| Author | Message | ||
     Roc |
Next July will be the 10th anniversary of the “Blue Groove” Buell adventure ride. This is a ride that has continued for the last 9 years without dealer or factory participation, I think, as SPLASH. A local BRAG chapter and a local dealer were interested in getting involved and making more of an event of the ride this year. Any previous participants reading this, do we want corporate participation? Would Buell want to make a big event of this again? Anyone know who to contact at Buell regarding this? | ||
| Bomber |
could be one of the "wickey Twisties" rides? | ||
| Roc |
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| Buellnuts |
I'm open too about anything Roc as long as it's not Laguna weekend. I think it was called Blue Grove Northwest. Ferris could chime in now and give some more accurate history. I was there but at that time had no involvment with putting on the event. Corporate involvement could be bad or good. It dependes on what they want to do and how controlling they want to be. We need more input. Bob | ||
| Roc |
Laguna is the 21st through the 23th. | ||
| Debueller |
I wanted to check SPLASH out last year, but I was obligated to ride to ID for a family reunion that week. I had obligations for border raid, but I can't remember exactly what they were. Next summer I will make it a priority to make it to SPLASH and/or border raid. So far the only firm plans for next summer is the moto gp. We are in the early days of the winter planning season for next year. I'll keep an eye on this thread for further developments. | ||
| Funjimmy |
Roc SPLASH has evolved into 'THE' Premiere motorcycle event thanks to the dedication and hard work of Loni, Chris, Bob, Mike and others. It’s all about good friends and great rides. These rides as you know are highlights to many people on many brands of motorcycles and we ride them in a manner that may not appeal to corporate America. If the spirit of SPLASH and the way we conduct ourselves can be maintained with Buell/Brag involvement than I’m all good for making a great weekend even better, but not if the litigious nature of corporate America puts a lid on our freedom of expressions. It’s worth what you paid for it. Cheers FunJimmy | ||
| Buellnuts |
Well put Jimmy, We have been doing this ride for 10 years now and I think we have missed one of them. I like being involved with the workings of it because it is just our gang. We can ramp it up or tone it down just by how we let the word out. Some years are Big and some years are small. Super Splash was a Winner in my book but it took a lot of leg work. I think a few more people to celebrate the tenth and maybe a nice organized dinner on Saturday night with some door prized and a Grand prize. An organized Dinner would give everyone time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. New people in the group is allways good. Random thoughts from the Rain Forest, Bob | ||
| Buellnuts |
Oh, Just another thought. Whats going on with Buell and BRAG? Also there is no mention of Buell in the latest Harley Rags that have come in the mail. I'm wondering how involved they would be. The other concern that I have is the amount of Buell owners there are left among us. Speeking for myself, I tend to be Non biased where the Brand is concerned. I don't care what someone rides as long as it's two wheels and your having fun. I can't argue one thing though, Buell got us together and made life long freindships. Hell' some of us are allmost married. Har har. Totally random dribling's from the Rain Forest, bob | ||
| Sound_uly |
If SPLASH is anything like Border Raid, I doubt that a Corporate sponser would get within a full Nautical Mile of the event!  I really enjoyed the Border Raid event and am looking forward to the SPLASH event. Doesn't matter to me if we have sponsors or not ... just want to hang with the "gang"  ... probably well back of the group again!(where's that squid emoticon?)  Ron, Ulysses in Seattle | ||
| Lonitaylor |
Thinking of a good response....More thought needed. I will say this for now. "I agree with what Bob and Jimmy have both said...ride, two wheels, have fun and meet great people!" Don't want to change that please! If corporate involvement changes that then....More thought needed. Loni PS Thanks Roc for making this happen. You are great!  | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
I think it was called Blue Grove Northwest. Ferris could chime in now and give some more accurate history. Bob, thanks for the PM alerting me to this thread. i've been busy on the 'Domefront and haven't kept up on BADWEB lately. in late 1996 Scott Miller from Buell Distribution contacted me, asking, among other things, if i'd be interested in putting a big ride together in the Northwest for the summer of '97 in conjunction with Buell, BRAG, Reg Kittrelle and Battle 2win magazine, fashioned after Reg's inaugural "Blue Groove" ride in the Santa Cruz, CA area in June, 1996. in short, i said yes, and "Blue Groove/Northwest" was born, taking place in July 1997. it was at the time, and still is to this day, one of the largest gatherings of Buell riders in the history of Buell riding, with something like 120 registered participants from five (six?) states, and two countries (US and Canada). the sponsors were Buell and BRAG, Battle 2win, Thunder Press and Reg Kittrelle, PACBOG (the Pacific Northwest Buell Owners Group), five Pacific Northwest Buell dealers, and Conder Customs in Seattle. Scott Miller (at the time he was in charge of Buell Distribution worldwide) was there, as was Reg Kittrelle, Court Canfield, the late Fran Crane, and...Erik Buell. the Buell demo fleet was on hand, we put on one of the very first BattleTrax events (next to the road course at Portland International Raceway), and we did not one but TWO adventure rides that weekend, the first on Saturday up to the Ape Caves and Lava Canyon on Mount St. Helens, the second on Sunday out in the countryside east of Portland, culminating in a pancake breakfast at Latus Motors H-D/Buell in Portland. Erik attended both rides, and had the time of his life. as did the rest of us. so much so, that i was besieged with requests to do it all again in 1998. well, we didn't replicate BG/NW exactly, but for July '98 we held the first annual SPLASH (SPort Lap Around St. Helens) ride, a three-day gig beginning with a BBQ and party in Woodland, Washington (at Horseshoe Lake Park, the kickoff location for BG/NW the year before) on Friday night, and then a two-day ride around the perimeter of Mount St. Helens, overnighting (and partying!) Saturday night in Packwood, WA, and then Sunday curling around the north and west sides of the volcano for an assault on Coldwater Canyon and Johnstone Ridge. the ride was an absolute corker, and for '99 SPLASH was on yet again, for the same weekend in July, and the ride has taken place every July ever since (even tho i moved away to the land of fruits, nuts and perpetual suntans), expertly and lovingly organized each year by the coolest, most down-home folks you'd ever want to scrape a peg with (Chris and Loni Taylor, Bob and Deb Gussenhoven, and the entire Wood Family spring immediately to mind, and there are many, many others who contribute tirelessly every year to make each SPLASH ride a continuing success). ok, there's your SPLASH history lesson in a nutshell, from the nut that concocted this monster in the first place. that's enough typing for now, and enough info, perhaps, to give some insight into the origins of the ride, and how to proceed. Passion, Adventure and Camaraderie. embrace and cherish those values, just like you've all done so magnificently for the past nine years, and SPLASH '07 will be yet another epic, regardless of how any potential "sponsorship" may or may not be structured. i'll keep an eye on this thread. Ferris | ||
| Buellnuts |
Thanks for the history lesson Ferris. How an Old Fart can remember all that is behond me, Har har. That was perhaps the best event I can remember. We have sustained allmost all of our friendships through out the years even without Buell being the focal. (AMAZING) I think I can speak for most by saying, Sponsorship may not be in our best interest. We have allways done things in a way that works best for us and we can change things in an instant without concrete guidlines. (I like that) We are also pretty good at organizing our ride and it goes off without a hitch. Roc, What did you have in mind? Blake, can you move this thread to the Storm Fronts? (It gets buried here and it's generally been there)and a BIG Texas Thanks in advance. Ferris, When was the first Border Raid? We need input from everyone attending. Bob Kim say's she'll do a motorcycle Quilt (cool) and I'll do a couple cut out's like the one's I did years ago. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Hey,I was there and even won an award!! Definitely a great event. On another note--BOB!!! where is my plate hanger????? I have this REALLY nice S-2 all redone and cannot ride it!!! Yer lucky yer not closer,but don't tempt me,sucker. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Ferris, When was the first Border Raid? Labor Day weekend, 1998. Ken Douglas from Vancouver, BC contacted me, said they had some great roads up that way, and suggested we (PACBOG) organize something up there. cool deal that this gig still lives, too. remember the year Trev Deeley met us at his museum? i think he was as excited as WE were. FB | ||
| Lonitaylor |
Ferris, The year Trev met us at the museum was GREAT! Good times forsure that year. Bob I agree with you. We have done so well in the past years planning our own event. This year I think we need to have a more organized dinner in Woodland if prizes are to be given out. What is the name of the place there that we do b-fast? They have that big back room maybe we could reserve it? Let me know and I will make the call. Do they serve drinks there? If not we would need another place. Just throwing out an idea! Loni | ||
| Buellnuts |
Loni, I was talking to Mike also and we were on the same page with that same place (The NUT TREE?) I think that would work. Maybe call them and see how many people the room holds and what info at what time they need from us. Your a peach loni! More Idea's people! Bob | ||
| Buellnuts |
OH, Thanks for the info Ferris. You gunna make it this year? (I think you said you would) Bob | ||
| Matt |
I too would have to agree with Bob on the dealership envolvement thing. Over the last 9 years I have met and become friends with almost everyone at these events and I think what makes them special is that we continued on year after year without the dealers or a formal plan. Just the gang. The points above about corporate liability, brand um... disloyalty, and sponsor control all point toward us doing our own thing (which has been successful in the past). So I say keep it simple and heck, I might even show up with that beater Duc that was new in '98. Just my 2 cents Matt | ||
| Greeneric |
Previous discussion on the NW rides thread put next year's splash as the 10 yr anniversary. However, judging from above, it looks like it actually started in 98 for Splash? I only ask because I have taken it upon myself to do some 10 yr anniversary shirts. If it's not 10 years, then I have another year to extend my deadline! | ||
| Roc |
I was thinking that if we wanted any type of corporate involvement that we should get started. However, I didn’t want to pursue anything without some general consensus that it was desirable. I don’t know if Buell has any interest in involvement. I’ve called a few people, been referred to some other people, and never really spoken with anyone who could provide any information or direction. Buell has the dates and locations for 10 IMS shows on their events schedule for the next year; that is all. I want cool t-shirts! I would like it not to be the weekend before Laguna, if at all possible. | ||
| Sound_uly |
Roc Said: "I would like it not to be the weekend before Laguna, if at all possible." I'm new to this group but would really agree here. I've committed to the STP for the weekend of the 14th. But hey ... I've flaked on commitments before ... SPLASH will take priority! Ron, Ulysses in Seattle | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Thanks for the info Ferris. You gunna make it this year? hard to say this far out, will have to see how '07 shapes up ride-wise. Previous discussion on the NW rides thread put next year's splash as the 10 yr anniversary. However, judging from above, it looks like it actually started in 98 for Splash? correct. I don’t know if Buell has any interest in involvement. it's REALLY late in the game for a big company like Buell/H-D to start making plans for a gig that's barely a half a year away... I would like it not to be the weekend before Laguna, if at all possible. i always thought that having SPLASH the weekend AFTER Laguna was an elegant fit. Cuzzin' Bob, here's a thought: how 'bout another Four-Play ride, a four-day gig up the West Coast beginning the Monday after next year's races at Laguna? the first one was a blast. everyone ends up in the Portland area on Thursday night, just in time for the start of SPLASH the next day. i bet if you floated this idea over on the 'Borg you might get some takers. heck, even Reg might sign on, considering that next year is the 10th anniversary of BG/NW and he is the creator (and owner) of the Blue Groove concept. FB | ||
| Lonitaylor |
Eric, Great if you are doing the t-shirts...Funjimmy wants a polo! Let me know if you need any help with that project. Bob has a cool logo for SPLASH from a few years ago. As for the 10 yr thing,,,Ferris started Blue Groove and that ride became SPLASH. So all together it has been 10 years. Correct me if I am wrong please. Kim, The quilt is a good idea and if you need help let me know. Bob, I will do one better than call. I have next week off with not much to do so maybe I will just drive up there and talk to the manager. Does anyone remember if there is a bar there? If not maybe I will check out the town and see what they have for other places. Does anyone out there have problems with moving SPLASH to the 1st weekend in Aug (3-5)? Also was doing some thinking about having cool prizes for Sat night. If we could come up with a really cool letter (with pics)about us and the riding we do and this being the 10 year annv maybe some of the local motorcycle shops would be willing to pitch in stuff for raffles? (Did this for my newphews softball team when they went to nationals and got them all kinds of cool stuff). I would be willing to meet with local stores and talk to people. I just ain't good at the writting thing so someone would have to help with that. Bob maybe we could hit some places up there in your area too? Let me know if this sounds good or bad... Just throwing out the ideas!!!! Also are we going to make this an "Arrive in Portland on Thursday and depart on Sunday" weekend again? That was cool last year. | ||
| Shotgun |
Loni, once you find the resturant with a bar, you need to try all the drinks to be sure they make them right. That ought to fill up your week off. Splash. It is special. First weekend August is fine by me, or whenever, as I am retired as of 1/1/07. I too believe that we don't need no stinkin sponsors. A FourPlay event would be great. We could incorporate the SPLASH Friday ride we had last year (less any Don dumps) with it or even move it down the state a bit and include SPLASH Thursday this year (especially since we are moving about 100 miles south of here in the spring). I promise to check out any and all great roads in that area for y'all this spring. To my thinking, SPLASH is too good to have to wait a whole year for 2.5 days of riding and socializing and catching up on everybody's lives for the past year. We need SPLASH Week! You People Rock! | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Loni - with all due credit to all the peeps who worked their collective arses off on this gig... ...Ferris started Blue Groove... ...sorta, kinda true, IF you squint your eyes just right (and hold your breath for exactly two minutes). the name "Blue Groove" is/was Reg Kittrelle's idea, and was/is his intellectual property, two concepts i very much respect. a LOT of good folks had a glove in the creation of Blue Groove/Northwest, not just me. that said, i'm way ok with calling 2007 the 10th anniversary of SPLASH. i'd also be ok with calling 2008 the 10th anniversary of SPLASH V.2. FB | ||
| Buellnuts |
Perfect! and thanks Ferris. Spent the weekend doing a couple thousand miles picking up Big Steves new bike. Tired but got to go to Miller Motorsports Park and Bonneville Salt Flats. Home now and will post pics later, Bob | ||
| Sparropie |
Yes to all the above! Buell brought me some of the best friends I've got. And I still ride a Buell, dammit! It's broke half the time, but I still think it's beutifull. But I digress... All I can say is I is gona be there with my bell on, And it would be great to see Ferris and Matt! Later suckers, sooner, Galen | ||
| Redhatbuell |
Curses Batman!!! Looks like I'll be headed off to the Sandbox for the whole riding season  . I leave the first week of Jan and will get back sometime Sep/Oct time frame. No SPLASH this year . Any chance I can still get a t-shirt  ? Janel is still planning on going to the picnic. She may even meet you guys at the Mexican restaurant if you choose to go that route. Oh well, maybe next year, that and the money I squirrel away should pay for Homecoming! Pete | ||
| Funjimmy |
Pete Sorry to hear about your scheduled absence. You really gotta do something about that. Anyway Janel will have to fill you in on all the adventuresome stories from SPLASH, and maybe she could kipe your bike and make it for Border Raid too. Have a safe tour de force and keep us posted here on the BadWeb. Cheers FunJimmy |
