Update for everyone. There are only 5 rooms left at the hotel. As to the alternate motel down the road they tell me only one room was taken so the rest have been opened up to a soccer tournament. That means the rest of the rooms in town will probably be going that way also. If you plan to stay in the area, you should probably think about a room real soon.
I am up to about 27 paid dinners. I have emails for about three more. That’s 30. A pretty poor showing for 180+ signed up. Maybe it’s the price but I prefer to think that many have just not gotten the word yet. A possible fatal flaw was not obtaining the emails of everyone that signed up at that time. Makes it hard to know if you have all been notified. But that’s a dead horse. Warchild has gotten back from his travels and the web site is now updated. If you know of anyone on the list and have their email please let them know that time is short.
I had a meeting with the staff at the Casino today and they are bending over backwards for us. I spoke with them about the slow accounting for dinner. I suggested that it might be possible that the dinner could be canceled. As the most expensive part of the rally it makes sense that it could go first. As uncomfortable as it was, I did ask if that would change our use of the parking lot for the BBQ, which btw, they will not make a dime. The lady told me she didn’t think that would effect their promise of the area. Personally, I felt that was a pretty good response for a business. I felt a little guilty for the possibility. She is also trying to get us a hose and washing area. Right now its in the hands of the "attorneys", so who knows. But she was hopefull.
Based on the minimum pricing and dining room cost I personally can not make this go if I get less than 50 sign ups. Between 50-75 I’ll personally lose some money but it will be enough to have both dinners, a place to get together and enjoy each other’s company. I am still am optimist and feel we will get over 100. Unfortunately, we can not be paying at the door. I must give a final count 3 days before the Saturday dinner, same for the BBQ. Please, if you are planning on showing up, let me know soon. As time goes on certain things will start to be dropped. ( some already have).
On the good side after my meeting I ran into the grounds keeper and mentioned the rally and how I was going to put up our large sign. Turns out he’s the son of the campground owners and an ex-SoCal biker. He said he would personally tend to the BBQ area, mow, sweep and offered to set up the casino’s picnic tables with umbrellas for free. I hope no one minds but I offered him BBQ on the house. This saves some dough and a lot of work.
Also the security guy has OKed us for a more secure parking area. I had been expecting to get a portion of the front lot but they felt we would be better served if we parked in back through a gated area that the public doesn't normally wander through. We can easily fit a 100 plus bikes back there and have more or less private entrance to the hotel. Half the rooms will look down on the area and the guards will turn the security cameras right at us for the weekend. Plus if your in the pool the bikes will be only a few feet away.
More later. I can only be on here a short time. I know everyone who shows will have a good time and love the riding area. Rides will be up shortly. Thanks for your patience.
sharp