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SharkWeek IX Reflections

6K views 43 replies 34 participants last post by  Shrug 
#1 ·
SharkWeek IX is finally over with nothing but pictures and memories to ponder. After a year of planning with Elaine Jackson Sweeney, Shrug RandFan, and Tonya Ankarstran Wilson, it came and left in a flash. A Dream Team was assembled to pull off a Texas adventure in Deadwood, South Dakota with these special peeps!
A huge thank you to Richard C Pittman, Donna Spencer, Mart Hukill and Honor Hukill, Rick Overall and Serena Lambright Karl, Eddie Meeks, Bob Meehan, and a special thanks to Jeff Carpenter and Carolynn Wright Carpenter. It couldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you for being understanding with our crazy ideas and not bolting for the exits. I will not be able to hear the song, The Wobble, ever the same again without thinking of SWIX. It goes without saying that SharkWeek wouldn’t be SharkWeek without Ron Cushing. The man with the special denim cap that has an eye for capturing photos like no other and was always there to prop us up when needed. There are no words for Tracy Basham and Frankie Basham that haven’t been said before for all they mean to SharkWeek. Humbled to have worked along side you two from beginning to end. There is also Troy Belliston and Chris Hutter that lended their support whenever asked to do so without hesitation.
Last but not least is Amber Cantalope Schwab from the Cadillac Jacks complex in Deadwood. For a year she has been the glue that held all this together as we planned and put forth a vision that was executed to perfection. The Shark Tank setup was all Amber through and through. She told me, “Trust Me, I’ve got this”. And got this she did from the SWIX posters to the illuminated signs throughout the complex. From the tents, garden tables with umbrellas, and the stage, it was all Amber. Actually directing and setting things up herself to insure it was perfect. And then there was Murphy, everyone new Murphy by the second day. That girl never sleeps.
If I have left anyone out please point it out. It truly took a battalion to pull this off. I’m writing this from Grayville, Illinois where we just finished the last half of the day riding in three hours of driving rain with 50-60 mph winds at times. It actually helped us get into a room before 8:30 pm for the first time since SharkWeek began. We actually got into a room at 6:30 pm. Elaine is very happy with that and sleeping.

Until we meet up again, great seeing everyone for the best family reunion ever!

Use this hot link to view downloadable pics! Thanks Ron Cushing!
https://roncushing.myportfolio.com/
 
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#5 ·
Smarty, you all put together an event that will be so hard to top. Everything from the amazing roads we got to explore to a hotel where everyone could stay at and mingle with each other till the early hours of the morning, then have breakfast together. This is something that you all should be so proud of accomplishing. I know I was privileged to be there for a memory of a lifetime. My wife and I are very grateful to all of you. Thank you
 
#6 ·
Great Pics...Thanks for sharing.
 
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#7 ·
Sounds like a great success. I’ve only been able to make it to one gathering - SWIV. Congrats on a great event and thanks for sharing the great pics!
 
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#18 ·
This was my third SW. So with that, plus some experience riding in the area, I got to show some of the first timers around and that made me feel good and finally close the emotional hole that I got when I didn't get to be a Student Leader in 5th grade.

Seriously this was a great time, can't say it enough. Thanks to everyone who put in work to give us such a great event
 
#22 · (Edited)
Had to live this one vicariously through all of you. Great pics Ron! Thanks from all of us who couldn't make it this year. As always, it looks like everyone had a great time. Lots of smiling faces, which is always an indication of just how much damn work by a very few it takes to create such a happy time for so many. Long live Shark Week.
 
#30 ·
a thank you for all involved with the sharkweek production-met some great people-even bobrg15 and his hiatus tour-I don't think Gettysburg in in the picture with over 50000 miles on bike-I know that is not a lot-but I keep hearing problem tales with the 110-but Tahoe here we come.already planning san simeon and hearst castle-Yosemite in the spring-will ride to lake Coeur d'alene in early aug and back to Utah thru Idaho-
 
#33 ·
Meeting old friends and making new ones, enjoying the riding and the "bull sessions" under the beer tent are all part of Shark Week but DO NOT FORGET this group donated over $3000.00 to a local children's shelter. During the presentation Ron (Stray Mutt) stated the very first Shark Week raised approximately $350.00 for a local historical restoration project proving how far this RoadGlide family has grown. CONGRATS
 
#35 ·
I guess my reflections are during SW is this....I find it fascinating for a group of people from very distant locations to meet up hundreds or even thousands of miles away. I imagine a map with little dots that represent every single rider displayed showing their route to the destination. The things seen, felt, smelled, tasted on the road.
 
#36 ·
SharkWeek WannaBe...

So are these open events or part of a closed group within the forum. I read the posts about the SW events and they sound awesome and would like to potentially get involved if possible. We're out of Ohio, so next year's Gettysburg event would be in our backyard....anyways, just wanted to ask. Not sure if there is a sign-up list or a way to be included in any threads regarding the plans and/or arrangements for next year...?!?!?!?

Thanks in advance and I wait to check out your replies....
 
#37 ·
So are these open events or part of a closed group within the forum. I read the posts about the SW events and they sound awesome and would like to potentially get involved if possible. We're out of Ohio, so next year's Gettysburg event would be in our backyard....anyways, just wanted to ask. Not sure if there is a sign-up list or a way to be included in any threads regarding the plans and/or arrangements for next year...?!?!?!?

Thanks in advance and I wait to check out your replies....
Definitely an open event!! Typically they'll start posting threads in the Gathering Events tabs and then TracyB starts to send out a sign up sheet for the event itself. Stayed tuned here and you'll start seeing info pop up.
 
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