Things I Like About Rallies and Things I Don't

travelin2 · Nov 12, 2017

porthole said:
When do you plan on that quiet State Park in PA again we'd like to do that with you guys. Might even get enough of the PA folks to give "roughing it" a try !

We’re in!

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'Lil Guy' · Nov 12, 2017

hoefler said:
I glad to see everyone has enjoyed going to different rallies, our experience has been quite different. We were very excited to attend our first rally about 2 hours from us. When we arrived and setting up, we had another couple with us with a brand new North Trail and this was their first outing, no one, I mean no one acknowledged us, said hi, by, or boo to use. We had gone down to where everyone was gathering and felt like we were outsiders and un-welcome. Eventually some of the attendees did start to talk with us, but it was uncomfortable. Very clickish.

Or second experience at a rally, was just as bad if not worse. Here again, this rally was about an hour and a half from use, we went to this park where they had scheduled a rally but did not sign up for it. When we drove in, we past by a group of people standing in the road where all of th Heartland trailers were set up, not one person waved back to us as we went by. When we set up, I notice I had a broken shock mount, and had removed the tire to remove the shock, not one person came by to greet, offer assistance, or anything. One day we were walking our dogs, we walked right in front of all of the Heartland rigs with several people sitting outside their rigs, very few would say Hi or wave, some actually went inside. Only one would actually talk to me, he was out by his new Ram dually and I asked him about the truck. His wife walked away and went inside their trailer and left my wife holding the dog. Very snobish group indeed.

My wife refuses to entertain going to any rally, she might consider a national one, but unlikely, since our schedule dictates when we can go. Long summer trips are out since she works at a seasonal business.

Good chapter leaders should make it a point to seek out new attendees and help make them welcome. At the meet and greet new attendees are introduced and should be made to feel part of the group. And yes, there are clicks where some people seem to hang together, but that can be normal. They're still approachable. I believe that in all of the rallies I've attended, the new chapter leaders of the New Mexico group (Howard and Shelly) put on one of the best rallies I've ever attended. Be nice to have more like them. Their rally was fun with activities and everyone was met and greeted several times by them. Sorry you didn't enjoy your rallies but I wouldn't give up on them. Maybe try being a little more outgoing. Some of the people who shined you may not be comfortable outside their on little group. Don't be afraid to approach any of the attendees and introduce yourself and let them know your new at this. If they don't try to make you feel comfortable after that, they're not worth knowing anyway. find another group.
BTW Howard and Shelly were fantastic, but the other rallies I've attended all the way up to New York had great chapter leaders also.

szewczyk_john · Nov 13, 2017

That first Rally was way back in 2011 and we were parked along the practice horse riding ring. It was not only our first club event but also our first ever RV rally. So we were totally green to the idea. It was also our first trip in the brand new Road Warrior so we were still learning our own unit, we had just got it in April and the boys were still in school. We were, I believe, the only Road Warrior in attendance. We thought the seminars were great and we both learned a lot. We are both glad that we tried it again and we now have made some really great friendships and gotten to know others. Maybe it was us that had unfair expectations but we are glad that we stuck with it.

Jim's comment about people are people and everyone has their own likes and dislikes really comes into play at the rallies. We rough it and use our unit the way it best works for us, that is why we bought it. I have only had my unit plugged in on one trip of our planning. The other trips where it was plugged in happen to be all Heartland events. I was amazed to find out how many club members do not have a generator in their unit.

I admit that I am not a social butterfly by any means. So after that first rally, I made more of an effort to be more engaging with others and that paid off. Our decision to get a spot on Ring Road was more about the dogs than anything else.

Elk County PA might just become a yearly trip for us. I'd suggest the first 3 weeks of October but that is always a busy time of the year with my Union position. As far as "roughing it" goes, there are plenty of private campgrounds in the area with full hook ups. Maybe we can plan something in May at Massey's Landing.

porthole · Nov 13, 2017

szewczyk_john said:
T
Elk County PA might just become a yearly trip for us. I'd suggest the first 3 weeks of October but that is always a busy time of the year with my Union position. As far as "roughing it" goes, there are plenty of private campgrounds in the area with full hook ups. Maybe we can plan something in May at Massey's Landing.

Another good thing about rallies - planning for future rallies - or in this case a campout.

3 rigs so far with interest John.

Bones · Nov 13, 2017

NWILSON said:
I thought it would be interesting (and helpful) to start a thread discussing the various aspects of attending rallies!

As chapter leaders we strive to make our rallies enjoyable for those that participate. In that effort, many options are available to us but everyone is different and our efforts can sometimes be in vain. Some of these points have to do with personal likes and dislikes while others have to do with using the funds available as efficiently as possible. The kinds of things I'd like input on include:

1) Do you enjoy planned activities like plant tours, local sightseeing trips, attending events like concerts or racetracks etc. or do you feel compelled to participate in something that is of little or no interest?

2) Do you enjoy door prize giveaways or are you annoyed with winning "the same old stuff" at every rally?

3) Do you like the 50/50 type drawings or raffle ticket sales for higher end drawings? Do you feel like you're being compelled to "donate" constantly?

4) Have you experienced something at a rally (Heartland or otherwise) that you would like to see more often or at every rally?

5) Is there something you see at rallies that really annoys you?

6) Would you consider buying tickets to a catered dinner in lieu of the pot luck with club provided chicken strips or hamburgers and hot dogs?

7) Would you mind bringing your own plates cups and silverware to group meals when asked?

8) Would you like to see these questions (or others) in a poll where you could keep your opinion confidential?

This discussion isn't meant to point fingers or trash any particular rally. Many of you have attended more rallies than you can count and I'm sure you've had discussions on these topics on the drive home (or to the next campground). Leslie and I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie of the rally and look at the list of attendees before looking at the agenda when we're heading to a rally.

Please remember that Region and National rallies operate under different constraints and budgets so what they are able to do and what we can do as a chapter are different.

Thank you for your comments!

I find it difficult to attend rallies sometimes with Kids and full schedules. I tend to miss some of the first meetings with the groups because I can't get out early enough. I may put some more comments in later. I have not experienced a rally where I did not feel welcome. We have been welcomed by everyone who we have attended rallies with and I have made friends with many people I have meet. Our very first rally I thought the camper was going to float away.

travelin2 · Nov 13, 2017

porthole said:
Another good thing about rallies - planning for future rallies - or in this case a campout.

3 rigs so far with interest John.

Definitely interested but unfortunately unavailable after Labor Day. Other plans interfere ☹️

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Shortest Straw · Nov 13, 2017

1) Do you enjoy planned activities like plant tours, local sightseeing trips, attending events like concerts or racetracks etc. or do you feel compelled to participate in something that is of little or no interest? We like a mix of both. It is convenient when the chapter leader posts what there is to do in the area of the rally.

2) Do you enjoy door prize giveaways or are you annoyed with winning "the same old stuff" at every rally? Door prizes are fun and if you have what you won already, why not put it back in the mix or be able to accept what was going to be next?

3) Do you like the 50/50 type drawings or raffle ticket sales for higher end drawings? Do you feel like you're being compelled to "donate" constantly? My understanding is the 50/50 drawing is partially to raise some funds to help the chapter with costs. We always participate and do not have an issue with this.

4) Have you experienced something at a rally (Heartland or otherwise) that you would like to see more often or at every rally? No.

5) Is there something you see at rallies that really annoys you? We were at a rally where an event was planned and all were aware of it. Another member planned something at the same time. It split the group. It should not have happened.

6) Would you consider buying tickets to a catered dinner in lieu of the pot luck with club provided chicken strips or hamburgers and hot dogs? We would consider it but with so many different taste buds out there the potlucks serve a larger group better.

7) Would you mind bringing your own plates cups and silverware to group meals when asked? Not a problem.

8) Would you like to see these questions (or others) in a poll where you could keep your opinion confidential? If people are afraid to comment I guess it would be fair. No one is going to be kicked out of the club for expressing an opinion right? Step up and say what you have to say.

Our first experience with the HOC was an amazing one. The chapter leaders and the group welcomed us like family and it was a wonderful experience. We have also experienced people at other rallies where we have said hello and have been completely ignored. We like to meet new people and wonder if there are those that do not, why go to a rally? Free food? I read a previous comment about keeping the rates down for the attendees. I agree with that. We have not attended rallies in our travels due to the costs. A lower site cost would open up to a larger attendance IMO. I want to give a nod to all the chapter leaders out there. I know your job is time consuming but we appreciate your efforts.

Silverado23 · Nov 13, 2017

hoefler said:
I glad to see everyone has enjoyed going to different rallies, our experience has been quite different. We were very excited to attend our first rally about 2 hours from us. When we arrived and setting up, we had another couple with us with a brand new North Trail and this was their first outing, no one, I mean no one acknowledged us, said hi, by, or boo to use. We had gone down to where everyone was gathering and felt like we were outsiders and un-welcome. Eventually some of the attendees did start to talk with us, but it was uncomfortable. Very clickish.

Or second experience at a rally, was just as bad if not worse. Here again, this rally was about an hour and a half from use, we went to this park where they had scheduled a rally but did not sign up for it. When we drove in, we past by a group of people standing in the road where all of th Heartland trailers were set up, not one person waved back to us as we went by. When we set up, I notice I had a broken shock mount, and had removed the tire to remove the shock, not one person came by to greet, offer assistance, or anything. One day we were walking our dogs, we walked right in front of all of the Heartland rigs with several people sitting outside their rigs, very few would say Hi or wave, some actually went inside. Only one would actually talk to me, he was out by his new Ram dually and I asked him about the truck. His wife walked away and went inside their trailer and left my wife holding the dog. Very snobish group indeed.

My wife refuses to entertain going to any rally, she might consider a national one, but unlikely, since our schedule dictates when we can go. Long summer trips are out since she works at a seasonal business.

You are always welcome to join us in Iowa for a rally!

Herbiesrig · Nov 14, 2017

hoefler said:
I glad to see everyone has enjoyed going to different rallies, our experience has been quite different. We were very excited to attend our first rally about 2 hours from us. When we arrived and setting up, we had another couple with us with a brand new North Trail and this was their first outing, no one, I mean no one acknowledged us, said hi, by, or boo to use. We had gone down to where everyone was gathering and felt like we were outsiders and un-welcome. Eventually some of the attendees did start to talk with us, but it was uncomfortable. Very clickish.

Or second experience at a rally, was just as bad if not worse. Here again, this rally was about an hour and a half from use, we went to this park where they had scheduled a rally but did not sign up for it. When we drove in, we past by a group of people standing in the road where all of th Heartland trailers were set up, not one person waved back to us as we went by. When we set up, I notice I had a broken shock mount, and had removed the tire to remove the shock, not one person came by to greet, offer assistance, or anything. One day we were walking our dogs, we walked right in front of all of the Heartland rigs with several people sitting outside their rigs, very few would say Hi or wave, some actually went inside. Only one would actually talk to me, he was out by his new Ram dually and I asked him about the truck. His wife walked away and went inside their trailer and left my wife holding the dog. Very snobish group indeed.

My wife refuses to entertain going to any rally, she might consider a national one, but unlikely, since our schedule dictates when we can go. Long summer trips are out since she works at a seasonal business.

Come to The North Central Rally, Everyone is very friendly.

CPDDet · Nov 14, 2017

We have also found rallies to be very clickish. Seems like if you don't have some kind of seniority your shunned. In my experience strangers at camping trips are more friendly than people at rallies.

Dave

wdk450 · Nov 14, 2017

porthole said:
Pot lucks

After 50+ rallies I like Pot Lucks as the number one reason after the basic rally concept in general

Homer Simpson would say: " Potlucks - OOOH! Free unlimited buffet!!!" (Great chefs, too!).

wdk450 · Nov 14, 2017

Maybe to address the isolated feelings of some rally attendees, the rally leaders might organize some sort of random seating assignments (draw a ticket?) for one of the meals to put different people together. Maybe there could be a homework assignment before the meal to write down 4 activities you are interested in, 4 of the most terrific places you have visited, 4 of the best RV parks you have stayed in, as conversation starters. Then share your lists at the table to promote conversation, list your current space number to extend those conversations later.

Maybe we should all make it a point to do at least a handshake greeting at the 4 nearest RV's to us at a rally.

Happy RVing, and I wish you all many happy Heartland rallies in the future.

Rottiesmom · Nov 14, 2017

In reading some of these comments it really surprises me as to how many people do feel shunned at a rally. I know I as a chapter leader try to make everyone feel welcomed especially with the newbies. I guess we are very lucky here in the northeast every rally I have gone to everyone is made to feel welcomed and chapter leaders do make sure everyone is included in everything. I know I was a bit shy when we first joined but our chapter leader at the time made sure we were introduced to members and it just took off from there.

TravelTiger · Nov 14, 2017

I think what I have seen over the past 8 years, Rallies are like family reunions. If you come often, you're welcomed and integrate more easily. If you've never been, you feel awkward and unsure, and other relatives may not recognize or truly engage with you until you spend time with them. We all are "Heartland-family" related, but all lead very different lives all over the country, like a huge family with multiple branches. You can't expect to instantly connect and love all your distant relatives, but you know you have a common bond. It just takes us all to get out of our comfort zone (immediate family) and get to know all our "long-lost cousins".

I purposely try to sit with folks I don't know at rallies to get to know them and encourage them. I also learned (by example) from the best, now South Central Regional Director, Jay Coffman -- it really means a lot to rally attendees to be greeted upon arrival. So I try to make a point to go and greet our rally arrivals as soon as I can, (but not to disrupt their set-up), and even when attending other's rallies, I try to go by and say "welcome!" or "good to see you!" and "glad you came!" It does make a difference.

Herbiesrig · Nov 14, 2017

CPDDet said:
We have also found rallies to be very clickish. Seems like if you don't have some kind of seniority your shunned. In my experience strangers at camping trips are more friendly than people at rallies.

Dave

I understand how you feel, It is sad to experience that feeling, what is also sad is that if someone wasn't in that position, they don't know how you feel. With all said, not all Heartlander's are that way. The biggest majority are friendly and welcoming. Come to the North Central Region Rally and you will warmly welcomed.

hoefler · Nov 14, 2017

I appreciate all of the words of encouragement, I even had one chapter leader PM me, which was surprising. Even more surprising, it was one of his rallies we attended.

I replied to him explaining it was one of his rallies and to which one. I bet he didn't expect that, I have had no response from him . That was 2 days ago, I would of thought I would had recieved some sort of comment or an appology.

I guess some people don't want to hear any criticism, let alone try to rectify an issue.

I am a very talkative person. I can strike up a converstaion with about anybody about anything. I offer help when I see someone struggling with a issue with thier rigs and more time than not, I get them fixed or at least able to travel to get repairs.

I know when I am not wanted or welcome. When one tries to engage with other people and are looked at as an outsider, as a bother, or someone not even worth acknowledging, its not worth the effort or the disappointment.

We were in Decatur Alabama to see my dad and was staying at Point Mallard, we met Byrd Nabo. She had came over to us and introduced herself and was very talkative and energetic, invited use to attend the rally that was going on a week later, but our plans would not allow it. That gal is a hoot!! I really liked her attitude and enthusiasm, we thought we might haved enjoyed attending.

With the experience we had with Byrd, we thought we would give another try. We had planned a weekend at Downstream Casino and a park in Carthage Mo. I saw there was a rally not far from where we had plans to stay. So 2 weeks before, I changed to the same park, but did not sign up for the rally. Well, that is where we had second bad experience.

We will not make a rally as our destination, just not worth it. If there happens to be a rally going on in a park I have made other plans for, well, we'll see how that goes.

JWalker · Nov 14, 2017

hoefler said:
I guess some people don't want to hear any criticism, let alone try to rectify an issue.

Got me thinking of our upcoming Region Rally. We always have a Meet N Greet the first night of the rally. But maybe that isn’t enough. Now I’m thinking a “first timers” gathering might be good. Give everyone an idea what to expect and what to do.

Thanks

RichnPeg · Nov 14, 2017

We have signed up for our first Rally in Michigan in June 2018. The whole purpose was for us to meet other people with similar interests (Travel, etc.) Is there not a Meet 'n Greet so people can get to know each other? I'm not too worried about my husband who will talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime, but I'm sure hoping I don't feel like the new girl in school. I'm going to keep a positive attitude and look forward to having a great time.
Peggy

ziggysun · Nov 14, 2017

We were just at our first ever RV Rally last month. We had a great time and some Chapter Leaders swung by our site to welcome us and introduce themselves once we were set up. My husband is much more friendly and outgoing then I am, I can be a little reserved when meeting new people. We felt very welcomed into the group, and talked with quite a few people at the rally events, while walking around the campground and while at our site and never encountered anyone rude, but I can see where some people may feel like there are cliques among the attendees, but I don't think they're intentionally being cliquey though. I think it's just that they already know each other and that they have most likely been looking forward to catching up with and seeing each other at the Rally. For some people that may seem like you're being ignored or not welcomed by "everyone", for me there's a big difference though between not being welcomed by "anyone" vs "everyone" and if we weren't welcomed by anyone I could see us feeling differently.

Since I've only been to one Rally, I really don't know what I do or don't like about them yet, but we had such a good time at our first Rally that before we left the campground I made the booking for our second.

ziggysun · Nov 14, 2017

JWalker said:
Got me thinking of our upcoming Region Rally. We always have a Meet N Greet the first night of the rally. But maybe that isn’t enough. Now I’m thinking a “first timers” gathering might be good. Give everyone an idea what to expect and what to do.

Thanks

Jamie,
That might be a good idea, either a first timers gathering or even a little cheat sheet sent via email or handed out for first timers could be helpful. I can honestly say that I had no idea what to expect at our first Rally. I did see the Agenda and time for the Meet N Greet at 6pm, but had no idea we should be punctual since we would be introduced! If I'd have known, we would have been there prior to 6pm. I thought it was going to be different then what it actually was. Nothing like being late for your new introduction into the group

I also didn't know that we should bring our own drinks to the Meet N Greet. We caught on, but a little cheat sheet probably would have helped to eliminate our awkward moments.

Things I Like About Rallies and Things I Don't

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