What CCR is to me

[eljeffe]

The Curve Cowboy Reunion began with a few BMW enthusiasts who met at Broken Bow, Oklahoma, over three days in September, 2000. They created the opportunity for K1200LT owners and riders to get together, 'in real life', outside of the internet. The camaraderie and joy of the ride at that beginning leads us still, this year to Midway, Utah, in August.

As the concept of Luxury Touring changed from a singular focus on the K1200LT, the reunion opened itself to enthusiasts on all brands and models of motorcycle with an emphasis on two-up motorcycle travel experience. The CCR event promotes three fundamental goals: to present a positive view of motorcycling; to promote rider education and safety; and to make a positive impact by contributing to a worthy local group serving children to help them achieve its charitable purpose in the host community.

Going into my 9th year attending this event, I've seen it evolve from a few bikes meeting ad hoc at a hotel in the hills of southeast Oklahoma, into a first-class event. The lifelong friends I have met along the way are now part of me. One of my favorite things to do at CCR is to sit in one of the common areas and meet different people. People like Monte Rogers, Greg Griffin, Jim Swanzy, David Taylor, Randy Prade, Larry Rosenstiel and many many others have become "family" to me, and it's because of CCR.

Each year, I spend hour upon hour and day upon day anticipating the ride out, the gathering of friends, and the unique adventure that each CCR provides.

Adventures like CCR 2001 in Hot Springs, when I couldn't ride due to a broken wrist I received just 3 weeks before the event. Jeff Washburn brought his LT sidecar rig and chauffered me throughout central Arkansas for a couple days. Also, having Admiral Don Arthur inspire us with encouraging words only weeks after the 9/11 attacks meant so much to me, personally.

2003 in Santa Fe when some of us "overdressed" the part and rode up to the Finale Banquet in our "Texas Tux and Tails". That picture alone drives the "dress code question" I get EVERY year for CCR. Another memorable moment in Santa Fe was the cream pie in Randy's face moment at the announcement of the next year's event for Gatlinburg, TN.

2005 in Grand Teton when it seemed that half the attendees showed up at Jim "Boer Goat" Sutton's room after the booze brothers gathering. After a couple vists by the hotel security staff, we were affectionately known as "Cell Block C". For those who have never been to the Jackson Lake Lodge, the units are arranged in A, B, C, etc., and the outer walls were constructed of a concrete and cinder block brick.

Or even 2004 in Breckenridge, when my wife suffered a motorcycle accident 20 miles after leaving the house for CCR. After dealing with the emergency room and 2 days recovery, she insisted that we still attend, even by SUV, so she could host the Friday Finale Banquet. I feel so lucky to have her, and that CCR has become so much a part of our life.

Each CCR brings its own unique adventure. Sometimes it's the journey to or from CCR. Sometimes it is CCR itself. No matter how you get to CCR, whether you come this year or next, or how you feel about name, the Curve Cowboy Reunion is an event you should consider.

I could go on and on, but the handful of volunteers, committee chairs, and board members who pull this event off year after year are dedicated to providing you with the best motorcycling experience possible and would love to have each and every one of you there.

Registration for CCR is now open - click here (http://www.curvecowboyreunion.com/.registration.php) to register.

[katnapinn]

Very well said Jeff :clapping: Last year was Sammie's & mine first CCR. You can't believe the FUN we had. The people make CCR what it is. People like Jeff & Ruth and TOO many more to name. If you can't make CCR this year please plan on next year and the next year and the next year after that one ;) So just come and have the time of your life. One memory from last year was meeting George Young on Friday morning we talked for hours. Well George talked I set there like a wide eyed kid listening to all his tails of the road. For those who don't know George he was hit by a drunk driver in early 2007 . He lost his leg below the knee but still made it to CCR. We also meet Jim Swanzy who is also from Austin (My home town). Jim's daughter is one of our Vets. Funny we had to drive 700 miles to meet someone from home. :rolleyes:

[Randy]

Here are ElJeffe and Ruth 'overdressed' for the Santa Fe Reunion.

http://www.prades.net/ccr2002/images/D50T1910sm.jpg

And who can forget Sonny, Grif and Barrett as 'hear no, speak no and see no'

http://www.prades.net/ccr2002/d50c1127_std.jpg

Or Grif taste testing BMW motor oil

http://www.prades.net/ccr2002/d50c1600_std.jpg

Mark Neblett and Don Arthur sharing mutual admiration:

http://www.prades.net/ccr2002/d50c1250_std.jpg

Or the parade of bikes going to Santa Fe BMW for the reception.

http://www.prades.net/ccr2002/d50c1754_std.jpg

Here (http://www.prades.net/ccr2002/index.htm) is an index of some more pictures from the Santa Fe Reunion. Someday I may get around to captioning them and breaking them into pages :histerica

[Randy]

While going through the pictures I found this one of our first 'Banquet' at CCR Broken Bow.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17664

A little more casual than the closing banquets we plan for now.

[eljeffe]

Steve,

You reminded me of something that had slipped my mind. Yes, George Young's story about how he lost his leg and the incredible account of his recovery and the positive attitude he showed left me in awe. It's only one of a many similar stories that really make CCR special.

Very well said Jeff :clapping: Last year was Sammie's & mine first CCR. You can't believe the FUN we had. The people make CCR what it is. People like Jeff & Ruth and TOO many more to name. If you can't make CCR this year please plan on next year and the next year and the next year after that one ;) So just come and have the time of your life. One memory from last year was meeting George Young on Friday morning we talked for hours. Well George talked I set there like a wide eyed kid listening to all his tails of the road. For those who don't know George he was hit by a drunk driver in early 2007 . He lost his leg below the knee but still made it to CCR. We also meet Jim Swanzy who is also from Austin (My home town). Jim's daughter is one of our Vets. Funny we had to drive 700 miles to meet someone from home. :rolleyes:

[eljeffe]

While going through the pictures I found this one of our first 'Banquet' at CCR Broken Bow.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17664

A little more casual than the closing banquets we plan for now.

Hey Randy,

That wasn't the banquet. That was just dinner. The banquet was the BBQ catered to the picnic area by the lake. The one that had NO lighting and took 20 LTs to provide enough light to finish dinner.

I wish I had that video of Don McCale singing "Canyon Red Blues"

[eljeffe]

If you want to go back with Mr Peabody in the Wayback Machine, you can check these out:

Pics from CCR 2000 - http://www.curvecowboyreunion.com/CCR2001/ccri.htm

Pics from CCR 2001 - http://www.curvecowboyreunion.com/CCR2002/ccrii.htm

My favorite is the one from 2001 is Tony staring down at his bike after Mark and Raffy had disassembled it. Check out the look on his face:

http://www.curvecowboyreunion.com/CCR2002/images/andytechsession3.jpg

[grifscoots]

The Canyon Red Blues from the first CCR. It might seem like it, but nobody was drinking!

http://www.bmwlt.com:80/files/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pos=0

[MotoGirl]

Hey Jeff,
Appeal to my analytical side. How many women riders from the first CCR to the present? My first CCR was Gatlinburg, and I remember a few lady riders, Ruth, Michele, and Connie come to mind. Have you seen an increase in women riding their own? I rode to Braselton, and hope to ride to Utah, if I can convince Dave we can afford the gas!

[Steve_R]

What Jeff said. :thumb:

My wife wasn't real sure that she wanted to go to any type of bike rally. After our first at Grand Teton in '05, I am under orders to sign us up for the next year as soon as it opens for registration. My dear wife is not a big group type person, but this is one event that she has come to love because of the people.

We both hope to see you at CCR this year.

[eljeffe]

Hey Jeff,
Appeal to my analytical side. How many women riders from the first CCR to the present? My first CCR was Gatlinburg, and I remember a few lady riders, Ruth, Michele, and Connie come to mind. Have you seen an increase in women riding their own? I rode to Braselton, and hope to ride to Utah, if I can convince Dave we can afford the gas!

Gail,

The number of women riders to CCR grows every year. I believe the first year, there was only 1 -- Ruth. We have definitely seen the number of women riders grow.

As for the gas, just remind Dave that it costs much more to fly you out (especially when you fly First Class).

[eljeffe]

Grif,

Remember, the Booze Brothers didn't take off until Santa Fe. It began as a simple scotch tasting event as Victor brought over some very nice selections from Europe.

Over the years, it has taken on its own personality and creates its own legend every year. No matter whether you drink or not, the Booze Brothers provides a wonderful forum for the most interesting of discussions you can imagine.

[hoog62]

Gail,

The number of women riders to CCR grows every year. I believe the first year, there was only 1 -- Ruth. We have definitely seen the number of women riders grow.

As for the gas, just remind Dave that it costs much more to fly you out (especially when you fly First Class).

That seat on the back of the LT....IS...first class. ;)

[SweetPea]

Or even 2004 in Breckenridge, when my wife suffered a motorcycle accident 20 miles after leaving the house for CCR. After dealing with the emergency room and 2 days recovery, she insisted that we still attend, even by SUV, so she could host the Friday Finale Banquet. I feel so lucky to have her, and that CCR has become so much a part of our life.

Ah, yes. Breakenridge. I made the trip just 4 months after two major scoliosis correction surgeries. Ruth on her lil scooter and me in my stylish blue plastic back brace! Just goes to show there isn't much that will keep some folk from attending this great event!

And, yes, Jeff. You are VERY lucky to have Ruth in your life!

[Dick]

Hey Jeff,
Appeal to my analytical side. How many women riders from the first CCR to the present? My first CCR was Gatlinburg, and I remember a few lady riders, Ruth, Michele, and Connie come to mind. Have you seen an increase in women riding their own? I rode to Braselton, and hope to ride to Utah, if I can convince Dave we can afford the gas!
And I remember 'LadyHawke', Sonya Owens, out of the DC area, came to her first CCR in Gatlinburg. Rode her Night Black LT there and had a grand ole time. Promised to attend some future CCRs, and I see she wuz registered for Chateau Elan in '06.

[grifscoots]

There's a gal who rides her scooter out of Canada.

[Randy]

Grif,

Remember, the Booze Brothers didn't take off until Santa Fe. It began as a simple scotch tasting event as Victor brought over some very nice selections from Europe.

Over the years, it has taken on its own personality and creates its own legend every year. No matter whether you drink or not, the Booze Brothers provides a wonderful forum for the most interesting of discussions you can imagine.
Remember where the Booze Brothers met? Due to the New Mexico liquor laws, we could only despense in a sleeping room. Unfortunately with the hours the Booze Brothers kept, there wasn't much night left for sleeping.

Ah, yes - Victor...

http://www.prades.net/ccr2002/d50c1400_std.jpg

[eljeffe]

I think the pinnacle of the Booze Brothers experience was at Chateau Elan in 2006. Where our man at the hotel, Abu, was able to wrangle tables, chairs, ice, and drink setups at the snap of a finger (or was it the waiving of $100 bills). In retrospect, I still think we should have taken up Abu's offer to get us a bunch of golf carts for the first annual CCR boer goat rodeo. Did anyone get a picture of Abu?

Memories. Memories. It's a time when Floyd brought a cooler of fine beverages from the Abita Springs Brewing Company in Abita Springs, Louisiana. MMMMMM.... Abita (said in my best Homer Simpson voice)

[hschisler]

There's a gal who rides her scooter out of Canada.She (on her Burgman) and he (on his LT) have been to CCR '06 and CCR '07. Very impressive -- riding to Atlanta from Saskatchewan!

[Mitch_Rider]

Randy,
In your collection of Sante Fe pictures there is a great picture of Graham and Connie with her great smile. I am sure it is just how she would like to be remembered. It is a smile, that we who were fortunate to know her, surely miss.
A moment of silence in her memory.

[Randy]

Randy,
In your collection of Sante Fe pictures there is a great picture of Graham and Connie with her great smile. I am sure it is just how she would like to be remembered. It is a smile, that we who were fortunate to know her, surely miss.
A moment of silence in her memory.
That one struck me as well.

[DavidTaylor]

I, too, am really looking forward to CCR this year. I think Jeff and others have painted a great picture about what this even means and the fantastic memories and friendships that are formed at and through the reunion. And I still lik ethe fact that Booze Brothers has taken on a life of its own as an "official" unnofficial event each year. Where's an Indonesian goose merchant when you need one? :D

[SweetPea]

Hey Jeff,
Appeal to my analytical side. How many women riders from the first CCR to the present? My first CCR was Gatlinburg, and I remember a few lady riders, Ruth, Michele, and Connie come to mind. Have you seen an increase in women riding their own? I rode to Braselton, and hope to ride to Utah, if I can convince Dave we can afford the gas!

Rode mine to Chateau Elan and Tan-tar-a. Plan to ride again this year.

[Wolfgang]

For Emily and I it has become an annual "must do" event. Our life has been turbulent in the last few years, here is what we had to do to attend:

Gatlinburg: The day before we left Houston I found out that my company was bought out and I had to attend a meeting on Wednesday. We went ahead and I flew from Knoxville to Houston and back to attend the meeting. Left Tuesday night, came back Thursday morning. The Portugues vistor let me use his rental car to go to Knoxville and back. I in turn let Victor from Holland use my LT while I was gone.

Tetons: We were right in the middle of moving from Houston to Miami. Lots of our stuff was packed in the Motor Home. We took a detour and the Houston Miami Motor Home trip included a one week stop over at CCR in Wyoming (!) with the LT in tow.

Chateau Elan: I was working in Puerto Rico. We flew to Atlanta got the Bike out of Storage at my mother-in-laws and attended CCR. The sponsoring BMW dealer tried real hard to ruin the trip but we did get a few short rides in.

Tan-Tar-A: When I negotiated my current job in The Woodlands I negotiated a weeks vacation only a few month into the job. Several people here ask me: How did you get them to agree, this is not normally done? The guy that hired me is a rider too (HD) and he understood that it was not negotiable.

This year looks like there are no challenges..so far.

[MotoGirl]

Rode mine to Chateau Elan and Tan-tar-a. Plan to ride again this year.

SweetPea,
I have a picture somewhere of you and John leaving Chateau Elan. You're giving the LT a run for its money. I plan to do a SS1000 on this CCR trip.

[Steve_R]

Here's what CCR is really all about. The construction work you see going on here is from the monies that came from CCR 07 for Camp David of the Ozarks (http://www.campdavidozarks.org).

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17684&stc=1

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17685&stc=1

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17686&stc=1

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17687&stc=1

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17688&stc=1

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17689&stc=1

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17690&stc=1

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17691&stc=1

While all the things we've mentioned make CCR great, affecting the lives of young people for the better, is the BEST!!!!

[icepick578]

Top Ten Things ...

New friends -- putting faces with names
Sharing knowledge and wisdom about our favorite moto.
New Gear!
Cooking Classes!!!
Cuban cigars on the patio to repel mosquitos for the Booze Brothers
Making kids I don't know smile
Seeing new real estate sliding past
Smiling strangers handing out bottles of water
Volunteering to make it happen
Especially, remembering old friends, both present and absent

[DaveDragon]

These are a few of my favorites


Tire Kicking with a couple-a-hundred close friends
Vendors, Vendors, and oh yea, Vendors
The quiet, monastic and almost Zen like peaceful moments known euphemistically as the Booze Brothers
Hanging out with Old & New Friends
Enjoying the Great Locations
Tech Sessions by folks that know what it's all about
Punking the poor brother that can't make it to CCR
The banquet, the reception, really all of the organized get together

[katnapinn]

Well since Jeff started this thread I thought it only far to show a memory of last years CCR that I just found. :rolleyes:
Just another day at CCR :histerica

[hschisler]

A fond memory of CCR '07 happened right after Caity and I walked into the lobby of Tan-Tar-A. We had ridden for the better part of 3 days (took the long way there from Ohio) and were hot and tired. Raffy walked up and handed me an ice-cold beer. The man read my mind and knew what a brother needed.

Sometimes it's the simple things that make an event great. In the case of CCR, it's all those, plus the people.

[SweetPea]

SweetPea,
You're giving the LT a run for its money.
I do that quite often. Or, at least John lets me think I do.

I plan to do a SS1000 on this CCR trip.
Excellent! I can't wait to hear about it when you get there!

[SweetPea]

Thanks for sharing those pics Steve. It always brings a lump to my throat each year when we present the monies to the charity. Brings tears to the eyes to actually see those monies being put to use.

THAT'S what it ALL about!

[SweetPea]

Well since Jeff started this thread I thought it only far to show a memory of last years CCR that I just found. :rolleyes:
Just another day at CCR :histerica

Nice pic. I do believe that was the high fashion for the afternoon in the lobby that day. ;)

Then there was that silver puzzle that clown had......

[katnapinn]

Nice pic. I do believe that was the high fashion for the afternoon in the lobby that day. ;)

Then there was that silver puzzle that clown had......
I forgot about that puzzle. did anyone ever figure it out? :eek:

[SweetPea]

I forgot about that puzzle. did anyone ever figure it out? :eek:

Yep - but I think with a lil help of Google.

[Wolfgang]

110 days till CCR... WOW that is a long time :(

[cb550f]

What Jeff said. :thumb:

My wife wasn't real sure that she wanted to go to any type of bike rally. After our first at Grand Teton in '05, I am under orders to sign us up for the next year as soon as it opens for registration. My dear wife is not a big group type person, but this is one event that she has come to love because of the people.

We both hope to see you at CCR this year.
"While all the things we've mentioned make CCR great, affecting the lives of young people for the better, is the BEST!!!!"[QUOTE]

What Steve said! :) Helping others in some way every year is what separates this group from most of the others IMHO.


Vonda just had knee replacement surgery April 28th. One of the reasons for having it on that date? Recovery in time for CCR2008. Seems we schedule our year around the next CCR... not that that's a problem:).

[Wolfgang]

Realized today that I had not yet made hotel reservations. Now it's done. The room rate is a bargain for the type of place and location!

One week of the best riding, seeing friends, eating and drinking well, spending money on farkels, and it all benefits a good cause. A classic win-win situation.