Baileyrock Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Wanted to post up my thoughts of the recently concluded 10th Annual TexasMac event of 2013 and ask for thoughts, suggestions and discussions of any issues from this year's event in order to attempt to keep improving on the event. Most importantly No One was hurt and I'm fairly certain everyone made it home safely to recall and share stories of hopefully great times, roads and people they experienced during Tmac, which is my main goal of the event! Can't say no VFR's were damaged in the making of this event though. First off we had a Record sign-up this year with 82 registered, but for many reasons several folks had to cancel out at the last minute or decided to go deer hunting instead(heal quickly Terry). This left us with 73-74 official attendees, last year I think we actually had close to 77 attendees. 18 people signed up in the last three weeks of registration which is great, but makes it extremely hard to order the correct amount of Tees so that everyone can actually receive their Tees at the event. I always guess at sizes and numbers for late sign-ups, but it never seems to match up. I will be sending out event T-shirts to everyone who cancelled out at the last minute and to anyone I still owe a tee too. I appreciate the members who allowed me to give their Extra tee's to attendees in sizes I was short in. Hopefully just about everyone got an event tee who attended. Look for a thread as I plan on a second production run of Tees and Hats to cover all needs and for anyone who would like to order an extra hat or tee. Speaking of Tees, I stepped up to athletic tees this year for the 10th Anniversary. Did you guys like them? This was out first Memorial Weekend Event and I didn't really notice any difference myself, but would like to here from attendees if this was an issue for you. The only reason we ended up with Memorial weekend was that when I called many months out to lock in a date it was the Only week/weekend with the entire motel available to reserve! Please let me know your thoughts related to having or not having the event be on Memorial weekend in the future. Personally I enjoyed having an extra day to recover(Memorial Day) before returning to work and I needed many more to do so as I was wore out. Also a First, I added Kegs of Beer for this year and wanted to thank Drew @ Highland Brewing Co. in Asheville, NC for some tasty brew. He did a Buy one, Donate one deal for us which I think worked out really well for the most part. A Special thanks to our new event Brewmaster, Purvis(James) for stepping up and picking up and returning the Kegs, taps and other goodies provided by HBC. This was the third year using Cash's BBQ for our Saturday evening Awards Party/Dinner and think it was tasty as always. We could always change, but it's nice for me to be able to count on a great meal every time for this event and Mike at Cash's has always done a Great job of providing a very good meal. Again he asks me to provide a guesstament of how many meals a month in advance in order for him to be sure he can cover our needs. Late sign-ups make this a challenge, but think we just had enough food again this time. Thoughts? Event Leader/Green jersey. This year we also had a new feature, a Green event tee that was awarded each evening to a member for some reason like the Tour De France lead jersey. My thought behind it was as a fun thing that would be passed off to a member each day for some stunt, comment or other funny action by an attendee, but it ended up being focused on Crashes! While we had fun with it and no one got hurt I received some feedback and agree with the fact that we should Not focus or even Reward Crashes! What if someone did Not return from a crash at the event whether it be from a Hospital stay or worse??? I want everyone to have a blast at the Tmac events, but Safety is my number one concern! I would like ZERO crashes, but it is Impossible for me or anyone to prevent someone from going down with such a large group and on some of the most challenging roads in the country. I'm just Extremely grateful every year when the last rider returns unharmed at the end of the event on Saturday evening of each Tmac. I will either end the Green jersey use or change it's focus away from crashes in future events. The 10th annual TexasMac could possibly have been the Best event yet! I would be surprised that it's not one of the largest VFR gatherings in the World! We had many first time attendees and even more returning attendees this year, Each and every one of you make this event the success it has been. I want you all to know that if it wasn't for your participation it would not be possible! We raised our glasses to Bruce Williams(aka TexasMac) during our event dinner and will hopefully continue to do so for many years to come. The weather ended up being really good compared to the forecast a week out and during 5 days of riding I experienced less than an hour of rain. Amazing!!! Thanks again everyone and please don't let me stay up til 2am enjoying a tasty brew, I'm too damn old to recover. BaileyRock You guys are number 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veefer800Canuck Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Two thumbs up Kevin. You've outdone yourself. Thanks for everything. And thanks to NC for lending us some of their tasty Tarmac. Yum yum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer YoshiHNS Posted June 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 2, 2013 So I missed a good time. Memorial day weekend will never be a good weekend for me, but having Monday to stick around and recover is a huge bonus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Belfry Posted June 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 2, 2013 I've been following the various TMAC threads with interest this year (like other years ...). It looks like it was a great time and, apart from MaxSwell's incident, (which technically wasn't at TMAC nor even the result of human error--get well, MaxSwell!), mostly injury free. Unfortunately for me, I can never get enough time off in May to travel across the continent and back. So my suggestion for improvement is to move the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway and some of those great NC roads somewhere more central--like Kansas. I'm sure Lee wouldn't object! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer whitelightning Posted June 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 2, 2013 Hey Kevin, First, I want to thank you and all the others that worked hard to coordinate this event! Personally I don't think that anyone (that received the shirt) views the green shirt as a reward to crashing, it was a humorous punishment. No-one is going out there working to get it, but the ribbing can keep someone from pushing next year so as not to get ribbed again. Many visiting TMAC are out of their element or push hard with their friends, and crashes well happen. In fact, we had the same number of wrecks this year as we did last. Memorial day wasn't as much of a bother as I thought it would be. I didn't really notice much police presence (although my only run on the Cherohala coincided with a wreck so all the troopers were there), and not much more traffic. I wouldn't mind having it on the same weekend next year. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee 2002 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 So my suggestion for improvement is to move the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway and some of those great NC roads somewhere more central--like Kansas. I don't want all you crazy people coming here clogging up all my roundabouts and cloverleafs, drinking our beer, eating our BBQ and chasing our women. But if you can get me those roads without all the Black Iron that would surely follow it, I'd be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthshake Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 As always, it was a hoot. My preference would be prior to the holiday weekend. However, I'm sure I would be there anyway if you continue to keep it on Memorial weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 My VFR and I love this rally and I've been able to attend a few times because it's not been on Memorial Day weekend. For me it's been the first rally of the season on the second weekend of May and the perfect way to start the riding season. It's my opinion that Memorial Day brings too many competing problems for hotels, roads, increased patrols, too many other's off work clogging the roads, drinking drivers, etc. Here's hoping we go back to the earlier time in May, and the current location couldn't be better! Keep up the good work Kevin!! Here's hoping to be there next May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kman Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 As a first timer to the event, I would like to say that it was an incredible event with some of the nicest people I have ever met. For me the weekend does not make much difference as the weekend before is our long weekend in Canada. I hope to attend many more and meet the rest of the people that I missed this year. I agree with Rufrydrsc2 about the green shirt. It is not something that anyone wants to have to wear and I think most people would think of it as an incentive to have a clean day of riding and to stay within their limits. I just can't wait till next year!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer whitelightning Posted June 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 2, 2013 It's my opinion that Memorial Day brings too many competing problems for hotels, roads, increased patrols, too many other's off work clogging the roads, drinking drivers, etc. But, we didn't experience any of these problems..... Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 It's my opinion that Memorial Day brings too many competing problems for hotels, roads, increased patrols, too many other's off work clogging the roads, drinking drivers, etc. But, we didn't experience any of these problems..... Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2 Glad you didn't, but that's not the norm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Rice Posted June 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 2, 2013 I thought the event was great as always and better than ever actually. Loved the new tee! Great choice. As far as crashes go, I think that putting folks who crashed on the spot is a good idea. With such a turnout there will always be mishaps. All we can do is give adequate warning. Thank you BR and all who worked hard to put this event together and thank you all who took part and made this event as fun as it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer 5thGenJim Posted June 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 2, 2013 I love the fact that this was Memorial Day weekend. It gave the added day to recover and I was absolutely sure I wouldn't have to bail at the last minute. Hoping to do it again next year and maybe come down a day earlier, too. I got home wishing I had done more riding and sightseeing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 BR, Every Tmac I have been to has been fantastic and this one was not exception. I think the Kegs were fantastic idea and a huge hit, it would be great to see them back again. Also thanks to all the lead/sweep volunteers also. Not sure what if anything you do for them but a suggestion would be hook them up with the free meal or some type of small gift/gas card for taking the groups out. Thanks again for all the hard work, and another fantastic event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeyekulBayrd Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 This was our, my gf and myself, first TMac and we both had a great time. We're both a bit of a beer snob so when someone mentioned there was a keg out back we were pleasantly surprised to see some craft brew. The t shirts were top notch and so was the bbq dinner. It's by far the best motorcycle event I've attended. Everyone was very friendly and even offered free cigars, thanks Paul I don't know your screen name. The green shirt is a great idea and I would gladly Don it if I'd had a mishap or done something outrageous to earn it. A little friendly ribbing is a great idea. I could see us taking off some more time to come down earlier in the week to ride and hang out next year. It doesn't matter to me if it's on memorial day weekend because it's not a big holiday for us besides the three day weekend. If you're reading this and you're a vet don't take it personal, I appreciate your service and sacrifice. I was under the assumption that most of the previous years were akin to this past TMac so if this is a change I'd say keep it rolling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Ashok Posted June 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 2, 2013 Wow I didn't know the gathering was that big. I hope to make it next year and add to that number :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Chuckster Posted June 3, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 3, 2013 With such a big event, which weekend its held is obviously always going to be a conflict or better or worse for a number of people that would like to attend. No getting around that. Just so happens I was able to attend last year since it was the weekend before and I had a great time. The change this year to Memorial Day weekend was a conflict for me as it was a family weekend deal so I got to read the threads, look at pics and dream about what might have been. But that's life. Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer TheJay Posted June 3, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 3, 2013 Thanks again Kevin for what I think was the best Tmac yet. For me, Memorial weekend was a good choice as my anniversary is the 15th and I've missed several Tmacs because of it. As usual the motel was great and the kegs were an added bonus. The shirts were top notch this year and if you do offer any extras to sell, I'll definitely pick up a spare. I'm not the best to critique the BBQ because I don't eat ribs and I live close to Lexington N.C. and nothing compares to my local favorite BBQ joint. I'm not the most extroverted guy and it takes me a while to feel relaxed around new people(or even people I've seen once a year for several years), but this time was different for me. Everyone I spoke to or got to know this year and in years past are all such great people and you can really sense a twisted family atmosphere with this bunch. And that's why I think this event will keep going and growing in years to come. Once again, thanks Kevin and look forward to next year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 BR, Every Tmac I have been to has been fantastic and this one was not exception. I think the Kegs were fantastic idea and a huge hit, it would be great to see them back again. Also thanks to all the lead/sweep volunteers also. Not sure what if anything you do for them but a suggestion would be hook them up with the free meal or some type of small gift/gas card for taking the groups out. Thanks again for all the hard work, and another fantastic event. Thank you sir! I feel bad as I usually always do or give something special to out volunteer Lead/Sweep teams. For the longest time we gave each one a $25 or $50 Newenough gift certificate, but they stopped that program. We also use to have Lead/Sweep teams for every group, but Most attendees are repeat experienced riders who know the area so I change the focus to only Scenic & Relaxed ride groups. This is because these two groups would include both newer or less twisty experienced riders and first time attendees to the Tmac, a double whammy IMO. I apologize to the entire group and especially Jason & Laird who were the Only leads for these two groups except BJJB, I think Kev also lead a group scenic/relaxed guys. Thank you guys!!! You are the most important part of a Safe & fun ride for these newer and first time attendees!!! BR BTW I guess it's time to change the Scenic/Relaxed/Intermediate ride group names. When we first started the event 10 years ago and after experiencing the Loss of our first member to a crash I didn't want to advertise a Fast or Advanced ride group at an memorial ride, but I guess were past that now. So if I were to remand the ride groups what are your suggestions? Slow Int. Fast? BR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweeper Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Holiday weekend is tough for me because I still have family stuff on those weekends. My plan this year was to go early in the week and ride with the Canuks but that didn't work out either. I'm looking forward to next year no matter the weekend. I may just miss the dinner. As for groups...change Fast to "invitation only". Thanks to all of you who make it happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer midlifeVFR Posted June 3, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 3, 2013 Thank you Kevin and everyone else that attended and helped. This was my 3rd TMac and I think they get better and better. The familiarity with the people and the roads grows each year so it's no surprise that each year gets a little better. The green leader jersey fit the spirit of the event IMO. I was concerned about holiday weekend traffic in the mountains and while traveling back home on Sunday but, there weren't any problems that I encountered. Be well everyone...............see you next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VFR4Lee Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 I swear I didn't take this line from my Grandma, a Cubs fan. I don't even like baseball. Maybe next year. Sounds like a good time was had by all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeyekulBayrd Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 BJJB's ride kept a solid pace that allegedly exceeded the posted speed limits. I wouldn't have recommended it for a beginner. We did stop for a few photo ops though. I signed up for the intermediate rides on event Brite initially because I've done a few track days and regularly ride curvy mountain back roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer vfrcapn Posted June 3, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 3, 2013 I wish we had west coast or central US get together more than once every 3 years. Maybe next year.. How about awarding the green jersey to the day's best lead/sweep rider, determined by a group vote? If you had extra tees and were willing to offer them for sale there might be interest on the forum, I'd take one just to support the site. It sounds like a lot of organization to pull this off, hats off to you BR and everyone else for a good meet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer gradus Posted June 3, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted June 3, 2013 Had a great weekend. Thanks for everything Kevin! -Love the shirt this year. -Beer was great. -BBQ has worked out great each year. -Memorial Day traffic seemed pretty good. Like the extra recovery day. But it does conflict with a popular family weekend. -Green jersey - fun idea. But it turned into a crash celebration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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