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NOVEMBER 06, 2007

2007 Mid Atlantic Women's Motorcycle Rally

From Our Board President, Barbara Hook:

Another success! The total attendance for the 2007 Rally was 242 people (including the board members and guests). This year, $25,000.00 was raised for Susan G. Komen. Way to go, ladies! The Executive Board would like to thank each and everyone for the success of another rally.

Are you ready for next year? Please mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, 20-21 June 2008. While Thursday is not an official rally day, we do open at 6:00 p.m. for those that pre-registered. That way, you can get your arm bands, T-shirts (if purchased), raffle tickets (if purchased) and other materials early and not have to worry about waiting line first thing Friday morning.

Arm bands - as usual, the question "Why do I have to wear this stupid thing?" was presented several times. The reason is the arm band identifies you as a paid participant and entitles you to participate in the activities and is your entrance into the banquet. We have a color system that is known to the MAWMR Executive Board and that way, we know who should be where.

I again apologize to the two individuals that I upset at the banquet when I asked to leave until after we were done eating. However, our rule is that unless you have a certain color arm band on, you are not permitted under the tent during the banquet.

Bike Show - we have read your response to the surveys and are taking them into consideration. Changing the time for the bike show is not as easy as you think it may be. Are you willing to be responsible for the Bike Show (coordination, time, classes, registration, etc)? Let me know. Regardless of what time we choose, someone is going to be disappointed.

Bike Games - I personally feel that the Femengines do an outstanding job with the bike games and without them, there would not be any bike games. For those of you that commented on the bike games (they were boring, the same old thing, etc.), please contact me and let me know what you would like to see. I know that the Femengines would appreciate your ideas.

MAWMR Led Rides - Sorry ladies. This just isn't going to happen. Our insurance won't allow it and we're stretched thin enough as it is. HOWEVER, would you be willing to lead a ride? If so, let me know. We are going to try and have self guided tours available in your MAWMR packet. Of course, we will need the assistance of those that know the Gettysburg and outlying areas.

Workshops - the comments received were positive. However, many of you indicated that you did not attend. Was there a reason why? If anyone would be interested in doing a workshop, please feel free to contact me. I'm always open to suggestions.

Pictures - many of you commented that you wanted to see pictures of the bike show winners, tattoo contest winners, game winners, etc. posted to the web site. While we would certainly honor your requests, we need someone to obtain the information, take the pictures and get them to us for posting to the website. Any volunteers for next year?

There was one comment on the surveys that I must say amused me. A participant who did not complete her name and/or contact information indicated that the vendors were not up to her standards. My question is, were they above or below your standards?

If there is anything that we can do to make your time at MAWMR more memorable, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at www.mawmr.org.

From Other Board Members:

Another MAWMR is history and I've made it through my first year as Vendor Coordinator. I've read your rally surveys, suggestions and criticisms, and you really didn't beat me up too bad. I know there was disappointment in not having a Tattoo artist and I'll work at trying to get one here for next year. After taking a short break, to clear my head, I'm looking forward to working on the Vendors for the 2008 Rally. I 'll work at making the changes that need to be made and I'll try and bring you what you want, hope to see ya all again in June of 2008!
….Dawn Huber

Last year was another MAWMR year for me as an entertainer, but my first as a board member. I must say that I did not realize all that went into the making until I became a board member. It is quite a task and if anyone wants to step up to the plate, think twice!

My fondest memories of last year's rally was the fun had on Friday nights and the great outburst of love and sharing that happened at the banquet on Saturday night as each of you reached into your hearts and pockets and made one last gift to breast cancer support. The love at that moment could be felt by everyone. Hats off to you ladies! My heart still feels warm.

My biggest complaint with the rally would be that it seems some people think that this may be becoming a "gay rally". How very sad. This is not, nor has ever been a "gay rally". The rally is for women from all walks of life and that is very obvious to anyone who attends. Certainly there are "gay" women motorcycle riders who attend the rally, but there is most definitely a large participation from heterosexual women motorcycle riders as well. Most all socialize and have a great time at the rally. There will always be someone who will be offended or threatened by others who do not share their same sexual preferences. It is my hope that we can unite as simply "women who love to ride" and have a great weekend at the 2008 rally. See you there!
…..Shelley Abbott

Please visit the website:
www.mawmr.org

I've updated the info for this year and have added a video of 2007 pictures for your viewing pleasure.

PLEASE REGISTER EARLY FOR 2008!

SEE YOU IN JUNE!

THE MAWMR EXECUTIVE BOARD

Barb, Jen, Mindy, Shelley, Heather, Dawn, Dottie, and Cher

P.O. Box 785
Crownsville, MD 21032-0785

Email us!
410-468-3388

info@mawmr.org