Direct from the horse's .......mouth aka ask the chair

[Friedle]

There are a lot of rumors floating about regarding the upcoming 03 "Almost Heaven" BMW MOA International Rally in Charleston, WV.

What questions do you have about the Rally?

What would you like to see at the Rally that you haven't seen before?

What suggestions do you have to make the Rally better?

What would you like to know about the area?

Here's you chance to ask the questions and get the answers direct from the horse's....mouth. :idea

Go ahead, ask whatever's on your mind. See you in Charleston.

[MrsKbasa]

Mike -

I have two questions. Can we see a map of the rally layout posted here and with that the shuttle route/schedule.

Thanks,

[Friedle]

Hello Tina,

The Rally site map should be posted to the bmwmoa.org Rally web pages already. There should be two maps, one of the downtown Charleston area and the other covering the Charleston area vicinity.

The shuttle buses will run a loop that will connect the Civic Center with the U of C, where the beer tent will be located. The buses will run along the streets where most of the hotels are also located in downtown Charleston on the way to the U of C. The exact route will be set by the municipal bus people to serve as many attendees and campers as possible. I should also mention that the service will be free. All you need to show will be your wristband to get on board.

[Ted]

Here ya go (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally03/map.htm)

[MrsKbasa]

Way cool. If I had only looked at the MOA site :doh

Thanks guys.

[widebmw]

I won't to be able to go to the WV rally this year but looking ahead to 2004. Where and when will the 2004 National be?
I know you aren't supposed to tell but I can keep a secret.

[Friedle]

So can I. :)

[KBasa]

Originally posted by Michael Friedle
So can I. :)

Friedle = Buddha.

:mona

[DonHamblin]

Gee Michael, is it OK with you if I use your answer from now on? It's not covered by any copywrite is it?

Don

[Friedle]

Originally posted by Don Hamblin
Gee Michael, is it OK with you if I use your answer from now on? It's not covered by any copywrite is it?

Don

Hello Don,

If I told you it was OK to use it, then I would have to kill you.

Oh wait, that's your "other life" answer. Never mind.:)

[Friedle]

I should have noted that the free shuttle bus service will be available in the evening only, when most people will be going over to have a few beers and listen to the music. If you are riding over to the beer tent to have a few beers during the day, then you probably already have experience at doing that anyway, although I would highly discourage mixing riding and drinking.:clap

[Augie]

Originally posted by widebmw
I won't to be able to go to the WV rally this year but looking ahead to 2004. Where and when will the 2004 National be?
I know you aren't supposed to tell but I can keep a secret.
Seems to me that this info is already public knowedge. I remember an article in the MOA news that had info in the presidents or directors minutes. I wonder if anyone at the MOA office can do a search for this. I am too lazy took look through last years news.

[KBasa]

This thread has been split and the camping questions have been moved here:

Camping at the National - Ask Mike (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=135)

:wave

[GSCookeMnster]

Just wondering when the schedule of rally events will be posted. Also, which vendors will be attending. I think this is going to be an expensive rally if there is a good showing of vendors :thumb

[Friedle]

Scheduling of seminars is still ongoing as is the response from vendors making it impossible to post these yet.

These aren't the sort of things you want posted before they are ready, especially the schedule of events which is subject to change as more things are added. I wouldn't want somebody to see a time and date for an event, make their plans around that information and then find out it has changed later.

The schedule of events and the list of vendors will eventually be posted to the Rally web page.

We are expecting a record turnout of vendors for this Rally. We have about 90,000 square feet of airconditioned, indoor, secure professional exhibition space with the sort of support facilities for the vendors we have never been able to offer before.

Pay down the balances on your credit cards before you come to Charleston.:bliss

[GSBliss]

Mike,
will there any rides aimed at us GS owners who may wander off of the pavement from time to time?
Thanks:cool:

[Friedle]

There will be organized GS rides on the Hatfield McCoy trail system (check out www.trailsheaven.com for more information about the trail system) led by state authorized guides who will be putting together package deals for our attendees.

We tried to find a local GS rider who would be willing to lay out some dirt road rides, but nobody stepped forward to take on the job. There is no lack of interesting dirt roads in WV, but without local knowledge and/or a good map it is easy to get lost.

The state of WV has set up this fantastic trail system exclusively for off road riding. Not being able to find anybody willing to take on the GS ride Committee Chairmanship, we have decided to arrange with a couple of outfitters to provide what should be a unique opportunity. More details will be forthcoming on the main Rally web page link to GS riding soon.

We are also making the same sort of package arrangement for whitewater rafting opportunities.

[TracyRBIKE]

Thanks for asking!

We purchased the 1999 Rheinbeck (Saving the Best for Last) rally tape and continue to enjoy watching it. It was that video that convinced us we should attend our first rally last year. It's a great memory for those who attend, and a great marketing tool for getting folks interested in attending.

Any chance that "Almost Heaven" will be documented with a video?

[Friedle]

The Rhinebeck Rally video was indeed a fine effort and a great introduction to the typical BMW MOA International Rally experience. It is still available from Whitehorse Press and other outlets.

That video however, was not produced by BMW MOA, but rather by a private video production company. That company also has produced videos for the Americade Rally and will this year be shooting a Rally video for the Honda Hoot in addition to Americade. They identified a profitable market with our video, but won't be available to do a Charleston video. If you know another company who might be interested in documenting the Charleston experience, feel free to contact me off forum.

[GS_Adventurer]

I won't to be able to go to the WV rally this year but looking ahead to 2004. Where and when will the 2004 National be?
I know you aren't supposed to tell but I can keep a secret.


__________________
John Ferris

Well John, it looks like we have an answer. Page 56 of the BMW ON April 2003 issue: David L. Hough "Destination Highways"

He mentions a lot of BMW riders are going to be heading for in the State of Washington next year. Spokane?

[RevWillie]

Hi Mike,

Thanx for the site map--it gives me an idea about the layout of the Rally. I still have some questions though:
1. How are we going to handle the campsite security? All the previous Nationals were held in one location, with one fence around the Rally. Security was not too hard since we had pretty good control on who went in+out. Heck, among fellow Beemer riders, I never worried about taking my keys out of the ignition or about the safety of my gear in the tent. I still don't worry about my fellow BMW riders, but it would seem that I will have to worry about a lot of other types of folks that will be able to be around our Rally sites. Three different camping areas,the Civic Center vendors/shoppers, and the attached parking areas--thats a lot of area to keep track of. Local riff-raff could have a lot of "collectables" to choose from at our Rally. That's one problem that I have with a Urban Rally........
2. Another concern is about the BeerTent and transportation. I like to drink my beer, but I have learned that I cannot ride after drinking my beers. The one-site rallys really don't have as big a problem with "affected" riders since nearly all of them are camping @ the Rally and as long as Security helped them to their tent, everything was OK (except for the following morning). We are going to have a lot of busses/trams/wagons to provide safe transit to our participants, and I wonder how we can keep some of our fellow BMW from making a big mistake. This worries me, because I have discovered in my 29 years of Rally fun (15 Nationals) that a lot of Rally-goers use the National Rally as their one chance to "blow it out" for the year. Away from home, away from people that would know them in their non-bike life, away from responsibilites, significant others, and other anchors of the workday world. The party will go on, the trick is to get everybody through it.
3. Who would we need to get in touch with if a group of BMW riders should ride up to Charleston to check things out around May? Several of us folks in NC might like to go up there and eyeball the site during one weekend. Any tips would be welcomed.

These are some of my concerns--I love going to the Nationals, but the BMW National Rally is a different type of national rally. Most of the people camp, there is a sense of community caused by the masses that are crammed together in a sea of tents. In a lot of ways, our Nationals are a bit like Woodstock-loose and somewhat disorganized, with a lot of people doing a lot of fun. Maybe that is why I look forward to the National: more like Woodstock than a bike show.

[Friedle]

Hello Rev Willie,

Thanks for the questions. Here are some answers.

1) Security was a big concern of mine when assessing the potential of the Charleston rally site. As for the camping areas security: For the quiet and family area, there is only one entrance to the area. MOA security and Charleston police will control access. The area is about 20" below the adjacent road, which has no shoulder for people to pull over onto to stop or park. At the U of C, we will be using the main campus gate with security from MOA volunteers, campus police and the Charleston police. At the hilltop area, again there is only one way in or out so access can be easily controlled. Parking at the Civic Center is in attendant controlled parking structures, but there is a $3 charge per vehicle by local law. Across the street is the Charleston Town Mall with a six level parking structure. The Mall has given us the use of the entire 6th level, FREE, and will provide security for our bikes. You won't be able to get on or off the 6th level without showing a wristband. As for stuff in and about your tent, I would suggest taking the same precautions you might take when camping at a KOA or a state park. Keep your valuables inside your tent, out of sight. Charleston has the lowest crime rate in the nation for a city of it's size. Contrary to some people's speculation, it is not populated by the cast of "Deliverence". :)

2) A lot has already been written in this Forum and in the ON about the free evening shuttle buses to provide for those who would like to share a few beers with their friends, but not have to ride their bikes. If you are really worried about it, then just set up your tent at the U of C where the walk to the Beer Tent will be short.

3) If you plan on visiting Charleston prior to the Rally, I would suggest stopping into the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau office in the lobby of the Civic Center. They are open during normal business hours. Very helpful people.

The MOA Rally staff of volunteers work very hard to ensure our International Rally will NOT be like Woodstock. If you think Woodstock was a fun time, you obviously weren't there. It wasn't really like the movie or Joni Mitchell's song. The music was fantastic, if you could hear it, but the rest of the experience was a hungry, chaotic, unfocused and muddy mess of human and vehicle traffic jams. Not exactly the sort of experience we are planning for in Charleston. :p

See you in July

[lonewolf]

:jawdrop

I look forward to getting to the rally. It should take only 30 minutes from NYC, driving safely, no less Would you post a list of places to stay near the rally site. Also any scenic routes would also be great. Thanks.

Lonewolf

[RevWillie]

Thank you for the reply Mike!

-It does sound like the family camping/quiet zone and the hilltop camping areas will be pretty secure (one entrance/exit helps a lot). Still wondering about the U of C camping area, but I'm sure that things will work out fine. Yes, I probably will stay at UC, but I will make sure that I am far enough away from the Airheads to get some sleep.

-My point about shuttle service is that we will need enough vehicles to provide efficient transportation for the rallygoers, and we will need that service to continue until the wee hours of the night. If the last shuttle leaves at 1 AM, I think that you might leave a significant number of folks stranded at U of C. I guess that a 2 AM cut-off might work OK.

-The reference to Woodstock was more symbolic than realistic. Our rallys usually ARE "gatherings of peace and love", not chaos and misery. Of course, I have been at some rallys that resemble the real Woodstock (the Loretta Lynn National in '81 comes somewhat to mind [dry-not wet],along with some Daytona experiences). We all want a gathering of friends at this National, and I think that you and all the other Chairs are working real hard to make this one a winner. I look forward to being one of the volunteers at this Rally, and making my#16 one of the best Nationals in MOA history. Right now, my favorites are: #1 Redmond(2001)/#2 York(1989)/#3 Shreve(1982)
:clap

[gararnett]

New qusetion(maybe):

What will be the registration set-up at the rally? I saw in another thread, on non-member attendance, that the main rally registration will be at the Civic Center. I plan on camping at UC, and will arrive somewhere around 8p.m. on Fri. night. Will registration at the Civic Center be closed? What is the procedure for getting into the camping area at UC? Does my late arrival mean I will need to pre-register as opposed to registering when I get there (yeah I know I'll save $5 by pre-registering)? Simply put, I'm coming to the dance late and want to get in. What do I have to do?
BTW, I am familiar(but not all-knowing) with the layout of Charleston, so I know all of the stuff is pretty close together.

Gar

[Friedle]

The usual procedure for those campers who arrive after the Registration area is closed for the night is as follows.

We will permit you to enter the camping area and set up your tent for the night without a wrist band. The next morning when you leave the camp area, you must go to Registration to get your wristband to be permitted back onto the camp ground to get back to your tent or to attend any of the Rally events.

Don't worry, we won't make you camp on the sidewalk outside the Civic Center if you don't get to Registration in time.

:)

[gararnett]

What time will registration close?

[Friedle]

Wednesday, for Rally volunteer workers, 2-5 pm

Thursday and Friday, for all attendees, 8am-8pm

Saturday, for all attendees, 8am-5pm

[gararnett]

Thanks!:clap

[bianchie]

This will be my first national BMW Rally. Dumb questions follow...

- Are the Quiet and the Family campsites separate? (I know some families that are NOT quiet!)

- Is there a sign-up sheet for campsites, or is it first-come first-served?

- Are there maps of the campsites available?

- Are there laundry facilites provided or nearby?

Ed Bianchi

[JOSH]

There is a quiet camping area that tends to be the family area. There is no designated family area.

There are no maps of the campground itself. It is a very large open area.

There are no campsites as in a commercial campground. There is open space; set up your tent, and that is your area. Reservations: nope; it is first come first served. There is plenty of open space.

Commercial lanudry facilities are availble in the local community.

Josh Ascher
Rally Co-Chair

[SPCLED]

I read Ray's update and I'm confused about parking. It says parking is at the mall.

Will motorcycle parking be allowed next to my tent while I camp at the University of Charleston?

[Friedle]

There will be free parking at the Mall across the street from the Civic Center for you to use when attending the seminars or looking at the vendors at the Civic Center.

When camping at the U of C you must park your bike in the paved parking lots, not on the grass next to your tent.

[62373]

None of the pictures I've seen so far have anything I would consider appreciable shade, yet the comment has been made that there is plenty of it. So the question of the day is: "Where?" As an addendum to that question, is any of it in the quiet area?

[Friedle]

Most of the pictures of the U of C have shown the Riverview lawn adjacent to the Kanawha River where there are only a few shade trees. On the other side of the row of classroom buildings there are many shade trees.

At the quiet area there are a few shade trees. It is more open than the U of C, but closer to the action at the Civic Center, and also on the River.

Your choice.

[Rusty_H]

There’s always allot of ads in "ON" magazine for items that I would like to get for my bike. I see that there will be approximately 100 vendors at the rally, I’ve been holding off on buying some of the products out of the magazine because I "think" the vendor might be at the rally and I will be able to save some shipping cost and see the items up close before I buy. Is there any magical list of vendors that you guys have that you can post here so that we can see what vendors are at least "planning" on being at the rally.
THANKS
Rusty

[Friedle]

At this time our hardworking Commercial vendor Committee Chair is hard at work trying to best fit all the vendors inot the available space at the Civic Center.

Once that task is finished, we hope to be able to post the list of vendors to the Rally 2003 web pages, although commercial vendors will be added to the list right up to opening day, if past years are any indication.

Pay off those outstanding credit card balances before the Rally. :)

[Rusty_H]

Thanks Mike,
I see I’m not registered but I am a member. Just wanted to make sure that you know that I appreciate all the hard work you guys and galls are putting into this. I have been lurking for some time on this board and others and it’s great to see this forum and you answering all the good questions that have been coming up. I can’t commit to coming to the rally until the last minute due to my job but I really hope to see you there, and I hope all the rain will stop, us folks on the east coast have really been getting it this year
Rusty

[john diakonis]

Just in case, are there reputable BMW dealers near the National if we need service? John

[34]

If you can't park your bike next to your tent does that mean you can't ride your bike to your camp location to unload your tent and supplies? If that is so it will be a real turnoff. This not parking your bike by the tent is a real bummer - my campling usually involves leaving some of my stuff on the bike right near the tent.
Further, I can't picture carrying all my stuff a quarter mile or so from the parking lot?????????:confused:

[gararnett]

Originally posted by john diakonis
Just in case, are there reputable BMW dealers near the National if we need service? John

Ther is NOT a BMW Motorrad dealer in the state of WV. Closest would be Athens, OH - They have a VERY GOOD rep, but I've never been there.


Gar

[gararnett]

Originally posted by Jim Slater
If you can't park your bike next to your tent does that mean you can't ride your bike to your camp location to unload your tent and supplies? If that is so it will be a real turnoff. This not parking your bike by the tent is a real bummer - my campling usually involves leaving some of my stuff on the bike right near the tent.
Further, I can't picture carrying all my stuff a quarter mile or so from the parking lot?????????:confused:

Jim,

I doubt it would be any where near a quarter mile to your camp spot - unless you are trying to get as far from the lot that you can. Camping is next to the parking lot at UC. Maybe walk around a building, max. I think it was posted that there are a few grassy areas in the parking lot, so you could pitch there and not leave your baby. Of course, I 'll buy you a beer if I'm wrong - but ony you - you like generic don't you?:D

Gar

[Friedle]

At the U of C you may not ride on the grass. Bikes must stay on the pavement. If you walk a quarter mile from your bike to your tent site, you will no longer be on campus, you will have walked across the Kanawha River and be at the State Capitol building complex.

If you absolutely must have your bike parked next to your tent, you can do that at either of the other two camping areas, Magic Island or Northgate just not at the U of C.

Your choice.

[georgefromohio]

At past nationals, the MOA had rented a fairground or something of the sort with a fence around it. This year, the registration and tech sessions, etc, will be in a public building (the civic center) where (I suppose) anyone can walk in. LIkewise camping on a college campus--it seems that anyone could walk right in. What sort of security systems will be in place? What will keep thieves, vandals, bums and winos off the street from going thru my tent during the day while I am away on a ride? What keeps someone from stealing my tent and rifling thru my tank bag when I park the bike outside the civic center and walk in the place to register? I mean, yes, anyone could steal anything any time I go to use a restroom in a gas station, but I don't think I am being paranoid here. Can you address this? Thanks

[georgefromohio]

I had not found Rev. Willie's post when I posted the above. Sounds like you answered my questions already. Most college campuses I have seen are pretty open and do not have gates as such, but if this one does, good. But $3 to park downtown? What the heck? And we can't park on the grass at the campus, near our tents? Half the fun of any rally is walking around, looking at bikes, and talking to the owners, who are usually right next to them, about their bikes. At this rally, if you want to talk to someone about their ride, you will have to scout them out.

[Friedle]

Yes, there is a $3 charge to park at the Civic Center parking decks. It's the law, there is nothing we can do about it if that is where you want to park.

What we have done is arrange FREE parking across the street from the Civic Center in the Charleston Mall. The Mall will provide the entire top level of their parking facility and also provide security personnel to watch our bikes. You won't be able to get to, or leave, that level without a wristband.

If you absolutely must park your bike next to your tent, you can do that at the other two camping areas, you just can't do it at the U of C. As for security, just take the same precautions you would take if camping at a KOA or state park and you should be fine.

[krash721]

Just read in one of the Charleston papers online about the Red Cross using the Civic Center as an emergency shelter for flood victims. They are calling on the Gov. to declare a state of emergency there.
Have U heard this?

[Friedle]

The hills and hollers should be dried out by the time we get there.:eek

[gararnett]

June is the end of the rainy season in the Ohio River Valley. By July 4, things should be getting very dry. It has been rather wet in the region for the entire spring.

[Unregistered]

This morning they were showing flooding going on in Charleston, including Fed Ex employees stranded on the roof of their building. Do you have any predictions about the weather for the rally?

[beemerron]

The weather that weekend will be sunny, except at night with highs in the lwer 80's and lows in the low 60's. I swear.

[abmwrider]

any news about if/how the flooding will affect the rally?:stick

[gararnett]

It won't.

[GSCookeMnster]

Just some last minute questions, leaving in a week, so I'm getting very excited,

1) Which exits do we take/what directions to get to sign in from Interstate 64? Any signs for the Charleston Mall on the Interstate?

2) Is there much shade available at the Quiet Camping area? From the pictures, haven't seen much.

[gararnett]

Inter state signs will say Civic Center. The Civic Center and Mall are so close to the interstate, you don't need signs, as you will see them and will know where to turn without needing the signs. It really is that easy. If you are travelling on I-64 through Charleston, WV and miss the Civic Center and Charleston Town Center Mall, you are BLIND!!!

[KBasa]

I just get to the town and start following the bikes.

Works like a charm.

:thumb

[beemerron]

I start following the Beemers about 100 miles out, but doesn't it alway seem like there's a lot of packed Beemers going away from the Rally, even on the first day. Sometimes I'd just like to holler "hey you missed it".
This is going to be a good one. The roads are reason enough to come.

[Ron_B]

Originally posted by Michael Friedle
The shuttle buses will run a loop that will connect the Civic Center with the U of C, where the beer tent will be located. The buses will run along the streets where most of the hotels are also located in downtown Charleston on the way to the U of C. The exact route will be set by the municipal bus people to serve as many attendees and campers as possible. I should also mention that the service will be free. All you need to show will be your wristband to get on board.

Thanks to a bad case of sciatica that doesn't seem to want to let up, I'm considering getting a room instead of camping. (if I can find one at this late date) Does anyone know how late the shuttles will be running?

[Friedle]

There will be three different shuttle bus loops starting at 1800. The loops will be color coded to make it easy to identify the correct bus to take you to your destination. The last buses will leave the U of C about 0045. Music will be ending between 2200-2230, so that gives you plenty of time for last call.

One loop will cover the Northgate camping area and the Kanawha City motels. A second loop will cover the downtown motels and Magic Island. The third loop will cover the South Charleston motels. There will be a total of five buses running the loops, one each for the first and third loops and three buses for the downtown loop.

The color codes and routes will be part of your Rally program which you will get when registering at the Civic Center.

To find the Civic Center from the Interstate 64 you should use Exit 58 C. Heading west on Rt. 64 the exit 58 C is marked "Civic Center". Coming from the east on Rt 64, exit 58 B is marked Civic Center, but it will be easier to get to the registration parking area if you go another couple of hundred yards to exit 58 C marked "Lee Street" which will take you to the Lee Street parking area of the Civic Center. If you get off at 58 B it will still be easily obvious where the Civic Center is located.

Follow the Beemers.

[tonynace]

How are the shower facilities for campers? That seems to be the main problem with camping out: the lack of adequate hot showers.

[Friedle]

Showers for the campers will be located at the U of C athletic building and will be open 24 hours a day.

[abmwrider]

Is there any way to confirm rally registration? :beer

[Hacksaw]

Originally posted by abmwrider
Is there any way to confirm rally registration? :beer
I just got mine in the mail today.

[Unregistered]

Michael, I injured my back and my doc said no motorcycle rideing ! Profuse bummer! I preregistered for the rally early this year and now that I can't go I would like to get my registration fee back if that is possible. Please let me know who I should contact. Dean

[JOSH]

There is no way to confirm rally registration at this time. The documents are packed up and traveling to the rally already, You can check when you get to the rally.

Refunds for the pre-registarations that did not register at the rally are available from the MOA office in Missouri after the rally is over, but give them a week or two after the rally to get the documents back to the office and sorted.

Get your final questions in, Michael and I are leaving for the rally ourselves this weekend. Once we leave, we have no means to log on to the Rally forum. No one gave us laptops with all the bells and whistles :)

Josh

[Unregistered]

Why all the registering BS? How about I walk up with 35 bucks and get a wristband. Done! Call it the express line.

[Unregistered]

What is the schedule for demo rides? When do they start and when do they end? Thanks! See you in a few days

[Friedle]

BMW Demo Rides are scheduled on Thur-Sat from 0700-1630. Sign up will begin at 0600.

Demo Rides will also be offered on Sunday from 0700-1300.

[beemerron]

" Why all the registering BS"
Of the 10 or more Nationals I've been to, 20 minutes is the most I've had to wait in line. Would you like some cheese with that whine?

[Unregistered]

You must have pre-registered!!

[Unregistered]

Where are the "Friends of Wile E. Coyote" meeting?
Thanks

[r1100rick]

Originally posted by Unregistered
What is the schedule for demo rides? When do they start and when do they end? Thanks! See you in a few days

are we there yet are we there yet !!!!!!!!!!!!!
:brow :brow :brow :brow :brow :brow :brow

[RamingtonStall]

Originally posted by gararnett
June is the end of the rainy season in the Ohio River Valley. By July 4, things should be getting very dry. It has been rather wet in the region for the entire spring.

So, we have been getting hit hard by Rain and Storms in Ohio this week. The Rainy Season here seems to be in full force on July 8, 2003. Do you still think we are going to have a DRY PLACE TO TENT?

Deciding if I want to bring my Van and Trailer the bikes or ride to Charleston. Riding through 60 mph Rain Storms, dodging falling trees, etc. like we have been doing here for the past 2 days, only to pitch a tent in the mud does not sound like the type of experience that I can sell to my wife.

Thanks for your help.

RamS
:brow :brow :brow :brow :brow

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by RamingtonStall

Do you still think we are going to have a DRY PLACE TO TENT?

...Riding through 60 mph Rain Storms, dodging falling trees, etc. like we have been doing here for the past 2 days, only to pitch a tent in the mud does not sound like the type of experience that I can sell to my wife.

...help.

:brow :brow :brow :brow :brow

heh, heh, heh... TRUST us... heh, heh, heh

[beemerron]

Sure is a good thing the Rally was sited where there are many motel rooms is a close proximity. Not all of us are hardy enough to camp in the rain. Could you imagine the campus lawn after four days of motorcycles riding across and falling over on. Now that WOULD be a mess. Suspect the lawn has a slight slope towards the river for drainage. Good work folks.

[lorazepam]

Glad I got my room for the rally early :p . The weatherman is calling for a 30 percent chance of rain friday and saturday..........

[beemerron]

Just got in from dousing the Walrus (coo coo cachoo) with Campdry. Don't forget your ground cloth and tent pegs. Don't wanna see your tent floating down the Kawhatever River. Might also wanna douse the 'Stich while your at it. I'm getting wet already, but in a good sorta way. See ya there.

[Fritzc]

Is there an emergency phone number at the rally???

[r1100rick]

yeah 911

[MrsKbasa]

Do a search on the forum for that topic, it was posted before....

But, I can't remember where.

[KBasa]

Originally posted by Fritz
Is there an emergency phone number at the rally???

Click here Fritz (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=655&highlight=emergency)

[Unregistered]

Can non-members visit the vendors expo at Charleston Civic Center?

[jimwms]

Uh, excuse me if I'm overlooking something that is clearly posted somewhere else, but what are the hours (including Sunday) and prices for the rally?

Thanks,

Jim

[MrsKbasa]

Hours are usually 24 hours on the campground.

But, each area has specific hours:

the vendors have specific hours of operation and close down at 8pm.

Registration has specific hours. If I remember correctly, about 8-8 most days, closing earlier on Saturday.

Seminars are anywhere from 8:30 to 9pm this year.

Beer tent closes at midnight or 1am...

Most of this is in the Rally program.

I believe the price is $35...????

This is all from memory, so forgive me if I have some of this wrong. Someone will pipe in and correct me....I hope. Unless they are all at the rally.:)

[KBasa]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Can non-members visit the vendors expo at Charleston Civic Center?

Membership isn't a requirement, but registering for the rally is. If you own a BMW, this is like going to a mall made for you and your bike.