2008 CAF San Diego Triathlon Challenge Interviews (Video)

What a great day to be outside with our Can-Am Spyder Roadsters. We were lucky enough to have an Expo tent positioned at the entrance to the transition area. This is where the majority of spectator traffic occurred all day. As the fog cleared Steve and I took turns polishing up our Roadsters while the other spoke with interested people. In a matter of minutes people began crowding around these distinctive and exciting vehicles. As the morning went on we had a steady flow of intrigued consumers.

Later in the morning, my girlfriend “Amanda” joined us as a volunteer marketer. She works as a software trainer and she’s heard me discuss all the facts so many times, she was a natural. People from all walks of life spent time with us learning about the Spyder throughout the day. Many people came back multiple times for an additional eyeful. Our expo tent was almost as cool as the VIP tent. This roadster was a hit with just about everyone who passed by.

One gentleman who did not have the use of his legs saw amazing potential with this stable machine. He told us about mobility solutions companies which do adaptive configurations to help people with physical challenges enjoy the mobility that many of us take for granitite. As the day went on we found more and more people in similar situations who were interested in getting back on the open road.I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of the first Spyders modified with these configurations in the near future.

After almost ten hours we had finally finished our mission. We emptied almost two full boxes of the Spyder booklets and hundreds of the SpyderSanDiego.com cards. I made sure to invite everyone to the site to see the photos taken throughout the day.

Later on Bob Babbitt had me on The Competitors radio show to discuss all of the Benefits of the Can-Am Spyder Roadster. I was a little nervous, but I managed to share as much pertinent information as I could. I made sure to plug not only SpyderSanDiego.com, but also www.SpyderRyder.com. I will be sure and update this blog with the link when they publish it online.

15th Annual CAF San Diego Triathlon Challenge

The morning was cold and foggy as I drove the Spyder down to La Jolla cove. I arrived around 6:45 AM and parked up on the lawn under the Can-AM Spyder canopy. The outside expo area was already jamming with athletes, sponsors, spectators, and event staff. Before I could even get my helmet off, I was approached with questions. "What is that? Is it street legal?"

Buck arrived and we were both challenged with trying to get the area organized / set-up while talking with the crowds. It was a good problem to have. The day started off with a bang and continued through the 3:30 PM breakdown.

Our location was perfect! It was front and center to the main entrance; everyone came by our canopy. Someone said this event draws 5,000 people. I'm guessing 90% of which saw the Spyder booth. We interacted with hundreds of people. Some wanted to sit on the Spyder, some had questions, some were just curious, some wanted to own one, some wanted literature, and some were a combination of the above.

We took a few photos and Buck shot some video to capture the essence of the day. In my opinion, this was perhaps our greatest event to date. Not only did we reach a large number of people, many who never saw us before, we had a large number of highly interested customers who would be taking test rides and purchasing.

Buck and I also received some interesting feedback from the challenged population. Some had one, two, or more limbs with prosthetics. They commented on how they could never ride a motorcycle but could see themselves on a Spyder. For example, one guy had a prosthetic on his left foot. I explained how we have a semi-automatic shifting option that he could work. He was excited about the possibility. Along those lines, we had several other inquiries about modifications to the Spyder. "Could I get the throttle on the left side?" "Could I get a hand brake?" Buck and I just said it may be a possibility but the manufacturer would be able to provide more information.

By the way, there was another first. We had a man who just married a couple come check out the Spyder. A man in a suit on the Spyder... nice look.
In summary, it was a fantastic event. We received tons of exposure, had direct interaction with hundreds of people, generated interest from a potential new market, and got inspired from the energy of the event.

PS - a big thank you to Buck's girlfriend, Amanda for helping us out at the event.

See photos from the event:

San Diego's "Old Town" Historic District

Tonight we headed on down to the historic tourist haven known as Old Town San Diego. As soon as we rolled up the people began to stare. We took the first parking spot at the end of Old Town Avenue right at the entrance to the "Old Town State Historic Park".

Since its Monday night the streets weren't completely packed, but there were definitely quite a few interested people. I took some time to ask the people who were obviously checking it out if they had any questions and gave out a couple of booklets. I then loaded the vehicle with a couple more booklets and cards before heading off to dinner.

When I returned all of the cards had been removed by intrigued pedestrians. The booklets had been removed from the windshield and one of them was left open on the seat by whoever was reviewing the interesting information contained within.
Although it was a mellow Monday evening people were still clearly interested in learning more about this exceptional means of transportation.

Charger's vs. Patriots Promo (Video)

It was a beautiful afternoon and chargers fans were lined up to get into one of the biggest games of the season. The Chargers were playing the patriots today and you wouldn't believe the traffic getting into this event. As I sat in traffic waiting to get into the stadium I spoke with multiple people about how much fun it was to own this cool new roadster. I managed to hand out at least half a dozen SpyderSanDiego cards as I battled stadium traffic with the masses.
On the advice of a stadium worker I had met last night, I entered through gate 1 which took me through all of the R/V parking. This area was packed with groups of Chargers Fans with their families and friends, many of which cheered for the Spyder.

On my way to checking in with our BRP crew at the Bud Light Power Party I must have spoken with 10 different groups of people. It seemed that quite a few people had empty parking spots next to their tailgate party that they wanted me to fill with this unique vehicle. Rather than take the parking spot, pulled up, cut the engine and took a few minutes to enlighten them on the details of the Can-Am Spyder Roadster. I wrapped up by providing most of them with our marketing media and moving on to the next interested party. When I arrived at the BRP Can-Am Spyder tent the party was in full swing. I was ecstatic to meet some very fascinating BRP staff members. I grabbed a beverage from our cooler and went to work on the crowds.

Before I was even able to start my roadster back up, I was approached by three or four groups of people who were eager to learn more about the Spyder. After taking some time to answer their questions and direct them to our display to get their Spyder eShots, I headed back out to the masses to share the good word with even more people.

People continued to call me over to their tents as I passed through the parking aisles handing out flyers. One gentleman who indicated that he rode motorcycles his whole life was kind enough to share his opinions in the interview below. I made sure that he had one of our booklets in hand before I moved on to the next group.

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After chatting with a few more people and wading through the crowd on the Spyder, I ran into a crane operator. He was very enthusiastic about the Spyder and was eager to share his opinions.

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The San Diego Locals were clearly into this innovative vehicle. I managed to get a few more opinions and made sure to provide as many people as possible with media in order to allow them to follow their instinctive desire to follow up and learn more.

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As it got closer to the kick-off time I headed over to the main Stadium gate. When I attempted enter the parking area, the guard asked me why I needed to be there. I proceeded to explain that I was with one of the vendors and I would not be leaving the vehicle. He was OK with that and I parked in a loading zone next to the massive line of people headed into the game.

At one point, I was speaking with a group of about a dozen people. One lady who was clearly impaired jumped onto the Spyder and punted my brand new Can-Am/BRP helmet into a wall. I quickly recovered the fumble and she apologized profusely. To avoid any negative energy, I kept my cool and continued to work with the group.

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As the crowd got bigger and more and more people rushed for the line, two police officers approached and made me think that I would have to move. I was worried for a moment until I realized that it was the officer I had trained for the Boot Camp Challenge (pictured in my first blog) and her associate. They were happy to see me and encouraged bystanders to ask more questions.

In the end, the Chargers finally beat the New England Patriots and San Diego fans were raving not only about the game but also about the Can-Am Spyder Roadster…

Fleet Week Classic SDSU vs. USAF (Video)

Buck and I met up for a quick coffee shooter before heading over to Qualcomm Stadium. We took some time to polish up the Can-Am Spyders with some pledge and Armor-all before the event.
When we arrived, we received a warm welcome from the stadium staff and police officers. One cop waved me over to ask some questions and give some Spyder compliments.

We found a good spot to park by the Air Force support section. We spoke with a few and passed out brochures. The demographic was a mix. You had some of the younger college students but then also the alumni fans.

We were even approached by guerrilla marketers from a company called Honest Tea, an organic beverage company. They asked if we could take some shots on the Spyders for their marketing program. We were happy to oblige since this would give this classic roadster even more exposure.
Next we headed over to the main gate area close to the stadium. There was a ton of foot traffic. We stayed and talked with scores of people. Many of them were motorcycle riders looking for something new. Some of which seemed educated and familiar with BRP.At the start of the game the USAF sent an impressive aircraft to commemorate the beginning of the Fleet Week Classic football game. Working in tandem allowed us to attract and speak with larger groups of people, this was definitely a good technique.

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest "Brat-Trot 5k"

This morning was a neighborhood favorite the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest and "Brat-Trot 5k" put on by the Hash House Harriers. There is no set running course for this run, just chalk dust and arrows leading us around the beach area for a nice jog. A very unique crowd to say the least, I would describe this group as "Underground Athletes". The people who aren't formal about it, but they enjoy their endurance sports.

Since we got there so early, I managed to get a parking spot directly across the street from the event exit. This spot was not only directly across the street from the beach, it was across from a local Piaggio dealer's tent where they had one of those ridiculous MP3 scooters on display. As soon as I pulled up I was approached by all sorts of people who were inquiring about this powerful roadster. I made sure to answer all of their questions and let them know how much safer the Can-Am Spyder Roadster was when compared to what was across the street.

The run began at 10:00AM and it was a great time, when we got back we were presented with free a bratwurst sandwich and a beer for each runner. Afterwards, I spent some time speaking with undoubtedly interested peopl. Since I had such a primo parking spot, we decided to jog the mile and a half back to my house to clean up and get ready for the rest of the day. A couple of hours later we came back to pick up the roadster and found that all of the cards and booklets had been taken by the crowd.
Not too bad for a brisk morning run with an alternative athletic crowd...

Four Seasons - Day Two

It was day two of the AA Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Four Seasons. I pulled in and didn't see anyone so I asked around. It turns out the event was more of a private fundraiser. There wasn't any place were the public was gathering to spectate.

Next I took the Spyder up the coast and parked out at the Starbucks in Carlsbad Village. I stayed and chatted with some caffeine seekers for a while. Myself being one of them. It was another gorgeous day in Southern California.

Then I cruised up into Oceanside and parked under the pier. There was some traffic - surfers, cyclists, walkers, runners, and general beach goers. I hung out and connected with some interested people about the Spyder. "That thing is sick! How fast does it go? How much is it?" The standard questions...

Between the valet drivers at the Four Seasons and the surf contestants at the pier, I directly had contact with dozens of folks and passed out literature to a few.

The Four Seasons?

The Four Seasons Aviara is hosting a celebrity golf tournament. Thursday was the kickoff. I cruised the Spyder up to the resort and noticed all the golf bags organized out front. There wasn't any people out and about. It was more of a check-in and reception behind closed doors day. I'll try again on FRI.

Then I headed to the overlook at Moonlight Beach. A few beach goers came up to me to discuss my ride. It wasn't very busy so I decided to move on. My next stop was the Lumber Yard in Encinitas; a very popular spot for shopping, restaurants, and congregating. I was able to stir up some interest from the groups out front. After talking with them I grabbed a coffee and captured some folks checking out the roadster.

Next stop was the Swami's overlook. I love this place - great views, tons of people, surfing... I pull up, sit back on the Spyder and let curious passersby come up and chat. As usual, there was a steady stream of people coming through. It seems to be a perfect demographic for the Spyder; they are really into hobbies & toys. The Spyder fits into their lifestyle - "the good life". By the way, that's the caption of the photo taken on the Spyder overlooking the ocean and palm trees.

Triathlon Club of San Diego "October Meeting"

This evening was the Triathlon Club of San Diego's October club meeting at Roadrunner Sports, the worlds largest running store. When I pulled up on the Spyder there were about 50 or so members on the lawn enjoying the pre-meeting pizza. It was almost as if every head turned at the same time to get a closer look. Once I had parked I joined the group and found that many people had plenty of questions about this unique new roadster. Members took turns mounting the Spyder so that they could really get a feel for it. The overall consensus was "The Can-Am Spyder is awesome." I handed out a few booklets and even more SpyderSanDiego.com fliers.

Once inside, I made sure to stack a few booklets next to the other information at the member services table. At the end of the pre-meeting announcements I got in front of the group to promote some of out weekend events and also made clear to the audience that they could feel free to ask me anything about the Can-Am Spyder Roadster that I had parked directly outside the front door. While our guest speaker, an Olympic Triathlon coach for the USA, was giving his presentation I noticed a few people reviewing the booklets. As everyone began leaving a small circle formed around the vehicle and I answered a few more questions before the night ended.

"Taco Tuesday" in Pacific Beach

On my way to my psychology class at City College tonight, I decided that I would head over to Pacific Beach to check out the neighborhood tradition called "Taco Tuesday". Most every resteraunt and bar in Pacific Beach offers some sort of taco specials every Tuesday of the year. This was a great opportunity to share a little more with the community about the "Can-Am Spyder Roadster".

Since I didn't see any large groups or parked motorcycles when I rolled down the main drag of Garnet Aveniue, I stopped at Crystal Pier for a photo opportunity. As soon as I parked, the tourists and locals started swarming around this awesome machine. Quite a few people asked if they could take photos on it and they had plenty of questions for me to answer. They were also eager to recieve additional information including booklets and flyers.

One passerby suggested I head over to "World Famous Seafood" for thier Taco Tuesday night. This location offers motorcycle parking right next to the boardwalk which I knew would be a good way to maximize exposure for this outing. Although there weren't that many motorcycles there, there were plenty of people stopping thier walk on the boardwalk to come over and learn more about the Can-Am Spyder.

I spent the last few minutes having $1 shrimp tacos and filling the bartender's minds with all of the details on the Spyder. I even took the time to grab some booklets and flyers for them to keep, they were very enthusiastic to say the least. When it was time to head to class there were more people checking out this unique vehicle. I filled thier hands with our promotional media and gave them a rundown of the perks of the SpyderRyder lifestyle.

Then it was off to school to learn more about how the mind works.

I even managed to land a parking spot on the corner of a major intersection downtown. I can't get over how easy it is to find parking on the Can-Am Spyder...

Old Town & Downtown

Historic Old Town is located just outside of Downtown and is considered to be California's first city. It was my first experience there. I pulled the Can-Am Spyder up across the street from the Old Town Market. As soon I could pull off my helmet, I was met be a group of curious people. They fired off many questions for me. The first one always seems to be, "How does it handle with turns?". I stayed and talked with several individuals and took some photos. The one women sitting on the Spyder was very interested. She has had a motorcycle in the past and was going to do some more research on the Spyder.

Then I headed over to Harbor Island and chatted with some folks who were out walking along the harbor trail. I took a couple of good photos of the Spyder and the Downtown San Diego skyline.

Overall I was seen by a hundred or so and spoke with thirty.

Mission Bay Triathlon w/ Spyder Leader (Video)

I've found that when you give to the world around you, the world gives back. Today was an example of the world giving back to me. I think all my volunteeing has paid off. Race Director for the San Diego Triathlon Series Rick "Koz" Kozlowski was kind enough to let me lead the bike leg of the race with my beloved "Can-Am Spyder". As you can see from the video below, it was a great morning.

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Luckily, I'm registered in the Clydesdale Division and our start time was after the lead athlete arrived at the Bike-Run transition. This guy was moving at 25-30mph (40-50kmh) the whole way, we really had to keep it moving. We arrived at the transition, I said my goodbyes to our police escort. I then found a parking spot on the edge of the expo where the majority of spectator foot traffic occurred hurried over to the shore so that I could run my triathlon.
While I was out on the course there were crowds of spectators checking out this slick new vehicle. With over 1,500 participants and thousands of supporters and volunteers I was able to distribute plenty of Spyder booklets. I also found that every last SpyderSanDiego.com card and booklets were removed from the roadster when I returned after crossed the finish line.
After it was all over, the people had plenty of questions. One person asked if we could make a bike rack that attached to the accessory platform on the tail. What a cool idea! I managed speak to a few people who gave some very positive interviews.

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After helping out some of the volunteers, I was done for the day.
Time for a burrito... haah!

Overall it was a great time and I think I'm ready for a nap...