I had no idea that the VIM was 'creaking at the hinges'.. I must say, I thought the 60+ turnout for France was poor considering the central location.. Perhaps this EU recession is starting to bite, or is it that what with all the National Varadero meetings, the International meeting is losing its appeal – at lease in in its present form.
We were much then 60 (60 bikes) in France; I've just been impressed that it was 15% of this forum !!! considering some people are (very) far (Canada, New Zeland, Australia, Malaysia , Brazil etc ...) I think it is a good proportion, and implication of the members . Yes crisis is an element which make difficult for some people to come; some others decide to come despite this and have made great (and appreciated
) efforts !!! Some others have a real desire to come, but due to some family constraints, cannot ...
I don't think National Varadero meeting make any shadow on the VCIM; It is something completely different; people who have tried can say it ! situation seems to be different in each country (100 bike in Germany ; 34 in France ...
)
Perhaps it is time to start thinking 'outside the box'.
I personally don't think so: I prefer a good user-friendly meeting with 80 persons then one with 300 you only see your "old" friends ...
The VIM becomes the VCIM in an attempt to attract a wider membership.
Not agree with you Barry; just (as said) because CT is the (announced by Honda) successor of the Varadero; have a look , have we much new members who have not before a Varadero? (Not so much I think).
I find it beyond comprehension that we are unable to get support from the Belgian riders for a meeting in the Ardennes.
Belgium is not so large then other countries, and I don't think you have too much contact between the 2 parts... We have no parts here from the Varaderomania.be forum members; I don't know the other part... So they are so little here, but I'm sure we can have a next Belgium VCIM.
In a larger country (France) , you can see it is also difficult to organize such a meeting: ask about that to Jess; it remains in that case only personal involvement of a member; and sometime difficult to manage...
We originally had a XL125V Varadero part on this forum. The idea was that it would become the ideal starter for younger public for joining our community. It went different... and bleeded to death so it was terminated.
Seems we had last year a XLV125 booking from Germany for Norway VCIM (but not venue)
... to be continued ...