Introduction

[DFDureiko]

Hi all, I've sort of rediscovered this group after some time. I started in the WBCCI at 15 with my parents in 1977. Last November my parte and I sold the 1977 31ft my father bought and bought a 1996 34ft Excella from friends that had stopped airstreaming. it had been parked in storage in Vero Beach FL since 2000. I finally would up president of the Unit my family were charter members off in '77, the Cape Cod Unit, and my partner Bob will be prez next year. I'm mainly on this forum to see what is going on in regards to this forum, another club forming, and thoughts about the WBCCI. I read that people seem to like AIR Rallys better than WBCCI Unit Rallys? How is the format different exactly? I'm trying to learn and understand. I take alot for granted and am sorta comfortable with the way it is, only because I am familar with it. but I'm certainly open to change. I'm with everyone here in regards to the MH issue, as this is an Airstream Club as simple is that. Honestly how much of a sacrifce would it REALLY be for someone to trade in their 2006 Land Yaht XL for a new Classic Limited 34ft Slideout?
I have not decided to drop out if it passes yet. I hate to give up all those years in the club.....tough decision.
Dan Dureiko
North Franklin CT
President, Cape Cod Mass. Unit

[Sugarfoot]

Dan, welcome back, I'm glad you've rediscovered AIR forums. Unlike you, I've not had any prior exposure to the WBCCI, nor did my trailer in its former life. No big red or ghosted numbers. Not having been to a WBCCI rally yet, I can't comment on them. You ask about the format of forum rallies. I've been to three now. I'm not sure there really is a format. There is no agenda, no schedule, no meetings, no ceremony, no fees other than one's own expenses. Its just a bunch of folks getting together at the same location having the same common bond of owning Airstreams, wanting to own one, or knowing someone who does. Overall its pretty laid back and informal, no pressure, go where you want and do as you please. And of course we all love camping, socializing, seeing each other's rigs, discussing our adventures in ownership, eating, drinking, and being merry. There's lots of laughter at the forum rallies I've attended, and everyone is met with a hug, handshake, or smile.

The main reason I joined the WBCCI was for the VAC. No sentimentality here, but I have a strong respect for the history of the club. I hope to make it to one of my unit rallies soon with the WDCU, and to a VAC rally. Since you have grown up in the WBCCI, I can certainly understand your angst in being torn over issues facing the club. Leaving would be a tough decision.

[mistral blue]

Hi Dan. Welcome to the forums. It's great to see more WBCCI Unit officers interested in what's going on here.

The difference between an AIR Rally and a Unit rally? Well, I'm not sure I can answer that one satisfactorily. Aren't rallies really just parties? A gathering of friends? No dues with an AIR rally... No Consitution... Or Bylaws. But the people I party with in the WBCCI really ROCK and can have a good time in any deluge.

Thoughts about the WBCCI? Lots of strong feelings there. IMO, the IBT and some of the folks at the top of the food chain have lost touch with the membership and are incapable of leading. Last year it was a name change and this year it's 4 Winds. They have even decided to refuse to support the 50th Anniversary of the Capetown to Cairo Caravan! By these actions, they are telling me loud and clear that they are not interested in (1) Wally Byam; (2) Airstreams; or (3) International Caravans. Naturally, membership in the WBCCI (the Wally Byam Caravan Club International) under their stewardship is plummeting. How could it not?

Personally, I have lost all hope and confidence that the present International leadership can do anything about it and feel that they should all hand in their resignations. I don't think they have been honest with us. I don't think they care about us. I feel betrayed and I'm angry that none of them have thought enough about us to say anything anywhere on these forums.

But I still do love the WBCCI (believe it or not) -- and I don't have anywhere NEAR the history in it that you do. I will stay in the WBCCI and try to change it from within. Hopefully with your help.

Others are going to leave. I don't blame them at all.

[myboyburt]

Welcome back Dan! It's good to have more folks in Region 1 become active here on the forums.

Originally Posted by DFDureiko

I have not decided to drop out if it passes yet. I hate to give up all those years in the club.....tough decision.

My husband and I will not leave the club if the MH proposal passes even though we plan to vote no at our Unit's business meeting. We are having WAY too much fun to quit and have met so many great folks from all over the U.S and Canada because we are members of the WBCCI.

My point of view is there are no bad guys in this battle. Everyone is trying to save the club. It's just that we don't all agree on how to do it.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

[CanoeStream]

Hello Dan -- and welcome back! With Air #10590 you first joined the forums almost half of our history ago. Five years of ASForums pales by comparison with Wally's club. I'm glad you've checked us out again -- we're in the business of increasing our collective knowledge base together. Have Bob look in here too. Let us know what you like.