RFTW Registration Newsletter

Hello from Northern Louisiana!

I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know some of the things that are going on in the Registration world.  In the short few months that I have been on the BoD, I have quickly learned that the Registration Team members do a LOT of hard work throughout the year to prepare for each year’s Run.  Thank you to all our dedicated Registration Team members for all that you do every year.

This year was the second year of the electronic registration process.  As with any major change, there have been some growing pains, and we continue to work to improve the overall process.  I have already received some After Action Reports regarding Registration, and I am grateful for your feedback.  Several riders have asked me why we went to the electronic process, so I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the benefits of the electronic process:

1. Rapid Access to Information:  Several times during the 2023 Run, your Route Leadership needed specific information regarding their route.  From participant names for military base access, number of motorcycles and 4-wheelers for LEO escort planning, to total number of vehicles for Route Finance/Fuel Team planning, I was able to quickly provide that due to the electronic database.
2. Central Data Storage:  As the Registration database is stored on the RFTW website, there is no need to print forms and carry binders around.  When information is needed, it is searchable across all four routes without needing to locate and/or search through binders and manual forms.
3. Support of Future Planning:  I have already received multiple inquiries from both BoD members and Route Leadership as analysis and planning has already begun in support of the 2024 Run.  By using the online registration database, I can quickly provide the information requested.

While we know that the online registration process is NOT perfect, and we continue to work to improve the overall experience, it has unlocked several new tools that are already in use to better serve your Route Leadership and to better support the Run as a whole.

Lastly, I would like to briefly touch on a survey that many of you have received.  After looking at the number of riders registered versus the number of riders checked in, it appeared that we had many “no shows”.  To help us understand and possibly assist in the future, a survey was emailed to the riders who registered, but did not participate according to our registration database.  The results of the survey have already clearly indicated that there were some clerical errors in our registration database and that some of those who appeared to be “no shows” participated.  Thank you again for your input as we work to improve the process.

In closing, thank you again to the Registration team members who work tirelessly throughout the year and while on the Run, and thank you all for your feedback.  If you have not already done so, please submit an After-Action Report.  I can assure you that there are already discussions happening because of the input you provide.  Stay safe, and I hope to see you all in May of 2024, if not before then!

Kelley “Gonzo” Perry
Director of Risk Management/Registration