WBCCI Intl Rally in Sedalia, Missouri

[Rugger]

A couple of naive questions here...all asked with the best intent.

First...we're thinking of attending the WBCCI Intl Rally in Sedalia, Missouri this June. Will we be welcome? Two guys, fresh pasta, one trailer? Will any of the "Friends of Dorothy" forum be there? Honestly, I've resisted joining WBCCI because we weren't interested in the Miss Teen Airstream pageant, the politics, wearing a blue Beret or any of the "couples" get togethers. We are friendly, well travelled, educated, have a great sense of humor and honestly do enjoy the company of all others. We do not want to be uncomfortable or cause any discomfort, but want to be ourselves and meet new people of every stripe.

The WBCCI numbers....Im not in favor of adorning our trailer with decals or other stuff, but are wondering if anyone else displays their WBCCI numbers.

Thanks!

Roger and Nate [and Sidney, our trusty cattle dog!]

[wkerfoot]

Rugger,

I can only answer your FOD question as it relates to my unit and the VAC, you would be welcomed. I have met FOD at the two international's we attended, but I cannot say how they were welcomed by everyone.

At El Camino Real and VAC functions, your potluck contributions will be appreciated.

Regarding the WBCCI numbers, they are very important. It is difficult to locate one trailer in 500 to 900 when they all look the same. It is not necessary to place the numbers permanently on the trailer shell, but the numbers should be prominent. It can be on a board leaning on the front and back of the trailer or in static cling film inside the front and rear window. If a friend is looking for you, you want them to find your trailer and not someone else's. I have the numbers permanently affixed to my Safari and static cling on the Liner, until polishing is completed.

Bill

Originally Posted by Rugger

A couple of naive questions here...all asked with the best intent.

First...we're thinking of attending the WBCCI Intl Rally in Sedalia, Missouri this June. Will we be welcome? Two guys, fresh pasta, one trailer? Will any of the "Friends of Dorothy" forum be there? Honestly, I've resisted joining WBCCI because we weren't interested in the Miss Teen Airstream pageant, the politics, wearing a blue Beret or any of the "couples" get togethers. We are friendly, well travelled, educated, have a great sense of humor and honestly do enjoy the company of all others. We do not want to be uncomfortable or cause any discomfort, but want to be ourselves and meet new people of every stripe.

The WBCCI numbers....Im not in favor of adorning our trailer with decals or other stuff, but are wondering if anyone else displays their WBCCI numbers.

Thanks!

Roger and Nate [and Sidney, our trusty cattle dog!]

[TBRich]

Roger and Nate...

Point 1: I cannot speak from personal experience because we have not attended an International Rally yet. I can only speak from our own experience with the Four Corners Unit... FOD are certainly welcomed to our unit — we have 10 FOD memberships in our unit, both couples and singles... we have been welcomed with open arms and we all get along famously with everyone we've met in the unit. And we love hanging out with them all. I know there are other units that are welcoming... I'll venture a guess and say the New England Unit and probably the Washington DC Unit, and I'm sure there are others. The DenCo Unit seems accepting, too. The International Rally is likely to be a very diverse gathering. If you want to go, I'd say do it... My guess is that you will be able to find folks who you can befriend... If you can't, ask where the 4CU folks are.

Point 2: We do not have our numbers on our trailer...they call us "Baldies"... But you will need to have them displayed in some manner at the International Rally because that's how they identify you and keep track of where you are located. We have never HAD to have them displayed for an event, but if we do, we intend to mount them on a piece of plexiglass and put it somewhere in the front of the trailer...maybe on top of the propane tank cover.

Please go and represent us well...we need forward thinking people represented at every level we can...

[overlander64]

Greetings Roger and Nate!

Originally Posted by Rugger

A couple of naive questions here...all asked with the best intent.

First...we're thinking of attending the WBCCI Intl Rally in Sedalia, Missouri this June. Will we be welcome? Two guys, fresh pasta, one trailer? Will any of the "Friends of Dorothy" forum be there? Honestly, I've resisted joining WBCCI because we weren't interested in the Miss Teen Airstream pageant, the politics, wearing a blue Beret or any of the "couples" get togethers. We are friendly, well travelled, educated, have a great sense of humor and honestly do enjoy the company of all others. We do not want to be uncomfortable or cause any discomfort, but want to be ourselves and meet new people of every stripe.

The WBCCI numbers....Im not in favor of adorning our trailer with decals or other stuff, but are wondering if anyone else displays their WBCCI numbers.

Thanks!

Roger and Nate [and Sidney, our trusty cattle dog!]

I have been a WBCCI member since 1995, and have attended the vast majority of the International Rallys since 1998. Found that I enjoyed the WBCCI so much that I became a Life Member about seven or eight years ago. What I have learned over the years about the International Rallys:

• The camaraderie experienced in the Vintage Airstream Club parking area is something to be remembered (I have been a VAC member throughout my tenure with the WBCCI). The VAC group is exceptionally welcoming to all whom participate. (You can join the VAC as a Vintage Admirer that allows you to park with the VAC at International even if your coach isn't Vintage . . . you may be asked to parade in with the VAC to be parked with the VAC.)
• When parked with the VAC, you can count on a social event each evening referred to as a 4-o'clock or "Happy Hour". Everyone bring a pass-around to share and each bring his/her preference of beverage . . . and discussions will abound regading activities of the day. Activities range from attending seminars and/ or programs as well as touring the area surrounding the Rally site. Often, small groups of from four to ten will form and either eat dinner togeather under one of the members awnings . . . or will carpool to an area restaurant for dinner.
• As First-Timers, you will be welcomed with fanfare and photos upon registration, and you will be issued a yellow First-Timers ribbon. (Name badge and rally ribbons are required for entrance to rally programs.)
• Many in the VAC parking area forego the evening programs or attend only selected programs. I generally only attend two or three of the evening programs. My favorite is the program that features the WBCCI band.
• As a general rule, the VAC membership tends to be somewhat younger than the WBCCI as a whole. Everyone in the VAC is young-at-heart and I am confident that you would find much to enjoy in the company of fellow VAC members at an International Rally.

As others have posted, not everyone permanently attaches their numbers to the coach. Some of the display methods that I have observed include:

• Attaching the numbers to a plexiglass panel with one panel displayed to the rear of the coach and another displayed in the front.
• Attaching numbers to the top edge of the front and rear windows.
• Attaching numbers to magnetic sign material and placing them on the front and rear domes during the rally . . . this only works for Argosy coaches that have galvanized steel endcaps (and the rear will likely blow off is left on while in transit . . . my front has stayed on for multiple trips without problem.
• Custom-made flag front and rear with the number featured.

Displaying the numbers is critical for location purposes during the Rally. Rally officials may need to locate your rig should someone among your friends or family experience an emergency . . . when registering for the rally, contact information is provided that you can share with family and friends who might need to contact you in an emergency. (I have had to be located by Rally officials twice when members of my family had medical emergencies while I was attending one of the International Rallys.) Your numbers also act as an address should you or your partner experience a medical emergency and need an ambulance . . . your unique adress includes parking area color, letter, row number, and your unit number . . . it is amazing how efficiently emergency services can be dispatched at an International Rally. Friends you meet during the Rally will also utilize your unique address to find you when visiting.

I would encourage you to experience at least one year's membership in the WBCCI including attending and International Rally just to see whether it is a good fit. I think that you might be pleasantly surprised, particularly if you join in with the VAC.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[xrvr]

Numbers on the trailers allow emergency personell and authorities to ID you. Suppose one was in an accident away from the rallye or trailer, having the numbers registered at rallye office would allow these people to locate your trailer and notify anyone who may be there. Otherwise you are just another AS among hundreds. jim

[Pahaska]

The International rally is dieing a slow death. I have attended 5 and will attend no more. The VAC camaraderie is about the only thing good about it.

I would advise you skip the International and attend Alumapalooza instead. Half the cost and twice the enjoyment. Generally a younger crowd, but a lot more inclusive. Fewer rules, no pomp, no berets. The Airstream plant goes all out to support the rally.

[crazeevw]

Honestly, the more I read about the WBCCI, the more I've decided to not join at all. Yes, I know, I know, it's the members who make it all worthwhile, but each time I read about the hullabalo about the 'Executives' wanting to bring in non-Airstreams into the group, I've realized it's just a bunch of hooey!
I avoid politics at all costs, especially when I'm just out to have fun camping.
Sure there's some good points to the WBCCI, but as a Full-Time employee, with not that many annual vacation days, spending them somewhere where I'm not enjoying myself and my Airstream, I think I'll PASS!
Thanks, Derek

[raveson]

Quick note: As I have stated on other threads, I have not attended a WBCCI event for the last 15 years for good reason. The only one we did was not what I would call pretty. Note most of the WBCCI participants were at thet time close to or older than I am now (60's). I can only hope that attitudes have changed and have a younger perspective on life. Am going to try again (I think for the FL Rally). Hope the attitude will be different!

[DanB]

Roger and Nate,

Despite the naysayers, I suggest you go to Sedalia and have fun. I know everyone from NOVA would welcome you and your pasta with open arms.

Like almost all others there, the politics are left to those who enjoy them. The fun is enjoyed by all.

[crazeevw]

Ok,
Change of heart here. I will be attending the Florida State Rally for 2012 in Sarasota. I will only be going down for the day though, more to enjoy the times with my friend who owns a Vintage Airstream trailer. As well, to check out the Rally itself.
Maybe after attending for the day, I'll change my mind about the WBCCI. We'll see.....