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Buelliedan
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 05:57 pm: | 
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Sounds like BRAG really dropped the ball on this one. At Road America anyone with a GSXR Suzuki was entitled to their hospitality tent also. What really needs to happen is there is a BRAG event tent just for the participants and then a Buell tent for all the others. How muc extra could one tent cost to rent? |
Eeeeek
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 06:07 pm: |
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At Laguna? LOTS.
You're a BRAG member, you should get in, plain and simple.
BRAG didn't even start to sell their packages until MONTHS after the tickets went on sale. Hell, they didn't even announce they were doing anything until months after tickets went on sale.
Too bad, really. The dinner on Friday was nice.
Vik |
Tramp
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 06:35 pm: |
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geeez-
OK, I GET it....
they dropped the ball....
sounds like it won't happen again.
let it go already, it's only a factory owner's group, it's not some fraternal organization.
sounds like you guys got to see the wonderful race.....
bigger problems in the world...
(this is why at BMW we referred to the MOA as "The Factory Whiner's Group"  |
Rex
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 08:03 pm: |
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go to ducati.com
they are really on the ball with their website...updates on their racing, photos from the ducati island, etc. pretty cool.....rex |
Tramp
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 08:26 pm: |
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yep-
and duc is a very old company with very deep pockets with huge worldwide appeal and sales, they can afford to keep throngs of fulltime, high-paid PR mavens on staff...
ever see THEIR factory???? |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 08:39 pm: |
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Had I been the Brag President after Leslie i would of opened a Brag website with forum and would interact with its members about things like this and make sure I plan things with its members to prevent issues like having to deny members entrance.
Ummm, thats a nasty can of worms that you dont want to open.
duc is a very old company with very deep pockets with huge worldwide appeal and sales, they can afford to keep throngs of fulltime, high-paid PR mavens on staff...
What?? This the same Ducati that almost went bankrupt? The same company that was rumored to be a target for HD to buy? |
Newfie_buell
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 09:28 pm: |
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I have been to a couple HOG Rallies and the best time I ever had was riding for 4 bleedin days to attend the 20th anniversary event with a complete bunch of strangers who made me feel like I was at home.
If BRAG wants to learn something then look back at that event planned by a few of the members/enthusiasts from here. |
Tramp
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 09:54 pm: |
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"What?? This the same Ducati that almost went bankrupt? The same company that was rumored to be a target for HD to buy?"
ouch. good point. Ford was almost bankrupt too, and the lira is no stable currency. The Euro can only help them. Duc's doing fine these days, though, so i figure that's why they can afford all the pomp. true 'nuff about the near-bankruptcy, though |
Gravedigger
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 10:39 pm: |
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Guys,
I personally think that BRAG did a very good job at what they did do for those that had the BRAG tickets. There can always be improvements to situations such as these and it seems that this might just be an unfortunate episode. It appears that they are making the right steps for the future events. To compare the Buell tent to Ducati island is not a fair comparison. They were two totally different setups. We walked right into the Ducati area and nobody checked us at all. To enter the Buell tent you had to pass through the Chalet/Track security and show them your pass. BRAG was not in charge of the security as there were 5 other hospitality tents past that checkpoint. Peggy and her crew did a very good job. She can't be everywhere at all times. The only person that has a right to be upset is Reg, and I really don't see him complaining much on this thread.
Keith
p.s. what a great weekend of racing, it was awesome meeting everyone. |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 10:54 pm: |
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What other manufacturers were there offering hospitality suites, food, TV, tables, drinks - and of those, how many had NO bikes in ANY of the races? |
Xbolt12
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 11:52 pm: |
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Buell and BRAG did a great job!
Funny how my friend with the 748 decided to park in the BRAG parking instead of use Ducati Island-he ended up giving it to another Ducati rider. BRAG associate membership is non-exclusive. People simply need to sign up and support the organization. They are doing great things. They could have bailed when they found out Formula Extreme was not running, but they didn't and they delivered in a great way!
Thanks again to BRAG and Buell from those of us who were counting on it, even to the point of the race being mostly sold out before BRAG announced they would do the event (I had my hotel reservations since last September).
BTW: sorry I missed all you guys hanging out at the love shack. There was just so much going on, I completely forgot about it. Kept wondering where Al and some of the others were...
xbolt12 |
Newxb9er
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 11:54 pm: |
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Can this thread PLEASE END!! Slaughter said it perfect. Buell supported us by being there. They are a young company. We understand there needs to be a little work. We have our points out on the table. There has been plenty of good ideas. Let's move on already. |
Firemanjim
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 12:45 am: |
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Funny,I have BRAG membership but was unable to park in the BRAG parking area.
I doubt you will ever see Reg post about this.That's just the way he is. |
Xbolt12
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 01:19 am: |
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Oops! Sorry if my positive post offended anyone (Newxb9er??), but I think I should be able to respond to a post without the RAISED LETTERS...
Jeez |
Xbolt12
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 01:23 am: |
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Ok, I see your point, guess I should have looked at the archive first. Seems like things get archived too fast sometimes.
Mostly I just wanted to thank BRAG and Buell for doing any hosting at all. Sorry about those who got left out.
xbolt12 |
Court
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 05:45 am: |
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Ball dropped
Ball picked up
Situation resolved
Stand by for the expanded web offerings.
The Ducati and "what other people" do, might do, or have the capacity to do, is likey beyond the scope of this discussion.
Court |
Tramp
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 09:36 am: |
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I'm quoting myself here:
"geeez-
OK, I GET it....
they dropped the ball....
sounds like it won't happen again.
let it go already, it's only a factory owner's group, it's not some fraternal organization.
sounds like you guys got to see the wonderful race.....
bigger problems in the world...
(this is why at BMW we referred to the MOA as "The Factory Whiner's Group" "
what is the problem with moving on, now? |
Ebear
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 10:13 am: |
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Same here FMJ...Was just sitting on my bike talking to Ferris...Been a member for years...was told to leave twice by Peggy...??!! |
Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 10:23 am: |
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Newb and Tramp, there's a discussion going on here, no yelling, no cussing, no dissing, just folks stating opinions and offering suggestions. if the conversation is so bothersome, perhaps simply change the channel?
ps to Tramp: never got a chance to visit your bartender friend (Nenito?) but saw the road (Garrapato - sp?) that you'd mentioned in several posts leading up to Laguna, and thought of you. beautiful country, bet you could put on quite a local riding tour. 
FB |
Tramp
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 10:29 am: |
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i understand, just seems like a waste of bandwitch to constantly restate a complaint from one sole event, ad nauseum.
point taken, however, and this is my last post on this thread |
Jon
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 10:52 am: |
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It's ok for those who got left out to chat about it...or be upset. I have no problem with the discussion. And it seems from Courts posts that this will not happen again, so this has all been beneficial.
Next YEAR!!! BTW, if you're not into camping, Salinas is the best spot to grab a hotel. It's about a 15 minute ride to the track...and there's somthing about a shower, free breakfast, a nice Suite and restaurants that add to the experience. Rex and I have already signed up for next year. |
Eeeeek
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 11:25 am: |
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Forget Salinas. I had an awesome place to stay in Pacific Grove. Best part was when I'd wake up inthe morning, I wasn't in Salinas. 
Vik |
Rex
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 11:43 am: |
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ahhahahahah....eeeek, very funny....what is available in pacific grove? Don't you like waking up and look out your window and see 25 foot farmer cut outs? ahahhahahha...REX |
Sparky
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 12:11 pm: |
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Jen offered to swap her BRAG tix package to another BadWebber who just had GA admission tix so that he could go into the paddock and BRAG hospitality areas. Since we had already been there & done that, it seemed like a sporting thing to do.
Loaning your priveleged tix for those who don't have the right ones kinda seems like a cool thing to do. Ebear & Jerry Johnson are doing almost the same thing with the vehicle passes at the Love Shack: having them available at the LS for those who need them. Who else would be willing to do this?
D&J |
Tramp
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 03:31 pm: |
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Ok- so it was my last post about the faux pas itself- as to staying there: avoid salinas. trust me. I've lived on the penisula, on and off, since i was but a bairn.
cars and bikes get ripped off routinely in and about salinas, by the huge contingent of crankfiend inhabitants.
seaside can be as affordable and it's getting better every year.
PG rocks IF you can find sumfin' affordable. I apologize that I moved back to NY in May, as I was hoping to put up throngs of badwebbers and ATCers.
Oddly, carmel has incredibly affordable motels.
i don't mean to ditch on the salinas post, it can be a good place to stay, it only takes one bad night of grand theft auto to ruin it.
really- you guys should look into booking rooms in big sur at the big sur river inn and glen oaks (they're in the phone book). they can be VERY affordable all summer long, esp. when booked well in advance, and there is NO substitute for absolutely silent nights and the sounds only of Stellar's jays and Red-Shouldered hawks to wake up to. oh, yeah- and that 20 mile ride along the pacific's most spectacular scenery on the twisty roads......
priceless.tramp |
Jon
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 05:27 pm: |
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Salinas was fine. It is close to the track and gave my wife and I a quiet respite from teh scene after the races each day. You can still go to the other places, but then return to a sleepy quite place at the end of the day. Worked for me.
...Anyway it has been scientifically proven that Salinas is WAAAAY better than Pacific Grove, Monterey AND Carmel put together...Scientifically proven, mind you! |
Tramp
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 06:01 pm: |
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far be it form me to challenge science.
seriously, though- salinas has an insane carnk-related crime problem. be cool if you stay there, and keep your wife close.
i have nothing to gain by telling you this. |
Rex
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 07:34 pm: |
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would be good to compare the cost of your hotels in Pacific grove, and other areas mentioned.....rex
salinas was fine...nice hotel, management couldn't have been nicer, good food, short ride. I am flexible. rex |
Rex
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 07:36 pm: |
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question for everyone.
Does anyone live in the laguna seca, salinas, pacific grove area?
Here is my point.
If the house and yard is big enough, and you would be willing to have 80-100 folks over, riding buells, we could set up the next Erik Buell/ American Sport Bike Night dinner there. or have snacks, etc.? Just a thought.....
Back yard bbq, or look for a restaurant again? rex |
Jon
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 07:48 pm: |
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Tramp,
Your comments are taken note of, seriously. The area we were in is all new commerical/retail area and the Marriot appeared to be pretty new also. Rex was right... the management was AWESOME and very accomodating. The facilites were super clean and new. Our suite was great, and they had a parking area for motorcycles only with 24 hour parking lot security.
But, as long as we're discussing it, I wonder what the damage would be for Pacific Grove or Carmel for next year? |
Tramp
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 10:01 pm: |
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if i'm living there next year (i moved back to ny in may) as i'd expected to this year, dirt cheap. i had an area all set up for visitors from this site and another.
PG is typically pricey, monterey lodging really gear$ up for laguna events...seaside can work out well, with adavnce notice.
carmel is so packed with little inns and such that the motels (such as the carmel river inn right on rt. 1) often have vacancies and great deals. mid-valley on the road up the canyon into carmel valley has some affordable spots, as well.
i was hoping to float the idea of offering bueller-types free camping on my family's spread overlooking rocky point, but to the fam, based on past experience,'jay and his motorcycle friends' doesn't exactly conjure up images of coombaya and marshmallows, so that was a led zep... |
Xbolt12
| | Posted on Friday, July 15, 2005 - 05:24 pm: |
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"Forget Salinas. I had an awesome place to stay in Pacific Grove. Best part was when I'd wake up inthe morning, I wasn't in Salinas.
Vik"
Pacific Grove was awesome! Stay was $139 a night for a nice room with two queen beds and double occupancy (booked in Sept 04). I got reservations again on the way out and unfortunately it's $159 now.....
BTW, I saw a blue XB9 ride and the rider had no helmet....wouldn't have been you I hope
xbolt12 |
Jon
| | Posted on Friday, July 15, 2005 - 06:47 pm: |
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That wasn't me...me and my wife were on my Tuber X1 and we had full leathers as well as the legally required helmet. |
Usroute66
| | Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 12:11 pm: |
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I don't even own a Buell and am still a BRAG member so I can hook up with all my Buell friends here in Los Angeles...but on a national scale, BRAG doesn't do much for me. Even locals had to put together a dinner with Erik Buell (thanks Bay area guys...great event!). Last year I too got kicked out of the Buell parking area by Peggy because I had not paid for a tent ticket. Boy, do I miss the Leisle days of BRAG. She was the bomb.
Motel 6 on Frement at the 101/68 split. $100 a night. They even let us already sign for next year as we checked out. They also let me ship up my clothes via UPS, so I can travel light to Monterey. |
CJXB
| | Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 12:29 pm: |
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Last year I too got kicked out of the Buell parking area by Peggy because I had not paid for a tent ticket.
I've met Peggy and she's a good person and it's no reflection on her, but I sure wouldn't want to be the person who has to enforce that rule !!
No matter if the directions come from above, ultimately it reflects on the person carrying out said directions.
I wouldn't want to treat any fellow Bueller or Buell enthuisiast in a way that makes them feel they don't belong. But I suppose someone has to, the change needs to come from Brag corporate (or whatever) I guess.
We are a small group and folks should walk away from those kind of events talking about how "cool" Brag is, not with the feeling that some had at this event, and apparently previous events as well !!
Hopefully Court is right and it's been taken care of and will be different in the future !! |
Jon
| | Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 10:29 pm: |
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Usroute66,
Speaking as an American Sport Bike Night planner, we did not HAVE to put together a dinner for Erik Buell...we were told by Buell folks that Erik wanted to meet us (American Sport Bike Night people). We (Rex) decided to put together that dinner. It wasn't HAVE to...it was PRIVELEDGE to put the dinner together. We hope to have Erik come to one of our regular American Sport Bike Night meetings so we can show off our peerless monthly event as well. |
Buelldyno_guy
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 11:43 pm: |
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It looks like the horse isn't dead so I want a kick or two. Peggy is not and will never be Leisle, so let's not expect her to be! When possible Leisle listened to what we Buell Riders and Brag Members had to say and used that in her decisions. Peggy thinks everything went great and the late decision to offer a Brag Package didn't happen. It looks like the notice to offer a Brag Package next year will again come a month or so after the General Admission tickets go on sale.
Now having kicked, I must say I had a great time. I watched several races from other locations and it was great to have the parking, the tent to store helmet and gear. The soft drinks were welcome, but a few sandwiches during the lunch hour would have been nice. |
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