Want a Bus Nut Event in your area? Just Do It!

[Dreamscape]

Bus Gatherings

If you have every thought about starting a gathering of buses and bus nuts friends, do it!
Even if you have never organized anything in your life. I did and guess what, it was fun. I wish I had not waited so long to see this happen. When living in Southern California I really wanted to start a get together of sorts, just never the time. Since moving here to Hawley Texas it just seemed the right thing to do. I originally asked if anyone that lived in Texas would be interested in a get together. The response was slow at first then it picked up speed. I received emails from bus nuts all over the Great State of Texas. I thought now what have I done now, just kidding. I was excited that so many folk responded. The ideas of how to do it, where, when and all other questions that can relate to a group of people.
Now we had never been to any bus rally so I was a bit apprehensive on what approach to take. I had several suggestions from interested bus nuts, from places to have one to ideas on how to do it. This help was invaluable, it gave me the courage to move forward with the plan.
One thing I learned was to have a backup location, Mother Nature gave us some problems. The first thing was to pick a site that was central for those who wanted to attend. The next idea was to find a site that would have electrical and water hookups, easy access, a group area that would accommodate several buses. We found the first one just north of Dallas, then we had several rain storms move through the state. I mean we had a deluge of water in epic proportions flood the campground that was chosen. I found out that two weeks prior to the start of the Bus Roundup it was still flooded. I thought what the heck I do now! I was frantic, called my wife and expressed to her my dismay in this forced change in plans. I immediately posted the facts on several bus boards, I received many responses for help in finding a new location. One gentleman went to view a site close to his home and gave me a report on what he found. We did not have much time to wait for a decision, time was growing short. After discussing it with a couple of guys I made the decision to move forward with this new location. Sonnie Gray was gracious enough to lay down his money to secure 15 spots for three nights each. As it turned out that we filled each one. His help was very much appreciated.
Another fellow bus nut had expressed interest in helping with organizing a group of buses and bus nuts to have a get together. Darrin Bruner stepped forward and without his help it would not have gone so smoothly, Thanks Darin!
My point is, if you have an idea follow it, doors will open. Yes some do shut but guess what, just gives us the opportunity to maybe do something better.
Many Thanks to all who attended and for providing all the help in making this First Texas Bus Roundup a success.
A special Thank You to my wife, Becky. Without her patience with me, her guidance and enthusiasm it would not have happened.
Yes, another is planned for next year, TBR 2008.
I have left out the names of several other folk who gave suggestions and provided input, you know who you are. Thanks.

Happy Trails and Enjoy the Ride,
Paul
Dreamscape

[maria-n-skip]

Paul,

   It was watching you and your group go through what you did and pulling it off that gave me the necessary
push to try and put something together for the rockies. To me the biggest thing to over come was not to worry
about how many might show up. Wether it is one or more the main thing is to get out and enjoy.

So thanks for showing how to keep things moving and so much more!

FWIW
Skip

[Busted Knuckle]

Paul,

   It was watching you and your group go through what you did and pulling it off that gave me the necessary
push to try and put something together for the rockies. To me the biggest thing to over come was not to worry
about how many might show up. Wether it is one or more the main thing is to get out and enjoy.
So thanks for showing how to keep things moving and so much more!

FWIW
Skip

Skip, Paul and ALL others!
Hey My first one basically flopped as we had a very low attendance! And I wasn't going to have another one, until Dallas & Cat had decided to move this way & asked if I was willing to try it again! Well I told them that the way things go around here I didn't see me having the time to pull it off. But that they were more than welcome to have one, as long as they knew I maight or might not have the time to be involved! As it turned out, I didn't get much time to enjoy the wonderful people(& buses) who showed up much. But we had an awesome turn out, with awesome busnuts/buses. The long distance award definetly has to go to Don Fairchild who drove his 4X4 one ton dually out from California, picked up his "new (to him) Country Coach" in KY, then drove down to Baton Rouge(I think), LA & back up to our RALLY! I really wish I'd had much more time to spend getting to know Don as well as everyone else who made it. Also deserving of an award are Darren(sp?) & Tina who flew in from PA to Memphis (yeah I asked were there arms tired), rented a car and spent the whole week-end here! Of course we also had the great Bus Bash Photographer Gary LaBombard(sp?) & also lovly wife Linda & "kids" to mention & also The Lieblers, Uncle Ned & Wilma, Mike & Jay, Wulf & GF, and anybody I maybe forgetting or did not meet!
OK after rambling on there about who showed, let me get to the point! JUST DO IT! I'm extremly glad that I decided Cat & Dallas asked me to try it again! NEXT YEAR I WILL BE HERE! & So will MOM & DAD (they thought it was cool too! last yr they were gone the whole time of the Rally & most of this yr too!)!

So do as Paul, Cat & Dallas, Kyle, or any others of us did! Jump out there and JUST DO IT -WE DID! and hadn't done it before either! I know I'd never been to one!
FWIW   BK 

[JackConrad]

     Our first Bussin' rally was supposed to be about 12 buses from Florida at our place. We started getting phone calls and emails from all over the Eastern US & Canada. We had to re-locate the rally to the Arcadia Saddle Club because we did not have room at our place for the number of buses planning to come .  What started out to be 12 buses ended up being 65 buese registered.  Because of a severe winter storm that covered the entire east caost we had some cancellations, but still had 45 coaches attend. The next year we had 75, followed by 130, 175, and 198.  It has leveled off the last couple years at about 165-185. 
    It is great to see more "regional" rallies. This gives more busnuts a chance to attend a rally and meet other busnuts, look at other buses and steal borrow ideas.  Jack

[Paladin]

Since I'm a newbie and have so much to learn, if there is or will be anything in the Rockies or pretty much anywhere in the west I'd go if I could possibly make it although I'm not sure my bus could attend yet. She needs new shoes and has many feet!

[maria-n-skip]

Dax,

   Here is what we have so far........

Name:   Bussin Every August Rockies  (BEAR)
When:   Second Monday in August thru that Sunday....2008
            Anytime before,during or after that is fine for arrivals and departures.
Where:  Current suggestions: Bakers Hole as a central base allowing people to explore
             Yellowstone (between NP, State Parks, Forest service campgrounds and Private)
Agenda: Peace, tranquility and a modicum of BS. The rest TBD.

So Aug will hopefully give enough time for new shoes.
There will be tin tenting by some (and me if I don't start getting stuff done)
   so don't feel you need to have everything done.

  Skip
 

[bubbaqgal]

When Dallas asked me about having our first rally in Timmonsville I hesitantly said yes.  THEN and only then, did he inform me that I was planning it.  I had never been to a rally before.  I just decided to make it very laid back and relaxing for everyone.  Well, almost everyone,  I'm afraid I worked poor Linda LaBombard to death.  She jumped in and helped with any and everything I needed done.  She even helped me carry an entire frozen pig in the back of my car.  If you want to be able to enjoy your rally, don't over plan.  Just let things take their course as much as possible.  Remember, we are busnuts and love looking at, talking about and working on buses so there is always much to share.  The friendships that come from these rallys are great and it is fun to meet the people whose screen name is all you know.  Each rally brings new faces and friendships along with the old friendships you get to catch up on.  If you want to have a rally, jump in and do it.  So what if there are only 2 buses there....you can still have fun.  Cat

[Dreamscape]

When I first thought of posting this I was sitting at DFW waiting for my next flight and I just started jotting some thoughts down regarding what feelings I had when I first came up with TBR 2007. I am sure every rally, small and large had the same or similar beginnings.
The mini rallies  that are available in several states are just that, small get to-gethers of bus enthusiasts who like sharing their hobby with others. They will not take the place of the larger ones, only give some who can't attend the larger ones a place to share experiences and make new friends.
The intention of this post was to give others the idea that it CAN BE DONE! As BK, Jack Conrad and others have said, you never know how many or who will show up. It is meant to be fun, making new friends and continuing older friendships and sharing ideas in regards to building a bus conversion.
They are laid back, no major topic, just a more intimate setting that makes everyone feel good. Regardless of how fancy your bus is, or how much it is torn up waiting for the facelift you have chosen. If it is a WORK IN PROGRESS, then don't feel bad for going to a rally. Every bus starts at the beginning sometime. Who cares what state of construction they are in.

Just drive it and enjoy it, bottom line!

I have learned so much from this experience I would not trade it for anything. It gave my wife and I numerous ideas and created an excitement for enjoyment.

Thank You So Much for the ideas that I have gleaned from others in whose footprints the Texas Roundup began.

Paul

[Busted Knuckle]

Very well put, Paul I'm still envious of you though! There have been 2 buses that I have wanted to see & meet the owners of since I very first started lurking around the busnut boards! They are very unique both buses and their owners, they show very much hard work and ingenuity of the owners!
I've now been graced with the presence of Sean,Louise and "kids" along with the Awesome Odyssey for a few short (but wonderful hours)!
But I've yet to lay eyes on that beautiful AWESOME CAT powered EAGLE of "CATSKINNER" aka Sonnie Gray!
Some day, some where I'm gonna get to check out that other personal icon of mine! And I'm sure you all will hear Sonnie scream'n will someone get this guy outta here? He's driv'n me nuts with asking questions and taking pics!

But seriously folks it's all about the fun, great friends too be met, great food, and plenty of knowledge & stories to be shared! So hey no matter what condition yer bus is in find a small busnut getogether and go! Hey we had folks fly in rent a car, and spend the weekend! We had folks drive in a car and stay a couple hrs and drive home. We had a fellow drive up in his conversion van come in , spend the night in his van and go to Reelfoot lake the next AM! SO hey get out there and JUST DO IT! You'll be so glad ya did, and you'll be surprised at how much you'll learn, and the folks you'll meet who'll be will'n to help in any way they can!
  BK 

[niles500]

" She even helped me carry an entire frozen pig in the back of my car"

Cat - why don't you train Dallas to walk on his own?

(couldn't resist)

[Dreamscape]

Hey BK,

Eat your heart out! I saw! I heard! 

Paul

[Dallas]

" She even helped me carry an entire frozen pig in the back of my car"

Cat - why don't you train Dallas to walk on his own?

(couldn't resist)

Niles,

Why Walk when I can get two beautiful women in the backseat at the same time?

Much better than in my teenage years! 

[bubbaqgal]

" She even helped me carry an entire frozen pig in the back of my car"

Cat - why don't you train Dallas to walk on his own?

(couldn't resist)

I tried, but you know Dallas,  not a very cooperative pig.

[kyle4501]

If you are gonna host a gathering of busnuts, you only need to plan on fellowship & food.

The food is optional, but well fed busnuts are happy busnuts. 

Lots of parking & full hookups helps