So what is it? This is a site designed to help VF/VFR riders who find themselves stranded on the side of the road in unfamiliar territory. As anybody who's been in that situation can attest, it's no picnic. I decided to create a single, easy-to-remember resource for the amazingly supportive V4 community to solve this problem. This site is designed primarily for riders in the States, but I have not excluded our friends in the Great White North and abroad; it has support for Canadian provinces and telephone area codes, and international country-based searching. So, now that you know what it is, you're probably wondering how to get started...
By following the "Become a VFResponder!" link above, you will be prompted to register for the site. This implies nothing dastardly; I require that only to keep info-spamming of the site to a minimum. Once you've registered, you will be prompted to enter location information that will assist stranded VF/VFR riders in your area. In addition, you may select "additional services" you're willing to offer to stranded riders, such as: tool use, secure storage or use of a garage, retrieval via trailer or pickup, transportation to a local Honda dealer or service shop, etc. More details are available on the login info page.
So, the information is in, now what can you do with it?
Upon clicking on the "Search for VFResponders" link above, you can proximity search from your current location (given as a ZIP code location, telephone area code, or state/province/country) for other VF/VFR owners. The results displayed will include names of the nearest Vifferfolk and how to get in touch with them, along with extra-special additional services they're willing to provide. The database can be used in three ways:
- From a cell phone on the side of the road. No, I'm not kidding. This site is designed to degrade gracefully to the very simple HTML or WML displayed by cell phones on most national networks. With this ability, you can point the browser in your digital cell phone to go.vfr911.com (not yet active), enter a ZIP or area code for your stranded location, and track down the closest VF/VFR owners. Goodbye AAA/HRCA/HSTA, hello friendly Vifferfolk! Note: The maximum search distance for ZIP code is 50 miles. To search beyond that area, or if no results are found, try searching by area code instead (think large western states).
- From a web browser in the comfort of your own home. This is surely the most luxurious way to use the site, but hardly useful if you're in the middle of nowhere. However, by using a cell/pay phone, you can contact somebody who is able to use this site, and get information that way. This is awkward, and not the primary reason for this use. If you're planning a trip, you may enter a local ZIP code and find all listers near your destination before you leave home. You may contact them to plan rides, arrange a meeting, find some local routes, or even find a decent restaurant in the area.
- Book format: The results pages will display in a format fitted for the screen, but will print in an easy-to-use format perfectly suited for a standard 8.5"x11" page folded in half. All you've got to do is print from your browser, fold, and tuck it into your tankbag. You may also print the entire network of contacts, organized by state.
Good luck!
Of course, this is completely voluntary. A site like this relies on the generosity of you, VF/VFR riders everywhere. However, since I am collecting your personal information, I want to do everything I can to make you comfortable submitting that information. First of all, none of this information will ever be distributed to anyone but members of the site, or sold to anyone. With a few restrictions, you may enter as much or as little information as you'd like, but I will take all steps to safeguard the information with which I'm entrusted. The only information displayed in a list of search results will be first name, general locale, primary contact number, and "additional services offered" (see the FAQ). Though I use ZIP codes for proximity searching to a stranded rider, that information will never be displayed onscreen. If you have any additional comments, concerns, or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I'd also like to thank Justin and Jack for all their help with the site, it certainly would not be around without their willing time and dedication. You both have my overwhelming gratitude.