Author Topic: for the New Guy's; What is; 2018 OtP XVI ?? (Read 1777 times)

connie_rider · « **on:** January 15, 2018, 05:08:05 pm »

"OtP" stands for "Over the Pond".
"2018" is the year we are currently doing "OtP"...
"XVI" indicates that this is the 16th time we've done "Over the Pond"..

NOTE: I didn't post this to be a Smarty Eleck..

I posted it because we forget that "many" in the club have no idea what "OtP' / "Over the Pond" is,
nor do they know what how great of project "OtP" is..

But, I ain't gonna tell you...... {this time}

My hope is to spread the word thru your discussion...

I'd like other Members, past "OtP" Travelers, and supporters to tell the new folks about it.
I'd also like for the new Folks to post their questions here.

Please help me share "2018 OtP XVI" with the new guys.....

Ride safe, Ted

Ranger Jim · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2018, 09:31:04 pm »

OtP is just 1 of several things that sets this club apart from every other motorcycle club.

Essentially, OtP is a joint effort between the GCE (GTR Club - Europe) and COG. The Concours is called a GTR in Europe. The GCE is (basically) COG in Europe.

Each year the two clubs join forces to send a deserving member to the other clubs "national" rally. One year we'll send one (or more) from the USA, the next the GCE sends someone from Europe. Last year, we sent 2 guys to Europe so this year the GCE (with our help) will be sending someone here.

This program is TOTALLY funded by donations from the members.

NO OTHER CLUB (that I know of) IN THE WORLD OFFERS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THEIR MEMBERS. Not BMWMOA, not GWRRA, not HOG, NO ONE!

The selected members will have their motorcycles provided, lodging and food (mostly) paid for, guides and the experience of a lifetime. It all depends on donations from members to make it happen.

Ranger Jim
OtP Jr. Asst. Slave Laborer (safety)

Ranger Jim · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2018, 12:18:35 pm »

BTW, the 2 guys we were able to send last year were Dan Breeden (SantaCruz Rider) and Mark Hartman (Old Man On A Connie) so, clearly, the standard of what makes a "deserving" member is pretty low.

SantaCruzRider · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2018, 06:53:29 pm »

Too true. I think there is ample evidence that getting elected -- as OtP -- is now wide open to all comers!

Living to tell the tale, and without also becoming the subject of oft-repeated European stories of the "odd Americans", is the really tough part. Mark and I heard our share, including grateful surprise at our ability to keep up and to negotiate corners -- talents that may not have been well represented in the past???

I'm sure future travelers will hear nothing but positive stories about the 2017 OtP riders -- with the possible exception of random untruths.

Third and final 2017 trip report installment is in the upcoming Concourier. If it doesn't make you want to go, it's only because of a distinct personal lack of writing talent in being able to capture how awesome the experience was... Best dang trip ever!

Ranger Jim · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2018, 10:52:52 pm »

What leads you to believe you guys are not the topics of "odd American" stories?

SantaCruzRider · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2018, 04:59:50 pm »

Can't speak for Mark, but for me it's probably a mix of self-delusion and arrogance, otherwise known as life-skills.

kv5e · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2018, 05:56:24 pm »

Quote from: Ranger Jim on January 17, 2018, 12:18:35 pm

BTW, the 2 guys we were able to send last year were Dan Breeden (SantaCruz Rider) and Mark Hartman (Old Man On A Connie) so, clearly, the standard of what makes a "deserving" member is pretty low.

connieklr · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2018, 12:54:10 pm »

OTP?

A worthwhile program to enhance the relationships between our motorcycling counterparts on each side of the pond. As such, it is a program well worth supporting; it just seems to make our world a little smaller. As the first selected, very lucky traveler in 2002, I know the benefits of having the chance to meet new people, stay in their homes, and share places I never thought I’d see in my lifetime.

You betcha - I’ll be supporting the program again this year.

Attending countries being honored, in turn, at the 57th. FIM Rally in Aalborg, Denmark:

connie_rider · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2018, 03:41:32 pm »

Hi "Guy". Thanks for posting.

For those that didn't pick it up, connieklr / Guy was our first "OtP" Traveler.
He was selected by vote, $$ were collected, bike and arrangements made, and away he went...
(I admit, we weren't sure if it would work. But it did, and he made it back..)

Above is post's from SantaCruzRider / Dan Breeden. Dan was one of the 2 travelers that went Over the pond last year.\

Between Guy and Dan, COG and GCE Members sent 17 other "OtP" Travelers on the ride of a lifetime ..
Hopefully we can do it again in 2018, and someone from Europe will be coming to ride the USA, meet COGgers, and attend the 2018 COG National...

More discussion... Need more discussion...
I don't see any questions/discussion from newer folks..??

Ride safe, Ted

Gumby · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2018, 04:37:48 pm »

Quote from: connieklr on January 19, 2018, 12:54:10 pm

OTP?

A worthwhile program to enhance the relationships between our motorcycling counterparts on each side of the pond. As such, it is a program well worth supporting; it just seems to make our world a little smaller. As the first selected, very lucky traveler in 2002, I know the benefits of having the chance to meet new people, stay in their homes, and share places I never thought I’d see in my lifetime.

You betcha - I’ll be supporting the program again this year.

+1

Old Man on a Connie · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2018, 12:59:11 am »

If'n I can do it anyone can. I was truly honored and humbled by everyone's support,even Ranger Jim's though I suspect he just has a hidden jealousy of JarHeads

This is truly an awesome program and as Jim has mentioned does not happen anywhere else in the motorcycle community. You can book adventures with guides but this trip is personal. Highly. You meet and see real local motorcycle riders, you see, taste, smell, feel the local vibe and scene. You spend time with them and their families. You don't get the tourist flavor, the passing through thank you for your money now go home trip. These are friends for life. It may be cliche' but it is true. The trip of a lifetime. This program had my support in the past and it will have my support as long as I am able to draw breath. The first OtP item has been posted for auction. Bid now, Bid high, Bid often. Every dollar counts and helps sponsor a rider who's mind will be blown. I'm still gathering the pieces.
Mark Hartman
COG/SWAD
2017 OtP

Just Cliff · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2018, 12:10:51 am »

If you have a chance to be a host, DO IT. It will be rewarding!

I guided/hosted in 2016 & it was a worth while experience. Hosting a OTP traveler is much different than hosting your average stateside COG traveler.

Cliff

connieklr · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2018, 10:03:24 pm »

Quote from: Just Cliff on January 22, 2018, 12:10:51 am

If you have a chance to be a host, DO IT. It will be rewarding! I guided/hosted in 2016 & it was a worth while experience. Hosting a OTP traveler is much different than hosting your average stateside COG traveler.

Cliff

Amen to that.

2009 Traveler, Wolfram Tege and I shared a cabin at Fontana (Dam) Resort for the National, and coming home we trekked up the BRP to Willville MC Campground to spend a night. He told my wife he got tired of looking at all the trees.

Wolfram with a couple of the other campers we befriended while there:

After spending the night at our place in Richmond (VA), saying goodbye to my wife before heading up the road for the northern hand off at Stafford, VA:

Just a small token of "paying it forward" because of the kindness shown me when I was on their side of the pond.

connie_rider · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2018, 02:48:40 pm »

Everyone, voting and Donation collection is going on.
Go to the OtP discussion to see what is happening.....

We really need your help to make this work out again!!!

Please pick your favorite nominee,,, and vote.

Ride safe, Ted

Kawasaurus · « **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2018, 07:24:20 pm »

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I'm one of the nominees.

I have purchased my 1987 Kawasaki 1000 GTR (in US known as Concours C10) in 2004.

She had 66.000 km (41000 mls) on the odometer, and i rode her every day for commute.
after maybe 15000 kilometers, she felt in troubles with the intake valves.
i'm searching for a solution for this problems, and fount the 1000-GTR-online Forum community.
members give me many tips, and so i can fix the problems.

in this case, ther was also a note about a big GTR Meeting, a few hundred Kilometers away from my home.
it was my first Motorcycle meeting, and i was warmly welcomed by all the people there.

Many of them are grown to good friends during the years.

a few years later, i heared the first time of a project called OtP - Over the Pond

At this time, i was interested, but it was so not reachable for me, it was too far away, because i was not a worthy member.

But in 2011 i organized a Meeting in my riding area, and i can show it to the other members.

in 2014 i should meet the OtP traveller Steve Cook at the meeting in the swiss alps, but i does'nt because i was there with tent, and after three days and night with heavy rain, wet clothes, wet sleeping bag, and no chance to dry it, i break it, and go home.

this was the point, where my heart begins to burn for OtP.

in 2015 after many tours on the second meeting that i have organized, i get a chance for a weekend to ride with the OtP travellers from America.

i meet Al Norcross, Ted & Judy Adcock, Bernd Neumann, & Anette Arrenberg at the bavarian King Ludwig's castle Neuschwanstein
and i get new friends from an other continent where i never will be there (so i thought at this time)

then come the year 2016...
a bad year for me

i've been nominated for OtP, and i cannot believe this, because i think i'm not worthy enough..
the winner was Anette, and i should be the runner up, but three weeks before, i have an Health incident, and woke up in the emergency room.

the medicin men did many tests with me, but they found nothing.

so they said to me: it is fordidden for you to drive a car, ride a motorcylce, climb a ladder or scaffoldings, or swim alone, for A HALF YEAR!!!

uuh, this is heavy, because it is my job to drive the company's car, climb ladders and scaffoldings, so i talk to the doctors about this, and they lifted the ban after three months.

my heart is burning hotter for OtP, but only minor motorcycle ridings in this years indian summer (fall) after the ban is lifted...

in 2017 i want to compare my fail of 2016, and worked hard for OtP - find hosts, planning the route, time schedule, tourist attractions, and guide them through the countries...

picked them up from Gie Lambeir, and get now friends, and the best things i see: they are the same crazy guys like me, -
and Bernd, -
and André
and Gie
and many others of the Concours/GTR Community.

one of my biggest wishes is to hold OtP upright for several years in the future, because i have so many ideas for what places i want to show the american travellers.

eifeltwister · « **Reply #15 on:** February 28, 2018, 09:35:25 pm »

Hello everyone !

Since I have now found the way into this Tread,
I would like to say something to the program OTP.

Like Ralf, I am also nominated this year.
And I do not know from whom.
But i appreciate it, thank you!

OTP is a great Deal for everyone, the travellers , the hosting people the guides and for all which are involved in it.
It is meant for all those people who will, under normal circumstances, not be able to go "OVER THE POND"
It´s a symbol for what the community might can do.
Nothing can explain the spirit of "join for the bike, stay for the people" better than this event.
There has been growing friendship over the years between all the travellers and hosts.
And in the meantime it happens that some of the travellers came back to the places they were before....
...because they fall in love with the other continent and it´s habitants!

This ist OTP !!!

Here are a few points about my life with the 1000GTR / C10:

I bought my first C10, "LRO" (Little Red One) in 1991 with 10,000 miles on the clock.
After 80,000 miles with "LRO", luckily, "FBI" (Familyman's Black Ironhorse) came to me as a bargin.
She had come down quite a bit but had only 20,000 miles on it.
I lift it completely disassembled and rebuilt.
No longer good parts were replaced by new and good parts.
Since then I know the C10 pretty well.
Nevertheless, I always have a few parts with me and some tools,
which gives me the reputation of a technician on the way, and a little bit of "McGyver"
Now, after more than 100,000 miles on the C10,
I can look back on many different activities in the various groups around C10 / C14

2004 first meeting with C10 driving fellows in Germany
2006 Organization of the meeting in Germany
2007 Founder of the first german C14 Forum, now overtaken by some others
2007 Co-organization of the first C14 meeting in Germany
2013 Acquisition and reorganization of the German C10 Forum
2017 Escorting and Sightseeing of OTP Travelers Mark & Dan

Over the years, I was also on tour as a tour guide and / or last in the group nearly every season.
As part of operating the German C10 website, I support the annual organizers of the meetings in all administrative matters,
conversations with hoteliers, bookings, listings, etc.
Over the years I have made various modifications to the C10, which I share with colleagues.
I accompany the conversions up to the mostly necessary technical TÜV acceptance.

Why should I be OTP Traveler or Runner up ...

Support Ralf at his goal having the ride of a lifetime.
I deserve it nearly as much as Ralf.
I have a mission: I made a promise to see a friend not seen over 20years, resident in California.
I want to get to know all the nice people encouraged in this fine event !

But therefore i need also your votes AND donations !

eifeltwister · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2018, 01:24:02 pm »

Ralf wrote:
it is very important to Vote & donate

Voting bring the candidates to the airport

Donations bring them over the Pond, provide them a motorcycle, fill up the gas tank every day, give them food, drinks, and hosts for stay overnight,

volunteers guide them, entertain them, and grown to good friends,

this is the spirit of OtP

There is nothing to add !

OTP...VOTE...ANDRÉ...OTP... DONATE...OTP...VOTE...ANDRÉ...OTP...DONATE...OTP...VOTE...ANDRÉ...OTP...VOTE...ANDRÉ...OTP... DONATE...OTP...VOTE...ANDRÉ...OTP...DONATE...OTP...VOTE...ANDRÉ

connie_rider · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2018, 06:40:01 pm »

Yes, there is something to add.
The voting is over!!
Ralf is the Winner.
Andre is the Runner-Up.

NOW, we need donations to get them over here!!! Puuu-leeeeze help make it possible..
Ride safe, Ted

connie_rider · « **Reply #18 on:** April 09, 2018, 07:51:08 pm »

Decided to do a quick post to re-open this discussion.

Wondering of any of you New (or long time memebrs) are NOT aware of "OtP", and do you have any questions?

Our Travelers for 2018 have been determined and the "OtP" Team is busily planning a ride of a lifetime for them!!!

Ride safe, Ted

funsize · « **Reply #19 on:** May 10, 2018, 10:19:39 am »

Jorge and I had the opportunity to host the two OTP guys back in 2014. It was a wonderful experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Jim is right that there are no other clubs that do this. We are a unique club in that we encourage camaraderie with our European counterparts. OTP is a great program.

Irene