I would like to recommend a traditional rally for 2009...as opposed to an instructional rally. RV-Dreams followers and lurkers could meet and socialize. Maybe a boondocking location?! Something to consider.....among all the other considerations.
Gerard
dgorila1 said
10:58 PM Dec 2, 2008
Even better idea.......combine the RV Dreams Rally with the HDT Rally to really bring in the people! And look into having it in the Virginia Beach area for a central east coast location. There are several large truck repair facilities in the area that would probably jump at the chance to be sponsors, along with the various RV dealers and other vendors normally associated with the RV and HDT Lifestyle.
The only RV event we have here is the annual RV Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center (Jan 09 this year). They are mainly dealers and vendors....not a rally event. Even the City of Virginia Beach would most likely be eager to host such an event and the big visitor $$$ it brings with it as they are always promoting the "family friendly" atmosphere and trying to draw events that exemplify it. There are several large campgrounds at the beach as well as many military bases that work with the cities to play host to large events as well and are open to the public for them. The Naval Amphib Base at Little Creek has a full service campground for active/retired military as an example. Just wanted to pass this suggestion along. The Beach scenery and many attractions may be a big draw and added benefit.
Jack Mayer said
11:08 AM Dec 3, 2008
HDT Rally for 2009 is already set up for Hutchinson, KS at the state fair grounds. It is a GREAT location for a Rally. That is where it was in 2008, as well.
You could easily co-locate the Dreams Rally there. There is plenty of info on towing at the Rally, as well as a plethera of full-time rigs, and fulltimers to discuss things with. I'm doing a solar presentation this year.
First week of October. Look on the HDT section of the SKP forum for details. In the "stickies".
There is no better place to get towing info...and there is not really a bias towards HDTs...:)
-- Edited by Jack Mayer at 12:57, 2008-12-03
Speedhitch said
12:23 PM Dec 3, 2008
I think a "Gathering" would be idea...no need to have the expence of a true Rally when we could all pitch in food and our own brand of entertainment. Just need a place and the Dreamers would show up.
Joe and Sherri
Racerguy said
07:47 PM Dec 3, 2008
I'm with Speedy on this, I'm not really thrilled about being around thousands of people and a bunch of Hucksters selling their wares.Just a nice get together with a few good basic how to seminars.
Howard said
10:31 AM Dec 4, 2008
A few comments.
We are kicking around several ideas. Some of those ideas are pretty ambitious, but still in their infancy.
For 2009, we are limited somewhat by the position we have accepted in northern California for the summer that doesn't end until mid-September. But, especially with dropping fuel prices, we are more encouraged about doing a 2009 Rally.
Due to our California position, we will be looking at an October rally no farther east than Texas and in an area that will have little risk of bad weather that time of year.
We'll explore the possibility of a combined HDT rally, but I see that there is already another rally booked at the Kansas State Fairgrounds that first full week of October. We'll also have to see how many folks think that is a good idea.
As much as we enjoy doing a rally, they are business for us. It's not easy to plan them for a wide variety of interests/expectations and budgets. In order for us to do them at all, we have to make a profit and feel like we are offering value for the cost. That's certainly no easy task.
So, continue to provide suggestions and input and we'll see if we can get something pulled together in the next month or so.
retiredsailor said
03:10 PM Dec 4, 2008
Howard,
You know who your audience is but Gina & I agree with Joe, we would really enjoy a gathering atmosphere over a rally but that’s our opinion. What we do know is that whether you plan a rally or gathering we will be there location doesn't matter unless it’s in California (don’t want to drive HDT there). We agree that if you & Linda go the rally route that it’s a business since we know it took a lot of time to plan and execute and there are a lot of hidden expenses. Our suggestion which I have only been to one rally which was the one ya’ll did in Branson so my we do not have rally experience. My suggestion since the RV-Dream’s family has a wide range of skills which I would suggest that we have a gathering / rally in that you solicit anyone who would be willing to facilitate a class on a specific topic then they could do that.
In our order of what we enjoyed the most in Branson from most enjoyed to least enjoyed and why:
1. Tent time (anytime morning, noon or night), enjoyed meeting and talking to other people who share common goals/dreams.
2. Tour of RVs (open rig walk-throughs), very informative when asking why that floorplan , manufacturer, length, what they like best and worst, what they would add or change etc…..
3. Entertainment (all forms) just enjoy having fun with family.
4. Dinner together at night, (Potluck was best) I just enjoy home cooking and baking.
5. Ask Howard & Linda anything (Open Forum discussion) This was in our opinion the most informative just listening.
6. Seminars, would have enjoyed the time being spent on socializing more.
As for a price and whether or not it’s a value is for the most part irrelevant to us. We just enjoy sharing and spending time with friends.
Rollie & Gina
netters said
07:06 PM Dec 8, 2008
Howard & Linda, check out this website for a possibility for the 2009 R-V Dreams Rally. "RV Ranch" in Burleson, TX is just south of Fort Worth, TX and would be centrally located in Texas so it should still be nice in October. Mac and I will be trying to stay there on our way to Kerrville for the March gathering. It looks like a really nice park with 4 buildings for rallies and parties, 2 pools, nice bath houses and laundry facilities. Here's the link http://www.rv-ranch.com/ Let me know what you think.
gypsymaus said
11:29 AM Dec 14, 2008
If Texas were to be the decided location RV Ranch is a nice park. There is also Mitchell RV in Perrin that could accomodate a rally. They have plenty of meeting space. The building are all spotless. They have a 9 hole golf course, and a stocked lake. They have a great dog turnout, and lots of birds and wildlife. They have BBQ's and smokers available for guest use. The rates are currently $26.50 daily. We stayed here about 90 days this year and really enjoyed it. http://mitchellparkandresort.com/ . The nearest town is Mineral Wells and it has a few dining options and a super Walmart.
emeacham said
02:50 PM Dec 19, 2008
We are currently staying at the RV Ranch in Burleson. While they do have some nice facilities, including the pools, laundries and rally meeting rooms, I'd hesitate to recommend it for the RV Dreams rally because of the noise and dust. It's right on I-35W and there is constant interstate noise. It's definitely lacking any "it" factor.
We're in the new section, which has an interesting "buddy site" configuration. However, they are still doing a lot of construction, and the roads aren't paved, so it's pretty dusty over here. The older section has smaller sites that are pretty close, but the roads are paved, so it's not quite as dusty over there, just more crowded feeling.
This is ok for a short stop over, or while visiting relatives in the area though.
Just my 2-cents worth....I'm sure there's a great place somewhere in this big state!
Happy Travels, Ellie
Tony and Eileen said
11:40 PM Jan 14, 2009
Any definite plans yet for a 2009 Rally? Location? Anything??
If so, we hope to make this one.
Howard said
02:10 PM Jan 15, 2009
We have a contract in hand from Buckhorn Lake Resort in Kerrville, TX for Oct 7 - 11, 2009. It's not signed yet by us, but we're getting close.
Speedhitch said
02:38 PM Jan 15, 2009
What time do you need me there to help??? Tickets did anyone say they needed some tickets. Sherri and I are available....
Speedy and Sherri
gypsymaus said
03:27 PM Jan 15, 2009
Great News since we will be missing the gathering in March we are looking forward to the opportunity to meet everyone in October!
retiredsailor said
04:45 PM Jan 15, 2009
Howard & Linda,
This is GREAT news. Can't wait to read about all the details. Branson was a blast and I'm sure this will be even better.
Maybe I can hold the tickets for Joe & Sherri to sell.
Looking forward to meeting more Dreamers!!!!!
Rollie & Gina
Howard said
05:41 PM Jan 16, 2009
Contract is signed! The 2009 RV-Dreams Rally is on for October 7 - 11 at Buckhorn Lake Resort in Kerrville, TX!
Currently, we have 60 sites set aside. Details to come very soon!
2 4 d hwy said
09:02 PM Jan 17, 2009
Great!! We'll be on the road by then. Texas Hill Country is planned for our first destination. Can't get better that that. Looking forward to getting the details.
Denny & Char
rwarner22 said
06:27 AM Jan 18, 2009
This is exciting! Lord willing we will be underway by June or so and meeting you folks would be great. What does it cost to reserve a slot?
Thanks
Randy and Pam
Dan and Gail said
08:37 PM Jan 18, 2009
Count us in. We were also planning for Texas this fall. Finally leaving Illinois for Florida next week.
tntlowrider said
09:15 PM Jan 18, 2009
I too am interested, Kerrville, TX sounds like a good place to be, count me in. Look forward to it.
tntlowrider,
Tim Thorpe
I would like to recommend a traditional rally for 2009...as opposed to an instructional rally. RV-Dreams followers and lurkers could meet and socialize. Maybe a boondocking location?! Something to consider.....among all the other considerations.
Gerard
You could easily co-locate the Dreams Rally there. There is plenty of info on towing at the Rally, as well as a plethera of full-time rigs, and fulltimers to discuss things with. I'm doing a solar presentation this year.
First week of October. Look on the HDT section of the SKP forum for details. In the "stickies".
There is no better place to get towing info...and there is not really a bias towards HDTs...:)
-- Edited by Jack Mayer at 12:57, 2008-12-03
Let me know what you think.
We are currently staying at the RV Ranch in Burleson. While they do have some nice facilities, including the pools, laundries and rally meeting rooms, I'd hesitate to recommend it for the RV Dreams rally because of the noise and dust. It's right on I-35W and there is constant interstate noise. It's definitely lacking any "it" factor.
We're in the new section, which has an interesting "buddy site" configuration. However, they are still doing a lot of construction, and the roads aren't paved, so it's pretty dusty over here. The older section has smaller sites that are pretty close, but the roads are paved, so it's not quite as dusty over there, just more crowded feeling.
This is ok for a short stop over, or while visiting relatives in the area though.
Just my 2-cents worth....I'm sure there's a great place somewhere in this big state!
Happy Travels,
Ellie
Any definite plans yet for a 2009 Rally? Location? Anything??
If so, we hope to make this one.
Currently, we have 60 sites set aside. Details to come very soon!