2018 Grand Tour Questions

[rpmendez]

Hello, please forgive my ramblings, but after seeing the results of the 2018 tour I was disappointed...and fearful. Only 23 finishers?

When I returned to motorcycling in 2002, after a few years break, I discovered the Grand Tours (back then most were sponsored by the AMA) and I fell in love with them. They gave me a place to ride to. They gave me a goal. They added bonding time with my kids (1 at a time of course). I rode to many destinations with friends and many solo.

Mostly, they unglued my a** from the couch and got me riding on days where I otherwise may have watched the DVR or played a video game. This was hugely important to me.

I also loved, immensely, the planning of the destinations during the winter months. It got me thinking more about my bike and even encouraged me to do maintenance sooner (and maybe more thoroughly) than I would have without the upcoming tour in mind.

After another couple of years break, I re-returned to the sport in 2015.

When I searched out Grand Tours on the web and the AMA website I was shocked that there were basically none left. The AMA only has a few that cannot be accomplished in a normal, employed, 52 year old's free time and budget. Four corners of the USA? Ha! Maybe when I'm retired if I'm capable and can afford it.

I searched and searched. I reached out to clubs that had run tours I participated in in the past. They all replied with either "what?" or some version of "they were not financially viable".

Eventually, when I found the GLMC was still doing traditional tours, I was thrilled and immediately signed up!

I am so worried that you guys will not do them again especially since I have not heard anything in the way of a tour for next year.

I beg you guys to keep the annual tours going in the format they are in. Tours that the average Joe can complete without week-long journeys.

I would like to suggest the following:
- skip the prizes, I doubt anyone does these tours to win a set of tires. it would be nice, but bragging rights are good enough
- raise the fee a little if need be. I would hate to see these tours end over a few measly dollars
- advertise more. it took a lot of searching to find your tour a couple years ago. if its reasonable, I will pay for or contribute a bunch to advertise in American Motorcyclist. I deleted my Facebook account a while back so I can't help with that (sorry Alex if you thought I un-friended you, I didn't) but I can post other places if you'd like
- even though I'm a half a continent away, I will be happy to join your club and take on some of the burden of running the tours

The few people from your club that I have interacted with all seem great and I wish I lived closer to you all so I could attend the banquet and get more involved with your other activities. I just hope you keep these tours running every year!

They mean a lot to me. Thank you!