Tucumcari or not ----- that is the question?!?

[Des]

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/

[F6BANGER]

Good write up Des. Thank you

[Gary]

I'm in! 

I missed last year but so far all looks good. I think the Las Vegas area will make for some good local riding opportunities.

Like...



But you got to watch out for the locals, they think they own the road...  ???


And some of the tight turns...

[F6BANGER]

Is this coming out of Guadalupita and going into Black Lake on 434 just before Angel Fire? Looks like it. I have land just to the right.

[Michael K (Az.)]

I won't be upset, honest.

[Brewer]

Looks like a great riding opportunity. Maybe next year for me, the holiday weekend is already booked with other activities. 

[Gary]

Is this coming out of Guadalupita and going into Black Lake on 434 just before Angel Fire? Looks like it. I have land just to the right.

Yup, had to look it up to be sure since the names aren't as familiar as the countryside.

[Super Santa]

Bump - Git 'er Done!

[LandElephant]

We are talking about Las Vegas NM right?

Land Elephant

[wild6]

We are talking about Las Vegas NM right?

Land Elephant

Yes - Click the link on the first post....

[czuch]

Not upset here. Not going, no skin in the game,,,,This year..
Having been in New Mexico and loving the place, I gotta say the riding opportunities and landscape are vastly superior in Las Vegas to Tucumcari.

[RainMaker]

Planning on the 2013 New Mexico Memorial ride.  Going to Britman's this year.

RainMaker

[Des]

  Back at the first of the year --- when it was time to start planning and putting together our Annual Tucumcari gathering --- I bowed out due to schedule conflicts and lack of time to properly plan the event.  I felt very fortunate that Chuck (F6Banger) was willing to step up and take over the work load to put together the event.  He (like many others) asked about moving the gathering north to Las Vegas, NM this year -- for a change in scenery and opportunity for new riding adventure for the group.  Kendall and I discussed it and we didn't find any problem with the idea of moving north this year.

Well -- as I feared --- here at the last minute my schedule has changed and I'm out.  A client I thought I had worked a deal to wait until the first of June -- now has scheduling conflicts and I have to be in NV on Tuesday following Memorial Day.   

That means in order for me to make NM Ride In this year --- I'd ride to NM on Friday, be there Saturday, ride home Sunday to (fly or drive) to NV on Monday.  I'm in Georgia this week -- I won't be home until Saturday evening -- and although I am very much heartbroken that it's turned out this way --- I just don't see how I can physically handle the turnaround (650 miles one way) to join the group in NM.

To make it worse --- Kendall and I will celebrate (or not) our 4th wedding anniversary on Friday, May 25th --- when he needs to leave for NM.  I am hell-bent-for-furry that he goes --- but it is NOT going to be easy to send him off while I stay behind.  Not only will he not want to go without me --- but I'm going to be extremely disappointed I'm not going (for the 1st time in 5 years).   

Please know that I very much want to be with the group – continue to support our annual Memorial Weekend gathering --- but as I feared --- it's just not in the cards for me this year ---

[Stanley Steamer]

And your stuck with Steamer!!!..........

[R J]

Des, sit down and relax, the handling of the affair is in the bestest hands you can find in that area...........

You worry too firkin much. 

All will be well, and Kendall can take lots of pictures or movies, which ever he prefers for you to look at after it is over.

If ya get in my town again, be sure and call me.

[Bandit]

Thanks RJ      Bandit