Volunteering is not easy...

[MacGyver]

Who's Hungry?

[bomber]

Thank you for the offer.  I'll assign you to the 'Wet Noodle Gang'.

I THINK they make a pill for that, but I'll let someone older confirm  . . .

[servicerifle]

True, but if you don't have someone LOCAL doing the organizing, nothing will happen.  There is only so much someone out of area can do unless they have first-hand knowledge of the area.  Some times, there just isn't the interest from someone who is local to the meet location who want to do the work.  If he/she gets stuck with it every time, burnout is to be expected.

Simple, don't have it in locales where there isn't a local host.


---- Edit, I decided to come back because someone will undoubtedly feel I am "too harsh."  Look I've put on more than one large event, and I've been successful every time but the first time (a 4 Wheel Drive event about 12 years ago).  When I host an event I put my best foot forward. I have a feeling Garry did too, and I wish I could have come for it.  I am sure there are others here on STN that would do the same, but saddling someone who is just not "into it" is for sure going to get you a mediocre result.

Maybe the decision making factor on "where" the meets are held shouldn't be made based on geographical diversity alone, but should also include proximity to interested hosts.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

True, but if you don't have someone LOCAL doing the organizing, nothing will happen.  There is only so much someone out of area can do unless they have first-hand knowledge of the area.  Some times, there just isn't the interest from someone who is local to the meet location who want to do the work.  If he/she gets stuck with it every time, burnout is to be expected.

Devil's advocate here, but this is untrue.

First national in Custer: no one was local; Neal set everything up by himself
Second time in Custer: I didn't know anyone local and while I did use the same lodging as before, I set up the catered meal via phone/internet
Montrose: Found the motel and restaurant via some local knowledge/suggestions, but was completely arranged for by me.
Arkansas: I was not involved in this one 
Canaan Valley: local suggestions, but I do not believe that the details were handled locally. I do know that I set up the meal, tshirts and prizes for that one.

So all of that being said, while having some local is fantastic, it is not vital to the success of a meet.

[zer0netgain]

Devil's advocate here, but this is untrue.

First national in Custer: no one was local; Neal set everything up by himself
Second time in Custer: I didn't know anyone local and while I did use the same lodging as before, I set up the catered meal via phone/internet

Maybe, but I tried to set up just the dinner this year.  I had no fracking clue that there were so many lodging options in Custer (thanks for nothing, Google) and more food options than I was lead to believe.  What we wound up with was okay, but I think we could have done better with meals and lodging options had I had more first-hand knowledge of the area instead of relying on Google for most of my information.  It would have helped me a lot if someone local could have edumacated me on what was really there to work with.

[MacGyver]

Food in Eureka Springs -

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g31582-Eureka_Springs_Arkansas.html

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants&ns=1&find_loc=eureka+springs%2C+ar

Lodging in Eureka Springs -

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g31582-Eureka_Springs_Arkansas-Hotels.html

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants&ns=1&find_loc=eureka+springs%2C+ar#find_desc=hotels


Pick stuff out.  Tell me what speaks to you.

[stromgal]

I'm easy. Also frugal (okay, go ahead and say it, cheap.)

Thus the thing for me is that the get-together doesn't cost a ton o' scratch. Beyond that, don't much care. I can always hang in the parking lot to shoot the breeze if the hotel/dinner chosen is too pricey for my tastes.  

[sprocket]

 The Best Western Eureka Inn
I have attended several FJR rallies there...the staff is very accommodating, nice rooms, bike wash, pool, meeting room, breakfast restaurant, large parking lots, walking distance to downtown and more.

Put me in the hard all day long kick ass ride group!

[Rammer]

 The Best Western Eureka Inn
I have attended several FJR rallies there...the staff is very accommodating, nice rooms, bike wash, pool, meeting room, breakfast restaurant, large parking lots, walking distance to downtown and more.

You can catch the city trolly right in the parking lot and ride all over downtown on a cheap day pass.
I stayed there during FJR rallies as well.

[MacGyver]

You can catch the city trolly right in the parking lot and ride all over downtown on a cheap day pass.
I stayed there during FJR rallies as well.

Stop on the drunk/party wagon = FTW!  Let me see about including a trolley pass in the package.

$8 for a 2 day pass.  I'll see if we can get a discount for a group once we have a base group size.

[stromgal]

Looks like the Best Western is already fully booked in June and July.  

[MacGyver]

I need to call them and see if there is a big convention that week.   That could mean inflated room rates!

[sprocket]

I checked.....June 19th and 20th Tuesday and Wednesday ( I hope I got that right) is available. Normal rate is 89.95 per night, we can prolly get it to 79.95 or so not real sure. I told them 15 - 20 rooms, we can get all rooms together if we respond quick enough. I would say the rooms facing west, it has an upper level and lower level and the bikes can be parked right outside the door.

[stromgal]

Weird- their online reservation form said no rooms avail. Thanks for calling!

[MacGyver]

After my last trip across the U.S.  I highly disregard anything I find online about rooms available.  I'll see if they'll play ball for 25 rooms in a block.