I was under the impression that you and Kirk was going to actually meet me in Meridian. What happened to that plan? So now you are telling that all I have planned for this trip is going to get screwed up too just like all my plans I had for going to TX to help out there got screwed up when they went and changed their stuff. I am doing everything I can to help you all get gz from tx to al with no help so far and every single "fun" thing/spot I was planning on going to see or do I cannot do anymore because I feel im just being used to fill the gaps and can't enjoy this like everyone else. Because team SW decided to be just team TX and cut out OK, AR, LA for others, it screwed up my trip to Catto Lake I was wanting to do since I was young and ride around with Coke for longer than a quarter mile like last yr (thanks Coke and Radam for that). and this was after I had to sacrifice that hill ride in Austin that Ive been wanting to do as well since Ive lived there. Then I was going to get to ride with ya'll to Barbers at least half the way since I missed out on Barbers last year I was excited about going this year. Now it looks like Im going to be solo about the whole way now and that just isn't "fun".
There is no way I can meet you at that time there. If I do I'll have to get up that much earlier in order to get there and also have time to stop and eat. Im not trying to be rude about all of this, just being honest and im getting more aggravated than excited now.
j4,
I, for one, am very greatful for your efforts and enthusiasm so far. Going solo, or "lone wolf" isn't necessarily ideal, I rode solo for the lead-off leg last year. Spent almost 12 hrs in the saddle and did over 400 miles round trip that day. Only got to met the "Georgia boys" (some S.C. too!) for about 20 minutes and we parted ways, so I know where you're coming from. It is what you make it. Part of your frustration probably stems from the similar situation we have in NM in that there is a lot of real estate seperating members in the area. I see davis96 is in Oxford, MS, which is so far North that he would likely want to ride straight to Barber's from where he is. We all love to ride, that's why we're here, but life has a very persistant means of encroaching on our leisure time! (at least for me anyway)
With all of the Florida members we have, and I was only able to get one to meet me for the send off, (at Daytona Bike Week no less) which was cool, but company for the ride would be nice too. I'm considering reaching out to meet the "Tail end" of this relay in NC this fall (hoping we make it that far) and complete the final leg via Deal's gap (Tail of the Dragon) and Six gaps in Northeast Georgia. Probably looking at 1400 miles round trip, and I plan to do this whether I've got company or not just because I like to ride (and Deal's gap is on my "bucket list").
I certainly don't want anyone to feel that they're being taken advantage of, and I would only want a member's continued support and participation because they WANT to, not because they feel like they have to. I would encourage all riders to use their best judgement when planning their level of participation to avoid overreaching to the point of fatigue.
"A person's reach should exceed their grasp" may not necessarily apply here. The primary goal is to have fun, and if we're lucky we'll get to share that with other members.
Thanks again for your efforts, I would be happy with any level of participation you are willing to provide.
Sincerely,
Wilbur
illegitimi non carborundum!