Expanding EOM - 2014 and beyond

At different points over the past few years, I've been approached about expanding or morphing "FJR1300 EOM" to encompass a more "global" theme - reaching out to the Super Tenere crowd to see if there's interest in that camp of joining "EOM" in a more official manner.

Thoughts and comments on this?

How many FJR riders have moved over to the Super Tenere platform? Yes, those riders do have the ADV forum to call home along with any number of local dual sport oriented forums. We see other brands / models at the meet every year - I see no problem with welcoming anyone who shares the same passion for riding the area's we migrate to every September.

Do we expand the target audience of the Eastern Owner Meet to encompass a broader spectrum - such as "Yamaha Eastern Owners Meet" or "FJR1300 / S10 Eastern Owners Meet"

As pointed out in the other thread, it's a double edge sword - if the event grows, the challenge becomes finding the venue that can handle the room and banquet.

Wayne

I'm wondering where you came up with the fact that FJR owner attendance could dwindle so much there might only be a few attendees. Personally, if things were left the way they are I don't ever see that happening especially as ownership grows. It's not like the S10 crowd hasn't been welcomes in the past. I don't care one way or the other, really... but this idea helps me see the EOM meet becoming more commercialized & less a personal & fun experience.

Up here in NERDS country I see that our FJR group is getting mixed crowds including a few Kawasaki crotchrots and K1600s along with a sprinkling of other makes. Mrs Asphalt Junkie's Honda Black Bird gets a bye because hubby has a FJR We are becoming more of a non-denominational group as people replace the bikes but not their friends.

As it is, there are already so many people attending the events that we have multiple ride groups to keep numbers down. But most importantly, almost all the bikes are designed for the same road mission so the group rides all go pretty smooth. When you start getting pure sports that think we go too slow, dirt bikes that think we go too long and dual sports that think we do too much asphalt we may start having issues with our rides.

I'd say to keep it an FJR event, If someone wants to bring their S10 that wouldn't be a problem...but if you post the event on other forums you will end up with the possibility of not being able to accommodate everyone.

I have no problem with the size of the group that we have had for the past couple of years.

#'s are likely a sign of the times. Jim & I organized the meet in '07. Where did you come up with that 130-140 bike #. I'm quite sure that was before the days of keeping track. I think the unofficial # was more in the 110-115 bike range. Still a drop... sign of the times, I suppose. Doesn't always mean it will stay that way.

Do what you like, I suppose. Whoever picks this up & runs with it calls the shots.

Over the years EOM has gotten bigger, to the point where I simply can't meet everyone who is there, much less try to remember their names. Some years are bigger than others, but the trend has been bigger. That's not a bad thing, but there were a few comments last year from people who felt alienated. If we make it a combined event then it will get bigger, and the problems of scale will increase. These problems can be solved, but it adds complexity.

So, IMHO we should leave things as is. Keep it an FJR rally and welcome anyone else who wants to attend. As far as I know we have never refused entry to anyone because of what they ride.

El Toro Joe said:

I'd say to keep it an FJR event, If someone wants to bring their S10 that wouldn't be a problem...but if you post the event on other forums you will end up with the possibility of not being able to accommodate everyone.I have no problem with the size of the group that we have had for the past couple of years.

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This.

Oh gawd I agreed with Joe... I think I'm gonna go puke...

Geezer said:

Over the years EOM has gotten bigger, to the point where I simply can't meet everyone who is there, much less try to remember their names. Some years are bigger than others, but the trend has been bigger. That's not a bad thing, but there were a few comments last year from people who felt alienated. If we make it a combined event then it will get bigger, and the problems of scale will increase. These problems can be solved, but it adds complexity.
So, IMHO we should leave things as is. Keep it an FJR rally and welcome anyone else who wants to attend. As far as I know we have never refused entry to anyone because of what they ride.

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Thanks EM for broaching the subject...healthy discourse. I'm with the persuasion that says keep it an FJR event, allowing others to attend if they really feel the need to attend an FJR Meet...unless they are a jackass of course1.

Note 1...and in that event we may need to escort out jackasses who also happen to ride FJRs.

I say keep it a FJR event but if someone who has owned a FJR or is a friend of one and wants to come .... sure why not. I don't think you need to open it up. Friends of, will/should know they are always welcome.

It has been ten years since I owned a XS11 but I still attend their rallies. Just because you buy a different bike doesn't mean you can't stay friends and go ride/ hang out with your friends.

wheatonFJR said:

Geezer said:

Over the years EOM has gotten bigger, to the point where I simply can't meet everyone who is there, much less try to remember their names. Some years are bigger than others, but the trend has been bigger. That's not a bad thing, but there were a few comments last year from people who felt alienated. If we make it a combined event then it will get bigger, and the problems of scale will increase. These problems can be solved, but it adds complexity.
So, IMHO we should leave things as is. Keep it an FJR rally and welcome anyone else who wants to attend. As far as I know we have never refused entry to anyone because of what they ride.

Click to expand...

Thanks EM for broaching the subject...healthy discourse. I'm with the persuasion that says keep it an FJR event, allowing others to attend if they really feel the need to attend an FJR Meet...unless they are a jackass of course1.

Note 1...and in that event we may need to escort out jackasses who also happen to ride FJRs.

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This right here sounds like the best way to go. FJR's and a friend is never a problem. That's the equivalent of bringing the spouse, or a girlfriend. Just my $.02.

I have seen other bikes at every EOM that I have attended. This year I will be on an RT. My take is while any bike is welcome, the focus is on the FJR. No need to extend the announcement to non-FJR forums.

I'm with the consensus here. Keep it an FJR rally, and welcome ex-owners/friends. Nothing wrong in the least with a smaller meet. I prefer them, with the Ramble as an example.

The other issue, specific to the adv crowd is one of routing. Except for a demented few who'll ride the FJR down some two/single track, your talking about double the routes to generate.

Tom is right, their are other events/rallys that seem to happen the same weekend or close to, EOM every year. For instance, the ST.n guys are having their Eastern meet in the Catskills that weekend, and CFO is going off this weekend.

I know one thing for sure though, EOM is a must do regardless of who does or doesn't attend.

This is exactly along the lines that has planted the thought for me.

ionbeam said:

We are becoming more of a non-denominational group as people replace the bikes but not their friends.

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Heidi - the 130 number stuck in my head must have been total guests, which would mesh with the 110 - 115 bikes. I agree with you - keeping it more in that "fun and personal" category is a good thing.

Many good points here already

- I like Bungie's response - regardless what happens or who sets it up, I will be riding somewhere every September...

- I like the smaller meet - especially the Ramble - just show up and ride

- the smaller number is easier to manage venue selection, and gets the event to the more out of the way locations.

- IF a small dual sport contingent joined, I'm sure they would bring the required "dual-sport"-ish routing options to the table, or just ride the non-dual sport -ish stuff.

- Generally speaking - maintain the "FJR1300 EOM" branding that is already in place - is the trend in this conversation.

and on a parting thought - if we did grow the event some, it will lessen the chances for any of us to bump into Wheaton in the parking lot...

Now, I've got to finish putting new tires on and pack - Annette and I are on the road Monday!

Bungie said:

Except for a demented few who'll ride the FJR down some two/single track,

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Hey, I resemble that remark!

I agree with the general consensus here to leave the EOM as is.

I know of one other group where ADV riders are taking over some rallies. 70-80% DS bikes in the a rally meant for ST bikes. It seems the longer a group exists the wider the net becomes, in terms of brands showing up.

extrememarine said:

Now, I've got to finish putting new tires on and pack - Annette and I are on the road Monday!

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Wayne,

Have a safe trip down...see you Thursday

extrememarine said:

and on a parting thought - if we did grow the event some, it will lessen the chances for any of us to bump into Wheaton in the parking lot...

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Well, I was going to be pro "keep it like it is", but this point has me wavering....

I like it the way things are right now...seems like a good size.

I'm voting keeping it as is too. We'll find a solution to the "Wheaton issue" somehow.................

Whatever ride I go to, I'm sticking with you junkies.

In the past 2 years, I rode 2 BMW (K1600) meets/rallys and they were just not the same. Maybe I'm just too loose a fit for those stuff-shirted monkeys? So anyways, you guys rule! ....and I hope I'm still welcomed when I show up on my re-chargeable electric scooter

KJ, you can come if you promise to keep Wheaton occupied............