As usual it takes me awhile to get back into my daily grind after a long week of enjoying some of the finer things in life and to sort through the feelings that come with these gatherings.
Of course the pendulum swings both ways... the elation of being able spend some time with people special to you and the sorrow of watching them return to their lives knowing it will likely be at least a year before seeing them again. Some old friends missed and thought of frequently during the course of the rally and the new friends made.
On many occasions I've thought to end our yearly gatherings. The stress and worries involved in the planning and execution, the fear of someone getting hurt and the constant concern that everyone is having a good time can sometimes turn a supposed week of fun, friends and riding into a mentally and physically exhausting roller coaster.
This was to be the last year for me... for the GAR... after 5 years.. and four crashes that weight of responsibility had become more of a burden than I wanted to bear. I thought it was an ideal whose time had passed especially after a number of regulars decided not to attend this year so I was to announce my decision at our Saturday get together... then another bike down this year made me feel it was indeed time to draw this chapter to a close.
Then somewhere along the line, with the help of some trusted friends, I managed to step back and look at the bigger picture.
I sat back and watched peoples faces and began to see the joy they feel from just being together.. the laughter and good times, the exchange of stories and the desire to be part of this process that keeps people coming from the far ends of the continent just to hang out and ride with us made me realize that there is something at work here much bigger.. and brighter than I was allowing myself to see. Or maybe I had just forgotten to look..
The caliber of the people who frequent this site is a source of constant amazement.. every year we meet new people with different backgrounds and ideals.. all genuine examples of why we are the social beings we are. Eager and willing to share time and lend a helping hand to people they've only just met and to form bonds based off of the simple premise of a common interest. Musicians and poets abound here.. dreamers, actors and teachers... deep thinkers and philosophers, professionals and working class alike. The introduction of these types of people into our lives is the very reason we should continue..
So with that thought in mind we begin the planning for GAR 2010..
That'll be May 6th 7th and 8th 2010.. mark it on your calendar, put it in your date book.. start making plans.
Now to the gist of the post...
Where to begin?
First and foremost, thanks to all of you who took time from your family and lives to make the rally. It is you all who make it possible.. and worthwhile.
Thanks so much to Brent and Jessica of New Bonneville/ New Speedmaster dot com for so generously sponsoring the T's again this year.. you have my undying gratitude for your continuing support of the GAR gatherings through the years.
To Larry and Kathy Sheppard..(Larryshep and the Mrs) for supplying us with your time and the very yummy sweets and the device to prepare the main course for the Saturday dinner.
To Moe and Di for their combined effort in preparing the turkeys and ham and all the people behind the scenes.. the volunteers that got us all fed in a quite delicious and timely manner and helped clean up the mess after the fact.
To the folks at MOTO 400... who extended the warmest of greetings with food, discounts and giveaways. Your interest and support of our rally is greatly appreciated.
And especially to the people, who I won't name for fear of leaving someone out, my co-conspirators who are there and eager to do whatever is needed to make it all work. Your help in planning and managing the rides is indispensable.. all of this truly would not be possible without you.. thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping bring order to chaos.
We have some rally pics posted
here for viewing with more to be added later.
Hope to see y'all next year!
So..... till next time..
Chy
