Who We Are And Who We're Not

[Old-timer]

Hi Tuba, I'm not certain on the setup fee. I have an e-mail that I could forward to you. The price is for 100. I can pay more and get less if necessary. I am a member of the VMC and there has been at least 1 posting that said they were going to use TCVR as a model for setting up chapters in other parts of the country. I think they look upon us as a chapter of the VMC.

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by Old-timer
I think they look upon us as a chapter of the VMC.

If that is any ones thought, that is false. See our flyers and cards from the very beginning. Check this out Flyer (http://www.tcvr.us/messages/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62) As those flyers say: We are not affiliated with either the VMC nor the VRA.

You can see that that was posted 4-16-02

And you can see that the Business Cards also say the same thing.

If they want to look at what we have here for local rides that is fine but we have no rules or dues. Just a bunch of great riders who enjoy their bikes and the friendships that have devloped. They give of their time and talents to keep this group of riders having fun. To be free to ride.

Freedom is the key to motorcycling.

[Choirguy]

Old Timer,

Let me simply put an "amen" to Sparky_Bill's comments.

Quite honestly, I'm flattered that the VMC would consider the TCVR as a "model" for their own local chapters. That, by the way, was the tragic error of the original foundation of the VMC. The national organization is needed for such a group, but the logical outcome of that would be representatives by region and clubs by chapter. They've attempted to let the regions be the smaller "clubs" and that will never work. It's awfully hard to head up to North Dakota on a whim to meet other riders for brunch (although it's been done).

Just remember that the TCVR wasn't created to compete with the VMC or to even be an alternative to the VMC. We are not afiliated with the VMC or VRA, nor do we want to be. We don't have dues, elected leaders, or any formal organization. We've just had volunteers who have done things, such as writing code for webpages, running webpages, hosting rides, and designing apparel.

I personally try to hold no ill will towards the VMC (when my membership expires, it will not be renewed), and I simply wish them well in their endeavors.

If people choose to be involved with other groups as well--GREAT! Go for it. At one time, I was a member of 6 different clubs. The TCVR serves a different purpose; our goal is to continue to be a group of riders who share a passion for motorcycling, and as a result of that passion we communicate, meet, and share riding experiences.

[Swiffer]

3) Remember that some folks from the VMC aren't 100% happy about the existence of the TCVR...those people just don't get that we're not trying to be the VMC in any way (by the way, there are quite a few "bi" members who are both active in the TCVR and VMC). Therefore, people wearing TCVR apparel have been given "crap" on occasion.

I've heard this before, and am not exactly sure what you guys mean by this. I think I was the second member here after Bill when he started the TCVR up, and I've been a member of the VMC since around the end of '99 and have never received any flak from anybody. I don't believe the VMC looks upon the TCVR as a local chapter at all. There are other groups like ours here all over the country and only a few of them have said they want to be local chapters as far as I'm aware. I do know that they like what Bill and Steve have set up here(and they should, it's very nicely done). I sure wish I could know and understand what/where all this animosity came from way back when. I will remain a proud member of the TCVR, the VMC, and a local VMC chapter if/when that happens. It's all good for the brand, plus Hil and I have gotten to meet alot of great people that we would have never had the opportunity to if it wasn't for TCVR and VMC rides and talking back and forth through posts. My TCVR patch and VMC patch share room on the back of my vest, and would be very unhappy if someone told me I couldn't do that!

Steve

[IowaVic]

Originally posted by Tubamotorcycle
The TCVR serves a different purpose; our goal is to continue to be a group of riders who share a passion for motorcycling, and as a result of that passion we commicate, meet, and share riding experiences. [/B]

Chris......commicate? LOL ........8^)
(I'll commicate on my Ural, but never on my Victory!)

(Had to do it!):clap:



Also Swiffer.............I agree with your latest post.

Sparky, What ever happened to your relation with the VMC and all the bad vibes your feeling?

[redvic802]

<MULTI POST ALERT>
Welcome to the early spring cycle of TCVR growth. People have awakended from their winter naps. Everyone is full of energy to build something new. TCVR has the great strength of having a group of people that just like to get together and ride. We have never been big on on a rigid organization nor have we had need build one. We have pretty much done things by consensus...taking the time to get our members opinions on all our good ideas we want to contribute to the TCVR. It has happened in the past that people get so eager to contribute they jump right in. Usually this hasnt worked out all that well. It is always better with a loosely knit group like ours to publicly announce your ideas..get some feedback from as many people as possible..not one or two quick replies..gotta give it some time for more members to reply..after all not everyone has awakened from winter yet =). Here is my take on our relationship with the VMC. In order to explain it I feel you all should hear how the TCVR started.

Before what you now know as the VMC a group of victory owners and those interested in the brand new ( then ) bike started a yahoo chat group. A database of those messages are on a link here at tcvr. They were gathered from yahoo for posterity. Please read through them sometime, they arent about club patches..brand loyalty..forming chapters..they are about a brand new bike..a lot of people incredibly enthused about owning it and trying to figure it out and how to improve each of their bikes. Those times were just great and in my opinion..what really matters about motorcycling. Sparky Bill formed the TCVR in that spirit and to offer a place to keep that spirit alive. Without all the structure of a organization. Just a place for people who share something they love to get together. We charge no dues..if we want to do something..It comes up on the message board and people volunteer from the group to do it . What a great and unfettered thing this is. That is it..just a loose gathering of people that enjoy their Victory's, enjoy being with others who feel the same way and just like to ride. It is pretty well complete. It is serving its purpose and doesn't imho need to be improved.

<another post follows>

[BATMAN]

I have both patches on my vest, never had anyone give me any grief.

One of the reasons I am a bit reluctant on the local VMC chapters, is that this club is so good, and I'm not sure that a local VMC club will take off around here, when they already belong to the TCVR group. I guess we'll see.

[redvic802]

<part 2>
As more and more people gathered others had different ideas of what was needed. The VMC was born. I think the VMC is a great thing. It is another vision. I don't believe it is the same as the TCVR vision...or the TCVR would be structured like the VMC is now. I was part of the people on the early committees that worked to help form the VMC as was Eric. As I rememebr Eric and I were the North Central reps. I left that position a few years ago. I like the vision of the TCVR and decided that's where I wanted to focus. I know Eric also resigned his position. I remember work and home life were taking up all his time back then ( correct me if I am wrong here Eric ) As more people look for a national organization the VMC serves them. There are a few other local groups (that I know about) like the TCVR. They are doing what they were designed to do ..serve the local group. We had a misunderstanding with a later VMC north central rep posting on this board as if it were the north central VMC area. This upset me and I spoke up about it. It was resolved and things carried on. It usually stems back to the same thing. Someone sees the group..and tries to "improve it". It is working as designed :p Luckily there are other alternatives for those who desire a more structured place to play. The true beauty of the TCVR is..people can play wherever they like, if they just want to hang with locals with no other goals than to enjoy the bikes they own and the friends they have made riding them...this is the place.

[redvic802]

Hi Pat,

You got an internet connection in las vegas ? You win any money ? :p I will say I was wearing a TCVR shirt and hat at Spirit Lake last soring and did receive some comments about it, Was told it wasn't appreciated. This was only from one person and I blew it off. I just want to say like everyhting else there are always 2 sides to an issue..its unfortunate people act that way.

[Swiffer]

Originally posted by redvic802
Hi Pat,

You got an internet connection in las vegas ? You win any money ? :p I will say I was wearing a TCVR shirt and hat at spirit lake last soring and did receive some comments about it, Was told it wasnt appreciated. This was only from one person and I blew it off. I just want to say like everyhting else there are always 2 sides to an issue..its unfortunate people act that way.

It is unfortunate! Don, maybe you could PM or e-mail me with who that was...if I run into the same person I'd like to have some smart-ass comment prepared if they make a comment about me being part of the TCVR:D

Steve

PS...I didn't mean to open a "can-o-worms" by asking what happened:( . Maybe this thread can go back to being about patches and do-rags:)

[redvic802]

Steve,

I think I handled the problem in an adult manner. It is concluded I believe..but it did happen...its a fact and on the record. Not everyone acts like adults unfortunately. As for patches and do rags...I think we need to explore it a bit more b4 jumping in the water..I would really hate to see any of our members spend a bunch of money and not be able to move a lot of whatever they had made. Tuba still has stuff that is not sold yet. I know it is nice to see new stuff ..but lets not jump in till we know we have enough of a demand to make it work.

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by Swiffer
I sure wish I could know and understand what/where all this animosity came from way back when.

If this is directed at what I have said here let me know just what that is. All I did is respond to what Old Timer posted.

Originally posted by Old-timer
I think they look upon us as a chapter of the VMC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sparky_Bill posted
If that is any ones thought, that is false.

Swiffer where is the animosity there???

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by IowaVic
Sparky, What ever happened to your relation with the VMC and all the bad vibes your feeling?

Nice to see words from you Eric BUT I do not understand what you are talking about "bad vibes". As I just responded to Swiffer, all I did was try to set the record straight when he posted. And so I do not take it out of context I will quote it here again.

Originally posted by Old-timer
I think they look upon us as a chapter of the VMC.

Sparky_Bill posted.
If that is any ones thought, that is false. See our flyers and cards from the very beginning. Check this out Flyer As those flyers say: We are not affiliated with either the VMC nor the VRA.

Just where have expessed any bad vibes??? Still good to HEAR from you though, it's been a long time.

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally posted by Swiffer
I think I was the second member here after Bill when he started the TCVR up

You were with me on the first TCVR ride. As a matter of fact I was showing off those pictures at the brunch Sunday. Do you remember that, with your new bags?

[Choirguy]

Good discussion.

My only wish in all this is that people be able to join as many groups as they want (VMC, VRA, TCVR, NIVR, CMA, AMA, etc. etc.).

The VMC does see itself strategically as "the" Victory Motorcycle Club, which is hard to argue with. The TCVR isn't officially a club, it's a social group.

The other thing that we should all be doing is encouraging the VRA and its development. The VRA has a potential to reach all Victory Owners in a way that even the VMC cannot; and potentially, the VRA is also backed by the possibility of corportate financial backing.

I think that we can use as many Victory organizations as there is demand for, and then let individual owners decide where they want to invest their time (or money in some cases).

I'm just thankful for all of you. But no, I'm not giving out any hugs. I nominate Batman for that role!

[Swiffer]

Bill, Tubas post just reminded me that there seemed to be something that happened quite awhile ago between a few of the guys here, and someone(s) from the old Yahoo VMC. It raised my curiosity again as to what transpired, but it may be none of my business...just curious:) . Your post isn't what made me recall that, it was Chris's post. This is a great group here, and if I end up moving to a warmer part of the country after I'm done with school, I still want to be a part of all this cameraderie(sp?), even though I may not be able to ride with you all. Hell, if I end up in New Mexico again, my TCVR patch will be on my vest for all to see.

Boy do I remember the first TCVR ride! I was scared to death to ride with you(being a "celebrity" and all:)) . I could tell right away you and Heidi were good people...I think I still owe you two an ice-cream too! Sounds silly, but that short ride will be with me forever I think.

Steve

[BATMAN]

Just for the future, I hope if any VMC reps or officers make any negatory comments on anyone wearing TCVR patches of shirts, they let me know. As one of the reps for the VMC, I'd also like the chance to clear the air at one of our board meetings. (which I haven't gotten to go to for the past few months, because of some personal family problems)

And no, I haven't won anything yet. In fact, at the rate I'm going, I'll be lucky to have gas money for biking this summer!:(

[John Ritter]

Thanks for the help with the VMC Batman.
I hope Lady Luck turns for you in Vegas...seven ... come eleven!!

I didn't hear of your family issues, I hope they too are getting better.

[Choirguy]

Pat,

I guess one of the underlying concerns of a few of the members of the VMC is the idea they are considering creating local chapters (or are they), and also the common belief that the TCVR is a part of the VMC.

Since you're the VMC rep, and my dues aren't yet expired for the year, as a "current" member, could you go to the board and ask them what their intentions are?

And Swiffer, I'm so glad that MY posts are the ones that bring up old wounds for you... ;)

I think I can summarize my feelings this way: I like the TCVR because we only zing each other in jest--never just to "flame"--and we live close enough that if any sort of serious discussion (or apology) needs to be made, we can do that face-to-face. I like that it's harder to "hide behind the internet here."

And I really do wish the VMC and the VRA the best...my energies, however, are going to be spent right here.

[Swiffer]

Originally posted by Tubamotorcycle


And Swiffer, I'm so glad that MY posts are the ones that bring up old wounds for you... ;)



LOL...sorry:)

Steve

[sstodvictory]

I don't know if I'm getting out of line here or not. but this is the most un-TCVR-like discussion I've ever witnessed on this board. Maybe its just that winter is here and we aren't riding. This thread is a waste of disk space, and for what my opinioin is worth, it bothers me to see so much discussion of what one group thinks of another.

What difference does it make, folks??

[Swiffer]

Yep Steve, I think cabin fever's settin' in.

Steve