Hey guys, thanks for posting the meeting minutes online and for the welcome extended to Appalachia Cruisers. As a longtime member of STLCA and a newly-formed AC member I want to let everyone know why a new TLCA chapter was created and also to address the concerns brought up at the last meeting.
Appalachia Cruisers was formed so the Landcruiser enthusiasts in the Knoxville area can get together regularly to have some beers & talk about Cruisers and to also do some local trail rides. The distance from Knoxville to Chattanooga and Nashville made it inconvenient for people in our area to do those things regularly within STLCA. Once a few of us started getting together the next logical step was to become affiliated with TLCA in order to be a legitimate club that would attract new members. Our intent is not to be in competition with STLCA, but rather be a complementary chapter to STLCA. All STLCA members are openly invited to join us at a meeting or trail ride. Just check the posts in our clubhouse.
In regards to the membership concern, I don't believe STLCA's membership will be negatively impacted. Those of us that have been members of STLCA plan to continue being members (it's fairly common for people to be members of more than one TLCA chapter). The new AC members from the Knoxville area are guys that wouldn't have become STLCA members anyways due to the distance factor mentioned above. Also, by having a local club we are bringing new members into TLCA which helps all of us.
As far as STLCA trail ride participation, I think that could actually be increased due to us getting some of these new members out on the trail when there is a ride in our area. Additionally, we have no interest in putting on any events. GSMTR is the main event in this part of the country and we hope to get a bunch of new guys out to experience it this year. Rance, Andy, Corey, and I are willing to support GSMTR however we can. Looking forward to seeing everyone in May!
- Shawn
Appalachia Cruisers was formed so the Landcruiser enthusiasts in the Knoxville area can get together regularly to have some beers & talk about Cruisers and to also do some local trail rides. The distance from Knoxville to Chattanooga and Nashville made it inconvenient for people in our area to do those things regularly within STLCA. Once a few of us started getting together the next logical step was to become affiliated with TLCA in order to be a legitimate club that would attract new members. Our intent is not to be in competition with STLCA, but rather be a complementary chapter to STLCA. All STLCA members are openly invited to join us at a meeting or trail ride. Just check the posts in our clubhouse.
In regards to the membership concern, I don't believe STLCA's membership will be negatively impacted. Those of us that have been members of STLCA plan to continue being members (it's fairly common for people to be members of more than one TLCA chapter). The new AC members from the Knoxville area are guys that wouldn't have become STLCA members anyways due to the distance factor mentioned above. Also, by having a local club we are bringing new members into TLCA which helps all of us.
As far as STLCA trail ride participation, I think that could actually be increased due to us getting some of these new members out on the trail when there is a ride in our area. Additionally, we have no interest in putting on any events. GSMTR is the main event in this part of the country and we hope to get a bunch of new guys out to experience it this year. Rance, Andy, Corey, and I are willing to support GSMTR however we can. Looking forward to seeing everyone in May!
- Shawn
