Florida Rally is On!

[Recovry4x4]

What makes this "Mikes Show?" .

He founded it, he has put it on for the last 4 years, he has provided the location and supplies for each one. He also has rights to the steel soldiers florida rally name. With that said lets see what we can do to provide an entertaining rally. Worse case scenario, he holds it at the current location and some folks splinter off to go to Richloam for their own rally. Mike is also a big reason that the Pinz folks come to the rally in big numbers. I'm standing by for a phone call from him.

 

[stalker]

He founded it, he has put it on for the last 4 years, he has provided the location and supplies for each one. He also has rights to the steel soldiers florida rally name. With that said lets see what we can do to provide an entertaining rally. Worse case scenario, he holds it at the current location and some folks splinter off to go to Richloam for their own rally. Mike is also a big reason that the Pinz folks come to the rally in big numbers. I'm standing by for a phone call from him.

Kenny- We understand that historically Mike has hosted and organized the event. I am personally not sure what owning the florida steel soldiers rally name means when it comes to organizing a social event and I don't mean that facectiously.. I just simply just do not know. Because of last years last minute announcement and associated rules and pricing it seemed to be more of an exclusive private party. I would simply guess that Mike may not have had the time needed to organize last year. Several of us are willing to do that this year in order to organize a great event for all of those interested.
We have worked with the Richloam site on two different occasions this year and believe we can organize the event there. A lot of members here seem to be willing to try this new site. We think we can make this happen if everyone is up for a new venue. We are not trying to "splinter off"; simply offering choices for the group.

Tim

 

[rbeasley66]

I cook nice big meals every 3rd day at the fire house and we only spend $10.00 per person per shift.

When I started out as a firefighter 24 years ago, we payed $3.50 into the chow kitty each shift for lunch & dinner. Now it's $10 a shift. My, how times have changed.

Vinny, I felt the ice nudge I'll do something different with the ice to make sure we have plenty there.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Lest year the Feds had much to do with the rally and there was quite a bit posted on that. It's mid November and we are working on a rally in Feb so I would say that problem has been fixed. Pricing was set as it was because of previous years malfeasance. We hope that problem has been quelled. I'm not sure what any of this has to do with a change of venue. Considering the things that go on at that campground, I'm not sure I want to bring my kids up there to hang out and they would be prohibited from using their golf cart. I'm inclined to just try to get Mike to forget about feeding the masses and let folks skin their own dinner. He likes the idea of serving decent food. I'll also go over the food deal with Mike (SCSG-G4) and Walter to see if an alternate menu would reduce the costs or even do like we do in GA and pay by the meal.

It sure seems like folks are trying to hijack this event and move it on their own. To be honest, most of the phone calls I've received were folks voicing concern and hoping to keep the rally where it's at.

I'm going to stand by on posting any further until I can meet with Mike

 

[stalker]

No one here is trying to hijack the event. The inherent meaning behind the word would indicate an objective of value being sought after. Time and energy of one's self for the entertainment of a large group of people does not rank high on the value scale to me and assuming there is no monetary gain on the part of the hosting party then no value is gained, so I think hijack is out of place here. WE are simply offering to host/"hijack" the event in order to hopefully provide a great event for everyone.

I hope to find Mike in the next day or two and will hammer out dates. I'll also try to beat him up on a one day pass but I wouldn't expect it. In the past folks have not been too honest about issues. The one year he did a special thing where spouses were an additional $10 and just too many folks brought their brothers and second cousins who could eat their weight in prime rib. Even had to go to meal tickets because too many folks were just showing up and eating without paying. He doesn't mind taking a financial hit but he is far from wealthy and can't afford to feed too many folks for free.

These are indications that nothing would change this year. Because of these indications some of us believed an alternative might work out for Mike as well as the MV group. We all have a voice and options and who hosts the event should be irrelevant.... it should simply come down to where everyone want to gather for the event. IT WOULD BE NICE IF MEMBERS WOULD POST UP ABOUT LOCATION PREFERENCE SO THAT WE CAN GET A PUBLIC CONSENSUS(everyone here has a voice). We really are just trying to make this easier on everyone and have a great event.

 

[FM5332FF]

Maybe someone could post a poll to see which location the group would prefer.

 

[pctrans]

5 pages of "back-and-forth" with little or no resolution. Speaking for MYSELF, I'm not getting a "warm and fuzzy" feeling about the fact that the "founder" of this gathering is MIA, when in reality, he should be right in the middle of this discussion. Mile's a great guy, got no problem with him personally, but a logistical event such as this needs to be orchestrated by someone who has the time and facilities to handle it. All the details of food prep/head count/location/etc should have been ironed out already. With this forum being open to the entire world, I can imagine what some of the other rally organizers are saying.

Last time I checked, membership here is voluntary; attending events was voluntary; there are basic rules to abide by; But, this is not a dictatorship. It's a democracy. If there is a problem on the site, or an issue is put before the moderators, generally the concensus is that majority rules. Same should apply for rally locations and activities. What good is organizing an event that MOST of the potential attendees don't like? I thought the whole reason for a rally was to get together in a family environment, swap stories and ideas, have some fun in our trucks, promote the hobby that a lot of us are heavily invested in, and sit around a campfire shootin' the ****, and having a few brews. With all the animosity surrounding this event, I'm not so sure it would be a pleasant event at EITHER location. I want to have a good time with fellow MV'ers, and not have to listen to a bunch of cryin over he said, they said, whatever.

Times have changed over the years, economics have DEFINATELY changed, and a whole lot more people are involved in this hobby, than a few years ago. That alone, is something that has to be considered. My vote is: put out a poll. Let the members decide.

And Kenny, no disrespect intended, but the members who are calling you, should post their opinions here on the site also, so that everyone can view ALL the opinions, and make their own decisions, based on that.

PCTrans........out!

 

[vinny-socom1]

I agree with Tim 100%. I also understand the concerns in regards to the camp ground, however, I feel completely comfortable having been there twice. The owner of the campground is willing to assist us in any way.

I think the big question is what would the majority prefer to do?

Ride trails, mud included or ride through the swamp/mud hole?

My family has had a really nice time at Richlom both times we have gone. If I didn't feel like everyone would have a great time, I never would have suggested a change in venue. As you can tell, quite a few of us feel that strongly about the trail riding offered at this location. Obviously I feel like this event can be done for a reasonable price and could include the option of day passes. There are several of us that are more than willing to share the responsibilities to ensure that the event goes as smooth as possible.

Now, if I am misunderstanding and the SS FL Rally is a private event than please accept my apology for having tryed to have a change in location. If is not, than I feel as though all suggestions should be welcomed and considered.

Vinny

 

[73m819]

WOW, the GA. rally runs so SMOOOOOOOOOOOOTH

 

[pctrans]

wow, the ga. Rally runs so smooooooooooooth

see what i mean !?!?!?

 

[Recovry4x4]

My main purpose in starting this post was to just let folks know that Mike is planning to have the rally. Folks really needed the dates and I provided them. I'm not the organizer of the event at all. Because I have a direct line to Mike, folks have asked me to find out if it was happening and I did that. I would say reserve your comments until the offical thread is opened and work from there. It's sad that I try to relay what little info that I have and I get hit with all this. All I'm trying to say is that Mike is hosting a rally at his dad's place. He has done this going on 5 yrs. He's inviting folks here to attend. Let me pose a question for folks to ponder. Lets say you invite a bunch of folks over to your house for a BBQ. Shortly thereafter you are made aware of the fact the the folks you invited had a pole and decided that your BBQ must be held somehwere else. Do you pack up your stuff and have your BBQ elsewhere? Please remember, this thread was supposed to notify folks that the rally was happening and provide the dates, it's not the official thread, never was, never will be!

 

[devilman96]

Very simple... Im not moving it...

Anyone can host whatever rally they like whenever they like... Im not taking offense to anything anyone is saying but I dont think anyone whom is saying anything has hosted and gone through what it takes to supply so much food, etc to so many people... Or have so much freedom on private land... Or have gone through getting kicked out of state land in the middle of an event. (ask the Pinz guys about it).

Everyone has always got a better idea... please... go plan it.

The first 2 years we actually planed trial rides and no one wanted to go on them so I axed the idea.
Last year we couldn't get everyone out of the mud to even think about shooting.
Could I ax the food and make it a freebie weekend, yes... but the majority come for the food.
Could I serve beanie weenies and hamburgers and make it cheaper... yep... but I wouldn't.
Could I not limit or control the number of people... Yep... but I am not reliving the third year over again.

Much of these things take on a life of their own as the event happens... that is what it is... Ive learned not to bother controlling it.

Ive done this for 4 years now (going on the 5th) and encourage anyone that likes to host and hold rallys as it only adds to the hobby but I have sunk my time into this and worked my arse off to hold it ever year and come D day things will kick off as always. Hold your own for a few years, build it up and make it successful and I'll retire / surrender my claim on this one.

If I offend someone in this statement I am sorry... But like I said... not moving it.

 

[vinny-socom1]

Thanks Mike for posting and clearing this up!!!


Vinny

 

[FM5332FF]

Mike, Im not sure where you get the stuff for the prime rib, but if you want to price it out for this year my buddy owns a couple resturants and can get us some really good prices for what ever meat you could think of.

 

[phil2968]

Very simple...

Wow, he remembered his password!

Thanks for the post Mike.

 

[cessnatwin]

Now back to the generator........Vinny!!!

 

[Boss Doug]

Sounds like Mike has cleared it up, so lets make this the best rally yet!!

 

[devilman96]

I know alot of people weren't happy with the drunk showing up on a UTV, or the kids in there 4x4 and atv's. For me its I just dont wanna deal with my inlaws who will show up for a free meal. I get along fine with Mike and my father in law but I cant stand the rest of them and they make it clear that they dont like me.

Let me nip this problem in the bud also...

Adam... Ive stood back and let you go on and on about things regarding this hobby and this event for 5 years. It jerks my arse to no end that it was your posting that kicked off this mess about moving the rally...

The UTV, 4x4's and kids pale in comparison to the number of gripes and complaints I get about you in that 4 day period... Or the rest of the year for that matter.

Your in-laws do not care for you because you mooch off of them and their daughter, your jobless, you have been jobless, and you have little prospect (hope) for ever finding a job.

I am tired of getting phone calls about "whom is this guy firefighterHill and why is is asking me to do him this favor and that favor, or buy this, or move that, or pick this up for me?"... All while dropping MY name in the process.

The members of this forum are MV owners and are here to support the MV hobby... Not listen to insensible whining and or the sniveling of a fat kid with no life and no MV and no plan or prospect for ever obtaining one.

Son... Get a job already and get your own hobby! Or get a job and feed your family and buy your self a MV (after doing the first two)

To everyone else... I am sorry... Both for this posting and this person!

 

[phil2968]

Ouch, that's got to sting a little!

 

[Pinz25086]

Wow, how did I miss all of this? Having been to all of the discussed events I can honestly say that I come to the rallies to spend time with people who I have a lot in common with. It really does not matter where it is or how much or how little is provided. My son and I have always had a great time and I hope that this does not end up splitting the group into 2 different parties. There are 52 weekends a year guys! Most of us all live close enough to Richloam to be able to head over within an hour or two. I personally want to thank Mike and his dad for letting all of us go out and use back yard. Having been involved with each of them, I can attest to the amount of prep that is involved. Yes I will agree that the campground is a good place for an event, but I do not want to loose what we have been doing for the last 4 years either. Just my 2 cents worth.

Wayne