Okay guys and gals, been deliberating with the congress of DTT, etc, and I've got to post up a few things for you guys to mull over. In the past, the Barbers get together has been open to all of the Do The Ton folks. Years ago when it started, we had about 20 guys camping in the yard, drinking beer, and having a good time. The next year the number grew to 65-70. Last year we had well over 100. I'm just a single guy that enjoys hanging out with good friends and enjoying the company of people that don't make me crazy. There were a few things that came up last year that stressed me out, and I wanted to put it out here for all of you so that you know where I stand. There were a lot of random people that showed up that weren't affiliated with the site last year. That would be fine under normal circumstances because I enjoy meeting new people. Considering the magnitude that Mama Tried has grown to though, I've got to close off the gathering to people that aren't a part of our group or family of our group. I have a small 8 acre patch and really about 3 of them are usable, and a single dirt driveway (driveway of doom!). The traffic coming in and out of here gets really bad, and adding in random people doesn't make things easy on any of us. When people are showing up that I've never met and I don't know their names there is a problem from a security standpoint. I wish that the world were a place that we could all trust everyone all of the time, but it just isn't. I trust the DTT community. I have never received anything but grace from you guys and we all look out for one another. Unfortunately I am not a business and I have to look out for myself and my family as far as that kind of thing goes.
The camping spots are full. I have talked to a lot of you about coming via PM, etc. and as it stands there are already more campers than we have had before staying here. We will still be having the Saturday night party, and of course all of you guys are welcome here for that. We can also offer some other ideas as far as places to stay aside from here. I really appreciate all of your understanding on all of this, I guess I've just gotten "too big for my britches" as grandma used to say.
Couple of more things to keep in mind. I would really appreciate if you guys could bring tools with you when you come. Our bikes are old and they break, and will ultimately need fixed. I have tools, but only a couple of each. Last year the shop got into a lot of disarray post barbers. I don't mind people using my tools to fix things, but I have a standing policy of please if it gets used, put it back where you got it when you are done. This keeps things organized and keeps me from having to spend a week putting things back together. Bringing our own tools helps alleviate that because we have more than one of everything to share.
We are going to be locking up every morning and won't be unlocking until we get back from the park each night. This is just a security issue, but we are going to try and keep things secure for us and those of us that have things stored inside while we are gone. My wife or I don't feel comfortable leaving things unlocked during the day. It has taken me a long time to build up what I own and don't want it to walk off!
My wife and the other ladies will be riding this year, so we won't have vehicular transportation to and from the track. We can work out how to get folks there, but we personally will not have a car. Just something to think about.
Everybody bring beer and liquor. That is important.
Otherwise when things come up, I will post them here. I hate to have to address things like this, but as the event grows, we have to adapt. There is talk of renting an area for the weekend in future years so that we can fit everyone and that is a real possibility. Just got to keep it realistic for now and I don't want anyone to feel left out because that is not at all how it is. Just have to keep all of this stuff in mind.
Otherwise, this year will be a blast!
