CB4x4 needs your feed back

[chuzie]

William, I wouldn't go so far as to say the idea of more events was necessarily "shot down." The suggestion has come up on more than one occasion and, in our experience, the cost/benefit ratio does not weigh in our favor. Let me try to explain why.

Generating an event is a time consuming venture on many levels and, if labeled as a CB4x4 event, must represent our brand in a positive manner. This means the event must be successful in participation as well as quality. If CB4x4 hosts an event and has a poor turnout, folks may likely opt out of future events. The same goes to the quality of the event (location and event type). If we are fortunate to have a large turnout and an event, for lack of a better term, sucks, CB4x4 is now potentially labeled with a negative stigma. Recovering from a single negative event is an uphill struggle at best.

Another reason we have opted out of hosting more events is related to a fiscal aspect. With the exception of those who may be fortunate enough to live very close to where an event may be held, many of us struggle with the the significant financial obligations involved in participating in any event with respect to travel, potential preparation, and lodging costs. For example, a single NovRun for the Charleston crowd can cost in excess of $400 excluding any form of preparation. I don’t know about most folks, but that is a significant venture in my eyes. Even a single day “out and back” to a car show or a trail can cost $250 or more!

So we, club leadership, have weighed these issues and come to the decision to concentrate our efforts on two major events each year. This will, in theory, ensure we have high participation at a location(s) that offer an excellent experience and provide the quality that will keeps folks coming back for years to come while also mitigating the extreme financial burden that would likely hinder the majority of the crowd.

I think Bart and Nick have done an amazing job stepping up and taking the lead of the URE workdays. At least once a quarter, those guys are out there working hard to keep those trails open and I see no reason why that cannot have higher participation considering the density of CB4x4 members that reside within a reasonable distance. Sure, it’s not an all out CB4x4 major event, but an event nonetheless.

Though I live in Tampa, FL, I am well versed in the logistical challenges the NC and SC folks face and none of my analysis involves the additional issues I face personally.