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Cyote61
Senior Member
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 12:08 am | 1st Post |
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Well, two weeks have passed since the first “North American Steve Saunders International Rally” and everyone has had a chance to return home and spend some time digesting and discussing their experiences.
First, I would like to shout “Thank You” for the excellent turn-out as well as express gratitude to the numerous folks who contributed so much to making this a success. It could not have been done without you and without mentioning names, you –as well as everyone else - know who you are! KUDO’s to ALL!!!!
Secondly, it is rare that an opportunity is awarded to meet folks from around the country and world with the same interests, particularly those that have had long-time associations via nothing more than a computer and the internet. Oh, some have come to know each other simply through local rallies and neighboring groups, but it takes a special kind of desire to want to bring folks together and in reality, follow-through with planning and coordination to make it happen. And that is what this forum has been all about – the opportunity to share the same interest while raising money for the Forum, as well as the opportunity to finally meet everyone. This gathering certainly allowed that opportunity with no holds barred! And a SUCCESS it was – a TRADITION was begun! The North American Steve Saunders International Rally or, for short – NASSIR.
It certainly took a lot of time and coordination to ferret out volunteers, confirm participants, as well as the hard choices of various rides which could be made available - and, in this part of the country, there certainly was no problem with that – as some of you found out!
It was with that commitment that the tradition was begun – we could have just invited folks to Calhoun – let you pick your hotel or camping spot at the local KOA, provided Chamber of Commerce flyers for highlights of the area, and sent along a map and directions to meet for a ‘sing-along’, ‘pot-luck’ dinner, and auction on the last night. But that was not the intention – it was a worldwide ‘meet and greet’ with planned activities, entertainment (graciously provided by Beaver Bill, Bill’s Girl and Fly1), meals, and coordinated day rides. The planned activities were open, not mandatory, and folks were also left to ferret out their own activities (as some certainly did). One thing I can definitely say is that the City of Calhoun was a gracious recipient of all y’all’s hard-earned money and in return offered its famous “Southern Hospitality”.
Long after the decision to organize the free First NASSIR came about, it brought to mind an opportunity to present the new motorcycle TPMS system that has been in the works for two years and was guaranteed to be available this summer. It would be an added plus to highlight during NASSIR for its safety features on two, four, or six wheels, but alas – we were let down by the manufacturer. So, even the small percentage that Uncle Sam would have allowed us to deduct unfortunately did not materialize. But it probably worked out better, allowing a larger group contribution ($11.00+) to keep the Steve Saunders Forum continuing and solidify funding long-term.
Conversely – although it was an opportunity lost, it certainly did not put a crimp in the plans to meet, while wining and dining a great group of folks!
The final result of collected monies in-hand is:
· Button Lady Donations – $116.25
· Plaque Donations – $426.00
· Fines – $326.14
· Door Prizes - $472.00
· Auction – $2579.00
· Grand Total = $3,919.39
The initial $2000.00 was donated to Steve Saunders at his discretion, and his reply – no doubt – you have all read.
Your host – Cyote61 - will donate the balance of funds collected, as directed by Steve Saunders himself, to CHOA – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta which is a non-profit organization and supported by the AFLAC Cancer Center – one of the leading pediatric cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplant programs in the country.
At Children’s, they strive to help children and their families through their difficult journey of treatment, while providing treatment and care. We are familiar with this center and their great accomplishments as our nephew is currently undergoing his second round of treatment for recurring leukemia. CHOA is well deserving of this donation and it is with hope and continuing support that someday a cure will be found. (As soon as this is made a receipt letter will be posted)
Meanwhile, we need to reflect on just what has been accomplished by bringing the Forum group together – not only have friendships been solidified, and faces made known to go with names, as well as extended support to keep the Forum going, but a TRADITION has been started and the hope that it will continue is of utmost importance. It is for this reason that all were able to come together and for that, all the thanks and appreciation given is accepted.
As a bystander – not active participant, yet a quiet one-time contributor – I feel that some things need to be brought to the forefront and hopefully give all some food for thought:
· Tradition – it was established early on, and agreed to by all the members, that NASSIR was to be the name for the first as well as following annual rallies. If you change the name for the 2nd or future rally’s then what becomes of TRADITION?
· Organization – Regardless of where the 2nd NASSIR is held, it will take organization and folks need to step up to the plate and not just verbally – otherwise the turnout will be slim pickin’s. Organization is the key to success . . . don’t allow written organizers to take charge while leaving it to others to put it together. It is easy to get caught up in the discussions but the commitment must be there for final victory.
· Action, rather than talk, is what will make the 2nd NASSIR rally successful.
· Participation – final sign-up was 108 – the number may vary depending on whether all attendees and their guests actually signed up - (Silver Fox and Helen . . .). There were some attendees who had no knowledge of the forum, but discovered NASSIR by various means and came to discover what they had been missing. I hope that these attendees are now members . . . See list below for all we could account for!
· Volunteerism (or ‘help’ for a better word) – is most important and all members should take what they learned from the first Rally and realize just what it takes to make it successful.
· Ego – don’t let the center of attention sway your plans, yet fail to deliver when approached. Don’t let the need of someone’s’ ego lead you to bad decisions – think twice about what you hope to accomplish by making the second NASSIR better than the first and make the final decisions based on what you hope to achieve.
Again, I want to thank each and every one for your participation in what hopes to be the first of many NASSIR’s in the years to come. It was with commitment that we were able to provide everything free-of-charge, and our fortunate position that we were able to accommodate the full spectrum of what was needed, as we felt it was for a excellent cause. In closing, thank you for your participation and your gratitude. Don’t forget, it would not have been the success it was, if not for your participation.
It was a pleasure to meet everyone and I hope that the success of your organization continues!
See you at the 2nd NASSIR!
____________________
Cyote61
03 Valkyrie
07 "RSV"
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Bagmaster
Senior Member
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 12:34 am | 2nd Post |
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Way to go, Stephine!!! Well written!! It wouldn't have been the success it was without you and Tom also. You both gave so much of your own time and funds to make this event the success it was. I also extend a big kudo to all the volunteers also.
PS. please forgive me if I mis-spelled your name.
____________________
Michael
Too much chrome to polish, too little time!!
Have trailer, will travel!! Not all Wingers are old Wingers.
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wda-83wing
Senior Guru
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 02:30 am | 3rd Post |
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again i feel a great big thank you for all you an tom did for us all ----THANK YOU
ps--still looking at pics that have been posted.
____________________
1979 gl1000 dressed --back to naked
1980 gl1100 interstate --side lined
1983 gl1100 interstate the fastest color--RED
retiered trucker---going to see it again ----on 2 wheels---love it--love it--- love it
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lopeha
Very Active Member
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 03:26 am | 4th Post |
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| Well Said! It was an honor to be able to attend & meet such a fine group of folks. For me it's been a long time since I've had so much fun & been so relaxed with such a large "family" gathering. For those that weren't able to attend there is no way to comprehend how much organization, planning & just plain hard work went into this event. I was "bikeless" at this event so stayed on site & saw first hand how much Tom, Steph & Shane (Tom & Steph's hired hand in case you didn't know his name) did to make the event run so smoothly. To whoever ramrods next years Rally, you have a pretty high bar to match. BTW, my "Fun Meter" has been declared non-fixable so I'm working on a new improved design for next years Rally, Hope it lasts but I kind of doubt it, Andy.
____________________
1983 GL1100
Vetter Fairing, Bags & Trunk
Fulmer Helmet
Utopia Backrest
HEL Stainless Brake Lines
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AZgl1500
Moderator
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 05:01 am | 5th Post |
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Stephanie,
That is an excellent post and you make it very clear that when the next NASSIR is put together, it will take a lot of dedication and perseverance by a dedicated few to make it go as well as the first one.
Again, I want to impart to you and Tom just how much I enjoyed this one. I was also bikeless, so I pretty much just stuck around and poked Lopeha in the ribs  and kept throwing a camera flash in people's eyes. 
You two have indeed set the bar on what it is going to take to put on a good NASSIR.
You have stated it very well, and I thank you for taking the time to relate what was involved in making NASSIR the success it was.
It will be hard to find a different location that will meet all of the features your ranch has to offer. Use of your ranch was indeed a very unique thing to have.
Thanks,
____________________
John
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Goldwings 4 ever
Senior Member
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 06:23 am | 6th Post |
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Stephanie and Tom: I think you both went above and beyond for the 1st NASSIR. It was a huge success. My wife and I met a lot of wonderful people and finally got to put some faces to names ( and a few accents  ). You two are going to make this a hard act to follow and I can't possibly express my thanks for the hard work that you two and many others put into this successful rally.
____________________
Bob Smith
http://picasaweb.google.com/goldwings4ever/
2000 GL1500 Aspencade
2000 Shadow A.C.E. Deluxe 750 (Hers)
2001 EX500 Ninja (Sons)
If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.
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98Wing-487
Senior Member
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 08:01 am | 7th Post |
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Thanks again Stephanie...and Tom. My wife Debbie and I had a wonderful time and wish we could have stayed longer.
Look forward to meeting you both again some day
Allan
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RayandTracy
Senior Member
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 02:23 pm | 8th Post |
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Stephanie and Tom,
Words of true wisdom and a lot of hard work by both of you along with others who gave freely of themselves to make this first ever rally such a success that it was.
Kudos to you all for making Tracy and my first ever rally one to be treasured always.
Thanks a million, Ray and Tracy
____________________
Give & Get help traveling: http://glhelpers.com/members
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cymru
Very Active Member
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Posted: Mon Oct 13th, 2008 10:58 pm | 9th Post |
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Can we have some more details about the fines levied?
The offences and offenders (and repeat offenders) 
Or has it been published already?
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Flyone
Forum Greeter
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Posted: Mon Oct 13th, 2008 11:08 pm | 10th Post |
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cymru wrote: Can we have some more details about the fines levied?
The offences and offenders (and repeat offenders)
Or has it been published already?
cymru, there is not an official list and there was way to many offenses to list if there was!!!
Let's put it this way, Bagmaster, the Deputies, and even ourselves fines each other and even ourselves for anything for the cause.
Example: I parked my Goldwing under the tent for shade and fined myself $20.00! 
I also fined D-Rod an extra ordinary amount of money for telling a bad joke (which there were many)!
And last but not least.........I got fined $10.00 for wearing a thong on my head!!!  (Go figure?)
Last edited on Mon Oct 13th, 2008 11:10 pm by Flyone
____________________
2002 GL1800 (Fastest Color)
2001 Cycle Mate CM2000 Trailer
2B1ASK1, AOPA, Wild Rhinos, KANWINGS
"Just remember, wherever you go, there you are!"
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cymru
Very Active Member
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Posted: Mon Oct 13th, 2008 11:18 pm | 11th Post |
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Flyone wrote:
And last but not least.........I got fined $10.00 for wearing a thong on my head!!! (Go figure?)
Do you think that $10.00 was a fair and just fine for the offence? I mean, ONLY a measly $10.00?
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MDKramer
Moderator
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Posted: Mon Oct 13th, 2008 11:21 pm | 12th Post |
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I think it's a typo...there's GOT to be a 0 missing there. 
Mike
____________________
Mike Kramer
Proudly supporting Viet Nam Vets and Legacy Vets M/C
Red is for the blood shed Black is for the mourning
Been riding that 1980 beauty to the left since 1989
Helpful Hint: Traffic lights timed for 35mph are also timed for 70, 105, and 140!
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Bagmaster
Senior Member
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Posted: Tue Oct 14th, 2008 01:12 am | 13th Post |
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By the end of Thursday my authority went right out the window, everybody was fining everybody.
I even put 2-10 dollar rolls of quarters in myself just to cover my butt.  
____________________
Michael
Too much chrome to polish, too little time!!
Have trailer, will travel!! Not all Wingers are old Wingers.
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Nightrider1
Senior Member
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Posted: Wed Oct 15th, 2008 12:26 pm | 14th Post |
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Cyote61 wrote: Well, two weeks have passed since the first “North American Steve Saunders International Rally” and everyone has had a chance to return home and spend some time digesting and discussing their experiences.
First, I would like to shout “Thank You” for the excellent turn-out as well as express gratitude to the numerous folks who contributed so much to making this a success. It could not have been done without you and without mentioning names, you –as well as everyone else - know who you are! KUDO’s to ALL!!!!
Secondly, it is rare that an opportunity is awarded to meet folks from around the country and world with the same interests, particularly those that have had long-time associations via nothing more than a computer and the internet. Oh, some have come to know each other simply through local rallies and neighboring groups, but it takes a special kind of desire to want to bring folks together and in reality, follow-through with planning and coordination to make it happen. And that is what this forum has been all about – the opportunity to share the same interest while raising money for the Forum, as well as the opportunity to finally meet everyone. This gathering certainly allowed that opportunity with no holds barred! And a SUCCESS it was – a TRADITION was begun! The North American Steve Saunders International Rally or, for short – NASSIR.
It certainly took a lot of time and coordination to ferret out volunteers, confirm participants, as well as the hard choices of various rides which could be made available - and, in this part of the country, there certainly was no problem with that – as some of you found out!
It was with that commitment that the tradition was begun – we could have just invited folks to Calhoun – let you pick your hotel or camping spot at the local KOA, provided Chamber of Commerce flyers for highlights of the area, and sent along a map and directions to meet for a ‘sing-along’, ‘pot-luck’ dinner, and auction on the last night. But that was not the intention – it was a worldwide ‘meet and greet’ with planned activities, entertainment (graciously provided by Beaver Bill, Bill’s Girl and Fly1), meals, and coordinated day rides. The planned activities were open, not mandatory, and folks were also left to ferret out their own activities (as some certainly did). One thing I can definitely say is that the City of Calhoun was a gracious recipient of all y’all’s hard-earned money and in return offered its famous “Southern Hospitality”.
Long after the decision to organize the free First NASSIR came about, it brought to mind an opportunity to present the new motorcycle TPMS system that has been in the works for two years and was guaranteed to be available this summer. It would be an added plus to highlight during NASSIR for its safety features on two, four, or six wheels, but alas – we were let down by the manufacturer. So, even the small percentage that Uncle Sam would have allowed us to deduct unfortunately did not materialize. But it probably worked out better, allowing a larger group contribution ($11.00+) to keep the Steve Saunders Forum continuing and solidify funding long-term.
Conversely – although it was an opportunity lost, it certainly did not put a crimp in the plans to meet, while wining and dining a great group of folks!
The final result of collected monies in-hand is:
· Button Lady Donations – $116.25
· Plaque Donations – $426.00
· Fines – $326.14
· Door Prizes - $472.00
· Auction – $2579.00
· Grand Total = $3,919.39
The initial $2000.00 was donated to Steve Saunders at his discretion, and his reply – no doubt – you have all read.
Your host – Cyote61 - will donate the balance of funds collected, as directed by Steve Saunders himself, to CHOA – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta which is a non-profit organization and supported by the AFLAC Cancer Center – one of the leading pediatric cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplant programs in the country.
At Children’s, they strive to help children and their families through their difficult journey of treatment, while providing treatment and care. We are familiar with this center and their great accomplishments as our nephew is currently undergoing his second round of treatment for recurring leukemia. CHOA is well deserving of this donation and it is with hope and continuing support that someday a cure will be found. (As soon as this is made a receipt letter will be posted)
Meanwhile, we need to reflect on just what has been accomplished by bringing the Forum group together – not only have friendships been solidified, and faces made known to go with names, as well as extended support to keep the Forum going, but a TRADITION has been started and the hope that it will continue is of utmost importance. It is for this reason that all were able to come together and for that, all the thanks and appreciation given is accepted.
As a bystander – not active participant, yet a quiet one-time contributor – I feel that some things need to be brought to the forefront and hopefully give all some food for thought:
· Tradition – it was established early on, and agreed to by all the members, that NASSIR was to be the name for the first as well as following annual rallies. If you change the name for the 2nd or future rally’s then what becomes of TRADITION?
· Organization – Regardless of where the 2nd NASSIR is held, it will take organization and folks need to step up to the plate and not just verbally – otherwise the turnout will be slim pickin’s. Organization is the key to success . . . don’t allow written organizers to take charge while leaving it to others to put it together. It is easy to get caught up in the discussions but the commitment must be there for final victory.
· Action, rather than talk, is what will make the 2nd NASSIR rally successful.
· Participation – final sign-up was 108 – the number may vary depending on whether all attendees and their guests actually signed up - (Silver Fox and Helen . . .). There were some attendees who had no knowledge of the forum, but discovered NASSIR by various means and came to discover what they had been missing. I hope that these attendees are now members . . . See list below for all we could account for!
· Volunteerism (or ‘help’ for a better word) – is most important and all members should take what they learned from the first Rally and realize just what it takes to make it successful.
· Ego – don’t let the center of attention sway your plans, yet fail to deliver when approached. Don’t let the need of someone’s’ ego lead you to bad decisions – think twice about what you hope to accomplish by making the second NASSIR better than the first and make the final decisions based on what you hope to achieve.
Again, I want to thank each and every one for your participation in what hopes to be the first of many NASSIR’s in the years to come. It was with commitment that we were able to provide everything free-of-charge, and our fortunate position that we were able to accommodate the full spectrum of what was needed, as we felt it was for a excellent cause. In closing, thank you for your participation and your gratitude. Don’t forget, it would not have been the success it was, if not for your participation.
It was a pleasure to meet everyone and I hope that the success of your organization continues!
See you at the 2nd NASSIR!
Well done and said Stephanie! Only one thing on the last you said "It was a pleasure to meet everyone and I hope that the success of your organization continues!" I believe it should have been called "NASSIR, Our Organization for the Steve Saunders Goldwing Forum"
Whereever the 2nd Rally is held, we are going to need many people to volunteer themselves for the Set-Up, as well as knowing the Area for the facilities, rides, catering, etc. I also believe there should be a cover charge of at least $25.00 minimun for each bike that comes to help offset some of the Rally's expence, because this cannot forever always be free, not like our 1st rally. I will voluenteer myself, for as much as I can possibly do. The 1st will be hard to beat, but if we centralize it CORRECTLY in the USA, then we have a good chance of breaking our first record tremendously!
Thanks Again,
God Bless You Both,
Nightrider1
"
____________________
Check out my Goldwing pics
http://www.goldwingfacts.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=11851
Nightrider1
"I am a Summer Person. I hate Winter""
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