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I got a message from a member asking why the site is so dead lately. I don't know for sure but I feel like it's just taking the same course as so many clubs do over the years. We have to be around 15 years old now and many of our core members have gotten older and quit riding. I don't even ride much any longer. I think I took my bike out one time last summer. I keep saying that I'm going to get back into it but just haven't had the desire. I think that all this Covid stuff played at least a small part. Our regional rallies and etc. were a glue that helped hold us all together,. Getting together in person and sharing our stories, working on the bikes, just enjoying one anothers company always seemed to rekindle things. I haven't even had my annual Maintenance Day now for 3 years and that was a highlight, at least for Eileen and I. Not sure we'll have it this year due to the surge of Covid happening again. I know that we need to but just don't know yet. I've not been nearly as active and that pays a big part also, I used to spend a lot of time looking for interesting things to post, tips for our bikes, all kinds of things but just haven't had the time. Starting a new business about 3 years ago has consumed a lot of my time. Now here is something that I haven't told any of you. Those of you who have been around for a long time will remember that I had a bout with cancer a few years ago, about 13 years ago to be more exact. I had Ocular Melanoma and due to the radiation and etc.,, ended up losing 100% of the site in my right eye. I still go back yearly for follow ups. Well my yearly exam was last week and I was dismayed to learn that I again have the cancer. It, luckily, is in the same eye so going blind is not an issue. The fact is though, I don't know yet if it has spread to the liver or anywhere else. I will be going into the hospital late next week for surgery and more radiation. I have appointments sometime over the next week or so for MRIs and etc. to determine if it has spread. I'm trying to not fret over it too much. Just going about my work and will see where things end up. I hate that the site has gotten slow but have no intentions of shutting it down anytime in the near future. I put my heart and sole into this site for a lot of years and I have to do better. In the meantime, I hope that most of you will stick with us, spread the word about the site, and hopefully we can get it moving again. Only time will tell.

I can agree with what you said Don, but have some added thoughts. I have a feeling this could be a long one, so get a coffee. Yes, I think that traffic is down somewhat, but that can be explained maybe. When you first started the site there was no information locally (on site) available, so many questions were asked and opinions delivered, which would increase traffic and also comradeship. Today there is a load of info available just by browsing so no need to expose oneself to the opinion of others, not that that is a bad thing, it just keeps a person in the shadows. There is also more info available on the net. I even checked out the FB page, but didn't find that it was overly busy either, actually quite the opposite. Yes, we have lost some good longtime members and we will continue that trend in the future, none of us are here to stay forever, but we also have plenty of members who step in to help out whenever somebody needs help, so I don't think that not getting the help needed is an issue. Do miss those members though. Times change and so do our needs and interest, so the demographics of this site might also be wrapped up in all that. We started out as a site to be a help for others, then it became and 'family', rather close knit, who we chatted to on bike related topics and so then we got together to find out who we actually were and our other interests. Now we've been locked out and down for a while and maybe that has an effect on our need for other Venture people because we are focusing more on those close to home and finding that isn't so bad either. For myself, I haven't been riding as much as I once did. We, Marca and I used to put on 10-15,000 k per season. Last year I don't think I even got to 2k, so that does change my needs and interests, as I'm sure others have the same things happening. Part of the problem last year was Covid, some was the weather, and some was related to having other things to do that couldn't wait any longer. On the other side, I don't think there is anything you have done, or should have done. This site has been a blessing to many and for some it was just too much to bear. You have put together something rich and wonderful. It may continue to grow slowly, but that maybe the best thermometer. You have given many of us a forum in which we can help our fellow man (or woman) and for that we are very grateful. Many of us I'm sure would pay more to make it better financially. As far as the cancer thing is concerned, you will be included in our prayers to the Great Physician. He hears all, sees all and controls all, after all He created it all, as you well know. He will keep you and bless you and let His face shine upon you. Looking forward to Kentucky already!!

Here in Southern Manitoba , having coffee sitting on my couch ...It is minus 26 degrees out there now heading down to minus 30 tonight ..Tomorrow not much better , most everyone here is ready for that first day of spring