Don't know if anyone's ever suggested this, but...

[CarolynS]

The VW club I belonged to had a 'Guide'.
In it everyone that was interested listed themselves and what they had to offer. It was alot of fun to have and a great resource for meeting people and having resources when traveling.
I've been on here long enough to know now that everyone here is alot like the VDubbers were-DIFFERENT!
I listed myself in the book(at that time)with town, phone, and what I had to offer(no smart remarks)whether it was place to crash, tools, garage space, coffee and conversation, etc. The object of the book/listing was if someone was in the area from out of town and had a break down, or wanted to meet another enthusiast, they could contact the person nearest by.
This site has the PM system, but what if you're not near a computer? The book was small enough to fit in the glove compartment so you could take it with you.
It wouldn't be that hard to print one up. I have some connections with a printer. You all seem to really travel on these old bikes, and I'm inspired by WildKat and John and the fun everyone had there. Not to mention I have an XSive that is in my neighborhood next week who is coming by to have coffee and 'shoot the breeze' about the bikes and hopefully lend a hand if I need it-LOL! Sometimes you head out on a trip and wind up near another one of 'your kind' and would like to stop by but you don't know if it would be okay.
Maybe it's a dumb idea or one that you've already tried, but I thought I would suggest it to see if anyone was interested.
Just a thought...Once I have the bike back, I plan on some long trips, and I thought it might be fun to have a guide.
Whaddaya think everyone?

[Paintman]

HMM the XS pages

I think its a great idea im game.

John

[blue giant]

Great idea!
Should be available on line allowing it to be updated as new members join. It would then be easy to refer to it or print a copy off from time to time to keep in ones pocket.



Just my 2 cents Carolyn.

[madmax-im]

A Rider's Area Network...RAN List...I belong to the ST -Owners forum and they use this ...its quite extensive.A great resource of people who can help if you need it in any way...any state you go through...I'm surprised no one else thought of this here...its a good idea

[CarolynS]

The one we had was printed and mailed every year. That way people were added or removed from the previous printing. Of course that was before the online approach was so widespread. We can hammer out the details as we go.
It had a legend. Something like this:
c/c-coffee and conversation.
t/a-tools available.
g/s-garage space.
o/a-overnight accomodations.
etc...
That way you knew what the other party had to offer before you stopped by. If they wanted to do more, they could, but it saved any awkwardness because it was already expressed in the guide.
Sometimes you stop by to visit and it winds up going late into the night because everyone's having a good time, or you had engine or tire problems and it winds up being too late to go home. I don't know about everyone else, but I don't mind a tent or a space on the couch for one night if the company's good. I have extra tires and parts in my garage that I would willingly donate on faith to get someone else home. That's part of the idea behind it.

[madmax-im]

Or if you have a truck or a trailer ..can assist in transporting a bike and rider...overnite accomodations....access to a dealer or repair facility or any other type of emergency...

[CarolynS]

Exactly!

[The Lorax]

Sounds good to me, a fine idea all the way around. have a nice day and ride safe.

[Stralya]

Australian version.

The new 'World's Thinnest Book'

Dan
Almost alone.

[wa407mpp]

Good idea, if you are passing through a small tourist town like mine, it can be a impossible to get a hotel room during the season, if you are stranded or just want to need to wait out the weather.

[randy]

XS-cellent idea. We could make it a downloadable link, then we can each print our own copy.

[xs11jack]

Right on Randy

Randy your downloadable file seems to be the best idea. No printing costs, no time lost checking each entry to see if they still are with us, etc. Since we already have the U.S. divided up for rally and rides, one would only print out the sections he/she will be riding in. I am all for it!!!

[CarolynS]

Somebody make a note somewhere...

I have had ONE good idea!!

I was going to sit down tonight with a note pad and come up with the legend to put at the top for quick reference. How to put together a file like that is something I think I can do, but I'm sure the more technical of us here can do a better job than I could. I am not really the kind to make a suggestion and then let everyone else put it together.
If it was something like the member locator but one you could download and print; separated by region along the lines of the rallies section of this site; having a legend would save space and time-you only need one at the beginning-folks making entries only have to type in the codes. Even the 'lurkers' here could be included if they wanted, just add themselves in. Some of the people here want to be included, but are not good on a keyboard(typing wise or spelling wise)or they are more face to face types. They are still nice people with alot to share, the computer is just not their choice for communication.
I'll try to come up with something intelligent that will work and be easy for everyone to understand. Also, so far I haven't heard from any of the Moderators as to how feasible this is, if at all. I don't want to highjack something or make waves. With as much fun as you all have here, and for one who wants to be included, I just thought it would be a nice idea that would hopefully open folks up to more camraderie within the 'club', and more opportunites to spend time together off of the computer, in 'real time'. WildKat and John were sort of the inspiration, along with another XSive I know is up in my area now. If he broke down while riding, I have a trailer, tools, a garage and a futon to offer, all he would have to do is call and the cavalry would roll out!!
I'll work on that tonight and post a couple of ideas, unless anyone has any objections.

[randy]

I think if it was an excel file it would be useful, could be data sorted by location at will by the user.

The file can also be password locked so no lowlife (and we've seen a few here) would get a hold of our personal data, not to mention the addresses where all of our most precous posessions are stored!

[CarolynS]

Like I said...

You all are much more well acquainted with the wants and needs than I am. I defer to your expertise. Security is a concern-with everything these days-that's why Town is as specific as it gets with regards to locations.
If everyone contributes ideas, it will work out.