That doesnt change the perception that its a "club event" when you attach the COPS name to it alot of every day work for a living weekend warriors wont show up for one reason or another. I think this can start out here in this thread but needs to be placed out for the general OSO crowd to get everyone in West Michigan involved. Dave and I had a "Turkey Burn"and we had a great group of people come about 10-15 couples and had a great time but I'll bet 95% of them wont show up for a "COPS" run just becouse they dont think they will fit in. Just my personal feelings.... Dave was on my a$$ all year last year to go on a cops run but I dont feel like I belong there...... Dont ask me why thats just how I feel. But when Scott posted the "northern Michigan fun Run " last year I was on it like stink on chit becouse I new that most of the people came from all over not a group that runs together all the time and might not include a new commer. Look at my original post for a west michigan fun run you dont see one name of a cops member even thinking about coming....except maybe yours. I've watched the cops video from last year and it looks like a blast and I might even come down for one. But the mass majority wont come down........

OK I lied the original post had 22 replies and 4 are guys from COPS or atleast from Ill.....

Don,
I fully understand the uneasy feeling that you have about being accepted within the COPS group.I felt there was probably going to be a bunch of nose in the air pricks,who wouldn't even acknowledge my presence at one of their events.Espically since I run a Baja ,and these boats don't seem to have a lot of respect on this board. And as you,I also have to work very hard to make ends meet. But, beacuse I couldn't justify the expense of SOTW,and wanted to make some runs with high perfomance boaters,I gave it a try.
What I found,was a bunch of everday people,with a passion for boating.I was extremely surprised at the first run I did,when I was ASKED by the owner of an APACHE if he could raft off from me,and when he crossed my boat he treated it with the same caution as his own.
And I'm not sure if I'm an offical member of COPS or not.But I also responded to your thread about a West Mi. fun run.
Steve

Dyno;
Anyone who feels that they won`t fit in at a COPS event hasn`t attended one. There are people from all walks of life that attend that share a common interest. Show up to one of our runs and you`ll see. I drive up from Kankakee for cryin`out loud! :D

Dyno, I am glad you came back and said several COPS posted, I counted 5:D :D :D :D
You know you make it hard for a person to agree with you, this is for fun and lots of us don't have the hottest boat, heck our BT is big, but not new and not fast, but I like it cause it's good for overnighters. I am sure there are a few COPS members with some big bucks, but most of us work hard, Ian spends 58 hrs a week at GM, I know Doug works 7 days a week when not boating, we also have a farmer, an elevator repairmen, a candy salesman, and probably even a few unemployed.
Didn't your mother always tell you not to pass judgment on something until you tried it:p
I do apologize because I probably stepped on your toes when I tried to incorporate your run under the COPS umbrella, I knew you were trying to stir up interest so I thought I would help:o

One other thing Don,MAN do these folks know how to PARTY:D :cool:
Steve

Donna,
You forgot about us POF's (poor old firefighter's):D

Jack,
If I still have the boat this summer,you and your wife are more than welcome to hitch a ride.
But I'm sure ,you and Roger will have something new and wicked by then;)
When you speak of different chapters,are you planning doing this by States or???????
Steve

I dont mean any disrespect twards the Cops organization .....I'm just telling you how I feel right or wrong, and Donna I'm not passing judgement on anyone I've got lots of Boating friends from all walks of life and dont judge anyone by there boat or how wealthy they are its all about the love of the sport. I've never been to a run but I promise I'll be at one in 2004.
Don
P.S. Cash I'll call you

Hey guys it sure has been a wile since I last talk to the board. Hope everyone is doing great!!

Now about all this fitting in stuff. I will personally guarantee that if you can't fit in to the COPS group than you can't fit anywhere and should probably seek therapy :D:D No but really this organization is made up of some of the nicest most willing to help people I have ever met. So if you want to have a good time come join a Cops run. If you want to check it out I always have a seat open on the old Formula, just ask.

Run strong, run proud, leave no one behind

Regards
Russ

Hey Russ!

It`s been a while, good to hear from you.