When I look at what Dave and his First-Timer's team did, I don't know what else to do. I know that he absolutely "sweated the small stuff" and went well beyond what had been done at past rallies. Ride sign-up sheets, RTEs (with give away swag), folks going around with big buttons on them saying "First Timer. Ask me." A special area at the registration area JUST for new attendees. The list goes on.
I really have to wonder if many of the new attendees have unrealistic expectations or have no understanding about how a COG rally is organized.
No rally organizer can "order" the old timers to get out and meet the new ones, take them on rides, etc.
PLEASE. Tell me what more we could've done.
I will say that all you First Timers should get involved with events happening in your region. Go on some RTEs, attend a tech/wrench session (even if you don't have any work to accomplish), attend a regional rally, etc. Those are the places you will meet and get to know other riders.
Firstly….Kurt, Dave, Jim….just one first-timer’s opinion, but there was absolutely nothing the Rally Team could have done differently to make first-timers feel more welcome! Here is why….
I am not discounting that some guys felt like they weren’t included in the groups rides, or felt on the outside looking in (that could just as easily been me), but as another first-timer to a National Rally, I had a completely different experience. And let me first clarify by saying…I could have been in the right place at the right time ….it could have been that I was camping (and there always seemed to be someone leaving on a ride to somewhere)….it could be I’m friends with Fais

…who knows. I am not an over-friendly person, and as a first-timer, I didn’t expect that guys/gals were going to be jumping at the chance to ride with me. Nobody, except Fais, knew anything about my riding skill, and I could understand why some would be hesitant. Just like I was hesitant to ride with anyone I had never ridden with before. We all know it’s a huge responsibility and I didn’t want to be a hazard to another rider and vice versa. The point being is…I made up my mind on the way up to Helen that I was going to lay low the first day and do one or two routes by myself to get my feet wet.
That all changed when I stepped out of my tent first thing Monday morning. It was either Phil or Bill that said….’we’re going up to ride the Dragon and Cherahola Skyway, let’s go’….and they were starting to gear-up. I think they actually said…’do you want to go?, and although I had a lump in my throat, I sheepishly said ‘yes’ even though my brain wanted to say ‘no’. I knew I was going to be out-skilled, out-experienced on roads I had never ridden, and out-ridden at every turn. I was thinking to myself, WOW, my ‘Backyard Baptism’ is coming on the first day of the rally on the Dragon and CS with riders I have no business riding with…GREAT! Again, this was not how I planned it. After some deep breaths, I said I can do this. I just kept reminding myself to ride my own ride, and I am grateful to Phil, Bill and Mark for letting me do that. Even though it was hot (and not always safe to stop), they waited for me at every corner. Because I got stuck behind a couple cagers, Phil (being lead) had to wait 35 minutes at one turn and never complained about it. (Phil, I’m registered for RWTW and although I want to ride with you guys…I am putting all routes in my GPS….there will be no more waiting)
I was grateful they asked me and, in the end, I was very happy I said yes. I finished the day in last place, but I didn’t fall down and discovered some important things. Although it gave me confidence for the rest of the week, I realized I have a lot of work to do to become a better rider.
Another example…after rafting on Wednesday, I was tired and it was hot…I was riding 2-up and I knew I would feel more comfortable following someone that knew the route better than me. I was a little reluctant at first to ask, but I knew Ted was heading back by himself. Everyone was tired and I knew Ted probably didn’t want someone trailing him, but I decided to ask him anyway. He couldn’t have been more gracious in saying ‘sure you can follow me’ and keeping it at a reasonable pace so I could keep him in sight. He even waited several minutes while we finished gearing-up. Thanks Ted, that was greatly appreciated.
One more comment regarding the subject of COG being cliquish. It’s nonsense! 16 and 17 year old girls in high school are cliquish! Grown men that have belonged to COG for as many years as some of these guys, put in as many hours helping each other as these guys , have as many miles under them as these guys, and see each other sometimes only once a year (after even making it another year) is anything but a clique…..It’s a BROTHERHOOD. I saw it first-hand last week.
Marty broke down and there was a team of guys getting his bike back to the campground.
Gary dislocated his shoulder rafting and there was immediate discussion about how to get him and his bike back home.
These are only two examples and I’m sure there are others I’m not aware of where COG members came together to help a fellow COGger and it didn’t matter who you were, or how long you’ve been around.
I was apprehensive about meeting folks I knew have been around a long time, but I did not meet one person on the COG leadership team, the Rally team, volunteers, or regular Members that were not extremely approachable, friendly, and thanked me for being there.
Great organization to be a part of!