NC 4x4 clubs!

[rockcity]

Come on Rob,you started this thread so you got some sort of an idea.

I do, but I want to hear everyone else's before I say my thoughts. I don't want to taint your mind with my thoughts before the good discussion even starts

 

[Ron]

A few thoughts randomly bulleted not put together in paragraph form.
- What is the definition of a club?
- What are the requirements of a club?
- If me and my son go 4 wheeling are we now the Towery 4x4 Club?. I think there has been an obfuscation of the line between a group of friends and a club. If you are a true club you need, 1 an organized body, be it a corporation, a NFP or a NP entity...otherwise you are just a gang (Regardless of the connotation of that word) riding together "flying the same colors". 2 you need a leadership structure 3 you need a charter a purpose a definition of what makes you common..other wise you are just wheeling buddies
- BTW Chip you do realize the Hells Angels are a motorcycle club, the Outlaws are a motorcycle club etc. etc. etc. I'm not sure how positive the connotation of club is either.
- There were 2 hand fuls of mud thrown at ECORS early on in this thread, and I received PMs calling me a hypocrite last time I spoke about all the clubs, so let me clarify the difference. ECORS has its own sub section, one that was created after there were complaints that ECORS discussion was tieing up an undue percentage of the general chit chat here on NC4x4...we were asked to go into our own room and we did...we did not request a special section we were sort of exiled there to be honest. I WOULD MUCH RATHER be in the general chit chat to drive exposure to the brand.
- When you have "clubs" with 5 members...I have to wonder what the point is, really you are just a group of friends, not a club.
- At the heart of this is the deep rooted need for human beings to belong to part of a larger something. Its why frats are all the rage on college campuses, its why grown adults swear allegiances to sports teams and its why inner city kids allow 10 of their "friends" to beat the shit out of them and rape their girlfriend so that they can be one of the boyz...It is an innate human need to be part of the pack...If anyone has ever looked at my public profile since the day I joined this site 6 years ago..it has said Lone Wolf..I am not part of a pack and generally despise them as they are all either initially or develop into some level of ostracize-ation of outsiders or some elitist mentality of we are better than you because we wave the x colored flag.
- Some, actually many of our clubs, do some very good things. But I often question if the root cause is the charity of the act or the recognition of the club....quite often the true nature of these groups reveals itself in other ways and it isnt nearly as flattering
- We as a hobby need a unified voice, no doubt.
- BUT we need our George Washington to lead us. We need some one to take the reins who is: respected, articulate, knowledgeable, passionate, motivated, determined, intelligent and committed. And then we need that person to actually WANT THE ROLE. Until we have our George Washington none of this other stuff will matter. I happen to think that we have that person in our ranks...unfortunately I'm not sure they want to be the face. i'm not sure they want to carry the baton, no matter how qualified or talented they may be. I happen to know that others agree 100% with my assessment.
- Ricky has a lot of points, a lot of great points. But we could start 5 more threads with his points....I'll leave them alone for now.
- I dont think Shawn is asking to be the central bank of the UFWDA or the BRC I wouldn't volunteer him for those duties. I would say that we have more knowledge and talent on this board than many of those larger arms have.

 

[UTfball68]

^^^First of all...Like Button.

I'm a one man wolfpack, can I start a club?

Secondly, you're saying you don't wanna start a club with me, even though we share similar views?

 

[Reid]

I've been watching this thread. There are lot of good opinions and thoughts here.

With this board representing views and opinions from all accross the state, i feel like we, as a united group of people, despite what our "bottom rocker" says, should have a larger voice in the OHV world.

Of course, this line of thought flows right into what Ron is saying.

I would say that we have more knowledge and talent on this board than many of those larger arms have.

- We as a hobby need a unified voice, no doubt.

I happen to think that we have that person in our ranks...unfortunately I'm not sure they want to be the face. i'm not sure they want to carry the baton, no matter how qualified or talented they may be. I happen to know that others agree 100% with my assessment.

 

[Rox&Mud]

This post is offered as constructive criticism not as an offensive post.

Everything that came before the following is essentially immaterial to the point of this thread and just appears to be you bashing on clubs/groups and those that are associated with them.

- We as a hobby need a unified voice, no doubt.
- BUT we need our George Washington to lead us. We need some one to take the reins who is: respected, articulate, knowledgeable, passionate, motivated, determined, intelligent and committed. And then we need that person to actually WANT THE ROLE. Until we have our George Washington none of this other stuff will matter. I happen to think that we have that person in our ranks...unfortunately I'm not sure they want to be the face. i'm not sure they want to carry the baton, no matter how qualified or talented they may be. I happen to know that others agree 100% with my assessment.
- Ricky has a lot of points, a lot of great points. But we could start 5 more threads with his points....I'll leave them alone for now.
- I dont think Shawn is asking to be the central bank of the UFWDA or the BRC I wouldn't volunteer him for those duties. I would say that we have more knowledge and talent on this board than many of those larger arms have.

My intent was not intended to throw this issue into Shawn's lap but to simply offer an idea. As with most things someone has to come along and be negative. I propose that instead of complaining about a issue, or someone else's idea, come up with an idea of your own, explain your position and see if it resonates with others.

Since the discussion seems to resonating negatively towards my idea here are a few things.
-First, I NEVER suggested that Shawn himself be the one to lead us. People really need to read AND comprehend what people post before getting upset.
-I did suggest that NC4x4 be used as a conduit to express our collective voice.
-I gave an idea that would represent everyone associated with a group or club, if one chooses not to belong then it is on them to voice their opinion.
-I never said it would be simple to initiate but certainly possible.
-People are in the clubs or groups of their choice due to those clubs or groups suiting their personal expectations, whatever they may be. Those of you choosing not to be associated with a club or group, well, that's your choice and and I wish you well.
-With respect, not trying to fight here just my observations, Ricky's points as I read them were either more complaining, immaterial to the issue or re-wording of what I originally posted with the one exception of including the ATV crowd.
-Your "George Washington" was a good elaboration on my idea but would have been more productive minus all the club/group bashing
-What I posted was just an idea and was intended to turn the thread in a positive solution oriented direction, regrettably it seems to have only provided more fuel for those who would rather just complain.

With that said, if all you want to do is bring up or create an issue then shoot down any ideas that come up and offer nothing constructive yourself, you simply appear to be trolling. If your not just trying to stir things up then propose an idea and we as a community can pull the good pieces and parts of everyone's ideas to create a solution as I believe you inadvertently did with my idea.

I have nothing more to add, Have a nice day and keep it positive.

 

[Reid]

easy Len....they've got you trained to be defensive around here dont they!

Ron is always blunt about things. i dont think he meant to sound negative or bash anyone, just calling them like he see's them.

 

[ord.sgt.26NC]

. i dont think he meant to sound negative or bash anyone, just calling them like he see's them.

actually,if you go back 2 weeks ago,this same discussion was brought up.I believe it didn't go in the direction intended and when it died out,it was brought up again in a new thread by a different person.Same bat time,same bat channel.Alot of things have been brought up.Alot of it good and some of it not so good.To post up compaints and then not offer up anything else in the conversation smacks of trolling..I try to steer clear of "political" discussions so to speak.I hate confrontation but all I see is negativity and bashing being said.It was done 2 weeks ago and being done now.I've been dragged in and hooked.

 

[rockcity]

Ron is and has always been straight forward with things when he isn't blowing smoke!

In all honesty, Ron's post is a good one. If anyone fiinds that as offensive or club bashin, then go play with the other kids and let the adults discuss the topic.





(Len, this is not directed at you, it is a general statement meant to get a chuckle...)

 

[rockcity]

actually,if you go back 2 weeks ago,this same discussion was brought up.I believe it didn't go in the direction intended and when it died out,it was brought up again in a new thread by a different person.Same bat time,same bat channel.Alot of things have been brought up.Alot of it good and some of it not so good.To post up compaints and then not offer up anything else in the conversation smacks of trolling..I try to steer clear of "political" discussions so to speak.I hate confrontation but all I see is negativity and bashing being said.It was done 2 weeks ago and being done now.I've been dragged in and hooked.

Honestly, the same discussion? I guess I don't get out of the ECORS section much these days...

I asked Ron about it and he explained it to me and it seems like coincidence. Honestly, I had no idea about the other thread. If I had, I surely would have posted!!!

 

[rockcity]

OK, sorry, 3 times in a row, I know....


Lets get off of the "bashing" idea that a few seem to THNIK the intent of this thread is and lets get on a united voice solution. Its this mindset that divides us right now keeping us down

 

[Reid]

How bout we lock this one down. Start a OHV unity, or what ever you want to call it thread. and try to move forward on that idea, and leave the "club bashing" here?

 

[J.C.]

Here's a constructive idea. The Recreational Trails Program, RTP, distributes millions of dollars in federal highway tax refunds to states to use for trail systems. The North Carolina RTP Committee has no one on it that represents full size 4wd interests. There was a motorcycle guy and an ATV girl, last I checked, on the committee. Let's start by getting one of own appointed to the committee and help steer RTP funds toward projects we would like to see happen.

 

[Reid]

- BUT we need our George Washington to lead us. We need some one to take the reins who is: respected, articulate, knowledgeable, passionate, motivated, determined, intelligent and committed. And then we need that person to actually WANT THE ROLE.

Let's start by getting one of own appointed to the committee and help steer RTP funds toward projects we would like to see happen.

either one of you has my nomination. There are one or two others on this forum i would back aswell.

 

[rockcity]

How bout we lock this one down. Start a OHV unity, or what ever you want to call it thread. and try to move forward on that idea, and leave the "club bashing" here?

No club bashing here. If anyone wants to do that, go start your own thread...

 

[rockcity]

Here's a constructive idea. The Recreational Trails Program, RTP, distributes millions of dollars in federal highway tax refunds to states to use for trail systems. The North Carolina RTP Committee has no one on it that represents full size 4wd interests. There was a motorcycle guy and an ATV girl, last I checked, on the committee. Let's start by getting one of own appointed to the committee and help steer RTP funds toward projects we would like to see happen.

Thats a damn good start.

 

[Ron]

Let's start by getting one of own appointed to the committee and help steer RTP funds toward projects we would like to see happen.

I'd fully support this idea.
You interested in the nomination?
There are about 3 people on this forum I know well enough to support unabashedly to be my voice ...you are certainly on the short list.
FWIW I would not be on my list...I'd piss way too many people off...its just who I am.
But you or Shawn would have my vote in a second.
Honestly there are only a very select few I think have what it takes...about the only other 2 that come to mind both work in the same fab shop in Mocksville all day...

 

[retroedaddy]

So let's nominate our "George Washingtons" and see what it takes to get them on that board?I like it,I'm all for having a larger voice!

 

[J.C.]

If nominated, I refuse to run. If elected, I refuse to serve! Seriously, not sure exactly how it works but maybe someone in the Raleigh area would be a good choice? Not sure if they attend meetings, where and how often. I'm just an idea guy

 

[Reid]

Slow down Mike....thats a big burden to lay on someones shoulders, as Ron mentioned.....Our George Washington has to WANT to be our George Washington.

There is a lot of work involved in that job. You've got to invest alot of your self in that job and there isnt much return on that investment.

I suppose that's whats always been the hold up with moving this forward.

 

[Reid]

If nominated, I refuse to run. If elected, I refuse to serve!

 

[Rox&Mud]

easy Len....they've got you trained to be defensive around here dont they!
Ron is always blunt about things. i dont think he meant to sound negative or bash anyone, just calling them like he see's them.

No, not at all defensive. I just call it like I see it too.

Glad to see something constructive going on now, btw, I live in Raleigh.

 

[shawn]

Here's the website for the RTP program:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/

 

[87GMCJimmy]

Here's a constructive idea. The Recreational Trails Program, RTP, distributes millions of dollars in federal highway tax refunds to states to use for trail systems. The North Carolina RTP Committee has no one on it that represents full size 4wd interests. There was a motorcycle guy and an ATV girl, last I checked, on the committee. Let's start by getting one of own appointed to the committee and help steer RTP funds toward projects we would like to see happen.

I'd never heard of this until now, definitely needs to be a fullsize 4x4 representative on there!!! That's crazy to me that there isn't one!!!

 

[retroedaddy]

Slow down Mike....thats a big burden to lay on someones shoulders, as Ron mentioned.....Our George Washington has to WANT to be our George Washington.

Well Reid It looks like Len Wants to be George Washington or at least he pointed out he lives in Raleigh.That's how I took that from him.I know him to be honest,well spoken,well thought out,and willing to always speak his mind for what he believes.Even if occasionally that lands him in a little hot water.I definitely put him right there with Shawn as two of the most intelligent,passionate about wheeling and well spoken people on here.I think we would lucky to have either of them serve us on the Recreational Trail Program Board,although to be fair,I haven't heard Shawn show an interest in taking on that responsibility and time.I am not trying to drag him into something.Seems like he may have a new, really time consuming,project coming up at home from what I've read!!!

 

[J.C.]

Here's a link to our NC RTP committee reps: http://www.ncparks.gov/About/trails_committee.php