Why Nationals?

 I've been in the CVMA since early '18.  Lucked out into attending my first Nationals a few months later in El Paso.  Upon arrival I knew I'd found my 'people.'  Felt like I was back in my military days.  I have to admit it was somewhat overwhelming and I didnt grasp it all .. .but ... I made it.  We rode 750 miles each way in the hot Texas heat, in one day.  Rode with Dutch and Maestro and they were both wondering what they'd got themselves into (the ride).  Still, when it was in the rearview mirror, I finally began to grasp what I'd just attended.  Few thousand Combat Vets riding in for upwards of a week of meetings, good times and Brotherhood.  Funny thing was ... this was a smaller group... due to the location and temps.  

I was stoked for '19s but missed it due to a health issue.  Covid would screw us on '20, and in '21 another health issue.  I'd hoped to Iron Butt all of those, but .... not to be.  Since then I've Iron Butted (FTM) to the rest on "Day One."  Kentucky, Colorado, Minnesota and Georgia.  All those trips have been memorable.  All a great time.  Each one I meet more folks from around the country.  Every year, it feels like a Homecoming.  Few folks in the mix make it to EVERY years, with a shit load of Tabs on their vest as proof.  Spoke to a few this last trip that had made every single one since they'd joined ... over a dozen.  

But ... why go?  Hard to explain.  We have Chapter events and lucky to get several dozen members in the mix.  State and Regional events will get you several hundred max.  But when you're in a National Meeting and all rise and say the Pledge of Allegiance and you've got literally THOUSANDS of Brothers and Sisters in the mix, it'll raise the hair on the back of your neck! Chills down your spine.  Tears in your eyes.  In this mix one realizes the seriousness of the Orgranization.  The size and scope of it all.  And in the mix are the good times found with current and new friends/family.  And usually, antics around and at, the Host Hotel?  Of course in the mix are an array of vendors, the National Store is setup, and folks riding in the area and finding watering holes we can all migrate to.

Me personally, it's a great excuse for a Long Ride to/from the event.  Usually, we get 2-4 bikes in the mix.  Can't imagine if we could get half the chapter on one of them treks both directions.  Addtionally, if one participates in the LRRP program, the opportuinity for a Finish The Mission (FTM) completion is an option with an Iron Butt one direction in the mix.  And, if one want's to apply for Life Membership within the Assocation, attending Nationals is one of the requirements.

Is it worth going?  Hell yes.  I would assume one would ride in, but even if one caged or flew in if necessary, it's worth the trip.   Every year, upwards of 25% of the Assocation attends.  A large percentage of that percentage, are repeats every year. Not a simple feat since there are always costs involved.  Time away from our jobs if still working.  But ...   hell yes, it'w worth attending......

Syracuse NY is on the schedule for 2026.  Where will you be?

LA 6 State Mtg 2025

 Let me just sum up that one ... Great Time!

Five Bikes and a Chase Vehicle rolled out Friday morning down Hwy 69 bright and early around 0700 to beat the heat.  When we hit Mineola, I tapped an orange cone in a construction area with my left hwy peg and sent it flying behind me which had several bikes zig zagging to miss it .... succesfully.  Whew!  Then, grabbed Hwy 80 to Longview then headed SE for the next 150 miles.  We zipped along on 2 lanes at 10 over, riding fairly tight the entire way to our destination in Marksville LA.  Pulled up to the Paragon Casino around 1330, unloaded the bikes and checked in.  Well, 1/2 of us got checked in early and other half had to wait until 1500.....  so .. off to play some slots and sip some cold ones. Once we got checked in, borrowed Kathy's Kage and headed a block down on a liquor run, grabbed some fast food and ...  we're ready for night one.

I'd been here last year, same event and location but rode it myself.  Rained most of the way there,but not this time.  Didn't know many last year, but not this time; we're here in force. There's a meet n greet of sorts in the back area of the casinos that we migrate to, couple of bar stations set up, folks are rolling in and mingling.  Often, I'm not a fan of these (meet n greets in a conference room) but tonight it goes well.  Meet up with a few other Texas Folks, Wingnut's Brother and his bride are in attendance, Puddin and his bride from 23-3(?), Ozzy our new R5 rep and his wife, Ollie the LA State treasurer and his bride, Skrape rolls in (he's a wealth of info!) and I got to spend some time chatting with Bender getting to know him better.  We'd spend a lot of time with Boogeyman getting to know him; he rolled in by himself from the Beaumont chapter. After a few hours, many of us migrated to the Casino to throw some money away.  I don't know of anyone that won anything to brag about.  Me; down $100 then off to bed ....

Wake up and 'googled' the buffett and told it's open.  Few of us head down for the breakfast buffett .... that doesn't exist.  Whoops.  It's only open on Sunday Mornings.  Fucking AI bullshit lied ...  but find a place for grub and java and visit with the team. CVMA vests everywhere this morning so should be a good turnout.  Meeting starts at 1100hrs and it's a pretty full house.  Not as packed as the previous year I'm told, but guessing because the weather has been acting up.  We'd gotten lucky and beat the rain the previous day.  It'll rain on Saturday and get a few wet that roll out early. Well, meeting kicks off, lots of 50/50 tickets, raffle tickets for a gun, and an auction will occur right afterwards. Meeting... one hour.. BAM!  Wthin 90 minutes, everything is done, bars have been setup for a few hours, bloody marys pounded ... and ... we're 'done'.  We're aware of a Pool Party at 1400 in the Casino so that's the plan for all. Damned that was a quick meeting ....  I like it.

I'm scratching my head at the pool area.  Lot of kids everywhere in the water .  All the chairs around the pool are taken.  DJ is setting up and I'm thinking "God help us this is going to get Loud."  Swamprat finds an area on the backside of the Grotto bar with plenty of chairs and we're at the bar in the 'adult area' and I'm thinking ... "okay .. this will work" .. which it did. Bartenders were nice guys and made some stiff drinks.  Music wasn't too bad after all. And on this end, don't notice all the other people in the area.  Perfecto'.

Dinner...  that Buffett is rocking with all you can eat Steak, Shrimp and Crab legs.  Best part is...   Seniors (50+) 2 for 1. So instead of $40 a person, it's 1/2 that.   Score!  I'll end up stuffing my face with 5 plus buckets of Crab Clusters and other goodies getting my money worth. Most at seconds and got a good deal.  Still .... $20?  Nice.   Aftwards back to the Blackjack tables where me personally, dropped another $100, but gained back my previous nights losses plus more.  Pushed the $200 to the side, played with 'their' money for awhile until an hour or so later ..... they take it back.  Still, broke even and all them drinks were now 'free.'.   Not too shappy.  Hell, I was back upstairs before 10 and getting a good nights sleep ....  gotta ride home the following day.  

Plan is to be back on the bikes by 0700 but most of us are downstairs closer to 0600 BSing and ready.  But by 0700 all are ready to roll and we're doing it different this time.  To beat the heat, we're rolling up I-49 to I-20 and will be hauling ass.  Scooting 10-15 over, WAZE keeps us out of trouble with the PoPo and soon after noon, We're back in Hunt County.  Me personnaly, pull up to the house, jump off the bike, clean up and ten minutes later we're caging off for Brunch.  It's Sunday Funday!

Can't believe that trip came and went so fast.  Next up ......   AR State Rally ...   praying the rain stays away!

checking in

Parked for the weekend

First night meet n greet

Skrape : The Man the Myth

Lets get this meeting started!

Pool area

Grotto Bar / Pool area

Headed home

The Boyz

Home Sweet Home

 

NATIONALS 2025

 Had been thinking / planning on this one for a year.  Hell, my brain is already on '26!  This one didn't turn out exactly how I'd thought it would but had a great time as always.

My plan was to drop into Long Beach, MS as the 1/2 point, jump in the pool... hell, maybe take a nap .. then freshen up and head the rest of the way to Athens GA with a lil over 1k miles total in a day.  Easiest Iron Butt ever?  Yeah...   didn't play out that way.  I was rolling with Goose and SassyPants and we were making good time.  Instead of stopping, we opted to keep rolling.  Problem was right at the 1/2 point I hit a wall, due to deyhration.  I'd been hydrating the previous 24 hours but obviously not enough.  Took a shit load of waters and a Liquid IV to get my shit together, but once I got it all down, I was back and within minutes.. felt like 100%.  So, we rolled NE from there and up through Alabama and on to Georgia.  We'd pull in as the sun was going down.  Another thing worth mentioning; I had my full face on and damned it felt like a suana wearing that damned thing.  I prefer no helmet, but tend to wear my 1/2 helmet which I put on after hydrating.  I've really got to figure all that out.....

Once we had over a 1,000 miles for our Finish the Mission / Iron Butt, checked in to the hotel, grabbed a cold one as the bar in the hotel was a few minutes from closing.  Then, upstairs to unpack and cleanup, check in with momma .... and ...  off to zzzzzz and get ready for the next day.

Caught with with Dutch and EZOUT Thursday for lunch and caught up on things.  Still surprised they didn't do the Iron Butt; they did about 850 miles the previous day ...   I'll always go the long way for a few hundred extra miles as necessary.  Funny thing is we are all three staying at Marriott Springhill suites but on opposite ends of the town; same owners, diff locations.  I thought I was playing it smart being close to the venue but I was still several blocks away and didn't walk it daily so I might as well have stayed at the cheaper one.  I'd hoped to get some miles in on the bike riding in the area while there, but that didn't happen....  founds some good places to eat, do a lil sippin' and we had a great Bike Night on Friday.....   but pulled the plug early to make sure I was fresh for Saturday.

Saturday is the big day and they've chosen a great venue.  We fill up what looks to be 90% of it for the big day, lots of vendors everywhere, ran into lots of folks that I'd met the previois year in MN, and overall just had a great time.  Lefty, our Region V rep would become our National Secretary, Boomer would be elected National President and Cupcake elected to the AUX NBOD as Secretary.  Great showing from Texas!

On the way home, again I'd hoped to get a few nice miles in maybe up by Tail of the Dragon.  But, my baby girl and her Hubby are visiting Texas in a few days so I opt to leave a day early with EZOut and Dutch, rolling back over a 2 day period.  I stay hydrated this time with zero issues on the trip.  Hell, I made it home early enough to clean up and head our for a Sunday Funday with folks!

Next year is Syracuse NY for Nationals.  Over 1500 miles for that one.  Not sure I'm going to do the FTM for that one.  I know I will but... yet .. I'm thinking .. F' that's a long ride.  Hell, do I even need to go?  Well.. I've already got some reservations in the area.. just in case. I'm scheming to do a 1500 mi Iron Butt that way... but ...   they are really starting to 'hurt' nowadays.  Guess my ass is shrinking or something.....

3/4 of the way to GA

Hotel, checking in ....

 My Saviour on Friday

Place is big!

Bike Night Friday

Headed in for the meeting

Home Sweet Home

Building Brotherhood at the Chapter Level

Chapter Get togethers.  Brotherhood and Sisterhood.  Time spent with our CVMA® family.  So many ways to make it happen, yet... most don't?  

Chapter Meetings.  Usually, these are monthly and the most obvious. But as of recent I've heard a few people echoing what I used to say when I joined.  Too long and Boring. Info discussed of minimal importance.  Hell, I couldn't agree more.  Unless we're planning something, why should a meeting ever take up a full hour?  Personally since taking over as CC, we've been closer to 45 min max.  I think that's too long.  Hit the high points, New Business, Old business, Good of the Order, lets roll.  Actually, no reason that can't be 30 min?    Hell, I'm questioning why .. every month?  Why not every other month?   Hmmmm......

Rides.   To me, this is the BEST way to spend time with folks.  We ARE a motorcycle association.  Yet, it's like pulling teeth to get 50% of the chapter together for a ride.  It's simple to get 2-4 bikes together during the week/weekend, but .. what about the other 15-30 bikes?  I don't have the answer except to keep pushing and pushing.  But the point here is that is where you truly build comradarie.  Isn't that why most of us joined in the first place?  Hmmmmmmmmm

Bike Nights.  When I first joined we had a lot of meetups at Corner Street Pub that folks called "Bike Night". An excuse to get out on a Thursday night during the summer weather and it worked great.  Well, that closed down years ago and for whatever reason, we rarely do these now.  I rarely see ANY bike nights in the area like their used to be.  I don't push it personally for two reasons.  One, I travel often and always seem to have conflicts. Secondly, not too many places in the general area lend themselves to this.  Good motorcycle parking, central to most members, etc.  The Ball Joint in Wills Point is probably one of the better options, but it's too far south for most in my opinion.  Hmmmmmmmm

Family Night.  I've heard a few complaints on this one... "when I was at my last chapter we had family nights..."  Now, this is normally from folks that still have kids which is the minority of our Chapter.  However, if THEY would put it together, maybe a lot of the chapter would show?  Maybe something like https://shenaniganz.com in Greenville? Wouldn't be my first pick, but if I had kids and wanted to bring them and have other members hang, maybe would?  Hmmmmmmmmmm

Other Chapter Events ( Sanctioned, Rides, Meetings, Etc) .  This is a big one to me that I utilize often.  Throw a leg over the bike and head to other Chapter's Sanctioned events inside and outside of Texas.  I've met so many other folks this way and see them all over the place in OK, LA, AR, MS, throughout Texas and annually at Nationals.  I own and ride a motorcycle and get to put some actual miles on it this way!  But, why don't most others?  Hmmmmmmm

So many options and I keep exploring all of them.  We have to have our meetings but my thought is keep them short, to the point and lets enjoy our Brotherhood / Sisterhood and spend some quality time as a Chapter together.  Perfect example is today we've got a meeting at the American Legion.  We've got a plan to ride to Westminster following the meeting.  Folks can grab lunch and drinks at the Gar Hole. Get patches sewn on at the Motorcycle Outpost.   Hang out and swap stories, and kindle friendships.  Here' in an about five hours we'll test that theory.  How many bikes will roll? How many will say "I didn't know or I would go." or "Next time ..." .. or ...   something else.  Hmmmmmmmmm

NATIONALS 2026

 What to do ... what to do.   Doing the 1k for the FTM is a no brainer.  BUT, I've never done the 1500.  Doing it in 36 hrs seems like a no brainer.  But , 24?  Tempting.   But, 30?  Not too bad.   Guessing I'll shoot for the Gold and if shit happens and it well... doesn't happen, gives two other options?

FTM - 1,000 miles.

Iron Butt - 1,000 / 1500 miles

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Saddle Sore 1000     1,000 miles in 24 hours

Bun Burner 1500     1,500 miles in 36 hours

Bun Burner Silver    1,500 miles in 30 hours

Bun Burner Gold      1,500 miles in 24 hours

DTP

 Distingued Trailer Program?  Maybe, Distingued Cagers?  You know... folks that either trailer to everything or cage to everything and have an excuse why their bike is in the garage or on that trailer?  Or Cage with a group and want validation for "participating?"

Funny part is .. I've got 3 trailers in my driveway for various vehicles to be transported.  I've had several Toy Haulers that I'd used to put my bike(s) in for motorcycle rallys and weekend getaways.  But ...  always cognizant of the fact that ...   we should always be on two wheels when possible.

Problem becomes ... when folks want to normalize or justify,  then somehow 'count' ... those cage/trailer moments  ... miles ... as legit.    Tsk Tsk .....

Which Level are you at?

 I've always in my personal life considered that I've had 3 circles of friends.

• First can usually count on one hand; the ones that you can call for just about anything and they are there.  Your 'best' friends.  
• Majority of friends are in the second circle.  Mine has many dozens in there.  You consider them good friends.. maybe even close.  Some rotate between the first and second circle over the years. You see them out and about and events, parties, cook outs, work, you name it. 
•  Then the third or outer circle... everyone else?   That's the short version of how I  view my personal life.  Clean. Simple.  Sort of .......   but life is complicated.  What about our work environments?  Or Social environments...   well, glad you asked :)

In Groups or Associations or Organizations.. you name it..   we've got the same thing.  I'm not going to reference it as circles .. maybe .. levels?  Guess it doesn't matter exactly what reference, the outcome is the same.  

• Level 1:  These are the folks that volonteer or appointed or promoted, to positions that sustain the organization.  They make the decisions.  They show up at most if not all meetings and events.  They make the wheels turn.  They ensure it continues to exist.   But sadly, this is usually a small perecntage.   I'm going to say .. and I'm being on the nice side .. .10%    Think about that for a second ...   a whopping 1 out of 10 "git er' done."
• Level 2:  These are the folks that show up at most meetings.  They show up for rides.  They show up for get togethers within the orgainization. Participate in fund raisers. They might wear clothing that shows pride in the organziation. They volunteer if needed sometimes.  But ... what's the percentage?   I'm guessing best case .. 20%.  That means between Level 1 and Level 2 we've accounted for less  than a third of an organization.   And that's being generous... I sometimes think that second group is closer to 10% also.
• Level 3:  They show up once in a great while.  They chime in on communciation once in awhile.  They pay their annual dues (assuming there is any) on time.  They show up for situations that require a vote.  They are actually the core of the organization (statistically).  But they rarely if ever volounteer. They never dedicate their time to the orgnization.  They might need to be reminded to pay their dues.  Show up annually as a minimum. They are on the rolls contributing to the total body count?
• Level 5:  Yes I skipped one.. I'll come back to it.  This level might be the poisonous ones.  There always seems to be 1 or 2 out there in the mix.  They bitch. They whine.  Or just as bad (worse?), backstab when given the chance.  Maybe they rarely paticipate but spew BS when out n' about?   Hell, they may put on a persona' of team player when their actions are the opposite.  These ....   are one of the biggest problems and not always easy to identify .. or .. rectify?
• Level 4:  Thought I forgot one?  These are the slugs that have to be reminded to show up at some point.  Those that have to be reminded pay dues EVERY year?  Usually have every excuse to not participate or show.  Yet ...   they might account for 10% of the total in an organization.  These folks will wear you out.  But, they someway , somehow , meet the minimum standard .. and continue to exist.

Too Harsh?  Nah' .. I had to really think about it all.  Personal experinece in multiple organizations of the last few decades.  I normally just quote the 20/80 rule.  I've been corrected a few times lately that its' closer to 10/90.   The smaller number is the percentage of people that may do the majority (larger number is a percentage of the slackers) of the work.   I've lived by the 20/80 the last several decades when I first heard about it.  Hell, you could take it one step further.  In some situations (workplace) 20% may account for 80% of a companies' revenue.  Wrap your head around that one? Thats why so many companies churn through sales folks every year.  My guess is 33% every year jump ship looking for a new Pay Plan .... stumble.. then do it again a year or two later.. and .. again. Funny note.  When I'm hiring people and they tell me how successful they are, how much money they made a company, flags go up.  Why are they leaving then?  Time to dig deeper......

But, back to this one. Level 1 and 2 are the true backbone of an organization. Most people do NOT want to be a Level 1.  Me... I've rotated between Level 2 and 1 the last decade and a half, at least in the motorcycle world.  I love Level 2, but sometimes you've got to get in the mix at Level 1 to institute change.  Or to ensure a proper direction continues.  Otherwise... shit can go south and ...  one considers' the other levels?  No thank you ..............

American Legion : Spring Bash Poker Run

This one has been on my radar for a few weeks.  Was in Mexico for two trips pushing it via Social Media, headed out the morning after I got back on the ride .... yesterday!  Sadly, only three of us in the Chapter showed up, but .. hey .. we were there.  Great ride overall.  One note worth mentioning.  My last ride on Krimson I'd noticed a small wobble.  Yeah.. not so much this time.  I got 85 miles on her before swapping here out with Kraken due to the rear tire almost shredding.....  11k miles is all I got out of it.  Had two guys riding point out how bad that back tire looked and was actually wobbling going down the road .. huh :)

When we hit the AL in GVL for the final stop, they served us up some grub and then the raffle began.  When the smoke cleared , Dutch and I had 50% of the winning tickets!  He got about 4, I had 5 of them!!!   Funny Shit.  We cleaned up!

Great time overall ....  so .. until .. next year!  Maybe .. 4 of us will show up?  SMH

Oklahoma State Mtg 2025

Got a Kitchen Pass from my Bride!  

This has been on my radar for a couple of years, but it's the same weekend of The Steel Horse Rally in Ft Smith, AR.  I've always chosen the Rally ... until now.   I was looking at the dates, but wasn't serious about either this year.  A few weeks ago was SCOM/SHINDIG in Amarillo and we caged it due to our travel schedule prior to that.  And after that weekend, I was nothing short of exhausted.  We'd been traveling for something like 19 days ...  Hawaii, Phoenix and Amarillo.  Steel Horse would have to wait a year I told myself.  But I was itching to put some miles on.  Still,  the weather sucked... really sucked.  However,  I noticed a bright spot in the forecast.  I'd considered rolling up Friday ....  but ..  wasn't sure. However, nothing but Blue Skies Sat-Mon ...   So, I'm scheming. I've realized I've got a few buddies partying it up in Ft Smith.  Instead of getting a room in OK, decided to roll up 200 + miles that morning, hit the meeting and quickly head out the door 170 miles or so to AR.  My buddies that had dropped in there are set, no rooms avail for me, but Tim had a spare bed ...  so ...   I've got a plan.

Up EARLY  ...   slam a lot of java and finally throw a leg over the bike as the sun is coming up.  I should have just grabbed some Interstate but I've got a fetish for two lane roads.  So, up Hwy 69, to 75 and then wiggle my way up on 2 lanes NW into Ok City.  Problem is... I rely on my bikes GPS this time and damned if it didn't fuck with me a few times.  I'm thinking .. "WHY am I on THIS road??" more than once.  Finally, pop up Google Maps on the phone and between the two, scooting along no issues.  I normally go old skool and print out a map that I've verified prior, but like I said... I've been dragging ass.  Lesson learned!  Meeting starts at noon, I pull up at 1100 hrs, and head inside.  Now....  I'm smiling and glad I made the journey.  Inside I find Skrape and his contingent.  Crayon is in from AR.  See a lot of familiar faces from the OK Chapters.  Mason our NPRO is in with his contingent from AZ.   Burner is with them and speaking to the crowd as he's running for NPRES; we finally get a real face to face to chat. And our Region V rep is here as well; always good to see Lefty whom is our future NSEC. Whew, lot of Big Dog's in the house!   Man ...   had to break away for a few Bloody Mary's there at the Legion's bar, chat with the folks in there for an hours or so.  Overall enjoyed the Meeting which thank god was short (less than 2 hrs).  I'm soon sneaking out the door, on the bike and headed East!

Before I joined the CVMA, I rode with the IIRA and made a lot of lifetime friends.  Three of them have been in Ft Smith for a few days and I'm rolling in for a reunion.  When I pull up around 1700 they're in the Lobby waiting for me, hand me a few cold ones and we're catching up! Donnie and Stump are always trouble together, but guessing Tim has been babysitting the last few days?  LMAO.  Well, hour later we're headed out to grab some grub, listen to music, lot of adult beverages and ...  well  .. a great fucking time!  After a great dinner, we hit the bars and finally end up at 906.  Great Cigars and ....  7-3 is in the house!  Run into my brothers Chief (Mic) their CXO, Lil Joe (previous CC?) and Ozone their CSEC. Great night! The time flies by waaaaay too quickly and it's midnight, I'm exhausted, few others are feeling no pain .. and time to crash.  I'm thinking I'm going to be out and up early and head home .. but .. Tim and I find ourselves chatting for the next several hours catching up on old times.  In all these years, I don't think we've ever had that productive of a conversation.   I could have chatted until the sun came up, but... had some miles to put on Krimson.  

Up around 7, we're all moving and loading bikes and ... after twenty minutes or so of BSing, we're all headed out.  Damned that went by quick! On a positive note, glad we quit consuming beverages before midnite; actually feel pretty good with 4 or 5 hrs of sleep.  Stump and Donnie and rolling SE, Tim is finishing the loading up and I'm headed SW.  Its about 60 deg, sunny and warming up.  I'll grab a lot of throttle keeping it about 10 over, but as I get closer to Texas, I'm in the triple digits often when I can see the traffic ahead of me .. or .. lack of.  I'll pull up before 1pm, and after a quick shower and change, 12 minutes later mama and I are headed out for Sunday Funday!   Most can't believe I show up ... hell I can't either.  I'm friggn beat!  I'll sleep over ten hours that night.   Having fun is work!

Next year....  Steel Horse it is.  It's on the calendar ;)

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