Manager Reports

State of the Elves
02/06/2002

08/29/2001

State of the Elves - 2001

Rider Selection - 2000

STATE OF THE ELVES

Erik Buell, back in the 80s', started a little thing in a barn.  In his words, "I just wanted to ride".  Subsequent events have borne out what happens when a dream is passionately embraced by true believers.

Last year, a group of the most professional, geographically, culturally, and personally diverse and divergent folks from around the world embraced a dream, as well.  They all agreed that for whatever the reasons, they loved Buell Motorcycles, the people they met and the ownership experience and were willing to back those ideals up.

One of the owners, perhaps the "most divergent" was a former Sports car racer struggling in a world filled with folks of flawed thinking who equated surrendering one's toys and sense of adventure with the scary art of "growing up".  In his mind, he was a professional engineer, dandy Hub and father and his toys served only to express his passion for life.  When he and the 50th Buell RR-1000 crossed orbits stuff happened.

Buells, you see, make terribly poor museum pieces.  Unlike the 1952 Motogator Zoomeister IV that begs to be displayed, the Buell whines, bitches, moans and complains when it stands still.  In the tranquil setting of Berthoud, CO this Buell demanded to shine so loudly that it couldn't be ignored.

TEAM ELVES was born, headed racing and would soon be noted for breaking a record for breaking Land Speed Records at the fabled Bonneville Salt Flats.

Passionate folks, without regard to continent or the globe, occupation,  nor presence of facial hair had come together.  Each brought unique talents.  Cooks from California, a Fireman EMT, a run-down (literally) cop and a Wall Street hedge fund guru.   Like pizza in Brooklyn, success always starts with quality ingredients.

We were idiots then.

In unison we proclaimed "we'll do it, burn the evidence, sell the leftover parts, donate $$ to charity" and walk into the Buell sunset, arm in arm, singing "We are the World."

We were idiots then.

Fact is TEAM ELVES refused to die and we're back for 2001.

The word "back" fails to communicate with proper vigor what's really
happened.  It's not so much simply deciding to "do it again" but more the result of what happens when the guys and gals tagged as the  "first Internet team to come to the Bonneville Salt Flats" start thinking.  Lots of thinking went into the decision.  We discussed the "yeah, but we said we'd disband" issue, we weighed the "what will folks think?" and in the end in one voice we said "Let's do it!"  We shall.

Okay . . we applied and were granted a license to use the phrase "new and improved" predicated on proving we were worthyû.you asked for it and here's what's up for TEAM ELVES for 2001.

COLORADO "THUNDER MOUNTAIN 2001"

In conjunction with American Thunderbike Club, many of the Team Elves folks will be participating in a joint celebration of all things Buell to be held in Colorado from Wednesday July 11th through Sunday July 15th.  No Team Elves funds will be used for this event, but members will lend a hand with organization and we expect it to be a chance for some folks, unable to make Bonneville, to see the RR-1000 and visit with similarly passionate Buell folks.  The Land Speed Record RR-1000 and the trophies will be on display for photos and Aaron will host a Tech Q&A session one night.

BONNEVILLE LAND SPEED RECORD - 2001

TEAM ELVES will return to Bonneville for 2001.  Sounds simple?. . . well, it gets better.  Just like the folks who brought you Chicken McNuggets, we're back with more of precisely what our in-depth market research said you wanted.  Actually, it was "Woz in a bar in Wisconsin," but technically it's as accurate as market research.

� The 1000cc effortû..

For 2001 TEAM ELVES will be at Bonneville Salt Flats gunning to defend our 4 Land Speed Records, fully aware that we are in the gunsights of teams from Moto Guzzi and BMW who enjoy factory support.  When these guys watched one record fall by 40mph last year, we went right off the Christmas Card list!  Our primary task for 2001 will be the defense of the 1,000cc records.

Back to the "new and improved" deal.  For 2001 we'll also be offering up some more fun.

� The BLAST effortû..

TEAM ELVES will be providing logistical support (her dad's getting hooked for the bill for this unique "bonding experience") for young Mikayla aboard a Buell BLAST.  Many of you remember Mikayla as the tireless T-shirt seller who worked so hard in last year's effort.  This year we're sending her to the Salt to see what we can do with a BLAST.  Cool Beans! 

� The "Ride your own" effortûû.

Buell owners turned out in impressive numbers, producing the lone cheering section at last years event.  Last year, they parked the bikes they rode.  This year we're giving them one more optionûûrun that baby!

Yep, you got it.  Stay tuned to the website for a complete rundown on what you need to do before you arrive at Bonneville and what you need to do once you get there to run your OWN Buell.

There will be a complete checklist on the website so you can be ready when you arrive.  Better yet, when you arrive at Bonneville there'll be a "Buell Owners Pit Area" that will have two Elves, one handling tech prep of the bike, the other to help you with rules and readiness, who will see to getting your bike prepped and ready to run.

There's a part of me that'd like to see about 2 dozen Buells lined up waiting to take a crack at the Salt.  

        Reasons not to run your Buell at Bonneville this year = 0

� The "Mike Wozniak Photo Shoot" effortûû..

The name TEAM ELVES has become synonymous with bringing "firsts" to the famous Salt Flats of Bonneville and we're not done yet.  This year on Saturday, September 22, 2001 Mike Wozniak himself will pose, at sunrise, in his Checkered Bonneville Race Suit for photos.
                  
  Wozniak, is not listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, has never appeared on a host of Late Night television talk shows and once failed to have a city in New England named after him.  Interested Buellers may come to the Salt early to be photographed with "The Woz".  Those photographed will be eligible for a drawing to win a
FREE "Elves 2K1" poster.

You asked for moreûûwe gave you the WORLD !

There's so much more to share.  Woz is in the early stages of arranging
accommodations and I'm going to commence negotiations to buy Art a new bicycle and margarita pitcher in an effort to coax him back.

As the final "dangled carrot" to keep you coming back there may be one more special deal in the works for 2001, based on some Jethro Bodine style ciphering currently underway.

Bottom line is that you guys and gals made this thing, you saw it to
unprecedented success and you asked to do it again.  I'll be trying to do
more frequent updates this year and hope to see you all in Colorado and in Utah.

Still crazy after all these Buellsûû..

Court Canfield