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?
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