The Ramblings of an Overactive Insomniac

[rem]

Well, I hope you'll forgive me but I woke up and had to get some things off my chest. I enjoy this "brotherhood" very much, and appreciate the commitment you have made, and have chosen to stand by.

Forgive a touch of hyperbole here and there ..... the sentiment is genuine.

I'm going back to sleep. I'll face you in the morning. Be gentle. R





There are those of you here who, for whatever the reason
Have put on the line an entire riding season
You stood up and stepped up, and considered the cost
And you still stayed the course when you thought all was lost


Here you are now, still unsure of your fate
Still waiting to see what's been put on your plate
But you wait just the same, your decision is made
And you'll see it right through, like a debt to be paid


A brotherhood born of an adventurous spirit
I give you a voice, and the whole world will hear it
Shoulder to shoulder at the end of the day
We'll all come together as Force Tenere


Would we still be the same, would this union endure
Were it not for the fact that we're all so unsure
Even now there's no promise, no firm guarantee
No definite word from far over the sea


But such is the fabric that weaves our resolve
The unknown around which our spirits revolve
Willing to wager our place on the road
A unified front is our creed and our code


A forum of travellers with one common soul
We've all come together with one common goal
We've joined up and banded to wait for the Beast
That we've beckoned and summoned from out of the East


A legacy born from a tumultuous event
A Phoenix to which we've all given assent
A heritage shared by all of us here
I raise my glass to us, and wish us good cheer


I hope that we all can soon end our long wait
And I don't care what country or province or state
But we must come together, one ultimate ride
One common expression of uncommon pride


So consider this thought, for some time in the future
A notion that surely is deserving of nurture
An assemblage of metal and man for one day
The first annual conference of Force Tenere

 

[colorider]

Wow Rem!! I woke up early as well, but certainly didn't have the ability to flow words like you have!!!!

I love the last line:
"The first annual conference of Force Tenere"

Seems we need to be working on this. First step would be to pick a (somewhat) central spot for such an event - one that offers a variety of prime on and off road riding options and scenery. And why limit it to one day?

Ah, the subject of another thread, perhaps?

 

[Checkswrecks]

Methinks you were awake for a looong time.


Nice idea about a meet. At this point, with a thousand bikes spread all over the continent, we're going to be pretty thin. As the number of us coming from FJRs are aware, that group realized early on to have regional meets and piggyback the North American with one of those.
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showforum=110

Because we'll be so few for a year or two, maybe this group could even join the FJRs for the first year, as most locations are twisty and have lots of gravel opportunities that the Feejers pass on.


Checks

 

[colorider]

Methinks you were awake for a looong time.


Nice idea about a meet. At this point, with a thousand bikes spread all over the continent, we're going to be pretty thin. As the number of us coming from FJRs are aware, that group realized early on to have regional meets and piggyback the North American with one of those.
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showforum=110

Because we'll be so few for a year or two, maybe this group could even join the FJRs for the first year, as most locations are twisty and have lots of gravel opportunities that the Feejers pass on.


Checks

Like I said above, this will probably migrate to a whole new thread, but just a comment concerning location. The Honda STOC has multiple "gatherings" all over the US (and a few in Canada) and the smaller ones typically only bring in riders from under 1,000 miles. The main event is called WeSTOC and is held in the "western" US or Canada and normally draws people from as far away as the right coast and eastern Canada. Usually well over 200 attend. Point is - people WILL ride the distance - no matter where the event is held. Hell, I ride to Moonshine IL for a hamburger every now and then and that's over 1,000 miles each way!

 

[rem]

And why limit it to one day?

I agree. I needed something to rhyme with Tenere. "Week" just didn't cut it. I think something like this would be awesome. Gotta do it. Pick a spot and we can set up and get rowdy and chunk water balloons at passing BMW's.


Okay, okay ... just kidding. That would be highly undignified for a Tenere gathering. We could hire kids to do it.


Glad you like the idea. Was it mine? I just woke up and don't remember any of this. I'm not getting older, I'm getting worse. R

 

[colorider]

Glad you like the idea. Was it mine? I just woke up and don't remember any of this. I'm not getting older, I'm getting worse. R

Although there have been ramblings of meets-n-greets elsewhere on here and ADVrider, you can certainly take credit for the "The first annual conference of Force Tenere" idea!!!

Maybe we just need to hold it at your place!!!

 

[rem]

Maybe we just need to hold it at your place!!!

I like it ! I'm centrally located, the climate is always mild, and I won't have to go far to attend.


Well, the scenery is nice.


Why don't you guys strike a committee and the first order of business would be to decide when and where. I guess it will have to wait until next year given the abiding uncertainty of delivery. There must be a way to determine the geographic center of North America. Vanderhoof is the geographic center of B. C. Ewwwww That doesn't help us much.


Oh well, I better get some breakfast. Let's stay on the road, if you mean to. R

 

[colorider]

I like it ! I'm centrally located, the climate is always mild, and I won't have to go far to attend.

Well, a couple of us are all ready planning to stop in to see you next year on our way to Alaska!!!

Why don't you guys strike a committee and the first order of business would be to decide when and where. I guess it will have to wait until next year given the abiding uncertainty of delivery. There must be a way to determine the geographic center of North America. Vanderhoof is the geographic center of B. C. Ewwwww That doesn't help us much.

Doable. I think the geographic center of the US is someplace uninteresting somewhere in Kansas. No offense intended for any KS folks here - but "Thanks, but no thanks".

Colorado or Arkansas works for me, but there are certainly other places to consider for the FIRST gathering. Other locations will be selected for following years.

 

[rem]

If you can pick it, I can find it. R

 

[Venture]

Because we'll be so few for a year or two, maybe this group could even join the FJRs for the first year, as most locations are twisty and have lots of gravel opportunities that the Feejers pass

This is a really smart idea that makes a lot of sense. What's the main stomping ground (forum) for the FJR that all you FJR'ers frequent? I imagine we could piggy-back on them and cross-advertise the event on both sites. It might work, but I have no insight as to the acceptance of such a thing in the FJR community.

 

[~TABASCO~]

I go to some of the FJR meets around the country. I would like to help in putting something togeather. I want to help out. If we get a ST group togeather I allready loaded up a "help out the super tenere group" sponsor. If that is welcomed. Post or PM

 

[colorider]

This is a really smart idea that makes a lot of sense. What's the main stomping ground (forum) for the FJR that all you FJR'ers frequent? I imagine we could piggy-back on them and cross-advertise the event on both sites. It might work, but I have no insight as to the acceptance of such a thing in the FJR community.

Partly why I mentioned the Honda STOC gatherings as they have grown into a "all brands/models" event since so many of the original ST1100/1300 owners have migrated over to other bikes (like me) - but still attend the STOC events because of the strong camaraderie. We usually have many Wing riders, V-Strom riders, FJR riders and a token HD or two. For instance, this year in Nelson BC, there are 95 ST1300's attending, 35 ST1100's and 51 "others" attending. As I posted in the events section, http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1167.0 it would be neat to see some of the SuperT riders attend CoSTOC II this September in Colorado.

 

[rem]

I'm just wondering if, due to the uniqueness of this bike and everything associated with it's fateful journey to North America, Yamaha USA and Yamaha Canada would be interested in getting on board with something like this. This is truly a first time, never to be repeated event. When you consider that it is the first time to NA, the reservation purchase aspect, the difficulties associated with its manufacture and delivery ...... this has got to be a stand alone event in the annals of motorcycling. Yes??? Anyway, it might not hurt to aim high. Can't hurt to ask.


I'm thinking the first one in the USA next year, and the second one in Canada the year following. There is plenty of time to organize if we want to pursue this.


Old guy rambling. R

 

[~TABASCO~]

I agree 100% ... Look to have it in CO, UT, AZ, or NM.... I do have a Yamaha dealer that WANTS to be involved when 'it' is put togeather.. this is also an "in" to the mother ship.... :

 

[rem]

Yes, point taken. The local dealers might be the best initial contact for something like this. I'm pretty sure my local dealer would be enthusiastic, and what better pipeline to the big dogs.


Let's start kicking some preparation butt. Well, as soon as the bikes arrive. Maybe this is all just a cruel joke by Yamaha. Has anyone actually SEEN a Tenere? Are traction control and touring mode just figments of our imagination? And shaft drive ?? Oh, please. It's all so sordid. I'll phone Uncle Yoshi. R

 

[colorider]

I'm just wondering if, due to the uniqueness of this bike and everything associated with it's fateful journey to North America, Yamaha USA and Yamaha Canada would be interested in getting on board with something like this. This is truly a first time, never to be repeated event. When you consider that it is the first time to NA, the reservation purchase aspect, the difficulties associated with its manufacture and delivery ...... this has got to be a stand alone event in the annals of motorcycling. Yes???

I'm guessing "not". I believe even the famed Honda Hoot has gone by the wayside with Mother Honda backing away from sponsorship of it and it had a huge following. We are talking a drop in the bucket here with the SuperT by comparison. Dunno.

I'm thinking the first one in the USA next year, and the second one in Canada the year following. There is plenty of time to organize if we want to pursue this.

Or visa-versa. Like I said before - people will ride to wherever the event is - sometimes just for a piece of pie!!!

 

[colorider]

I agree 100% ... Look to have it in CO, UT, AZ, or NM.... I do have a Yamaha dealer that WANTS to be involved when 'it' is put togeather.. this is also an "in" to the mother ship.... :

Certainly all good possibilities for location!!! Finding a good location AND a good local dealer to support it is sometimes tricky, but doable. For larger events we normally try to line up a local dealer that will work with us to have quick-turnaround service for anyone needing tires, oil change, etc during the event - plus "preferred" pricing on any items needed for purchase. We also work on them to contribute "door prizes" for the event.

 

[rem]

Well, if Canada is an option for the first go round, I'll certainly bring it up with my local boys next week. See what the initial reaction is. I suspect I could even get Yukon Tourism on board, maybe even the City of Whitehorse. Tourism is a big deal up here. You'd have to be willing to spend a lot of money while here. You could just leave it with me and I'll see that's it's evenly distributed after you leave. R

 

[colorider]

You'd have to be willing to spend a lot of money while here.

Just paying for gas in Canada takes care of that problem............. It's like $1.34/L (CDN) for regular in Nelson BC right now - and what I will be paying in about a week when I'm there!!

BUT, I still like your idea!!! I love the Whitehorse area!!!!

 

[Checkswrecks]

Partly why I mentioned the Honda STOC gatherings as they have grown into a "all brands/models" event since so many of the original ST1100/1300 owners have migrated over to other bikes (like me) - but still attend the STOC events because of the strong camaraderie.

The FJR meets have also been going "all brands" as the FJR has aged. Probably normal for any model's owner group getting close over time and not wanting to lose touch. Another couple of posts talked about Yamaha involvement and fwiw we've had them and other sponsors at the FJR meets for a couple of years. In the end, I see either as an opportunity and would have no problem in hitting both events, STOC and FJR. But I probably wouldn't have the time to ride half way across the country, hang out for a couple of days, then head home to DC, especially since it means doing the great plains twice in a week or so. btdt
:


Another opportunity might be the Yamaha Super Tenere Adventure Touring series: http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Riding/Dirt/EventsAndSeries/NationalAdventureRide/NationalAdventureRideSchedule.aspx