Any "atitude" from local folks noted?

[Bigbird]

Friday nite I heard a couple of riders at the campsite talking about an incident that had just occured. Seems that these fellows were stopped at a light in the area that nite, and a car pulled up next to them . One of the guys in the car rolled down the window, gave the BMW riders the "one finger salute" and shouted out "F*** BMW!" The riders naturally were dumbfounded, and weren't sure they had heard right, but the guy made sure they got the message by repeating it a couple of times. So, it could have been an isolated incident by somebody who had too much to drink. I hope so. But did anyone else note this kind of negative attitude to Rally-goers? I sure didn't, but this story was disturbing anyway.

Bigbird

[PAULBACH]

I found nothing but smiling faces and people who seemed appreciate of riders who knew a quality destination.

At St Michael's the young man taking all the keys looked up the weather for anyone by zipcode, city or points along the route home.

Not a single negative experience here.

[tessler]

Everyone was really cool* to me.


*(as in "Good", "Positive" and "Friendly")

[Motor]

Everyone was so nice we thought we had made a wrong turn and ended up in North Carolina.

[snoone]

There's always one

[Bokrijder]

I received a couple of "one finger salutes" from an auto while in Vermont. Truthfully, I could not determine if they were for me or against me. Since the "salute" has become a fairly common feeble attempt at potty humor within our ranks, it's kinda hard to tell.

Motard

[Bokrijder]

That's what I mean, riding a road/trail weary GS was it a thumbs up or a thumbs down. Returning the salute may have been well received or it may have provoked a beer bottle out the window.
Ah, now I understand why a headlight protector is such an important GS farkle.
All and all, a good experience in Vermont.

Motard

[Rod Sheridan]

While riding north on route 2A? back to gate E at the rally, some guy in a truck going south yelled "Get a Harley" at me.

I laughed, boy he has a sense of humour!

Regards, Rod.

[tessler]

While riding north on route 2A? back to gate E at the rally, some guy in a truck going south yelled "Get a Harley" at me.

I laughed, boy he has a sense of humour!

Regards, Rod.I translate the trucker's comment as really meaning "I wish I was you!"

[Bigbird]

I'm very happy to hear that this may have been just a "there's always one in every crowd" incident. Personally I found everyone both on the road and at the rally to be most friendly. And yeah, the "one finger salute" is kind of an "Adventure Rider" recognition thing, but the incident described at the beginning of the thread was definitly not that type. As an aside, this is my 4th MOA Rally, and it was a good one. The organizing was tops and the volunteers were great. :clap Looking forward already to Wisconsin next year.

Bigbird

[Kev95GS]

Don't mean to hi jack your thread BigBird, but, we stayed 2 nights in Saranac Lake and we loved it.

You sure have a nice place to live. We will be back there one day with the daughters.

Kevin

[HadABabyItsABeemer]

Friday nite I heard a couple of riders at the campsite talking about an incident that had just occured. Seems that these fellows were stopped at a light in the area that nite, and a car pulled up next to them . One of the guys in the car rolled down the window, gave the BMW riders the "one finger salute" and shouted out "F*** BMW!" The riders naturally were dumbfounded, and weren't sure they had heard right, but the guy made sure they got the message by repeating it a couple of times. So, it could have been an isolated incident by somebody who had too much to drink. I hope so. But did anyone else note this kind of negative attitude to Rally-goers? I sure didn't, but this story was disturbing anyway.

Bigbird

I think it might have been the HD dealer****...err..dealership since it looked as if he had no customers while we were there. That would serve them right since he decided to snub the co-chairs. :nyah

[deilenberger]

Terrific attitude by the locals - and by Friday - the drivers were even waving us through stop signs and 4 way stops. Had one older chap (if I call him older he's REALLY old) stop us on the way up and suggest a route to avoid the construction mess on 7 in Shelburne. It was a great route and we had no delays (considering the heat on Weds - that was a very good thing..)

Friendly smiles and helpful people.. doesn't get better than this! :brad

[IndyGT]

The closest thing to a negative remark I heard from a local came Thursday afternoon from an old guy who rode up on a bicycle when I was trying to re-hydrate with a quart of Gatorade at a Gulf station after sweating through the construction zone on Hwy. 7 south of town.
He seemed generally friendly, but appeared to be a little put off by the statement in the local newspaper that the rally was not "open to the public."
I laughed and told him that's not a move to keep local people away - just a way to keep freeloading BMW riders from getting in without paying the rally fee.
He seemed OK with the explanation and went on to ask questions about my bike, how far I'd come and on and on.
The few other encounters I had with Burlington folks were all very friendly and pleasant. :thumb

[marcopolo]

My experience was totally positive. Even had a couple at breakfast on Sunday say how impressed they were with how BMW riders respected other drivers, and didn't make a whole lot of gratuitous noise like those other bikes (they mentioned a brand, but I won't).

[mike cousino]

I guess there's bound to be some problem child, but we (the locals) have heard nothing but good things about the riders. One comment I heard, "They're so quiet!"
I got waved through on many intersections. People seemed to be really aware of the rally and motorcycles. A testament to the organizers that the media releases got through.
The only bad experience I had was a BMW motorcycle pulling out in front of me -in town, while I was going below the speed limit- causing me to have to break hard. Had one of those moments where you want to bong them on the helmet and ask, 'Anybody home?'

[mike cousino]

after sweating through the construction zone on Hwy. 7 south of town

Sorry you missed the post to avoid that road!

[RSpink]

I found the folks in Essex very friendly and the drivers quite tolerant of my last minute lane changes and turns as I was trying to find my way around.

Also, on Sunday morning as I left the expo I took the right turn at the front gate and had traveled down the road about 1/2 mile and there was an elderly gentleman out in front of his house in the rain waving to us all as we went by him, he had a sign that said "BMW Bikers thanks for coming by and come back again soon. Have a safe trip home and God be with you"

I thought that was really cool, and a positive note that our visit up there was appreciated.
Did any one else notice him?

[marcopolo]

I didn't see him, but I did see the flashing electronic sign on I-89, south of town, that said "Welcome BMW Riders". Ditto for the banner strung across one of the roads near the rally site. I thought those were nice touches. Also saw similar signs at a number of businesses, like McDonald's across from the site. The best was the sign that said "Welcome B and W Riders". Guess it's the thought that counts.

[dugmar]

I saw "Welcome BMW" signs as far away as Stowe.

[BoxerTwin]

There was a guy on a certain brand of motorcycle who seemed to get his rocks off by blasting his pipes on Church St. on Friday night. I guess he was feeling a little left-out.

[gurniel]

I was talking to a local at the McDonalds. He asked me what was wrong with the BMW riders because they didn't wave back to him. He rides a Yamaha. I explained that there were some BMW riders that had an attitude. Also, I mentioned that waving at everyone is difficult at a rally where there are literally hunderds of bikes per block. I then proceeded to absolutly wave at everyone until I was safely back in NC.
Tip Over Bob (in four states) from NC
K75C

[cruizbz]

There was a guy on a certain brand of motorcycle who seemed to get his rocks off by blasting his pipes on Church St. on Friday night. I guess he was feeling a little left-out.
I was having dinner there, that night. Seems he kept going around the block, and making a repetive hand gesture up & down on his throttle. Reminded me of another hand movement, which reminded me of what he was.

The locals at the next table remarked, that you did not here that from the BMW riders.

All he did was reenforce the image of his brand to his naighbors. I think the locals are going to be less tolerant of the "other" life style, after meeting us.

[TOTOLee]

We were there for the weekto help set up for the rally and the locals were great

[GEBILL]

Our weekend was a complete blast. We met the most experienced BMW Owners telling the TALL tales of their talents in the tents?? Engineer types. Dedicating our time to mostly riding, we were welcomed by some really friendly riders. Can't complain about anything with the Rally, except that I didn't see very many YOUNG RIDERS. Am I young or old at 50?
Safe Riding everyone!

[tessler]

Welcome to the 'boards GEBILL!
Alot of us, present company included, had a really great time :) The area rides were incredlble, too. And I know what you mean by younger riders. We definitely had our share, though, you just had to look a little harder for 'em.

[kbasa]

Our weekend was a complete blast. We met the most experienced BMW Owners telling the TALL tales of their talents in the tents?? Engineer types. Dedicating our time to mostly riding, we were welcomed by some really friendly riders. Can't complain about anything with the Rally, except that I didn't see very many YOUNG RIDERS. Am I young or old at 50?
Safe Riding everyone!

Young or old? That's up to you! :buds

Welcome aboard, Bill.

[Paul_F]

I stayed over on Sunday night at the fair grounds and met a couple (who lived adjacent to the grounds) walking their dog. They were interested in knowing that the locals were friendly and helpful towards us. They knew that we were there, but amazed that they did not hear us. We were so quiet, they said.

[tourunigo]

...quiet....yes...flat maybe. -Bob

[jdmetzger]

Our weekend was a complete blast. We met the most experienced BMW Owners telling the TALL tales of their talents in the tents?? Engineer types. Dedicating our time to mostly riding, we were welcomed by some really friendly riders. Can't complain about anything with the Rally, except that I didn't see very many YOUNG RIDERS. Am I young or old at 50?
Safe Riding everyone!

Young and old are relative. However, I'm 27, so the majority of people consider me YOUNG. That being said, everyone was extremely nice; I don't think age matters at a rally. The fact that you are there is good enough! :bikes

[BradfordBenn]

I think age doesn't matter like Xaque Danger said a couple of month's bank in the ON. I found out at this rally that some friends of mine have been married longer then I have been alive. Didn't keep us from having fun together. :brad

[ballen262]

The only problem I had was everyone kept staring at me like I was famous or something, got sick of saying no to the hot women, who wanted a ride.

Man you would think their was a BMW rally going on or something.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

The only problem I had was everyone kept staring at me like I was famous or something. . .
Geezus 262, I kept tellin ya, every time we left the beer tent, I said, "Put your hat back on!"

When we were walkin' down Church Street mall on Friday, I said to you, "Make sure your hat is down tight!"

What did I say to you on Saturday in the diner, "Keep your hat on, maybe nobody'll notice!"

Wouldn't listen to me, would ya? - No wonder they were all staring at you!
`
`

[PAULBACH]

No wonder they were staring

Red (port) is supposed to be on the left and green (starboard) is supposed to be on the right.

[StevieWonder]

No wonder they were staring

Red (port) is supposed to be on the left and green (starboard) is supposed to be on the right.



:ha :ha :ha :ha :ha

[mike cousino]

Speaking as a "local" and Real Vermonter, it was great to show off our state to the BMW riders. Only wish you could've stayed around for a while longer. There are so many interesting roads to ride and things to see here.

The biggest mistake I see, is riders taking the main routes and not venturing off the beaten paths to explore. You can't get lost in VT. I carry a supply of maps and Highlighters in all my bikes and vehicles to give directions and suggest routes.

One thing that I always do when traveling a new area; Whenever I stop for a meal or break, I carry a map in with me and spread it out. It's like a distress flair. Someone will almost always come up to me, ask where I'm going and suggest roads ans sites of interest.

Thanks for coming and hope to see you again!

[Bensonhurst]

The only one finger salute I got was from someone attending the rally.
I was taking a picture of a bike, at the rally, and a young lady, let me correct that, an immature young adult female thought it appropriate to present her middle finger toward the lens.
I don’t think it’s cute, clever or appropriate behavior, and in fact think I think it’s rude and juvenile, and should not be encouraged.

[jmerlino]

All the locals I met were very friendly and supportive, which squares with just about every other experience I've ever had in Vermont, and is one of the reasons I like the place so much. I fielded a number of questions about my bike, and was glad to answer them. From the conversations that I had, I think that on the whole we left a positive impression of BMW riders. At least I hope so.

[tuber1]

..i'm also a local, well; transplanted, so I'm glad your enjoyed your stay. And i'll have to aplogize for those ignorant ppl you may have met, but they do that to anybody here..lol maybe it's cuz we got write ups in the paper..

[ballen262]

Geezus 262, I kept tellin ya, every time we left the beer tent, I said, "Put your hat back on!"

When we were walkin' down Church Street mall on Friday, I said to you, "Make sure your hat is down tight!"

What did I say to you on Saturday in the diner, "Keep your hat on, maybe nobody'll notice!"

Wouldn't listen to me, would ya? - No wonder they were all staring at you!
`
`
Your just jealous the women wanted a ride with me, hey their is always next year for you.

Try the clown hat, it might get you some attention too.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Your just jealous the women wanted a ride with me, hey their is always next year for you.
Try the clown hat, it might get you some attention too.
:hug ` ` :stick

[Visian]

The biggest mistake I see, is riders taking the main routes and not venturing off the beaten paths to explore.

Ain't that the truth!

Finally, after years of just riding through (on some of the better roads, but just through) I got the chance to lay down 6-700 miles of exploration in VT and NH. Man, there are a number of great dirt roads there some extending for 40 miles or more.

Really had a good a time, you all live in such a beautiful place.

Ian

[esuhr]

We felt very much welcomed by the locals - and throughout the state, for that matter.

On the other hand, however, we have a friend who lives near the rally site who is a "First Responder" and volunteered at the first aid hut for the week. She said that more than a few attendees were very rude and demanding when they came in for treatment. Many came in with minor injuries (muffler burns, mostly), but a number came in with previous injuries that the FR's just weren't qualified or equipped to treat. When the riders were told they'd have to go to the local hospital for treatment they were quite unhappy at being "inconvenienced" in such a manner and let the FR's know it. She said she couldn't wait for the rally to be over.

[mike cousino]

Give a lot of credit to the rally chairs and committees. :clap :beer
There were a number of press releases to prepare the locals for what was about to happen and what to expect. I didn't get to watch the local news, but I'm told there were some nice reports. One telling listeners to approach riders at gas stations, rest stops and restaurants, to ask about their trip and make suggestions for places to see.

[k12koop]

Friday nite I heard a couple of riders at the campsite talking about an incident that had just occured. Seems that these fellows were stopped at a light in the area that nite, and a car pulled up next to them . One of the guys in the car rolled down the window, gave the BMW riders the "one finger salute" and shouted out "F*** BMW!" The riders naturally were dumbfounded, and weren't sure they had heard right, but the guy made sure they got the message by repeating it a couple of times. So, it could have been an isolated incident by somebody who had too much to drink. I hope so. But did anyone else note this kind of negative attitude to Rally-goers? I sure didn't, but this story was disturbing anyway.

Bigbird I thought most of the folks were ok, but the highlight of the trip to me was the great scenery. Short of Panama i have not seen a place that was so green and Lush... If it was closer i would be there more often. Very much on par with our great Smokey mountains here in East TN (but greener).

Koop

[BradfordBenn]

I thought the people in VT were more prepared and welcoming than Lima or Charleston. I will say that it was close, but not quite as funny as the state employee in Spokane helping me carry alcohol to the motorcycle.