No offense, but I'm not sure we're a first class crowd as a whole. I mean, I like a first class hotel as much as the next guy, but the Makai seems to be right on par with what we need. You're not going to keep people from making a mess of the rooms or doing burnouts in the parking lot so we might as well stay somewhere that expects it and accepts it.
Guiness – no offence taken (and thank you for that, very kind as always). Class is just a state of mind…how you treat others or handle yourself at given moments, but I understand and agree with you regarding what some places can tolerate due to other guests’ personal venues. I think we DO have a first class crowd (that likes to spend money to ride and party)…you’ve always handled yourself first class rate when I was around, obviously Ocean Walk Shoppes upper management feels Ross (last Discovery vid) and Pierre (double backflip in front of that nice backdrop) handle themselves first class…which they do (and mgmt must not think I’m stupid). Some people aren’t always responsible (we all have our meets like that for sure, ha ha). I think the key is to make the other guests WANT to be around you (self-marketing, and yes, that does require some responsibility/expectations). All resorts are set up differently, segregated areas for events/parties, etc (that fact is super beneficial for designated party areas). I’m thinking it’s just a matter of keeping your eyes/ears open always to opportunities…this could be one (never know).
As agreed, behavior/representation is seriously important. WJ can tell you how loud we got, and how much fun we had at the wonderful place they provided this year (especially since mother nature wasn’t cooperative in a few ways/riding wise only)…yet they have signs on the street saying you can’t curse too up there, ha ha (not that I personally do much, but the Canadians and a few others luved the signs). Hindsight maybe, request a lax security guard be on duty next time instead of Barney, and let the place know up front so they can work out designated areas for a large group of paying customers (who can attract business if marketed hardcore). Your point is so extremely valid is what I’m saying. I would imagine motocross and surfers go through the same thing, so I wonder how they handle it.
Speaking of surfers, the first stop on their tour is in Sebby directly prior to our freeride, and I just located one of their film producers. I’m still thinking about contacting that advertising agency I’m tight with though maybe…the helicopter tour rides are directly next to Ocean Walk Shoppes (according to google)…how convenient…bet something could be worked with them for filming, plus they would love the extra exposure. Simply brainstorming ideas to make things even cooler than they always are for all, and trying to help think ahead for growth. You don't expect the freeride to get smaller do you (Moondance, I agree with you...it is far from broken...it will keep growing), with the right attitude.
The Makai is wonderful in so many ways as you say, and they are always troopers (I always hang out there, and I LUV the hot tub locale and multi-level parking gararge/courtyard). Yet many people do seem to continually express the wish for better accommodations, and many people simply make those arrangements without mentioning it (why this thread was originally created). No matter what, we ALL always hang together. There’s nothing that says you can’t have more than one hotel sponsoring you (or a multi million dollar tourist commercial real estate management company), especially as an event/sport grows (they all want the revenue, especially now…good time to approach…just like it’s a good time to buy solid producing stocks if you can). That’s my view on it at least, yet I do see your view as well…surely there is a happy medium as it continues to grow. I think that always needs to be sought in life in general…a good balance.
still in business for the last 5 years and no one single ad in the paper and with the crisis on this days i am book till march of 09 so miss suzie i am not mexican i am italian and if i was mexican i be proud of it, i dont work any other deal with prices i dont really care i think the makai is perfect for the event but i am the one who makes the best afterpartys and this year it be off the chain so i think i did my part for the freeride other than i be helping few females here and there with their needs at nite time
