What would you pay for ? {rally related}

[DirtyDan]

hello all

 Im thinking about going to a rally this june in spearfish south Dakota but I have some questions

 im wondering what I am paying for ?

 I have to provide my own lodging, plan my own ride and ride it myself {as usual}

 the "price" includes a dinner a pin and a t shirt

 OK im not hungray don't need a pin or a t shirt {would love a patch as most bikers would but no patch that I know of}

 so what is it that I would be buying ?

 i cant get a good answer

 i put up a similer post in another part of this board. put it up here to get more exposure and input

 if you weren't hungray and didn't want a pin or t shirt would you pay for ...not much

 what is everyone else paying for ?

 please educate me  

Dan

PS for the record i do like this board ive had great input and meet great people. i would be happy to pay for the use of this board im not cheep but i do like value for my dollar

[jimmytee]

Have you been to an Inzane before? I don't know how the money is used, but there are expenses in creating the Rally. I don't know about this year, but last year, for example, besides the meal and t-shirts, there was the tent in which we would gather for the various organized ( use that term loosely  ) events in the evenings.

[Oss]

VRCC is not a non profit
That said the owners are not in it to make a bundle but I sure hope
they make something to justify all the hours they put in day after day

They are in it to provide the means for Valkyrie owners to be able
to communicate, get together and enjoy 4 or 5 days at a great location
each year.

The VOAi is not a for profit club, its much smaller and does not allow the
political or religious threads on its general board.  I belong to both as do many
Its rally is in Colorado this year and I am sure it will be terrific !  If I were retired
I would be at both


That said, this year I will be at Inzane even though I will need 3 days to get there
and 3 days to get back. I expect to be greeted warmly, enjoy the company of
my VRCC family and listen to a whole lot of lies and stories and have a great time

Do I wish the hotel was cheaper? Sure I do. But it is what it is and given the possible
temperature and weather swings I am not camping. The difference just isnt worth it to ME.

Of course I just got back from a trip to GOTF, so maybe that tells you that to me the road to the
house of a friend is never too far
YMMV    

[Robert]

Sounds like the ride is not important and money is the key for you so I would not do the ride as for the board probably the same.

   The justification for me is that I ride a motorcycle that others here also have and join in a ride that at the end of an adventure one way I have a time to relax and enjoy and share. Until the time I have to be on my way to get back to my own life. Kind of like life in general, seems you don't see importance in that so don't join in. I have not done a ride yet because I cant get away but money would not be the key to stop me and I am looking forward to the privilege to be able to ride on one of these and share my stories just like this board.
    I thank those that plan the rides and for this board and it gives me something to look forward to and dream of. I thank and appreciate all the efforts it makes me drool and one day I will be able to do one of those rides across the US and join in the merriment and sharing that I made it at least one way 


I don't like the question you asked and cannot understand the rational unless it was to infuriate. Or maybe you could just be shallow, in any case if I am reading that wrong, ok but otherwise I stick with what I have said.

I ride every day and have seen some beautiful sights I have also been across the US many times but by car. To take a ride across the US and explore by motorcycle and see and take in the sights and feel the wind and sometimes adversity on the rode what a experience. How awesome to have a destination and purpose more of an excuse to do it and have at that destination a break, in sharing, relaxing, food, friends, what a adventure, what a attitude or perspective change. So many go through life just arriving to deaths door safe and sound instead of experiencing and doing. Man I cannot even believe you posted that, what a waste. If you want to make sure you are getting the return on your money Ill give you a dime to start so you can find out what its all about and offset how much you spent.

[Pappy!]

Although I will not be attending this year I think the costs are justified.
The folks that put this on put untold hours into it, both prior to the event and during the event.
This forum takes time and effort to keep running and maintained.
Maybe the money goes to help out with their time and expenses. With the number of hours they put in and the rides they are never able to go on maybe it would at least be nice to know that their hotel room and some expenses are covered while they bust their butt to make an enjoyable event for the rest of us.
You need only choose whether this is acceptable to you or not.

[Whooray]

VRCC is not a non profit
That said the owners are not in it to make a bundle but I sure hope
they make something to justify all the hours they put in day after day

They are in it to provide the means for Valkyrie owners to be able
to communicate, get together and enjoy 4 or 5 days at a great location
each year.

The VOAi is not a for profit club, its much smaller and does not allow the
political or religious threads on its general board.  I belong to both as do many
Its rally is in Colorado this year and I am sure it will be terrific !  If I were retired
I would be at both


That said, this year I will be at Inzane even though I will need 3 days to get there
and 3 days to get back. I expect to be greeted warmly, enjoy the company of
my VRCC family and listen to a whole lot of lies and stories and have a great time

Do I wish the hotel was cheaper? Sure I do. But it is what it is and given the possible
temperature and weather swings I am not camping. The difference just isnt worth it to ME.

Of course I just got back from a trip to GOTF, so maybe that tells you that to me the road to the
house of a friend is never too far
YMMV    

Oss, you are spot on and "Top Shelf" look forward to seeing you at Inzane. VRCC Rocks!

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Something almost magical almost always happens when you attend a VRCC Rally with all the other motorcycle riders. After you've attended a VRCC Rally something changes inside you that makes you become more focused and aware while riding the Valkyrie motorcycle which you own. Others riders notice how profoundly you ride your Valk and how awesome your journeys to far places must have been.

The other Valkyries around you play a big part in your rally success, you feel as if you are a part of a large group of like minded riders. Maybe even a leader of those riders if you've accomplished your own great life changing rides. You find yourself wanting to show and teach some riders how to ride, how to repair or even how to master the beast that a Valkyrie motorcycle can become on a 10,000 mile journey.

We as Valkyrie riders (present or past) do not attended rally's just for food, shelter or even just another patch. The real value is the knowledge shared, the stories of trips had and to be had, the camaraderie and most of all the friendships found and held forever.

For all that there is a minor expenditure, think of it as buying fuel for another successful life trip. Admission is a small price for a few days of life's never ending ride........

Ride on DirtyDan

[The emperor has no clothes]

 

[Willow]

Okay, here goes.  Hang on.  I'm a bit blunt.

It takes more time, effort and expense than you can imagine to organize and make available an event such as InZane and to make available and manage something as small, but beneficial, as this message board.  InZane is the primary means of funding for the VRCC these days.  Truthfully, it is in a small part the minimal fee paid by each attendee to share in the expense but even moreso in the money spent at the event itself. 

The VRCC has really leaped through hoops to keep the expense of the event down and for several years has resisted the advice of some and kept the registration fee down to under $50.  There was a time when attendees could legitimately value benefits of the gathering (I don't call it a rally) such as vendors availability and maybe some really special group rides.  Some of those benefits have faded away.  Most attendees mark the major benefit as an opportunity to get together with more VRCC members than will be anywhere else and, of course, the ongoing support to the continued existence of the Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club.

If, after pricelessly enjoying the ongoing use of the VRCC, one is distraught over whether the registration fee will be worth what it cost him, save the effort.  I can assure him that he will find it unacceptable.  I didn't say it won't be worth it, only that he will find it so.

People who find the price worthwhile are generally those who enjoy the opportunity to gather with many VRCC members and who are truly grateful for what the VRCC has provided them throughout the year.  There are some who don't.  There are some who truly don't need it.

Each person needs to decide for himself whether he is willing to be a contributor and whether it is worth his time and effort to attend a place where a lot of other Valkyrie riders will be.  We, the VRCC, do need a certain critical mass of participants to enable the VRCC to continue to be an ongoing organization.  It was easy when the Valkyrie was new and unusual.  Now the Valkyrie is old and unusual.  Some of us still love the bike and people who ride it.  Some, not so much.

Forty-eight dollars? Really? 

[Tailgate Tommy]

Interesting but unnecessary (for me at least) posts. I'm going as I find value at InZane's that I can not put a price tag on!!

[Crackerborn]

I will start this by stating that I have never been to an Inzane event. Cost of the event is not the reason, but rather the time that I will be away. If you have ever taken the better half to a diner and a show and spent under $200, then more power to you. A single theater ticket will be more than the cost of registration at Inzane and you won't even get a t-shirt for that, much less the chance to associate with people that have at least one common bond; the love of the open road with the wind in your face. I know what goes into setting up an event of this nature and believe me, the registration cost is very reasonable. I have paid much more for charity rides that were so poorly managed the charities lost out on any funds they were supposed to receive.

Upon reading the posts in response to the OP, I have decided that this year I will registrar, even if I am unable to attend. (I still am working to free up that week.) I have thrown money at much worse causes and feel I have a family on this board I have never met. It would be a shame to let this forum disappear for lack of a small contribution on my part. The technical forum and shop talk alone justify that small cost and I have to thank the sponsors for continuing to help support our misplaced passion for our Big Girls.

[Detn8er]

Does Dan of the dirt get it now? 

[Willow]

Upon reading the posts in response to the OP, I have decided that this year I will registrar, even if I am unable to attend. (I still am working to free up that week.) 

That's a very generous idea.

There is a place at the end of the registration to add a comment.  If one were to register knowing that he would not be able to attend a comment could be added to that effect saving the staff from building a packet.  On the other hand if one might possibly be able to get there no such comment would be needed.

[da prez]

  IZ-12,IZ-13 and IZ-14. I never looked at the prices of the event. I go to put faces with names .
 I go to have a vacation. I go to learn and have fun with all the family who we meet and enjoy.
  I go to ride my Valkyrie to a destination. I do a lot more short rides than long. I go to see my brother Old2soon and all of the sisters and brothers in the family. I go because I want to , not because some one makes me go. I go of my own free will. The VRCC usually does a fund raiser to help a charity. We have games and events. We eat , BS and on occasion , have an adult beverage when the riding is over for the day.  

                                           da prez

[wiggydotcom]

Things I have never seen posted on the VRCC.

I've never seen it posted here that I could apply for the job of crisscrossing the country looking for a suitable site for the next Inzane for pay.
I've never seen it posted here where I could have the job of finding and negotiating with the host hotel to get us the best deal possible for pay.
I've never seen the job posted that I could set up and run about 6 Tech sessions as Daniel Meyer does every year for pay.
I've never seen it posted that I could have the job of sitting in 100 degree heat and hand out and check poker hands along a 100 mile route for pay.
I've never seen it posted that I could do raffles or hand out Tee Shirts or Registration packets for pay.
I've never seen it posted here where I could set up and run the bike rodeo/contest for pay.
I've never seen it posted here where a person could lead group rides every day at Inzane like so many have done---for pay.
I've never seen it posted here where I could make plaques or awards to be given out at the Awards dinner for pay....or to even organize and set up for the awards dinner for pay.
I've never seen it posted here where I could get with a local charity at every Inzane and organize with them to be at the dinner and maybe give us some of their time to fill us in on what their charity is about--for pay.

If none of these jobs pay anything, it must be the responsibility of staff and volunteers. Some of us don't ask how much, but what can we do to make this the best Inzane for everybody!

[old2soon]

NOT bragging or complaining here. I'm retired and making do on my S S. There is ONLY ONE ride a year that I DO NOT care to miss. I have Brothers and Sisters I see once a year at the ride I DO NOT miss. I have Friends I see once a year at the ride I DO NOT miss. And what I usually spend getting there and staying there and getting back home from he ride I DO NOT miss would pay my rent for a little more than 3 months BUT the ride I DO NOT miss is called Inzane-15 this year and I look forward to sharing wind and breaking bread with my Brothers and Sisters at Spearfish S D. It's ONLY money ya can't take it with you when you die and if for no other reason-IT IS a LOT of fun jammed into a week. I KNOW the value of the package I have purchased along with ALL related expenses-PRICELESS!  RIDE SAFE.

[RainMaker]

I'll make you a deal, DirtyDan.

Come to Inzane.  Meet with all of those you just read the posts from, enjoy the comradeship of the the largest gathering of classic and new Valkyries you are likely to ever see.  Watch the skill games, get into the auctions for Motomamma's incredible baked goods, attend the technical sessions on how to keep your Valk running and going on rides with new friends in one of the great riding areas of the country.  If after all that, you don't find it to have been one of the best trips you've ever made, I'll be happy to send you a check for $48 to refund your fee.

If you've never been, you don't know what you've missed.  I don't think you meant to offend - just wanted to know what your money buys.  It is a way to fund the VRCC and to pay for all they do at Inzane - a very poorly paid job, in my opinion - and keep the VRCC alive.  I can't see where it covers much at all, being such a small amount.   I'd pay $100 without blinking,  but I've been to a couple of Inzanes.  You haven't so can't know what the experience is like.  I do and can't wait until this next one.  They are that enjoyable.

So, please, come to the event and judge for yourself with no risk to your pocketbook.  I'm sure you will find it worth your time.

RainMaker

[DirtyDan]

ok

 im just trying to find out what I am buying

 again im making my own lodging  araingments planning my own ride and executing it my self

 so the price of admission to what ?

 South Dakota ?

 Lawrence county ?

 Spearfish ?

 are the vendors charging admission to look at the goods ?

 does the event have a walled off area for the registered guests ?

 whats inside that's not outside ?

 what about the bikers in the area who did not register ?

 I would be happy to make a donation and or pay a fee for the vrcc  message board

 I think Kevin O'leary from shark tank would be asking the same questions

 dan

PS rainmaker posted while I was typing this so- rainmaker {takes off hat and bows} I respect a man who puts his money where his mouth is. if I pay to attend as I might I will man up and take my medicine as I allways have. im just wondering if its wristbands in a special area, bike stickers for parking, again what is it  exactly
that I am getting ?

 dan


 
 

[Dave Ritsema]

Dan,

Like Rainmaker stated, I don't believe your intent was to offend.

I also believe that if you still don't get it after reading all the replies that summed up quite eloquently "what your getting for your money" (i.e. donation to help fund the gathering) then you just won't get it.

Come to InZane if you want to see the largest gathering of Valkyries on the planet.

Come to InZane if you want to meet the largest group of people that you will every have the opportunity to meet that are as passionate about the Valkyrie as you are.

Come to InZane to just hang out in the parking lot, kick tires, look at great ideas to customize your bike and make new friends that you may just find will end up becoming lifetime friends.

If all of that isn't worth the entry fee to you let me know after you get back home and I will send you $50. Look at it this way, between me and Rainmaker you actually stand to make $50 if you don't have a great time! 

[Willow]

ok

 im just trying to find out what I am buying

 again im making my own lodging  araingments planning my own ride and executing it my self

 so the price of admission to what ?

 South Dakota ?

 Lawrence county ?

 Spearfish ?

 are the vendors charging admission to look at the goods ?

 does the event have a walled off area for the registered guests ?

 whats inside that's not outside ?

 what about the bikers in the area who did not register ?

 I would be happy to make a donation and or pay a fee for the vrcc  message board

 I think Kevin O'leary from shark tank would be asking the same questions

... if I pay to attend as I might I will man up and take my medicine as I allways have. im just wondering if its wristbands in a special area, bike stickers for parking, again what is it  exactly
that I am getting ?  

Dan, let me make it easy for you (I really can't believe you took the time to read the responses and still have the same questions.).

You can easily get into South Dakota, Lawrence County, and Spearfish without being a part of InZane.  The vendors don't charge to look at their stuff but if you're not a registered InZane guest you will be asked to leave the area.  There really aren't enough vendors to justify the registration cost.  Walled off is too strong a term.  There will be a taped off area from which non-registered individuals will be asked to leave.  Other than the composite power of the quantity of VRCC members there is nothing inside the tape that you cannot find outside.  Unregistered individuals will be asked to leave all the VRCC events.  For local bikers, the VRCC has always provided free registration.  It's a really dumb policy but we've always done it.  It's mainly left over from when there were enough vendors and VRCC presence to be an attraction.

Just as an aside, a small portion of each day's hotel room cost the hotel presents to the VRCC to provide for related gathering expense (tent, room for banquet, etc.).  Those who have made their own lodging arrangements are already supporting the event less than those who stay at Ground Zero.  I do understand why some folks need to or want to camp during the event and I'm okay with that.  I'm not so much okay with folks that go out of their way to stay at a different hotel.  That's just me I don't speak for my colleagues.  

The bottom line is that you really don't buy anything with the forty-eight dollar registration fee (yes, twenty-four of it goes to pay for the banquet meal).  Your best bet is to think of it as a contribution to the event and to the VRCC.  What's interesting is that you stated at the end of your stuff that you would be happy to contribute but then asked what are you buying.

If you would rather spend time with Kevin O'Leary (Whomever he is) then please do.  My guarantee to you is that based upon the tone of your questions and your dismissal of the answers you will definitely be disappointed should you attend InZane.  Unless your sole purpose is to make a little money on Rainmaker and Dave Ritsema, don't go.

Dan,

Like Rainmaker stated, I don't believe your intent was to offend.

I also believe that if you still don't get it after reading all the replies that summed up quite eloquently "what your getting for your money" (i.e. donation to help fund the gathering) then you just won't get it.

Come to InZane if you want to see the largest gathering of Valkyries on the planet.

Come to InZane if you want to meet the largest group of people that you will every have the opportunity to meet that are as passionate about the Valkyrie as you are.

Come to InZane to just hang out in the parking lot, kick tires, look at great ideas to customize your bike and make new friends that you may just find will end up becoming lifetime friends.

If all of that isn't worth the entry fee to you let me know after you get back home and I will send you $50. Look at it this way, between me and Rainmaker you actually stand to make $50 if you don't have a great time!  

I agree with your assessment, Dave, but we are focusing on intent.  Mostly I agree with your understanding that Dan just doesn't get it.  It's not for everybody and some don't.

I took the freedom of emphasizing a word in your message.  I do hope you and my friend Rainmaker don't end up losing money on this deal.  If you do I will buy you each a good meal in Spearfish.  

[dragonslayer]

   I'll make it simple,JUST STAY HOME and everybody will be happy.

[Jack]

Something almost magical almost always happens when you attend a VRCC Rally with all the other motorcycle riders. After you've attended a VRCC Rally something changes inside you that makes you become more focused and aware while riding the Valkyrie motorcycle which you own. Others riders notice how profoundly you ride your Valk and how awesome your journeys to far places must have been.

The other Valkyries around you play a big part in your rally success, you feel as if you are a part of a large group of like minded riders. Maybe even a leader of those riders if you've accomplished your own great life changing rides. You find yourself wanting to show and teach some riders how to ride, how to repair or even how to master the beast that a Valkyrie motorcycle can become on a 10,000 mile journey.

We as Valkyrie riders (present or past) do not attended rally's just for food, shelter or even just another patch. The real value is the knowledge shared, the stories of trips had and to be had, the camaraderie and most of all the friendships found and held forever.

For all that there is a minor expenditure, think of it as buying fuel for another successful life trip. Admission is a small price for a few days of life's never ending ride........

Ride on DirtyDan

+1, Raymond.


And, if you have to ask if its worth the money, you should spend your money elsewhere.

[G-Man]

Maybe we should make it worth it for Dan to attend the rally and not feel he's getting ripped of by offering a new award this year.

[Strider]

Ok, I can settle this once and for all from my side at least.....

I figured I put the $48 or whatever it was..........


well............

well..................

For the opportunity to put a bid on one of Motomama's pies at the raffle on Tuesday.  $48 and 3100 miles or so.............Well worth it every penny and every mile and smile ...........

Her pies are the best in the world.  I mean JP and I rode up to Kansas one time.....we used the excuse that it was to visit with the Black Pearl's Captain after he had gone down, but sorry Raymond (you know we love ya) but it was really for a slice of her pie.

That is all the justification I need at least.....Did somebody say PIE?????  

[John Schmidt]

For me, it's quite simple. It's a chance once a year to be surrounded by dozens(hundreds??) of friends, folks you don't get to see but once a year but are in constant contact via this board and other means. And at the same time be surrounded by dozens and dozens of Valkyries of all types and enhanced to the owner's personal taste. I missed the first couple InZanes in Ohio, then later due to my wife's health I missed three in a row. I was finally able to attend last year and it was like "Old Home" week with all the greetings, back slapping, etc., spending time with friends I've known for years but hadn't seen for at least the past three. You don't "buy" friendships, they tend to grow especially when nurtured by a common interest. Yes, you have to pay to join in on the fun and fellowhip, but the cost is inconsequential when compared to the personal experience. I won't be able to attend this year, choosing instead to spend some time with my daughters whom I've not seen in three years or more. But as they say in sports.....there's always next year!  

In the mean time, we have a great bunch here in Florida that are quite active. That alone keeps me going. Some of our weekend gatherings will look like a mini-InZane with a couple dozen or more Valkyries lined up outside a restaurant or someone's home. I have but two things I want when my time is done....one is to not "Go West" alone. With this bunch, that won't happen.  

PS: Bad enough that Strider won't get a chance to see me for another year. One day his luck will run out. 

[f6gal]

It's really more simple than all these answers... if we don't charge, the event won't happen.  There are many costs involved in putting on an event this size and it's not fair to expect the staff to foot those costs.  Yes, the leftover money (when there is leftover money) goes toward funding the VRCC's continued existence; but that is not the actual intent in charging for the event.

There are many things you pay for in life that you don't walk away with a tangible item... movies, theaters, events, museums, amusement parks, and so on.  As with those, you are paying for the enjoyment of the event itself.  There is value in that, as many here have stated.  

You stated you are making your own lodging arrangements, which is not exactly accurate.  You are paying for your own room, but we made the arrangements for the hotel and function space.  It's not as easy as you think to find and secure a hotel large enough to house you and your closest 300-400 friends, in an area with great riding right outside your door.

I would NEVER un-invite you.  In fact, I hope you can see the value of a good time and experience InZane for yourself.  

[RainMaker]

Kevin O'Leary is "Mr. Wonderful" on the ABC show Shark Tank.  Mark Cuban is also on that show, and I worked with him back before he was a zillionare.  Mark consulted with CompUSA when I was working there and we designed an entire department on internet and communications. Mark always looked for the value and the reason he was paying for something.  He applied that to his contributions to the internet department.  DirtyDan is asking something similar - he is trying to understand the "value".  He wants to be convinced the value of the registration fee is worth the $48 price tag.

I don't think that Inzane is something that can be assigned a value by anyone other than the participant, or in this case, the purchaser.  It's almost impossible to sell it without having someone who actually wants to buy it first.  You have to make a leap of faith and depend on the testimonies of others.  Either you believe them or you don't.

I think anyone who rides a classic Valkyrie would want to attend at least one Inzane, just to see what it is.  Afterwards, I think they would want to go to another Inzane even more.  But that is me.  I can't see these events getting any bigger as the years go by.

I hope DirtyDan attends.  I hope he finds the "value" to be greater than the cost.  I hope to go on a ride with him and share the wind. Always happy to make a new friend.

I can also see where Inzane may not be for everyone so if he doesn't come, I'm OK with that.  Maybe we'll share wind somewhere else.

RainMaker