JC, I am happy with my CVO, it’s about just where I want it. I have all the clothing and “stuff” I need. Keeping the CVO, but like you my next bike will be foreign.
Over the years I too have seen the GTGs drop off. Those were my favorite thing to do. Lately participation in the GTGs and MITMs have fallen off. I understand why, people have lives, kids, grandkids, jobs (unlike you retireees). Also the bigger groups have splintered off for convienence. By that I mean expecting a large number of bikes to head to Yellowstone at one time is difficult given what I said earlier. So the few that can do. The rest break into smaller groups and ride when it best fits their calendar.
Like you and many others, I too have had my share of planning large GTGs. So for now I plan simple rides with my splintered group, and invite everyone else to join if they can. This takes the pressure off from finding a block of rooms, securing a group rate, planning both long and short routes, finding dinner locations, designing and ordering t-shirts, bike games and all of that.
This year I have Yosemite planned in June. It’s posted in the ride forum, if folks can fit it in their calendar great. Next year I’m thinking either Glacier National Park, or back to Sedona, AZ. I’ll post that too, if it fits in people’s calendar great.
I’d love to see everyone, but I understand, folks have lives and conflicts.