[pasadenajim]

I've posted on a Delphi site about the Palm Springs event cancellation. I asked if their was any feeling that bikers should just show up anyway. A few have said they'll just be showing up. I posted again and asked if anyone thought we should boycott Palm Springs or engage in other concerted action. As of now, I have not gotten any response to that post (other than it's too bad that so many events are being canceled.) There's obviously very differing views on this Forum about the best course of action.

As for action, I'd ask everyone to think of their goal. If the goal is to "punish" Palm Springs, then don't spend any more money there. If the goal is to convince the people of Palm Springs that bikers are overall good people and should be permitted to have an event in THEIR town, any comments to the City of Palm Springs should be crafted in a way that doesn't antogonize the very people who control the decision making process and VALIDATE their thinking that bikers are a dangerous bunch.

 

[pasadenajim]

JimmyK, I understand and appreciate what you are saying. I also understand that the choices are pretty clear: 1. ignore what's going on and get the short stick; 2. boycott the offending cities/entities that offend us; or 3. work the system and change the minds of the small-minded.

I liked the event in Palm Springs. I enjoy walking the streets there, drinking in the bars and hanging out at hotel pools. I leave the gays alone. They leave me alone. That live and let live philosophy should appeal to bikers. The folks in Palm Springs control Palm Springs. They can decide what kind of events that want to permit to shut down the main street through town. I for one would like future events to be held there. I'm interested in turning around their misperceptions about bikers. 'Haven't decided whether I'll just show up in October. There are a lot of places to ride to. A lot of places to spend my money. I'd like to spend it in Palm Springs again, someday.

Don't forget, though, that Palm Springs was but one of many places that has already canceled biker events. Do all of them get boycotted? Or do we try to correct the imagine in people's minds that resulted in the cancellation of events that are often frequented by doctors and lawyers and such?

 

[pasadenajim]

Just remembered, singer/actor Sono Bono was a one time mayor of Palm Springs. He later became a U.S. Congressman. He was also a biker. He was a supporter of the first Palm Springs Bike Weekend. Unfortunately, he's not around to support the event at this time. I would also remind everyone that the event, while certainly financially helpful for the city, was originally designed as a fund raiser for local charities. As the event grew, a professional operation took over. However, local charities still receive significant revenues from the event. The beer garden was staffed by retirees! The local people will also suffer a direct financial loss by the cancellation of the event.

That a few small-minded and bigoted people have harmed a lot of others shouldn't be cause to economically harm even more.

 

[pasadenajim]

JimmyK, we do have common ground that lots of innocents have been unfairly hurt by what has occurred. Obsolutely. We just disagree on the method that will best resolve the problem.

 

[pasadenajim]

Different opinions are cool with me, too, JimmyK.

That's one of the things I like about you: you are a man who doesn't mince his words. No one has to try to figure out what you are thinking. You're pretty clear about it, yet you recognize that others can have different opinions.

Who else out there has thoughts on this subject?

 

[pasadenajim]

I'll be writing P/S City Manager David Ready tonight or tomorrow. I may even call him next week.

I'll let the H/D Forum know the results of my efforts.

For whoever is intersted, I will NOT wish the City of Palm Springs "good luck" with any parades they might have. IMHO, that is a bad idea. Such comments will NOT generate any good will with the City. My call may not make any difference for an event this year; however, I'm looking at the long term.

 

[pasadenajim]

Letter to P/S City Manager

I sent the e-mail below to the City Manager of Palm Springs. I will let you know of the response (if any). FYI. I travel in Mexico regularly. I NEVER have problems. Why? Because I realize I am a "guest". If you are going to write Palm Springs, I encourage you to remember, it's their town. Yes, we spend our money there but we are still their guests. Write accordingly.



David,

I'm a fan of Palm Springs. You have a great city and I enjoy visiting. I'm also a fan of motorcycling and I enjoy coupling my enjoyment of biking with your fine city. In this regard, I have been an attendee at the P/S Bike Weekend (now Hotride and Bike Weekend) since it originated in the parking lot at the Spa Hotel & Casino.

I have always made the experience at least a 2 night adventure. My girl and I were planning on once again enjoying steak and crab cakes on the Friday night of the event. We were looking forward to walking along the street, enjoying the experiencing while checking out several of the shops. We enjoyed visiting with the retirees serving beer in the beer garden. We were both very disappointed to hear that the event had been cancelled.

I recognize the concerns of your residents following the events at the Laughlin River Run. I attended the Laughlin event. The group I was with LEFT Laughlin after the terrible situation at Harrah's. I do not approve of gang violence. The overwhelming percentage of motorcyclists do NOT approve of gang violence. Such behavior is reprehensible.

Almost all of the motorcycle community attends events to have fun. We go to laugh, party and to spend money. We go to have a good time. We go to be with friends. We do not attend events to bring harm to a community.

Are large events likely to bring someone who misbehaves? Of course. However, Palm Springs is a convention community and you are aware that occasionally individuals may misbehave. The prior Bike Weekend events, though, have NOT brought any disproportionate misbehavior to Palm Springs. Rather, I believe the bikers have increased revenues for the community and overall behaved responsibly.

Palm Springs is a wonderful place for a biker event. I am asking on behalf of the thousands of responsible motorcyclists who have previously attended the Bike Weekend for the City to reconsider its decision to cancel the event. I am also asking that the City commit at this time to the dates for the event next year.

Although I live in Pasadena (thus, the name "pasadenajim"), I'd enjoy the opportunity to drive over to Palm Springs and chat. With you or whoever would enjoy a cup of coffee. My girl would come with me. She also rides. Oh, she's a first grade teacher. If this "chat" means talking to a group of people, fine. I've often given presentations at the Rivera Convention Center. If it means talking to just you, fine. I'd like the chance to make the pitch to save this wonderful event. And no, I do NOT have a financial interest in the event. I just think that Palm Springs and many motorcyclists would benefit from it.

Not all bikers are bad. Not all bikers are dangerous. Many of us have real jobs. Many of us would like to spend money in Palm Springs.

What can we do to get the event back on track? If not for this year, for next year? I'd appreciate hearing from you. You can reach me at the office, 213/894-5210. If I'm unavailable, ask my secretary to break in and tell me you are calling.

James Small


Jim [email protected] 2000 FLHTC
www.harleydavidsonforum.com www.cruisertalk.com
HOG (life) US 0513536 AMA (life) 643848
"Let's Roll!"

 

[pasadenajim]

Response from City of Palm Springs

For those interested, I received a response from the City Manager from the City of Palm Springs. He didn't accept my offer to meet; however, he did very clearly suggest that the City would enjoy having us back next year. We'll find out. IMHO, this is the most realistic result.


Mr. Small,
The Council would like the Bike Weekend to return next year....that is our intention if they still want to come to PS. The decision was based soley on safety concerns....real or imagined. Thank you for supporting our city, we do want to make it a fun place for all. If I can be of any assistance in the future, please let me know.

Thank you,
David Ready
City of Palm Springs