Just wondering.....

[Toolman]

I'm still a newbie here, so probably shouldn't even ask....and I certainly mean no disrespect....but I'm wondering how this rally got it's name "Curve Cowboy Reunion"?

With the recent release of one of Hollywood's latest "Brokeback Mountain", I can't help but snicker a bit now when I hear the words "Curve Cowboy". Just wondering what my wife and friends would initially think, if I told 'em I was goin' to the "Curve Cowboy Reunion"! Ok, all kidding aside....I am interested in why the rally has the word "cowboy" in it?

[grifscoots]

I'm still a newbie here, so probably shouldn't even ask....and I certainly mean no disrespect....but I'm wondering how this rally got it's name "Curve Cowboy Reunion"?

With the recent release of one of Hollywood's latest "Brokeback Mountain", I can't help but snicker a bit now when I hear the words "Curve Cowboy". Just wondering what my wife and friends would initially think, if I told 'em I was goin' to the "Curve Cowboy Reunion"! Ok, all kidding aside....I am interested in why the rally has the word "cowboy" in it?

Since the reunion was basically started South of the Mason/Dixon line and seeings how we love to strafe corners, well, here is a perspective from one of the original members....

“Curve Cowboy Reunion”

The origin

1/23/03







Like all tales, this one starts simple enough, but blurs with growth. The name, not unlike the event that it depicts, Curve Cowboy Reunion, has taken on a life of it’s own with dynamic definitions always changing. Just as sure as the dust devil whisks the wooden walks of a western town and blows the evidence of it’s presence under hoop skirts, Curve Cowboy Reunion has gotten under our skin. The character of Curve Cowboy Reunion has contained reflective glimpses of gunfighters looking for the “edge”, an “iron horse” sojourn complete with picnic lunch and our best friend, and a “ barn raising” of charity for the whole of the community celebrated with a dance in it. Yes, Curve Cowboy Reunion has as many descriptions as there are cowboys and cowgirls that have been touched by the organization.

Here’s the truth of the matter pardoner. This is the real saga of how the event, Curve Cowboy Reunion, got it’s name.

I was camped out relaxing on the south forty late one night. The account of a recent ride with a couple of other cowpokes and me ride’n fence on the east edge of Indian Territory was coursing my mind. It was in the vicinity of the settlement of Broken Bow and dangerously close to the gallow’s shadow of the “hang’n judge” in Fort Smith. We three weren’t look’n for no trouble and went about our business quietly and quickly. The cowboy in me seemed to dwell on the wrangl’n abilities of the other two. They appeared to straighten a fence line faster than anyone with which I had ever ridden, and on bigger horses to boot! Ride’n drag enabled me to watch the buckaroos turned line-riders, and learn from their years of experience. They never wasted a move and stayed their course one to another until the day was done. The sections of wire seemed to go more quickly than others in spite of the entirety of it being in the tree line.

The last night “on the line” while gazing at the stars, the campfire, listening to the lap’n of the lake, the threesome laughed, spat, drank and told tales of other cowboys with which we had ridden. As the tales and the hours mounted so too did the exploits of those we had “polished leather” with. Before long, it didn’t take much grit for one of the cowboys to suggest, “Shucks, we keep talk’n bout get’n all of the wranglers on this spread together. Let’s jus do it here!” Because others had already succumbed to the idea, the threesome didn’t have to sell it, they bought it!

The night waned and sunup saw the two cowboys split for their respective line shacks and me to the ranch loping away from the sun. On arrival and before you could “ask a fine filly to dance” we had talked up a get together with buckaroos coming from as far away as east of the Mississip’, north to the lakes, west to the Great Divide, and south to the Border.

So here I sit in the still of the evening, pondering the gathering in the width and breadth of it. While most of us did the same thing and rode the same kind of horse, we didn’t want to cause anyone discomfort. “As long as someone brought corn, water, or wood, they was welcome at our fire!” “They was friends before they got there!” I knew that at least one or two would be arriving on different kinds of mounts, two on “single-foots”, one on a thoroughbred, and so on. Most of us had ridden together in twos and threes, but had never been all-together.

I was wondering what to call this shindig. In my mind, I again moved to the same stride as my two newfound cowboy friends down the line. Suddenly, the slap’n of their leather came to a stop and the words; “Curve Cowboy” quietly came to me. It didn’t come from me, though it did hit me like a spur. “Hot dang”, that’s it! “These wranglers are Curve Cowboys and we’re gona welcome them one and all to our campfire.” “Campfire”, sounded like something that we always did. So, “How about ‘Curve Cowboy Reunion’?”

Whelp, durn near the next dawn saw all the ranch a buzz’n bout the Curve Cowboy Reunion! I spose that it was a good thing cause it was only 43 days before we found ourselves back in Indian Territory tramp’n round like horse thieves and lawmen. We all called the shindig, “Curve Cowboy Reunion” and it stuck. To this day the words “Curve Cowboy Reunion” cause us to think on leather and lace, friends and family, and memories of corn, water, and wood to keep us warm in the winter.

[meese]

Just ask Bob. :D

[bob_menton]

Just ask Bob. :D

... and Bob STILL sez, "It's a dumb name". I put a post on the board over 2 years ago suggesting this, resulting in a rather long thread of comments. Most like the name, a distinguished few do not, some are indifferent. I never mentioned this before, but I also got several private messages from members who did not want to get involved in the public squabble over the name. They all disliked it; one mentioned how his fellow workers laughed at him when he said he was going to a Curve Cowboy Reunion. I've even had fellow BMW bike riders laugh at the name, so it's not just the non-bikers.

One gentleman stated, "That's the name; get over it". Well, I had already "gotten over it" before I posted my first comments: (1) on this list, refer to "CCR" and everyone knows of what you speak; (2) off list, say you're going to a BMW K12LT reunion; and (3) when I go to CCR, I don't buy the t-shirt.

The name is now imbedded in this group - and even those who dislike it never suggested changing it. If you don't like it, do what I do - ignore it. Works fine, until someone brings up the "Cowboy Bob" shit, over and over and over and ... :D :D :D

- Bob

[grifscoots]

[QUOTE=bob_menton Works fine, until someone brings up the "Cowboy Bob" shit, over and over and over and ... :D :D :D

- Bob[/QUOTE]

Now, who would go and bring that up?

[meese]

Could be worse, Bob. You could have a thong thing to haunt you . . . :D

For the record, I don't particularly care for the cowboy thing either, but it is what it is, and CCR is always worth the ride out no matter where they hold it (or what they call it). Even if it's held at the gondola. :)

Ain't it funny how the internet never lets some things die?

[Toolman]

Thanks for the replies fellas. For the record, I don't hapen to care fo the name either. Especially now that Hollywood has tarnished the "cowboy" image. Every time I hear the word cowboy now, or see somebody in a cowboy hat, that tarnished image of a couple of Wyoming lads bedding down with each other in a tent, come to mind. Then you throw the word "curve" in there, and it just seems to really make it an undesireable name for a motorcyel rally.

I only say this in the most respectful manner and am not bashing anybody's lifestyle or sexual preferences here....just that the name of the rally is...shall I say, "odd".

I'm sure I'll get over it. I do know one thing. I'd never admit to anybody that I was going to a "Curve Cowboy Reunion"...and I certianly wouldn't buy anything with the name on it. Thanks again....Toolman

[eljeffe]

Yeah, that's one story. The "Politically Correct" version of it, anyway!

The other story is that Edward "Sir Squidly" Walker and a group of 25 or so "hooligans" on their LTs were tearing up the Talimena Skyline Drive at the First Annual K1200LT Rally -- yes, it was called the K1200LT Rally when we were at Broken Bow -- I have the t-shirt to prove it.

While stopped at one of the overlooks for a photo op, this old geezer in his Lincoln Towncar comes screeching into the parking lot, all pissed off about all these dangerous "race bikes" passing him, and called us a bunch of "curve cowboys". And drove off carrying on. I think much of the group ended up passing him on a double yellow not too many miles later.

And the "legend" continues....

[Dick]

I'm sure I'll get over it. I do know one thing. I'd never admit to anybody that I was going to a "Curve Cowboy Reunion"...and I certianly wouldn't buy anything with the name on it. Thanks again....Toolman
Hey Toolman - if you wouldn't buy anthang with the CCR name on it, you might ax Bruce Yates if he's got any leftover Tees from CCR Breckenridge - they's the ones that sez *Curve Cowboy Renuions* --- that'll throw 'em a 'curve', IF they even notice!!! :eek: :D :D

[munson]

Works fine, until someone brings up the "Cowboy Bob" shit, over and over and over and ... :D :D :D

By the way, "Cowboy Bob", congrats on the 100k mileage aware in MOA News!

Request to CCR Board for a T-shirt design:
"I went to CCR with Cowboy Bob and he didn't get a T-shirt!" :D :D

[Dick]

By the way, "Cowboy Bob", congrats on the 100k mileage aware in MOA News!

Request to CCR Board for a T-shirt design:
"I went to CCR with Cowboy Bob and he didn't get a T-shirt!" :D :D
Hey, Rev - that's CCR 'Bored' of Directors; an honest, on-purpose nametag thangie from Bruce Yates. Somebody git that boy a spiel-chicker!! :D

[icepick578]

I'm likin it......

[pkpr1998]

Ya' know, I 've never given the name Curve Cowboy Reunion much thought; but after reading this thread and Bob's comments, I'm not sure if I like either! ESPECIALLY after BB mountain!

Oh well, we will se y'all at CCR!

[bob_menton]

By the way, "Cowboy Bob", congrats on the 100k mileage aware in MOA News! ... :D :D

Thanx, Rev, but let's get the fax strait: that was a 200K miles award, not 100K ! And I finally got my 200K brass medallion from BMW Motorrad USA, too.

- Bob

[meese]

that was a 200K miles award, not 100K!Extra well done then, Bob. :D

[grifscoots]

Curve Plowboy Renuion? I don't reckon that ones too tarnished.

[dquick]

Yep, that's how I remember it happening.

Coming from flatland Minnesota, that ride on the Skyway was the first time I had ever seen an LT ridden that hard. Edward sure could ride the sh*t out of an LT. I sure wish we could bring him back into the fold.

[munson]

Thanx, Rev, but let's get the fax strait: that was a 200K miles award, not 100K ! And I finally got my 200K brass medallion from BMW Motorrad USA, too.

- Bob
My bad! Double congrats, amigo.

[hschisler]

FWIW, and if someone is actually considering a name change from "CCR" to anything (please...) else:

How about working the "luxury touring" aspect into it: "LTR", for "Luxury Touring Reunion". 3 letters, rhymes with "CCR".

[grifscoots]

Now why would we ponder changing it?

It is also synonymous to good works, like leaving millions in the places we've had our functions and many multitudes of thousands to children's charity's.

The hotels we've had our reunion's don't forget us and clamour for us to come back.

It be the nature of our folks that do it for them, not the unique name.

[dshealey]

Even though I have been one that over the years did not like the name so much, I agree with Grif. Most of us old timers here are well aware of the beginning, and the people who started it. To anyone outside though the name seems to conjure up a crazed sport biker image, certainly not what (most) of us are about. :D

When talking about the gatherings to people in the local BMW owners club, I would get snickers regarding the name, but when they heard of the amounts of money that we gave to the BMW foundation, and to Helen 2 Wheels after her accident, then the other charities every year they bow in reverance.

One of our members, Dave Mishalof, who is a well known LD rider (Won the BMWON contest last year) was a chairman of the BMW Foundation at the time. When he found that we gave $5000 to them at CCR he was absolutely amazed and had nothing but good to say about our group. (He owned an LT once, but totaled it, and replaced it with an RS)

Yes, it is a rather weird name for a luxury touring bike riders group, but what touring bike can come close to fitting the image other than the LT? :D :D

[hschisler]

Even though I have been one that over the years did not like the name so much, I agree with Grif. Most of us old timers here are well aware of the beginning, and the people who started it. To anyone outside though the name seems to conjure up a crazed sport biker image, certainly not what (most) of us are about. :D

When talking about the gatherings to people in the local BMW owners club, I would get snickers regarding the name, but when they heard of the amounts of money that we gave to the BMW foundation, and to Helen 2 Wheels after her accident, then the other charities every year they bow in reverance.

One of our members, Dave Mishalof, who is a well known LD rider (Won the BMWON contest last year) was a chairman of the BMW Foundation at the time. When he found that we gave $5000 to them at CCR he was absolutely amazed and had nothing but good to say about our group. (He owned an LT once, but totaled it, and replaced it with an RS)

Yes, it is a rather weird name for a luxury touring bike riders group, but what touring bike can come close to fitting the image other than the LT? :D :DDavid (and Grif), thanks for the additional background. I'll withdraw my suggestion! :o

OK, so now I have to figure out a way (time off) to attend this shindig!

[black1200lt]

Cowboy Bob,
Looks like life won't be so lonely for you this year, what with Cowboy Toolman, Cowboy Brett, Cowboy Howard all joining the ranks.
Now that Cowboy Tooolman, he is really gonna have some 'splainin' to do in the bars at night.
The name alone speaks way too loudly dontcha think? Especially when bouncing off of canyon walls. Bwahahahaha
Cowboy Howard at least had the good sense to withdraw his proposal.

[hschisler]

Cowboy Bob,
Looks like life won't be so lonely for you this year, what with Cowboy Toolman, Cowboy Brett, Cowboy Howard all joining the ranks.
Cowboy Howard at least had the good sense to withdraw his proposal.Hold your horses there (pun intended), Coni. I WANT to attend, just don't know if I CAN attend, so don't count me "in" just yet. It's not the $$, it's the time and the timing. My wife is a teacher, and getting time off during the school year is like ... well, it's like suggesting a name change for CCR -- don't go there!

Also, I hope all are aware my "suggestion" was tongue-in-cheek. As someone who has never been there I would never presume to change the name of this esteemed event. :cool:

[black1200lt]

Hold your horses there (pun intended), Coni. I WANT to attend, just don't know if I CAN attend, so don't count me "in" just yet. It's not the $$, it's the time and the timing. My wife is a teacher, and getting time off during the school year is like ... well, it's like suggesting a name change for CCR -- don't go there!

Also, I hope all are aware my "suggestion" was tongue-in-cheek. As someone who has never been there I would never presume to change the name of this esteemed event. :cool:

Howard,
I sure hope that you and your wife make it. This will really be a fun event.

You tell your wife that I can write a great excuse for her. Just think how creative we can get.

See you there;)

[KYchris02]

maybe at the curve cowboy there should be a "brokeback" award for the "longest rider"

[meese]

maybe at the curve cowboy there should be a "brokeback" award for the "longest rider"I think that would qualify for a "brokebutt" award. :D

[meese]

No problem, Howard. You ride out, and have your wife fly into Atlanta a couple of days later. Of course if you ride out with Joe, you'll probably spend less time actually traveling than she will. :D

[Phil_Blackstone]

Just because of one movie you guys are worried about your "Man Hood" and maybe even who attends this gathering.
I do not mind the name. I am not there for the name.
I am going there for the ride and gathering of riders.
If you want to change the name , that does not befront me..
I really enjoyed the stories leading to the name.
I have been wanting to go to the CCR since I bought my first BMW , 3 years ago.
Now I am going, and taking the long ride from California, through the heat of summer.
I am also going to Fort Stewart to see my son before he goes back to Iraq in Oct.
Killing 2 birds with one big rotaion of tires.
I am excited with anticipation of great things in Georgia.
And the rest of my trip.

[hig4s]

Hold your horses there (pun intended), Coni. I WANT to attend, just don't know if I CAN attend, so don't count me "in" just yet. It's not the $$, it's the time and the timing. My wife is a teacher, and getting time off during the school year is like ... well, it's like suggesting a name change for CCR -- don't go there!

Also, I hope all are aware my "suggestion" was tongue-in-cheek. As someone who has never been there I would never presume to change the name of this esteemed event. :cool:

I know what you mean,, my wife is a teacher has just put in for Thursday and Friday that week and hopes to be able to drive the cage up mid week, but still not sure.

What is crazy is when we lived in Michigan our schools never went back until after labor day, and down here she went back the 31st of JULY!!!

[jayz9705]

maybe at the curve cowboy there should be a "brokeback" award for the "longest rider"




If it were any other bike, it could be the BROKE BUTT award!!

[jayz9705]

Ken, I'm really scared, now!


We're thinking the same!!

[meese]

You're finally coming around, Jay. Well done. :)

[jayz9705]

You're finally coming around, Jay. Well done. :)




Does this mean I have to argue with Joe, too? I just can't type fast enough to do that!!

[icepick578]

You think the name's odd, ... wait until you meet the attendees. If we eliminated the odd folks along with the odd name, we could hold the event in a phone booth.