Blacktopper and I are already home because we only live about 90 miles from Fall River. I joked and said we thought about commuting....haha
Takeaways from the Big Dogs Unleashd Event:
--In planning an event like this, there is always a committee, but ultimately the coordination and actual planning falls to one person. In this event, it was Shannon Wright. He is a very bright guy who managed all of the different data strands and put together a resounding success. No doubt about it, Mr. Wright is an event planner of the first order--how about 2018 or 2019? To remind you, I'm old and don't know about waiting 10 years, unless we have facilities for walkers and Depends as door prizes....
I think everyone who attended would be up for it, along with many who couldn't make it this year.
--Flint Oaks is a national quality event center, the equal of any four star convention hotel I've ever experienced (many). The service is excellent, food is outstanding. The landscaping is beautiful, and the grounds include skeet, trap, pistol/rifle ranges, along with a swimming pool, about a 10+ acre pond, etc. In short, the physical place is truly a thing of beauty out here in central Kansas.
--The showing of good will by Derek and Donna in contributing to our event cannot be overstated. They contributed thousands of dollars to show support for the participating members. I for one regard their contributions as over the top, and am so grateful for their continuing support. To say nothing of having all the parts I need.
--Biker Babe's shot glasses everyone got were unique and a nice contribution too---a real hit at the dinner.
--Matt and his family and Staff. Matt organized and donated to many of the quality events that made this event so great. Matt organized shooting range, and brought several kinds of firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Virtually everyone shooting has experience and has had to buy ammo, so there should be an awareness of the hundreds of dollars of ammo we shot up Friday afternoon. What fun! He also donated several high quality door prizes and bike show awards, as well as the meal for all the riders Saturday noon at BDM shop in Wichita. Matt is a skilled natural public speaker and his narrative of the story of Big Dog and his plans for the company was illuminating.
--Matt's beautiful wife, his twin brother, Dad, and Cousins also showed up and helped with all aspects. Gratitude, and it was a pleasure to meet all of them. Fine people all.
--Two of Matt's team were of particular notice for their contributions:
Brandon and Chris.
Those two team members were indefatigable. Brandon and Chris were in the background much of the time doing the things necessary to support the 'fun stuff'. I noticed Brandon spent the afternoon loading magazines for people to use at the range Friday afternoon. He spent hours in supporting the fun that everyone else was having. Bringing in water coolers, etc. Then after that he fixed a few members' bikes. Chris did the same. I saw Chris pulling a primary (cheerfully and joking the whole time) sitting in a damn gravel parking lot. I don't think either slept more than a few hours all weekend, and when I was ready to leave the BDM shop Saturday afternoon, I walked over to say so long to Brandon, who had been fixing members bikes all afternoon. He said to me, "Someone told me you said your valves were a little noisy". This kind of cheerful help from a guy who had been charging hard and working his butt off with little sleep and mostly out of the limelight. Man. Brandon and Chris are heroes. When Matt introduces these guys as invaluable members of the BDM team, he's not kidding. The sense of comradiere and shared purpose is apparent. Apologies to those overlooked..your contributions are appreciated.
Meeting folks previously only seen online. This was a real pleasure. I enjoyed meeting in person so many guys I'd only seen online...how great to put faces and personalities to the names.....
--The Ride to BDM in Wichita:
Ever have an 80 mile stretch of beautiful Kansas highway, almost zero traffic, and you are in the midst of a pack of 40+ Big Dogs running at 80 mph? We did. Priceless.
Info please!
