Triumphrat

ridin-gaijin · 08-17-2007

Hi All,

I just moved here to CT and my local dealer (Branchville Motors) didn't have a pack. I just said 'yes' Tuesday and will be jumping in, kind of late in the season I know, to getting one started up. He's started filling in the Triumph paperwork today. Soon I'll make an announcement here.

I've been on several rides and a couple big raids. The RAT pack papers from corporate dictate a list of three events. I'm getting with some local folks, including a friendly pack leader about 1 hr away, for ideas for rides.

The dealer has a few hundred customer e-mail addresses, which is a good place for me to start. So to all you seasoned pack leaders out there--any advice you can give on the following will be greatly appreciated. :-)

1) What kind of ride do you think works best for a startup situation, given different, and not presently predictable, skill levels?

2) Once the ride is set, I'm thinking a blanket e-mail to the dealer's list, explaining RAT, introducing myself, talking about the ride, and asking for RSVPs. Does this seem like a smart way to go?

3) In your opinion, is having a pack-specific Yahoo! group important? Why?

4) In your experience, how firm is Triumph on this "3 rides with at least 30 days advance notice" thing? Is there still a RAT coordinator at Corporate I can talk to...?

5) For the first meet, is it advisible to wheedle some goodies out of the dealer, like T-shirts? Would I raffle them, or what...?

Again, I really appreciate any insights you're able to spare. Thanks all,

Mike

KingOfFleece · 08-17-2007

You and me both. I just told the dealer, who has no "pac' that we need one and I'm the guy! I'll swap what I find out as soon as I have some info. It'll be 10 days or so-we want to be up and running for the Grand Opening on Sept. 15. He's a powersports dealer who picked up the Triumph line this late last year.

gilligan · 08-22-2007

Mike, glad to hear you are thinking about setting up a CT Rat pack. I live in Woodbury and would love to do some local rides with people in CT - Marcus Dairy to start perhaps. I personally prefer shorter rides as I don't always have the time to do long distance rides and rallys. Anyway, there is a guy in Norwalk who goes by Uncle Charlie on the Bonneville America web site, and sometiimes posts here too, who does a lot of riding and events. Seems to know a lot of people in the area. Also a guy named Benny who heads up a Rat pack on Long Island who might be a good contact.

Let me know, if you get around to planning anything.

Mattrat · 08-30-2007

I live about 2 miles from Branchville, got my bonnie there. You need any help let me know.

ridin-gaijin · 08-30-2007

Update on this situation--thanks for the interest!--this will definitely be happening. I'll figure out a mellow inaugural ride and it will happen Sunday September 16th. E-mails going out to Branchville Motor's customer list AND anyone else who requests. So PM me your e-mail if you want to be in!--Better yet e-mail me: mike_canino at yahoo dot com.

I plan on three RAT rides this year, maybe one per month Sept-Oct-Nov. We should be able to get some good fall colors through the northern part of the state and into NY and MA. The rides will start at Branchville and will be classic RAT stuff--interesting destination, here's a map, now go do what you like!

I'll carry on with a new thread over in the RAT - United States forum. I am looking forward to meeting, and riding with, all of you!

Hedge · 08-31-2007

GaiJin - I see your from Stamford as well. We should get together and ride. I have already ridden with MattRat and we would love to add you. I'm around all weekend and definitely planning on riding Sunday & Monday.

You can PM me, IM me, or email me - makes no difference to me. All my contact info is in my user profile.
Look forward to meeting you - John