Parts Unkown, AZ
In order to communicate news and make announcements in real time, we have decided to roll out an official Group Chat Messaging System (GCMS) via GroupMe. For instance, while on a ride, we’ll be able to update the group on dinner/breakfast plans, leave times and other pertinent information. This will be available to those of you who are paid members.
The Board Of Directors is currently testing the capabilities of the platform and group invites to the membership should start to go out by mid-month if not sooner.
Here are a few of ground rules for this group:
- Keep any conversations ride/motorcycle related. All other subjects will be deleted.
- Feel free to ask any questions related to an AZRATPack event. Anything specific to the event such as, routing, expected weather conditions and/or how to prepare yourself or your bike is OK. An available board member will answer ASAP.
- Suggestions for breakfast or dinner are welcome.
We will conduct any pre-ride meetings that we’ve done on Facebook in the past in this app via their Skype feature. A Skype account or app is not needed. All is done within GroupMe. Here are a few more highlights of the capability of GroupMe:
- Works on every device: With native apps for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, you can chat with your friends from your phone on the go, on your computer at the office, and on your tablet from the couch
- It even works over SMS: You don’t need to have our app to use GroupMe. Add anyone from your phone book and they will immediately be able to chat with the group. You can chat with your groups directly over SMS. Learn more about GroupMe over SMS
- You can share photos, videos, “Like” messages, share location, and direct message people.
All paid members will receive an email and a text message via the contact info we have on file for you to be added to the group. It’s up to you to accept the invitation. I’m sure that there are many of you that already use the app but for those who don’t, it’s highly recommended to “stay in the know” of what’s going on in real time.
Some of you may be a part of “Open Topics” on WhatsApp. This is a separate group which is not an official channel of the AZRATPack. It is simply a group of friends that keep up with each other and discuss various topics which is moderated and administered by Road Captain/Count De Money Steve Stoops. That group will continue as is.