They do a wonderful job, and cannot get that done in time.  Just, the sooner the date can be announced, the better.

MP

[Sonny]

I realy like the new plan!     On the weekends depending on the dates are a bit more traveled but it gives everone the week to enjoy all that is going on without all the normal weekend issues.

Geat idea!

[f6gal]

And, I will plan on seeing all of you in 2013!

I think the "best" idea would be to announce the date and location of the next Inzane, at the big evenings get together at Inzane itself.... consider it for next.   MP

2013??  What about 2012??

Actually, we have considered annoucing at InZane in the past.  We decided against it for a few reasons:

• If we're moving, it's kind of a slap in the face to the current hosting hotel.
• We settle our hotel "bill" on Sun or Mon... it helps if they're still courting us for the next year.
• Negotiations are usually not completed with the new hotel; we lose our negotiating position, if they know we're already connmitted.

This year, we announced the date on Nov. 7 and the location on Nov. 8... almost 9 months before the event.  We were having problems with hotel rates, etc.  It took until then to get everything worked out.

All that said, of course we know the earlier the better... and believe me we announce as soon as the contract is signed.  Hopefully that will be earlier this year.

[f6gal]

I vote yes to the idea of Sun. night till F6gal making pancakes for us Sat. morning 

Really?  Didn't know you were that brave!!   

[John Schmidt]

Although I'll not be able to attend this year, I do like the idea that was brought up re. a different time of year.....when it's not so hot. I live about 50 miles from the Daytona mess that happens twice a year, and believe me....they have thousands there for Biketoberfest in the Fall. It's not quite as heavily attended(usually) as Bike Week in the Spring, but it seems there isn't a problem for people getting time off. I also limit my riding in Summer due only to the heat, temps in the upper 90's and beyond with humidity to match just simply takes the fun out of it. One member down here, Tropic Traveler, thrives on the heat. I tell him he has lizard blood, he just ain't normal. 

Hopefully, I'll be able to attend again in 2012 if my caretaker duties can be supplemented with outside help. As for this year, y'all have fun.....just don't do anything I wouldn't. 

[fudgie]

John S,
 the dates for a bike week have always been the same. Ususally a certain week during that month. 1st full week, 3rd week, etc. So most already know the dates well ahead of time and they start saving a year before, well at least I do. Dates are preset for up to 5 yrs or more out.

[fudgie]

Actually, we have considered annoucing at InZane in the past.  We decided against it for a few reasons:

• If we're moving, it's kind of a slap in the face to the current hosting hotel.
• We settle our hotel "bill" on Sun or Mon... it helps if they're still courting us for the next year.
• Negotiations are usually not completed with the new hotel; we lose our negotiating position, if they know we're already connmitted.

I wouldnt think its a slap in the face to the hotel. They are getting paid for the VRCC to use it. If we, the VRCC, dont use it, Im sure someone else will esp if its in a good area, as all the IZ have been. We appreciate their hospiltality, that goes along way. Unless you are commited before IZ is over then thats a different story.
Joe always announced where the next years ride will be the last night we are all together. The hotels never seemed to mind.

[Lyn-Del]

Most hotels know that they're the location *for that year* and do their best so that you'll consider returning another year.

Some groups plan their locations two years in advance, having the contracts, etc, done by then.  It seems to remove a lot of the pressure from the organizers. 

[John Schmidt]

Yeah Fudgie, I know....lived here since the mid-60's. I was just making the point that a Fall date doesn't seem to prevent them from attending. I've talked to a lot of people that will go to Daytona over Sturgis simply because of the temps in the Summer.

Just tossing out some food for thought is all. I'm hoping I can visit a friend in Ft. Worth this year, but there is no way I'll make the trip west this time of year. I'll wait until late Sept. or into Oct. so the riding out there will be more tolerable. Maybe it's an "age" thing, just can't tolerate the high temp as well anymore.

[f6gal]

I wouldnt think its a slap in the face to the hotel. They are getting paid for the VRCC to use it. If we, the VRCC, dont use it, Im sure someone else will esp if its in a good area, as all the IZ have been. We appreciate their hospiltality, that goes along way. Unless you are commited before IZ is over then thats a different story.
Joe always announced where the next years ride will be the last night we are all together. The hotels never seemed to mind.

The other two reasons are bigger factors than the first.  I'm not sure who you mean by "Joe" or to what event you're referring.  But we use a lot more function space than a smaller run and we need any negotiatiing edge we can get.

[fudgie]

Yeah Fudgie, I know....lived here since the mid-60's. I was just making the point that a Fall date doesn't seem to prevent them from attending. I've talked to a lot of people that will go to Daytona over Sturgis simply because of the temps in the Summer.

Just tossing out some food for thought is all. I'm hoping I can visit a friend in Ft. Worth this year, but there is no way I'll make the trip west this time of year. I'll wait until late Sept. or into Oct. so the riding out there will be more tolerable. Maybe it's an "age" thing, just can't tolerate the high temp as well anymore.

Got ya. I think that I only have not rode twice cause it was to hot. But you all get it alot worse then we do. Heats not bad up here its the humidity.  I guess when we say its to cold to ride you southerners laugh. lol

[fudgie]

I wouldnt think its a slap in the face to the hotel. They are getting paid for the VRCC to use it. If we, the VRCC, dont use it, Im sure someone else will esp if its in a good area, as all the IZ have been. We appreciate their hospiltality, that goes along way. Unless you are commited before IZ is over then thats a different story.
Joe always announced where the next years ride will be the last night we are all together. The hotels never seemed to mind.

The other two reasons are bigger factors than the first.  I'm not sure who you mean by "Joe" or to what event you're referring.  But we use a lot more function space than a smaller run and we need any negotiatiing edge we can get.

world famous Smokin Joe!   

Guess with 400+ you do need a edge.