Membership in each state

[alpal]

Just wondering what the membership is in each state, thought it might be great to have annual get together, different state each year, local rides and places to see..

[Knightrider]

Shall check out each state tonight when I get home.

As for rides:

The NSW contingent get together often, as do the Queenslanders.

The SA, WA, Tas & ACT get together occasionally.

The Victorians tend to hibernate and are never seen together.....

[bluestorm04]

alalpal said:

Just wondering what the membership is in each state, thought it might be great to have annual get together, different state each year, local rides and places to see..

Sensational in theory, nigh on impossible in practice, trying to get as many people as possible to arrange the budget/leave to do such a trip would be a logistical nightmare. Just come down to the island at motogp time you'll see a fair few members there.

[shayne]

Hmmmmmmm.. I think this works well for the Ulysses club for a couple of reasons. They have mostly members that have no kids to look after, and have their financial position almost ready for retirement, ie a good level of disposable income.

They also have a tendency to gravitate towards bikes that allow them to ride in comfort to where they want ot go, ie not sports bikes.

OzFirestorm members are a varied bunch of course, but we have a lot that don't like long distance travel. We have had two fantastic trips to Walcha/Tamworth to do the Oxley Highway, and one awesome trip to the Snowy Mountains, Bathurst 1000 and MotoGP. The Qld Contingent for all of these rides was me and VTRgirl. We had Thumpa come on one, Incy came on one, and another bloke came on the last one. That is it. I have organised a ride to the Coffs Harbour area in Feb, which is a bit closer to home for the Qlders, hoping this will get more of them to go, but only time will tell on that one.

[alpal]

Well, I for one would be happy to travel anywhere as long as I could plan for it well ahead, if the date was on my calendar then I would make every effort to get there even though Mackay is not close to anywhere. Trouble with Useless club and others is the rules and regs on riding in your place in the mob, not really into that. I would be interested in Coffs ride if you have date in Feb, Shayne.

[shayne]

Here is the thread that we started for it.

ozfirestorm.proboards34.com/index.cgi?board=rides&action=display&thread=1196071957

[bluestorm04]

Problem would be mate,Australia is a bloody big country and members are spread far and wide and depending on the venue it would be a long and costly haul for quite a few members for say a 3 or 4 day get together. Dont get me wrong the idea is brilliant, but practicality says it would be out of reach of many of us. Unlike patch clubs where attendance at their AGM is compulsory, take an example of a meeting in Perth, or north Qld, or down here, in reality how far would people be prepared to travel.
The modern world is a busy place and people place great importance on their time, most of us would generally look forward to a good day ride every couple of weeks or so, depending on your location maybe one major trip a year (i.e. motogp/supers/OZFS group tour) but to take time out for such a trip as you suggest would be out of reach of many of us. My budget this year for the motogo trip was $2500, so a trip anywhere around the country is going to cost at least that, and I certainly could not justify spending that sort of money twice a year. Maybe attempt it on a state basis and see who's interested.

[alpal]

Thanks Shayne, will check with missus re dates, hopefully she will not want to go but will give me a leave pass, maybe I can leave her in BrisVegas and pick her up on return. Long trip on VTR two up, 600km to Ayr and return was getting uncomfortable two weekends ago. I would probably take week off to do trip, plenty to see and do on way down.

[alpal]

bluestorm04 said:

Problem would be mate,Australia is a bloody big country and members are spread far and wide and depending on the venue it would be a long and costly haul for quite a few members for say a 3 or 4 day get together. Dont get me wrong the idea is brilliant, but practicality says it would be out of reach of many of us. Unlike patch clubs where attendance at their AGM is compulsory, take an example of a meeting in Perth, or north Qld, or down here, in reality how far would people be prepared to travel.
The modern world is a busy place and people place great importance on their time, most of us would generally look forward to a good day ride every couple of weeks or so, depending on your location maybe one major trip a year (i.e. motogp/supers/OZFS group tour) but to take time out for such a trip as you suggest would be out of reach of many of us. My budget this year for the motogo trip was $2500, so a trip anywhere around the country is going to cost at least that, and I certainly could not justify spending that sort of money twice a year. Maybe attempt it on a state basis and see who's interested.

Yes but ideas all start somewhere. Ozfirestorm is not a club and anything compulsory is repugnant to me. MotoGP sounds great, have not been to one in ages, but biking holiday to meet fellow stormers and experience their territory would have some merit I think, maybe could be planned at same time as race meeting. The money is always limiting factor I agree, as long as experience is worth it then money is well spent is how I look at things. Australia is huge country I agree, I would have same logistical problems as you in Tassie to get to most places. BTW
could not think of better place than Tassie for first meet as long as in Summer!

[bluestorm04]

There was no suggestion that an OZFS get together would be compulsory mate, I merely mentioned it because I have friends who are patch club members who have to attend their AGM without question regardless of where its held...even though one of them is on a measly income and has accumulated over 50 grand of debt just by being part of the "brotherhood". Grown men being told exactly what to do, and they reckon they are the rebellious section of the motorcycling community.
There would be no more spectacular sight than hundreds of VTR's all assembled in the one place, but commonsense says its a pipe dream, even once let alone annually. Mate I admire your resolve and willingness to travel anywhere to such an event, but for a lot of us its not really feasible.
That said, if you ever come to Tassie, you'll have somewhere to stay I would guarantee that.

[FirestormMark]

I applaud the initiative of alalpal to suggest an annual meet. I would do my best to attend no matter where it was. The hayabusa club do it each year and I've attended a couple of them. It is usually in Jindabyne up in the snowys. They get around 50 bikes or so and anyone is welcome to attend.

Let's not think about whether it is too far/expensive/wrong time of year etc. Just set a place/date if you want it and if ya can come, come. If not, stiff shit. Maybe next year. Motorcycling is about riding and being on tour anywhere on the bike is what it's all about IMHO.

Having said all that, riding as a group here in Vic doesn't seem to be a huge priority. I think that's a bit of an internet thing - talking (typing) not riding. On the last Tassie trip in '06 I had 15 people attend of which 5 were stormers (including myself) and I expect a similar ratio this time around. That's cool. Not everyone can afford the time/money. If we had an annual get together then the numbers may also not be huge but you gotta start somewhere.

[alpal]

Thanks Steve for your kind invitation and hospitality. Matter of fact I have just been looking at the proposed 2008 Tas trip and I think I may go ozfirestorm.proboards34.com/index.cgi?board=rides&action=display&thread=1196843166&page=1
Unfortunately it clashes with Shaynes intended Coffs Harbour trip but I would love to go and be part of this. It is my wifes 50th birthday on 15th Feb also so would be memorable event for her. We will talk it over tonight.

[shayne]

alalpal said:

Thanks Shayne, will check with missus re dates, hopefully she will not want to go but will give me a leave pass, maybe I can leave her in BrisVegas and pick her up on return. Long trip on VTR two up, 600km to Ayr and return was getting uncomfortable two weekends ago. I would probably take week off to do trip, plenty to see and do on way down.

Once you got down here, you could then hook up with us (whoever that may be) for the last day to Woolgoolga anyway. It is likely that we will take the scenic way down to miss the highway.

[alpal]

firestormmark said:

I applaud the initiative of alalpal to suggest an annual meet. I would do my best to attend no matter where it was. The hayabusa club do it each year and I've attended a couple of them. It is usually in Jindabyne up in the snowys. They get around 50 bikes or so and anyone is welcome to attend.

Let's not think about whether it is too far/expensive/wrong time of year etc. Just set a place/date if you want it and if ya can come, come. If not, stiff shit. Maybe next year. Motorcycling is about riding and being on tour anywhere on the bike is what it's all about IMHO.

Having said all that, riding as a group here in Vic doesn't seem to be a huge priority. I think that's a bit of an internet thing - talking (typing) not riding. On the last Tassie trip in '06 I had 15 people attend of which 5 were stormers (including myself) and I expect a similar ratio this time around. That's cool. Not everyone can afford the time/money. If we had an annual get together then the numbers may also not be huge but you gotta start somewhere.

Yeah, ditto to that. may start off small but that does not mean a good time cannot be had, can only get better each year anyway, maybe your second Tas trip can start something, it seems that all who went last time had great time..

[alpal]

shayne said:

alalpal said:

Thanks Shayne, will check with missus re dates, hopefully she will not want to go but will give me a leave pass, maybe I can leave her in BrisVegas and pick her up on return. Long trip on VTR two up, 600km to Ayr and return was getting uncomfortable two weekends ago. I would probably take week off to do trip, plenty to see and do on way down.

Once you got down here, you could then hook up with us (whoever that may be) for the last day to Woolgoolga anyway. It is likely that we will take the scenic way down to miss the highway.

Thanks Shayne, I would definitely take you up on that. If I go to Tas trip then I would be flying missus to Melbourne anyway, otherwise trip down would take forever in piss stops. Getting excited about this now as I would also catch up with a lot of people I have not seen in yonks.

[alpal]

alalpal said:

shayne said:

Once you got down here, you could then hook up with us (whoever that may be) for the last day to Woolgoolga anyway. It is likely that we will take the scenic way down to miss the highway.

Thanks Shayne, I would definitely take you up on that. If I go to Tas trip then I would be flying missus to Melbourne anyway, otherwise trip down would take forever in piss stops. Getting excited about this now as I would also catch up with a lot of people I have not seen in yonks.

I have decided that I will go to Tassie so will be unable to go on Coffs trip. Did not realise they were starting on same day. Thanks for invite Shayne but Tassie I really want to do, I am sure I will catch up with you and others another time maybe even on return from Tassie. (yes I am riding whole distance but with plenty of stops, unavoidable on thirsty merc)!

[Knightrider]

ACT: 17
SA: 23
TAS: 5
NSW: 130
QLD: 91
VIC: 89
WA: 22
Newcastle area: 22 (included in NSW tally)

The rest are either unknown or international.

[alpal]

Wow, healthy community for one bike, imagine if they could all be together somewhere, be a good shindig.

[bluestorm04]

Its hard to argue against weight of numbers, any large gathering would have to be NSW Qld or Vic you would think.

[shayne]

alalpal said:

alalpal said:

Thanks Shayne, I would definitely take you up on that. If I go to Tas trip then I would be flying missus to Melbourne anyway, otherwise trip down would take forever in piss stops. Getting excited about this now as I would also catch up with a lot of people I have not seen in yonks.

I have decided that I will go to Tassie so will be unable to go on Coffs trip. Did not realise they were starting on same day. Thanks for invite Shayne but Tassie I really want to do, I am sure I will catch up with you and others another time maybe even on return from Tassie. (yes I am riding whole distance but with plenty of stops, unavoidable on thirsty merc)!

No worries. It is unfortunate that the Tassie trip was announced for the same weekend as the Coffs trip. You are not the only person who wants to do both, but cannot.

There will be other rides though, for sure.

[alpal]

Pity you blokes could not go to Tassie also, make it a big one, Coffs could be put off for another day, I would love to have company on trip down from Mackay

[bluestorm04]

I know what you mean mate, on a long haul even one other person makes it seem much easier.

[alpal]

bluestorm04 said:

I know what you mean mate, on a long haul even one other person makes it seem much easier.

Yep, I will pick up with someone else for sure at different stages, normally happens at servo, and I will be stopping at plenty of those!

[snowcone]

We like our V twins here in Newie

[MartinX]

NSW rules huh? With only a poofteenth separating QLD in second from VIC in third! Go QLD!

[Seanus]

There are probably a lot more Vics here but they just never come out.

[jackdaniel]

Guys,

I tend to agree that a national get together is impossible to get sorted.

But how about a state by state basis, once or twice a year, with an interesting ride, a meal, a place to stay, etc.

This would be comparitavly cheap (<$200), probably based out of the state capital (even though it means riding to Adelaide for me - 4hrs), and someone in each state could take some photos and write up a quick report. Then we coupld publish them on teh site.

I would have no problems organising such events in SA, if I can get some guys/girls with similar desires that would like to be involved. Realistically probably need 10 people to make it worthwhile.

Any SA stormenrs out there who would like to be involved?

[steve72]

do we have like a shoulder patch so people know where stormers with a number like i could be 69 i like that number

[Cliff (tripod)]

as agreed by many a national get together could be in the too hard basket.. But how many stormers gather at Philip Island for the Moto GP maybe more would make the trip if a big meet was on the cards .

[MartinX]

Jun 4, 2008 19:54:59 GMT 10 @steve72 said:

do we have like a shoulder patch so people know where stormers with a number like i could be 69 i like that number

I just stumbled on this, and I like the idea a lot. The merchandise team could price a nice embroidered OzFireStorm patch we could stitch onto our jackets, if there was a strong enough expression of interest, eh? Maybe in two sizes, one say 150mm shoulder patch option, and one say 300mm back patch option. I for one would wear it with pride!