CreSTOC 2008: Postmortem

[dmulk]

Hi All,

I wanted to give a big THANK YOU to everyone that attended CreSTOC this year. This will be a regular event and I will announce the dates for CreSTOC 2009 shortly after we know the dates for the next WeSTOC.

I'd like to make special mention of a few things and ask a couple questions also:

:hat1: THANK YOU! to Adam (SoloTotoCoyote) for making the raffle happen! Along with the additional gifts donated by Dana (DTeel) and Joe (Mellow)....get this...Everyone that attended walked away with a prize (including guests!!)....we had exactly the same amount of raffle gifts as attendees. I couldn't have planned this better. :)


:hat1:THANK YOU! to Bobby and Tony (STony) for bringing the CreSTOC cake. For those of you that stayed late to play some pool and watch a couple movies at my place....it was quite a treat!


:hat1:THANK YOU! To Rick (RickJ) for leading the group ride through the southern loop of the ride. Rick did this while trying to pass a kidney stone!!! Amazing!

:hat1:THANK YOU! Dana (Dteel), Vicky (VTeel?), and Fred (Finewest) for taking the photos and making the ST-Owners Banner (WC Chapter) happen!



....and now the big one....

:toot1:THANK YOU! To all who attended...specifically...for keeping my place clean and for helping to all the "other stuff" (Stacking chairs, making sure trash stayed and the cans, parking out of the way of the neighbors...) . Thanks to everyone's courtesy, I was able to clean up everything in a couple hours and was on the road around noon on Sunday. This was huge!!





Ok.... now the "Postmortem" part:

I'd like some input for next year's event. I'd like you to post something about:

What worked?

What didn't work?



A few things off the top of my head:

1) Even though the group ride went smooth and we managed to keep everyone (20+) bikes on the main route and with in 10 minutes of each other during all stops, there were a few people that "thought" they got lost...but were picked up in the second group...so it worked out.

To avoid this next year, I plan to print a hard copy packet of the main rides to carry with you. This way, if you find yourself riding slower than the main group, you'll be able to confidently keep on course.


2) What I thought really worked well was reinforcing the fact that everyone needed to "RIDE THEIR OWN RIDE!"....and leaving it at that. It seemed people fell into a natural order and the group split into two groups: The faster guys up front and about a 10-20 minute gap for the slower group.


3) Two tables for food, rather than just one

4) Food Tables setup on the parking deck to minimize the bottle neck at the BBQ. :)




Any other ideas?

Thanks,

<D>

[rickj]

Dan,

Good job! Sounds like the event went over well. I hope to attend the entire event next year instead of just part of the ride.

On the ride ideas, it probably would be a good idea to hand out paper copies of the route to everyone. Maybe even phone numbers of folks that have cell phones on-board.

It's always good to keep the groups of riders small and like-riders, maybe 5 - 7 to a group. Perhaps that can be organized ahead of time, although it did seem to work out OK this time. (Luckily the second group came across the orphaned riders!) Best to have a person with radio at the front and rear of each group, as well as a phone in each group with someone that has a radio. I was able to keep in touch with you by cell phone, so I knew where the other group was.

I'd recommend something other than Channel 1. We got to listen to some kids playing with their radios for about 15 minutes up on 243! Channel 1 with no privacy code is probably the most used channel.

Good job!
Rick

[SoloTotoCoyote]

Since I was unfortunately only there for the BBQ, I think everything went extremely well.

I was shocked, as well, that everybody walked away with a raffle prize. How cool was that? :D

I agree with the preprinted map idea. I would also include some main contact phone numbers on the same sheet. As Rick said, have a designated lead rider and a designated tail rider.

Otherwise, awesome job, sir. Looking forward to attending (the entire event:D) next year.

[dmulk]

Both really good suggestions.

You know... i was thinking the same thing about CH1 on the radio....

I would suggest going with Mark's suggested STOC channel setup: CH4 / 25 (Privacy code 25 on CH4).

I'll be programming my Kenwood with this for WeSTOC

Ask Dana about the funny thing that happened on our last WeSTOC trip on CH1....we were all rolling....literally and figuratively. :)

Keep 'em coming all!

Oh...and a reminder: For those of you that won the 5 gift certificate for Newenough.com....please PM me with an email address so I can forward them to you!

Thanks!

<D>

[azlife4me]

Dan,
I was only able to make the BBQ and I thought it was perfect. You obviously know what would work better for you but from my point of view you did a great job organizing this event. Next year I will make this a three day event for me and include the rides. Thanks again.

[dmr139]

Hey Dan! Thanks again for the great time! Everything was fantastic! Sign me up for next year now!

+1 on the route details ahead of time. I should have routed it on the GPS, but to tell truth I didn't really need it. I would just like to know where the heck I was! I was having too much fun riding and looking at the scenery to have any idea where I was. It'd be nice to have the route ahead of time.

+1 on the channel change. I thought of this during the ride, but didn't mention it. I just thought someone only had a radio programed for that freq.

One thing I thought of and we could do it for this year is compile everyone's pictures on an FTP site. That way you could download all the pictures in full resolution at one time.


I liked the helicopter idea for the birds eye view of the event. It might be a bit much though! Maybe someone could show up with a UAV instead???!!! :D

[Nevada]

Well, just a heads up, SmileyKat and I made it back okay.

Some modest suggestions for moving from GREAT to STUPENDOUS! :bow1:

+1 on the hard copy maps, both of the route(s) and also of "points of interest" (i.e. nearby campgrounds and lodging). If possible, have someone who is NOT very familiar with the area give the maps a dry-run beforehand.

If possible, select gas stations that have separate hoses for the different fuel grades. Minor thing, but I hate paying premium prices for a 1/2 gallon of regular left in the hose from the previous guy.

Put the dogs on the grill sooner. :p:

If I run solo next year, I'll have my Bushtec prepped for carrying cold beverages and snackage for during the ride. That way, I'll always get a good parking spot. :D

Keep paying the Weather Gods whatever it is you paid them! :bow1:

[dmulk]

FTP: Good idea. I'll try and get something setup.

<D>


Hey Dan! Thanks again for the great time! Everything was fantastic! Sign me up for next year now!

+1 on the route details ahead of time. I should have routed it on the GPS, but to tell truth I didn't really need it. I would just like to know where the heck I was! I was having too much fun riding and looking at the scenery to have any idea where I was. It'd be nice to have the route ahead of time.

+1 on the channel change. I thought of this during the ride, but didn't mention it. I just thought someone only had a radio programed for that freq.

One thing I thought of and we could do it for this year is compile everyone's pictures on an FTP site. That way you could download all the pictures in full resolution at one time.


I liked the helicopter idea for the birds eye view of the event. It might be a bit much though! Maybe someone could show up with a UAV instead???!!! :D

[dmulk]

Glad you and Nadine made it home safe! I passed you in my Jeep as you were leaving the campground. :)

Make sure one of you shoots me an email addy so I can forward the New Enough certificate she won!

Really hope you can make next year, John! (Also, if you are in CB, make sure to look me up so I can give you a tour of the studio...)


Cheers!!!

<D>
PS: The weather WAS awesome, wasn't it?!?!:D

Well, just a heads up, SmileyKat and I made it back okay.

Some modest suggestions for moving from GREAT to STUPENDOUS! :bow1:

+1 on the hard copy maps, both of the route(s) and also of "points of interest" (i.e. nearby campgrounds and lodging). If possible, have someone who is NOT very familiar with the area give the maps a dry-run beforehand.

If possible, select gas stations that have separate hoses for the different fuel grades. Minor thing, but I hate paying premium prices for a 1/2 gallon of regular left in the hose from the previous guy.

Put the dogs on the grill sooner. :p:

If I run solo next year, I'll have my Bushtec prepped for carrying cold beverages and snackage for during the ride. That way, I'll always get a good parking spot. :D

Keep paying the Weather Gods whatever it is you paid them! :bow1:

[dmulk]

Dan,
I was only able to make the BBQ and I thought it was perfect. You obviously know what would work better for you but from my point of view you did a great job organizing this event. Next year I will make this a three day event for me and include the rides. Thanks again.


Hey Tom,

Thanks for coming up! I really hope you can make the whole thing next year!!

I'm not sure we got a chance to chat much! :(

Were you sitting across from Dana and Fred during the BBQ?

<D>

[azlife4me]

Hey Tom,

Thanks for coming up! I really hope you can make the whole thing next year!!

I'm not sure we got a chance to chat much! :(

Were you sitting across from Dana and Fred during the BBQ?

<D>

Yes, That was me. I lost my earplugs at one of my gas stops and was having real trouble overcoming the roaring in my ears. Thanks again.

[dmulk]

Yes, That was me. I lost my earplugs at one of my gas stops and was having real trouble overcoming the roaring in my ears. Thanks again.

They weren't Dark Blue, were they?

<D>

[George]

Sorry I missed this but was still unwinding from my previous ride. Need to plan better for next year.

Sounds like y'all had a great time.

[azlife4me]

They weren't Dark Blue, were they?

<D>

No, they were gone long before I got to your place. Take care.

[dmulk]

No, they were gone long before I got to your place. Take care.

Got it. :)

Hope to hook up with you on the next one!!

<D>

[dmulk]

Sorry I missed this but was still unwinding from my previous ride. Need to plan better for next year.

Sounds like y'all had a great time.

Really hope you can make it next year, George!

See you at WeSTOC!

<D>
PS: Is your son in law coming to this one? Had a really good time hanging with him last year in Redmond! He's a really "Cool CaTT" :D

[dteel]

Dan,

You throw one heck of a party, oh, sorry that wasn't a party was it. Ok, you really know how to throw a heck of an event!

Suggestions about the BBQ

1. Get the deck widened
2. Move all food prep and cooking to the parking deck, it's shaped perfectly in a 1/2 circle for this. It avoids the narrow deck bottle neck completely.
3. Line the deck with more small tables and chairs.
4. Put a guard that hamburger recipe
5. If you're going to serve salsa and chips, buy a stack of those small disposable plastic cups for the salsa and put a serving ladle in the main bowl. Some smaller disposable plates would be nice too since not everyone wanted to load up a full dinner plate with chips.
6. Spread the trash cans out and think about marking them or announcing what you want people to do with thier trash ahead of time. This is a minor item since it's pretty obvious most everyone worked it out.
7. For your house guests, don't be shy about telling them what you need from them. Hey, we're your guests, we know that comes with responsibilities. You didn't say anything so we just left it alone, but would have been happy to strip the bed and move the bedding to the laundry room or anything else you suggested. We don't want to be a burden on you and want to be invited back next year!
8. One thing that worked perfectly was the back parking. Excellent idea. I was happy to get it rolling. Seems that after a little shove it took care of itself.

Overall, what can I say, it was a great event and I loved hanging out with my ST freinds. Vicki had a great time too and that is priceless!

[dmulk]

Great suggestions, Dana.

I want to address this one:


7. For your house guests, don't be shy about telling them what you need from them. Hey, we're your guests, we know that comes with responsibilities. You didn't say anything so we just left it alone, but would have been happy to strip the bed and move the bedding to the laundry room or anything else you suggested. We don't want to be a burden on you and want to be invited back next year!


I am a strong believer in governing dynamics.

I purposely didn't ask you guys to do anything specific because I knew you guys would find the obvious things I was missing (or couldn't do) on your own and just get it done. For the benefit of yourself and the group. :D


One thing that I learned from Megumi (who has been teaching me how to host events....as she is a pro that does it for a living) is to keep things simple and have people feel "Taken Care Of". IMHO, everything went as smoothly as it did because there wasn't a "hard plan" that set expectations. Keeping things simple, trusting that everyone would respect their surroundings and remaining "fluid" enough to adapt to changes as they arise was the best plan to have (Again, only my opinion).

When I needed help during the BBQ, I simply grabbed the closest person and asked them for it. Tony (STony) helped a lot!, Fred volunteered with to wrap the left over meat, Bob started stacking the chairs and a bunch of people pitched in. You and Vicki were an immense help with the clean up afterwards.

I even heard a comment that someone was amazed that the group ride went so smoothly as they had been to other group rides and things "always got messed up" because they spent so much time on the details, they forgot to look around at the scenery. :)

Of course you and Vicki are invited up again next year! You're disorganizes for this thing.

[George]

Really hope you can make it next year, George!

See you at WeSTOC!

<D>
PS: Is your son in law coming to this one? Had a really good time hanging with him last year in Redmond! He's a really "Cool CaTT" :D

Nephew-in-law, but yes, he's kuul. He wont' be at WeSTOC this year, tho. He's hanging with the Beemer crowd.