**Disclaimer**
I am by no means trying to step on toes or hurt feelings with this post about EOM, it has been in the works for the better part of a week. FJRFencer has posted an offer to Host EOM in Alabama, which needs to be considered (and I added that option to this poll as well). Luvtoride has been trying to get someone to take the lead for some time now, but it should not fall solely on the same crew for a 2nd year in a row. So, please read this post and Fencer's completely and let's get this done.
** Disclaimer**
Ok folks, we need to get the ball rolling on EOM 2008. FJRFencer has made an offer to Host in Alabama (aka S-EOM). I’ve been talking to Luvtoride about taking EOM back to Lewisburg.
Our choice here then becomes returning to Lewisburg or exploring new territory in Alabama. We know what to expect in WV, and I’m sure that Fencer could keep us entertained in ‘Bama. There are pros and cons for both locations, but we need to make a decision on location soon.
I’ve been hesitant to throw my hat in the ring to this point due to nature of my profession. I can not guarantee that I will be here in September if the Corps allows me to go play in the sandbox (Iraq) or in the hills (Afghanistan) this year. The other is that I’m 1-3 states away from EOM worthy roads. And trust me, you don’t want it hosted in this part of South Carolina…
But we need to get things rolling, and I’ve been assured that if I get called away, other’s here will keep the event on track.
Luvtoride (Heidi) has baited the waters. Heidi, Jim & company have set the bar pretty high with EOM 2007. Lewisburg & the Brier Inn, IMHO, were an outstanding venue for EOM. There is also enough there in the way of good roads to warrant a 2nd visit. The route recon team (Jim, Heidi, Jeff A., and others??) put together enough routes for 2007 to carry over to 2008. I know that I’ll be spending some quality time on Potts Mtn / Rte 311 at some point this year! I’m sure that there are a couple of local members that could drum up a few new ones as well.
But I do know that the longer we wait, the harder it will be to find a hotel with the availability we need.
Lets consider dates; EOM has traditionally been held the 3rd weekend in September. This year, that falls on 19 – 21 September 2008. We also need to consider MotoGP Indianapolis on 12-14 September 2007. CFR has already booked 5-7 September 2008, and we had some riders attend both in 2007. Did I miss anything? So the weekends that are open right now during September would be either 19-21 September or 26-28 September. Or push into October, but I’m not sure how much the weather that time of the year would be a factor.
So, to the point, then. My proposal is that EOM ’08 return to Lewisburg, and hopefully the Brier Inn for part II. If there’s anyone else here willing to take the reigns for Lewisburg, then speak up. Our other option would be to take Fencer’s offer to explore ‘Bama.
If I were to move forward with the planning & coordination for Lewisburg, I’d need help; T-shirt whipping person, door prize begger(s), route planning, local coordination with hotel (can’t beat face to face time for free-bies!), logo design, registration, website, the list goes on.
I’ve put together events at work, from family picnics to Marine Corps Birthday Ball and Mess Nights, and I know they can be all consuming monsters.
So, lets hear your thoughts and suggestions (other than, “yup, sounds good to me”). If you vote for “other location” or “other date”, back it up with details. If you agree to one location or the other, include why(roads, scenery, weather, etc).
-extrememarine
) and I would like to try to get something from all of them as well as possibly some new vendors/dealers/etc.
