Well put TC. Marty, I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you've done to get this thing happening. I was talking to Ponters the other day and said that you've stepped up and actually done things where others, including me, had been talking about it. But like TC, I had something like a get together in mind. That doesn't mean I'm not happy with what you've made of it and the last thing I want is for you to feel that we're not 100% behind you.
I guess what I'm concerned about is that we don't bite off too much with this first event. It will be great to get 20, 30 or more of us together in one place and if we can do some good at the same time that's terrific. But we don't even know yet if this thing will work. The notion of a carnival never occurred to me. We can give it a go but it shouldn't be the main game; not first up.
Put simply, if I was primarily wanting to donate money to Make a Wish I wouldn't be spending $500 flying Amanda up there, $300 on accommodation plus another couple of hundred and 6 days travelling getting there and back myself. I'd just donate that money instead. Not really sure about a carnival either. We're going to be pretty buggered by the time we get there and I'm looking forward to sitting back and enjoying the company and the things HB has to offer before turning round and heading home. I felt I'd be up for a group ride or 2 and real happy to look over the bikes and show mine off.
Please don't take this the wrong way. We're with you, OK, and share your vision about helping others and showing bikes in a good light, and I'm really looking forward to catching up. But I don't want to see what should be an opportunity to finally meet all these guys turn into something that we didn't really want or expect or something we don't see repeated.
Just thought resurrecting this thread was worthwhile.
I appreciate your efforts Ponters but, reading through this and the others about Hervey Bay and the recent posts, frankly all I see is 2 grown men still acting like children. I don't see any sarcasm here, nor in any of the other threads, even trying really hard to read between the lines, as Hanso put it.
This what I said about Kangaroo Valley, other south coast roads and why I perhaps wanted to change my travel plans.
"will say that a convoy through Kangaroo valley would not be my recommendation. It is a must see/ride route for sure but best done at a leisurely pace. The road up the coast around Bermagui and the Bay is beautiful. Now that would be great run for those coming from the South. If the Northerners aren't coming down the coast then I'd recommend coming through Bathurst, Cowra and Canberra.
Amanda's pretty keen on riding down herself so I'll either be leaving from here or coming through here. Long way off though so let's see how it pans out."
I don't see any condemnation, just my opinion. I remember the ride up to HB on the last day. It was fast and exciting. Noone had any intention of going slow of taking in the view. I also know the road through KV and think is not a road to be taken in a hurry. I'd hate someone to get hurt in the excitement. As I said, just my opinion.
Hanso and Marty, contrary to their own beliefs, do not call the shots and people, including me, can do what they **** well please.
I did plenty to make Hervey Bay happen. I didn't book the school oval or do the leg work with Make a Wish or organise the catering. But I did my bit and a lot more than most.
I have never ridiculed or rubbished or condemned anything, yet for some reason I've copped a hammering.
Hanso and Marty owe me an aoplogy. Actually I don't care what Marty does. You can't put that turd back where it came from - and I mean his PM (before anyone gets all huffy). And I reckon a few others can and should be speaking up too. Otherwise you won't be seeing me at Batemans Bay.