| Author | Message | ||
     Firemanjim |
I was witness to an incredible PR blunder at the BRAG tent at Laguna this weekend.Friday night dinner with Erik was fantastic!!Reg Kittrelle was there and recieved kudos from Erik several times that evening.Saturday morning I was approaching the entry way to the track and going by all the hospitality tents when I saw Reg speaking with Mary from BRAG.He was livid,so I stopped to see what the problem was.Reg,like alot of us race fans had gotten his tickets to Laguna as soon as they went on sale.I know my rationale was to get tickets before the good packages were sold out.I did this about 3 months before BRAG offered any tickets--I have been going to Laguna for years and could not depend on waiting to see what BRAG might offer.So we did not have the BRAG tag on our tickets,but are both current BRAG card holders.Someone had gone in to ask if Reg could and visit with the folks there.Mary came out to reg and the first thing out of her mouth was not"Hi Reg,how are you"or some other greeting,or even "I am so sorry but we are not able to let non ticket holders in", but it was --"you can't come in". I cannot think of too many other people who have been Buell supporters and enthusiasts of Reg's kind.Come on,Battle2win magazine,Battletrax----jeez,he was one of the XB's testers. Very poor treatment.I have known Reg for years now and he is not one to get angry easy,but this seemed to really get to him Any and all BRAG members showing their card should have been welcome,I was really disappointed.It certainly was not crowded by any stretch in the BRAG tent at anytime. This could really bite them in the azzss. (Message edited by firemanjim on July 11, 2005) | ||
| Court |
There was a similar fox pox at Road America. Just as some dealers don't "get it", some B.R.A.G. folks don't get it. I hope Harley-Davidson fixes B.R.A.G. | ||
| Buelliedan |
Actually at road america they did allow BRAG and Buell owners into the tent but only on one side. The other side of the tent was reserved for the Homecoming event participants and we had food and some better bevrages available. | ||
| Buells Rule! (Dyna in disguise) |
If I know Reg, I believe he will do something to fix the problem. He is absolutely a great guy & to diss him like that is inexcusable at any & all levels. | ||
| Buells Rule! (Dyna in disguise) |
I hope Harley-Davidson fixes B.R.A.G. BTW Court, I realize that HD calls the shots & Brag is pretty much just a renamed HOG deal. But shouldnt Buell call the shots & attempt to do something with Brag? | ||
| Bomber |
wow -- I, too, have a great deal of respect for Reg, his programs, and his activities wrt Buell . . . I'm surprised that he was turned away form the tent -- Buell won't call any shots regarding BRAG until they start distributing their own products and take over responsibility for BRAG -- I doubt if either will take place anytime soon (I'd rather have Buell do what it does best, and hope that someone in the Iron Tower is paying attention) just as a data point, here in Northern IL, a number of HD dealers are treating their HOG chapters in odd and mysterious ways, to the point that a couple of just moved their operations, lock stock and barrel, down the street to a freidnly tavern, dropped HOG from their name, and soldiered on -- things changes, I spose, and it would be polyanna-ish to expect them to do so only for the better (still kinda odd to see all these vests with unfaded areas where the HOG colors used to was) | ||
| Outrider |
Gentlemen...Perhaps now you just might understand why I have been lobbying about making single day passes available for the BRAG Homecomings. | ||
| Tramp |
Bomber- several HOG "charters" hereabouts have done the same (dropping the HOG monniker), and become relatively cool, inauspicious riding groups. I won't disrespect BRAG, being that I know little of the org., but I do know that being in a factory owner's org. which the factory won't actually 'back up' in practical terms, is empty activity. | ||
| Daves |
Kind of gives "hospitality" a new meaning? I wonder if they let Cecil in? On the other hand, if you didn't get the BRAG package I can kind of see their point. But with Reg! I don't think so, he is kind of Buell royalty in my eyes. I liked the way they had it set up at Road America. Non package people could still hang out in the shade and out of the rain, get a bottle of coke(ick) and some chips. Better selection and TVs for the package buying members. Still think it's better to make people feel welcome,no matter what than turn them away all pissed off. Heck I would've paid for all the pop and food Reg could eat if that's what it took. He's not that big, how much can he eat? Now Buellidan, that would be different! | ||
| Tramp |
so true, dave- always better to accidentally let a crasher in than to turn away a good guy... that's a huge first rule of being a decent human being... | ||
| Bomber |
you both gots good point -- the factory org thing is a difficult balance to find, I imagine -- it clearly exists to market the brand and it's products, but to be sucessful, it should be fairly embracing of anyone what shows interest -- when it's expected to generate enough revenue to be self-supporting (or a major % thereof) it gets to be an impossible balance point to find -- Daves got it, though, Reg coulda been shown the red carpet, and no one woulda gotten their noses outa joint -- I wonder if the BRAG employee what turned him away even knew who he was? | ||
| Regkittrelle |
I agree with the position of "no ticket, no lunch." I was not attempting to crash the gate.It was a courtesy call on those at BRAG with whom I've worked in the past. Specifically, Mary Bazinski and Peggy Utphall (Peggy is the one that hires me for BRAG BTX). Additionally a HD Communications Manager had told me he'd be there and to "stop by." In this same mode, I "stopped by" a couple of dozen locations during the weekend to visit with past advertisers, BattleTrax clients, and friends of long-standing. I do not deserve, nor want, special treatment. I live a quid pro quo life that tries to respect all, regardless. Don't always succeed at this... any number of people know me for the dickhead I can be. | ||
| CJXB |
I wonder if the BRAG employee what turned him away even knew who he was? hmmmm, Reg Kittrelle was there and recieved kudos from Erik several times that evening. IMHO seems if that person didn't know, she wasn't very up on things Buell so why was she in charge ?? I agree with Daves if at all possible avoid turning anyone away, geezzzz unless it gets out of hand better to be safe than sorry. You never know when someone could become a new Brag member or Bueller due to hanging out with the cool folks !! And like Reg most aren't actually trying to get a free meal, just coming to chit chat and visit, that's a GOOD thing I think !! CJ  | ||
| Grndskpr |
when I saw Reg speaking with Mary from BRAG It was a courtesy call on those at BRAG with whom I've worked in the past. Specifically, Mary Bazinski and Peggy Utphall I wonder if the BRAG employee what turned him away even knew who he was? Something seems odd, i think Reg is being very very nice, however i doubt if Mary didnt know who he was R | ||
| Buellzebub |
almost the same thing happened here in Canuckistan last year @ the nationals in Calgary. the dealership notified us that there would be a buell tent @ the races, they failed to notify us that it was for the people that did the vancouver to calgary ride only... had to go hang out with Honda racing, much friendler, better view and not anywhere as petty as the official Buell delegation. maybe thats why there are fewer "official" members in Calgary now | ||
| Mmmi_grad |
I was at the homecoming and wandered both sides as a brag member, i didnt know the tent was segregated LOL , anyway Mary and Peggy are very nice , we are human here im sure she didnt know who he was I mean come on people we are bikers we do whatever we want most of the time. Id bet money Mary is full aware of that fact. I hope we dont see any yuppie talk going on here in this thread!! (Message edited by mmmi_grad on July 11, 2005) | ||
| Mmmi_grad |
CJxb said it best!!!!!!!!!!! Even if the tent was opened to anyone that could show a buell registration I am sure it wouldnt break the bank of potato chips and bottled water banks. I am considering the alps ride in OCT. | ||
| Tramp |
er.........As I said several posts above: "Tramp Posted on Monday, July 11, 2005 - 04:31 pm: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- so true, dave- always better to accidentally let a crasher in than to turn away a good guy... that's a huge first rule of being a decent human being... " | ||
| Davegess |
Ah Reg you don't seem to get this internet thing. Your supposed to stir stuff up, slam people for no reason, make stuff up; stop it with the graciousness!!  | ||
| BadS1 |
Mary Knows Reg well....She deals with him everytime Brag puts on a Battletrax.Mary Baszynski is her name for those of us that are not familiar with her.She is Peggys assistant or ride cordinator. (Message edited by bads1 on July 11, 2005) | ||
| Rex |
There were very limited BRAG tickets for sale for this area. I was lucky to pick up some of the tickets at the very last minute. Parking is cool, free program, free water, sodas, and chips, nice shade, etc. Sure would be nice to let all BRAG members in though. I think it was very expensive for BRAG to get the tent at Laguna this year. I would guess that it cost more than what was collected from the ticket packages sold. The other monies probably came from the BRAG fund....Only assuming here. Sorry you didn't get in REG....there were other BRAG members that wondered into the area, actually made it into the tent, were sitting down with us, and were asked to leave after they got in. Must be a hard job to run someone out like that. The tent was cool....it sure helped with my son and my stay at the track....without it , we would have spent a lot of money on water, etc. About the only thing we bought were some of the old style yellow and black yamaha shirts...they seeemed to be the hit of the event. Oh well, maybe next year. We can all start working on this event, Laguna and Homecoming...rex | ||
| Jon |
Here is my 2 cents. Reg's credentials (a small pinch of them as relates to Buell): 1) At the dinner, Erik bantered with Reg who was in attendance, as if they went back a few years (which they do). That told me that Reg was special in the Buell world and an Erik croney. 2) Reg actually believes in the bikes and rides them, has done much for Buell, for Harley, and for riders in general. This is all well known. 3) He is a well known Moto-journalist and yet is also very approachable and is a good guy. He comes to American Sport Bike Night meetings often enough and waves off the microphone many times, seemingly being content to just hang out like everyone else, even though he knows he could well regale us into the night with lore and wisdom. He rides a LONG way to do this, I might add. The above facts are good reasons to let him in the tent. I was embarrassed to hear not only of his being declined, but also for Jim Higgins. I felt bad for the blunder and bad for Jim and others. Instead of Jim watching trackside at the Buell tent, or getting some relief, he was waaay up on a hill in the hot sun in a lawn chair. That bugged me. Why does Jim pay Brag membership? See, the Brag tent was a true oasis in Laguna's desert and it made a big difference in the level of our enjoyment of the race. We NEEDED to return for relief after walking all over Laguna for hours on end. Every Brag member (and Reg) should have been welcomed. HOWEVER.... This was not Mary's fault, plain and simple. She didn't make the rules...but was paid to enforce them. I witnessed on at least four occassions, people brushing her off to go in and speak to "so and so" and then refusing to listen to her. They brushed past her. They eventually left in all instances, but she was at the door for a reason...it was her job to enforce the program. This had to be wearing after a while let alone three days of it. Mary continually smiled and greeted Kirsten and I whenever we happened to come in (which was often). She is a "10" in my book. She also laughed at my continual stream of dumb jokes and quips. Nice job, Mary. Peggy also should get credit for guarding the Brag parking lot in the hot sun all day for three days. She too, was always friendly. The basic mistake was with planning, not execution. Deciding that Brag membership was not enough to get in? That is what Brag should be in an event like this. The tent itself was a wonderful place to drop your leathers, get some shade, all the refereshment you could handle, Buell freebees, and friendly greetings from Mary among others. The tent itself was REALLY IMPORTANT to me and my wife. NICE JOB, BUELL! Next year please let Brag members and Reg in next time. And if I haven't said it clearly yet, THANKS to all of the Buell employees who did a fabulous job. p.s. I would buy my Brag tickets again a split second. I hope BMC bought up a bunch of tickets! (Message edited by Jon on July 11, 2005) | ||
| Mmmi_grad |
If BRAG wants any opinions from me they can understand that im am old school brother and this •••• about being cheap or causeing talk of cheap things happening cause of money will start me in a flurry of sticking Harley Davidson stickers UPSIDE DOWN like this is my last day on the road!!!!!!!!!! And absolutley if someone is in BRAG or should be alowed in they should be welcomed. the tent was only crowded when it rained. the rest of the time is for the people on the bikes. Period (Message edited by mmmi_grad on July 11, 2005) | ||
| BadS1 |
It not Mary's fault....shes just following the rules??Peggy and Mary run Brag and do a great job...fine.But she can make the call as well if she wanted to let Reg in.That is also what she gets payed to do.Reg has been around a long time.Moto journalist you say???I'd say yes he had the only all Buell magazine in country and I sure wish it was still around.I feel that Mary might of made a bad call thats all. | ||
| José_quiñones |
I agree with Reg, "no ticket, no Lunch" Why bother getting the BRAG ticket package if a regular BRAG membership gets you in for free? BRAG does not make money on these events. The value for what you get greatly exceeds what you actually pay. That being said, doing the half/half tent deal like they did at Road America would be a good compromise. Another approach would be for BRAG/HOG to only provide the tent/parking area/refreshments for active BRAG/HOG members. HOG used to do that at Mid-Ohio during the AMA races. It would be up to the BRAG/HOG member to buy their own race tickets/programs/food etc. But then somebody here would be complaining because some nonactive BRAG member friend of theirs was not let in the tent...... | ||
| Jon |
You say he had the only Buell magazine in the country?? You say she can make the call if she wants to?? YOu say that's what she get's paid to do?? Getting a little worked up?? Let's not fail to recognize the service and effort because of the blunder. How do you think they might feel after putting so much into this for Buell folks when they weren't even racing, and all they see is a focus on the blunder? Thanks Buell! Just fix the leak, that's all. Next time, BADDABING!! Perfection. Me and my pal Augie will bring cigars! Die lung, DIE!! | ||
| Buells Rule! (Dyna in disguise) |
A Brag tent or area should be for any & all Brag members. Why exclude folks who for one reason or another couldnt get one of few tickets alloted via Brag? Brag is supposed to be about the fellowship of the owners & getting together to enjoy a good time. I guess the good time & being able to meet fellow Buellers is only reserved for a small number of chosen ones. | ||
| Newxb9er |
Another note. At the Buell truck one of the "Buell" guys was asked about the new skins for the XB's. He told the guy he thinks it's some sticker they put on the bike. I then said that they clear coat over the decal. He then says he didn't know, and he didn't think so. I just walked away. On another note, some idiot was asking another Buell guy about the fact that he thought you had to tighten all the screws on the bike after every ride because of the vibration. He said that because of the thread count per inch on the screws, there wasn't enough threads to keep the screws in place with such vibration. Some old Harley myth!! Good job to the Buell guy who simply said "Who told you crap like that?" "I've rode these bikes all over the US for thousands of miles, and have never had any problems." People are so ignorant. I'm glad Buell had the truck out there to keep people informed. I just hope the others were as smart as the second guy. | ||
| Blake |
If I were running the show, ALL BRAG members in fact ANY/ALL Buell owners/riders (show me a Buell ignition key) should be allowed into the hospitality tent as long as there is sufficient room and the prime spectating spaces reserved for the special BRAG package ticket holders. Those who purchased the BRAG sponsored tickets should get wrist bands and the free $10 race programs, food, refreshments, and trackside seating. | ||
| Jon |
Hey Chris, I had a blast riding down to Laguna with you. You're a good man. I had to leave a little early to get my wife back to the hotel so she could pack and then drive to San Jose to pick up or kids, so I wasn't able to ride back with you. Let me know if you ever want to hook up again and I'll do the same. |
