The Honda Owners Club

by **Barry** on Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:20 pm

Dibble wrote:So how many Tshirts would you buy before the event then Barry?

I normally go to 2/3 rallies a year and I am always expected to preregister. The basic registration fee includes one T shirt, and some sort of 'goodies' bag - more T shirts can be ordered. For the international rallies, accommodation also has to be prepaid - directly to the organiser - this normally includes 3 breakfasts, a B-B-Q and an evening meal.
At the predominately camping rallies there is a basic one tent price and if you want B&B you make your own arrangements - from a list supplied by the organisers. On some rallies by preregistering your ticket is entered into a raffle.
Many rallies have a upper limit on numbers and you can't pay at the gate. Others you can pay at the gate but don't get a Teeshirt + goodies bag.

The Varadero International Meeting in Northern Ireland attracted some 150 bikes (200+ people?)- from 18 nationalities.(?) All accommodation was block booked by the organisers, as the numbers increased they had to negotiate for extra capacity.
The 'ticket' price included some 5 meals, three nights accommodation - tents, caravans and cabins - T shirt, bands and evening entertainment and a visit to a whiskey distillery. The organisers were three local lads working from their own resources - in fact they declined an offer of financial support. One of them is I believe a member of this Forum and will, I am sure put me right on any details.

How come they could do, something that the largest Honda bike club can't?

I did buy two Smiley Filey T shirts.

by **Dibble** on Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:45 pm

Firstly they had a limited audience but an international base of their enthusiasts who want to do everything varadaro. The accomodation was obviously through an organisation that allowed the club to administer it or it was prepurchased. I did this when we had a National rally at Bainland but it took forever to get people to book still. This goes back to my original point that if we could prebook the accomodation we could then administer it but since we cannot in many cases then we have to go with the system that befalls us now.

We may have a large club but as you and everyone else knows only a small percentage take part in any or all of the events so how do you ever guage that for prebooking anything. I anticipate the National Rally and Events in 2011 will be better attended purely because it is our 50th and there will be some funds to put towards it that we have managed to accrue and protect for such events. This is not a luxury we have the rest of the time.

Also Barry just how many people do you think our executive consists of. You are very quick to criticise them but in the same blast you named all but four of them saying what a wonderful job they all do. They are as you are regulary reminded volunteers doing thgis in their own unpaid time and consist of 8 in all out of getting on now for 3000 members. I think those who are members are getting a pretty good deal out of that.

by **Barry** on Fri Sep 05, 2008 1:12 pm

Dibble wrote:Firstly they had a limited audience but an international base of their enthusiasts who want to do everything varadaro.

Yes most there were Varadero enthusiasts, but there was a sprinkling of other Honda models and different makes.

This goes back to my original point that if we could pre book the accommodation we could then administer it but since we cannot in many cases then we have to go with the system that befalls us now .

I understand the problem of finding a suitable location in the UK - that is why most rallies are camping rallies. It is obviously easier out of season - that is why the VIM rally is held in May - out of season in most of Europe and the possibility of good riding conditions - many riders make a return trip of 2/3000 miles.

I think perhaps the HOC should ask themselves the question ' why have a National rally'? If it is to be a 'getting to know you' meeting place for members from across the country, perhaps they should consider having the rally well out of season - when accommodation is easier to come by? Does it matter if members go by car - they can still dress up as bikers. :o)

We may have a large club but as you and everyone else knows only a small percentage take part in any or all of the events so how do you ever gauge that for pre booking anything.

You book for slightly less than you expect, insist on pre booking, then put up a FULL sign. There is nothing like being excluded to encourage members to book early the following year. ;o)

I anticipate the National Rally and Events in 2011 will be better attended purely because it is our 50th and there will be some funds to put towards it that we have managed to accrue and protect for such events.

All the club rallies I know of or have been associated with have ended up in profit! They do require an investment to start with - usually raised by club events and raffles prior to the rally.

At the VIM, a tradition started at the 2nd rally ensured that the organizer - always an individual - was not out of pocket by organizing an event for our pleasure. If the organizer had a 'problem' there was a whip round (this has only happened twice in 10 years) - we believe in leaving the organizer with a smile on his face. :lol:

On one occasion in Germany, a Russian rider had a carburetor problem - poor Russian fuel - the Honda dealer who resolved his problem would not let him take the bike away because the tyres were worn below that allowed in Germany. It cost the Russian a lot of money to get back on the road. The Swedish rider who was with him, told his story at the VIM - there was a whip round for him. The Russians pride would not allow him to accept our charity, but he was happy to take our money and buy a some kegs of beer. A very satisfactory outcome for all :o)

Also Barry just how many people do you think our executive consists of. You are very quick to criticise them but in the same blast you named all but four of them saying what a wonderful job they all do.

Critical or questioning? As to the four: Credit where credit due. The HOC does seem to be able to find people to do specific easily definable jobs. But I am not too sure about those less definable tasks that involve organizing and motivating people. It seems to find it hard to create a aura of excitement and enthusiasm - those things that make people want to get involved. :o?

You talk of 3000 members. You talk of lack of member support and involvement. You talk of members getting a pretty good deal. You continue to have people join who have no HOC Branch in their area.
I suggest that the majority of your members join because they have a Honda and like to feel they part of a group - being part of a group is a natural inclination. Some, who have a local Branch are able to develop the social side.

It seems to me that the HOC fails to capitalise on that natural inclination, by failing to create the notion of belonging to an all embracing national club, as opposed to belonging to a local Branch.

Golden Wing does a good job of giving Branches the opportunity to inform and motivate local members but if an individual Branch is not mentioned or they have no local Branch, it makes pretty dull reading, there is nothing challenging, motivating and all embracing from the centre.

I do not underestimate the difficulty of continually coming up with uplifting and motivational pieces for Golden Wing - reading other club journals or magazines to get ideas is a help. ;o)

Still, this has nothing to do with me any more, I no longer feel I have to come up with anything pithy, controversial or challenging for 'Barry's Bit'!

I think forum members should overwhelme Tim with something to replace it. Perhaps a 'ladies Biker' page, or 'new members page, or - horror of horrors ;o)

- a 'new bikers' page. How about someone writing an article 'carrying chocolate on a bike in warm weather' ;o)

by **Chimp Boy** on Fri Sep 05, 2008 1:29 pm

Personally I allways enjoyed Barrys Bit in Golden Wing.

Regards

Chimpy

by **Shellshine** on Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:58 pm

You're not alone in that Chimpy. However, if contributors to the GW feel they have exhausted their creative juices then that's fair enough. :o)

by **Chimp Boy** on Fri Sep 05, 2008 3:47 pm

Shellshine wrote:You're not alone in that Chimpy. However, if contributors to the GW feel they have exhausted their creative juices then that's fair enough.

Ah but have they :?:

I be surprised if Barry has run out of controversial things to write about.

But there again I could be wrong.

It was never a section of Golden Wing that I just glanced at, I just found it a good witty read.

Now don't get too big headed Barry :o))

Regards

Chimpy

by **Dibble** on Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:51 pm

Barry ------- 'mostly camping rallies' you have again hit nail on head so to speak. I love camping all year around. Sadly too many do not and that is why we have to go 'chalet rallying' as members have called it which takes us back to the management of accomodation. I do see what you are saying but it cannot be applied to a group who will not do the first requirement --- camp.
Prebooking is something I like because I have to do it due to working shifts and fitting around others in a small department of an organisation that has control over many aspects of my private life. However many others do not have to book or commit to such things and therefore they don't. They have weekends off every week. Always waiting for that better offer of something else or cheaper. A luxury I cannot do. This is not the first organisation I have been with where the scenario is as this and I am sure it is the same in many others. Still in 4 years time when I retire from said organisation then I can be the one hanging out for the better deal or better offer and sod the rest.

As to motivation speeches or words in writing. Barry what do we have to do to motivate you into doing something about getting an Essex branch up and running rather than just moaning repeatedly that there is not one in your area. From your obvious vast experience and knowledge of how to do things perfectly it surely should be a doddle for you to get this up and running with many attending every event and meeting. (sarcastic tongue in cheek but really a serious question)

by **Barry** on Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:50 pm

Dibble wrote:As to motivation speeches or words in writing. Barry what do we have to do to motivate you into doing something about getting an Essex branch up and running rather than just moaning repeatedly that there is not one in your area.

As I have mentioned before, I am mechanically unreliable and my wife is not much better - but she is improving :o))

I have stopped moaning about the lack of the HOC in Essex - OK, so I have the occasional 'dig'. You may have noticed I have not joined the topic where a new member is looking for an Essex Branch. I was tempted to contact him with the thought of supporting his setting up of a Branch, but there is an obvious class gap that even motorcycling cannot bridge. :shock:

He is obviously a fervent West Ham supporter whereas I am an Arsenal supporter ;o)

From your obvious vast experience and knowledge of how to do things perfectly it surely should be a doddle for you to get this up and running with many attending every event and meeting.

Thats true

But the last time I turned up at my 'other club' intending to lead a ride - the members present had to call an ambulance and I ended up in intensive care with just a 20% chance of survival. Ever since whenever I turn up at a meeting, the first thing everyone asks is 'are you OK?'
I do not have the prospects of the long term determination and gritty persistence needed to get a Branch up and running.

I think the new members best bet is the short ride over to North Kent. If more South Essex members can be persuaded to make the trip, an Essex Branch could develop. Perhaps the Kent Secretary could be persuaded to post a note to the members in South Essex?