I am certain no matter how this turns out -- someone is going to be upset. First off I want to say that the Memorial Weekend Ride In has always been one of our most cherished events each year. It truly has nothing to do with the location “Tucumcari” but rather the people who have gathered there with us year after year -- and those who have only made it once or twice.
Let there be no mistake -- it’s the PEOPLE that come each year is what makes this the awesome event that we have all come to love and cherish. But as with all things --- things change.
Our gathering started off as a fluke --- we had no idea if we could even get enough people to come to fill the one little motel -- let alone overflow at the Safari. Sure enough we booked the entire Blue Swallow plus once or twice we have pretty much sold the Safari out as well. It’s been a pleasure to spend Memorial Weekend with all those we love & cherish.
HOWEVER --- the gathering has become rather fragmented. Neither of the two motels we stay at is large enough to accommodate the entire group. We have some folks who stay out in Melrose with Bandit -- some who have chosen to stay at the Safari (their personal preference) and some who stay at the Blue Swallow. Although we have our Saturday ride --- Sunday service and ultimate BBQ at the Blue Swallow, the gathering has ended up split up for no other reason than lack of adequate accommodations.
Before any decision was made to move the weekend gathering to Las Vegas -- Kendall and I got a call from Chuck (F6Banger). We’ve known for the last several years that there has been numerous conversations about the other options that the great state of New Mexico had to offer for the event. Chuck asked if we had any objections -- what was the plan -- were we open to / supportive of moving from Tucumcari to Las Vegas for a change of pace -- new scenery -- new riding options?
Our response -- Certainly! The one request that Kendall and I have --- we want to continue to keep the Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Melrose as the charity for any donations obtained through our weekend event.
Bandit has graciously stepped in and handled 90% of all the details year in and year out --- although he has always been such a gentleman and so kind -- it was never our intent to put such a burden on him to deal with this year after year.
Chuck was willing to step up -- make the arrangements and handle the planning for the gathering this year -- Kendall and I thought it was a great gesture and excellent idea.
Reality is that my schedule has changed dramatically and up until about 4 days ago it seriously looked like I was going to be spending the next 5 - 8 months in Illinois. Thank God my consultant/trainer has gotten her medical release and is back on the schedule relieving me from the possibility of handling the training and consulting of the 2 Illinois projects I am currently managing.
Am I totally in the clear -- no. But for now it looks like I can plan on attending. I have been so extremely distressed over this for the last month I can’t even begin to express to everyone how hard this entire situation has been.
Please know that Kendall and I are supportive of the change. We are hoping that the group who have joined us year in and year out --- will also embrace the change and be willing to give a new venue a shot --- give the gathering an opportunity to be held at a place that can accommodate us all at one location --- and take in some new scenery. We would like the Memorial Weekend Gathering to continue --- for many years to come --- whether it’s in Tucumcari, Las Vegas or wherever in New Mexico --- it’s a beautiful state and we should explore our options!
I hope you will join us in embracing the change ---with an open heart & mind --- make the commitment to join the group in Las Vegas
It’s not the LOCATION that matters --- it’s the PEOPLE who join us that make the difference!
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/lvnm/
