Lodging??

[apopj]

Hey guys,

I must be doing something wrong. I went to Expedia.com and checked on rooms for the rally in Gillette. A 1 1/2 star motel was $220 a night. Did I read it wrong or was the decimal point put in the wrong spot? I really really want to go to the rally, but to pay almost $1000 for a room for several days seems rather severe. So, what did I do wrong? Thanks for the help and see you in Gillette (Maybe!!!)..... Jeff:wave

[clowry]

The rate is probably right, unfortunately. Try Sherpa Mayberry's camping service, if you don't mind tenting it. Comes out to not much more than that for the whole rally, and he makes very good coffee!

Cheryl

[73986]

I am going to cut back severely on my rally going because of this very reason...Rooms...gas and food are just getting to be too much...I have already cancelled Daytona next spring and Gillette wy also is not on my list..I simply just don't want to spend that kind of money...:nono

[Greenwald]

I too am undecided if I will include Gillette in my riding plans when I 'Iron Butt' it out west next July to visit my daughter in Castle Rock, CO., which is nearly 400 miles from the rally site.

However, though I have never camped while motorcycling, I did look into the logistics, and you might be surprised.

I took a walk thru the sporting goods section of the local Wal-Mart and here is what I noticed:

3-man quality, waterproof tent: $27
Ground Cloth: $8
Sleeping Bag (Good to 35 degrees): $20
Over-size Tent Stakes (For WY winds!): $5
Tent Stake Hammer & Remover: $6
8" Thick Twin-size Air Mattress: $12
Battery-operated Air Pump: $10

Total for what I consider the minimum to 'spend a few nights in camp' at Gillette comes to only $88!

For that investment, you could spend 'X' number of days at the rally, throw everything away before you head home (though I wouldn't) and still have spent less than even one night at a local motel during the OFF season. Food, showers, etc. are provided on the rally grounds - in other words, you don't have to pack for an expedition to the Himalaya's just to flop for a night or two somewhere.

All the items I looked at pack down quite small and could easily be included with everything else I load on the R1200RT for long-distance travel. Just something to consider???

[PAULBACH]

Check out this link for Ted Mayberry (http://www.sherpamayberry.com/)

Looks like an easy way to go.
Ted is taking reservations now.

Then ... http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/ClipArt/SouthwestPlane.png

[ray82609]

From the Camplex MOA page.
-Ray

GILLETTE,WYOMING
Hotel Name Phone Number
Best Value Inn 682-9341
Best Western Towers West 686-2210
Budget Inn Express 686-1989
Comfort Inn 685-2223
Days Inn 682-3999
Fairfield Inn 686-2210 - (Nichole)
Hampton Inn 686-2000
Holiday Inn Express 686-9576
Howard Johnson Inn 682-2616
Motel 6 686-8600
National 9 682-5111
Super 8 Motel 682-8078
Wingate Inn 685-2700


MOORCROFT, WYOMING - 30 miles from CAM-PLEX

Cozy Motel
756-3411

Moorcourt Motel
756-3411

BUFFALO, WYOMING - 63 miles from CAM-PLEX
Arrowhead Motel 684-9453
Best Western Cross Roads 684-2256
Big Horn Motel 684-7822
Blue Gables Motel 684-2574
Canyon Motel 684-2957
Comfort Inn 684-9564
Rhodeway Inn 800-424-6423
Holiday Inn Express 686-2210
Mansion House Inn 684-2218
Motel 6 684-7000
Mountain View 684-2881
Occidental Hotel 684-0451
Super 8 Motel 684-2531
Wyoming Motel 684-5505
Z-Bar Motel 684-5535


SUNDANCE, WYOMING- 63 miles from CAM-PLEX
Arrowhead Hotel 283-3307
Bear Lodge Motel 283-1611
Best Western 283-2800
Sundance Mountain Inn 283-3737

NEWCASTLE, WYOMING- 75 miles from CAM-PLEX
Fountain Inn 746-4426
Four Corners Inn 746-4776
Hilltop Motel 746-4494
Morgan Motel 746-2715
Pines Motel 746-4334
Sage Motel 746-2724


HULETT, WYOMING - 70 miles from CAM-PLEX
Best Western Inn 467-5747

[apopj]

Well, I called to see about prices. Yep, the price Expedia gave me were correct. Guess I am spoiled by living in the real world. I can get a 5 star room here in Akron, Ohio for $99 a night. I can get a 2 star for $38 a night. Why in the world would I pay $220 a night for a 1 1/2 star just to attend a rally? I agree I had fun at the Charleston, WVa rally a few years ago, and found the $19 a night dorm room very nice (especially when the weather got terrible), but not enough fun to justify the cost of these rooms, plus food, fuel, and maybe spend the remaining 50 cents on gear.
Sorry MOA, but I will attend 20 local rallys for that kind of money. HAve more fun, meet more people, and see more of the country I want to see. It seems as though these "FUN" rallys have gone the way of Bike Week.... gimmie, gimmie, gimmie..... surely you could use some pressure to maintain reasonable prices for the rallys. Or, maybe go somewhere else that actually wants us and not JUST OUR MONEY....
As much as I wanted to go, it isn't going to happen this year. I will just ride to Alaska or Mexico and save the rest of my money....:dunno
By the way, I do 40 to 50 nights a year motorcycle camping so I have all the equipment, but still it is too expensive to attend...

Jeff

[Mike M]

By the way, I do 40 to 50 nights a year motorcycle camping so I have all the equipment, but still it is too expensive to attend...


:scratch I don't understand, if you like to camp and have all the equipment, why is it still too expensive to attend? :scratch

[apopj]

Well,

My fiance will be with me and she wants a hotel room. I always think of the MOA as a family group, not a solo camping experience. She doesn't mind camping after a short ride, but when its two hard days for her, she wants some comfort. But the problem isn't that it is out of my price range, it's that it's in a ridiculous price range. I mean really, $220 for a 1 1/2 star motel???? At least the guys I used to arrest wore a mask when they robbed people....

Jeff:laugh

[JVANV]

Hey I know the motel rates are outragious in Gillette. I live in Rapid City SD. and work over there quite often. But feel lucky if you get one at all on short notice!
Here is an idea. How about staying in Spearfish SD. and making the trip over to Gillette for the programs? :thumb

[Mike M]

Hey I know the motel rates are outragious in Gillette. I live in Rapid City SD. and work over there quite often. But feel lucky if you get one at all on short notice!
Here is an idea. How about staying in Spearfish SD. and making the trip over to Gillette for the programs? :thumb

Prolly a good idea if you are going to hotel-it. Spearfish is a nice mid-sized town and would be a good center of operations if you planned to do some riding through the Black Hills during the National.

[k75karol]

Well, I called to see about prices. Yep, the price Expedia gave me were correct. Guess I am spoiled by living in the real world. I can get a 5 star room here in Akron, Ohio for $99 a night. I can get a 2 star for $38 a night. Why in the world would I pay $220 a night for a 1 1/2 star just to attend a rally? I agree I had fun at the Charleston, WVa rally a few years ago,
Jeff

When you called the hotels, did you ask for the BMW MOA block of rooms. There should still be some cheaper than the 220.00. Haven't checked to see if the blocks are gone, but there should be some left.

[Floppp]

I went down to the Hills for some riding at the beginning of July. I decided to stay 2 nights and elected to stay in a motel instead of camping. Deadwood and the rest were fully booked but the Super 8 in Sturgis took me. The lady at the desk apologized profusely because the last room they had available was the deluxe with a large jacuzzi tub. She said she was really really sorry but it was $109 a night. Sounded like a good deal to me.

It's not 5 star but soaking in the jacuzzi after sweating buckets in the 110 heat of the grasslands was a treat. And breakfast was included.

[PAULBACH]

Spearfish to Gillette is about 90 minutes if I recall right. Are there towns a mite closer that neighbor folks might recommend?

[k75karol]

Spearfish to Gillette is about 90 minutes if I recall right. Are there towns a mite closer that neighbor folks might recommend?

Buffalo is 71

[SherpaMayberry]

Well,

My wife will be with me and she wants a hotel room. I always think of the MOA as a family group, not a solo camping experience. She doesn't mind camping after a short ride, but when its two hard days for her, she wants some comfort.

I hear ya.

On one hand, my setup is quite comfy, includes a 9" Coleman air mattress, and I'm on site for the duration to top off those slow leakers (happens after a few days of use). Many folks tell me it's the best night of sleep they've had in a long time.

On the other hand, I can certainly understand the privacy, own bathroom, real bed, having a dresser to unpack, being able to stand up and change clothes, etc. that a hotel room provides. If that's the kind of comfort the wife is demanding, Sherpa isn't an option.

The rate is probably right, unfortunately. Try Sherpa Mayberry's camping service, if you don't mind tenting it. Comes out to not much more than that for the whole rally, and he makes very good coffee!

Cheryl

Indeed. My current rate (with sales tax added) for a double tent setup is only $5 more than that single night. With sales tax (I'm guessing the $220 doesn't include sales tax), my current rate is $237.60 and covers the duration of the rally. Single tent is lower, naturally.

Rates will increase as the rally draws closer. I offer a lower price at first so that past customers can book early and save $'s. I'll also send out a mass emailing to last year's customers early Jan to provide similar heads up.

I'll have 200 tent capacity in '08. I bought a propane coffee pot that holds 12 gallons of coffee. That plus a couple 101 cup units *should* allow me to keep up with the drastic demand!

[SherpaMayberry]

3-man quality, waterproof tent: $27
Ground Cloth: $8
Sleeping Bag (Good to 35 degrees): $20
Over-size Tent Stakes (For WY winds!): $5
Tent Stake Hammer & Remover: $6
8" Thick Twin-size Air Mattress: $12
Battery-operated Air Pump: $10


Waterproof tent, pretty cheap, but oughta work fine for the weekend.

I personally do not bother with ground cloths. The Coleman tents I use have a very good bath-tub like waterproof floor. I don't have issues with water seeping through the bottom. Even if the tent gets damp inside, the air mattress keeps the sleeping bag dry.

My experience with air mattresses is about 10% right out of the box leak (Coleman, no less. Other camping services use lesser brand and have a higher failure rate). 90% chance it'll work ok, consider little lower odds as I'm guessing $12 isn't necessarily a quality brand. I'd pack a couple, but probably bad advice when considering how much to pack on a bike (they aren't light). Then again, topping off to fall asleep and waking up on the ground might be a suitable risk for many. Been there, done that myself many times.

Air pump, definitely nice to have, but when I was bicycle touring, I didn't want to carry one around. I sat in my chair and breathed into my air mattress for about a half hour while reading a book. Looked odd, but the job got done.

Over sized tent stakes, absolutely. The little ones that come with the tent do not hold up well in wind. Don't ask me why I know that.

Don't forget a chair (Kermit?)...

[k75karol]

I hear ya.

On one hand, my setup is quite comfy, includes a 9" Coleman air mattress, and I'm on site for the duration to top off those slow leakers (happens after a few days of use). Many folks tell me it's the best night of sleep they've had in a long time.

I agree!!! I have to say that air mattress was great. In Asheville, I had the best night's sleep ever (when camping!!) Hampton beds of the camping world;)

[judjones]

I took a walk thru the sporting goods section of the local Wal-Mart and here is what I noticed:

3-man quality, waterproof tent: $27
Ground Cloth: $8
Sleeping Bag (Good to 35 degrees): $20
Over-size Tent Stakes (For WY winds!): $5
Tent Stake Hammer & Remover: $6
8" Thick Twin-size Air Mattress: $12
Battery-operated Air Pump: $10

Total for what I consider the minimum to 'spend a few nights in camp' at Gillette comes to only $88!



Save the boxes and return it all to Walmart after the rally. Total cost for lodging at the rally: $0.00;)

[Greenwald]

Save the boxes and return it all to Walmart after the rally. Total cost for lodging at the rally: $0.00;)

You sound like my 'Hollander' wife!

Who knows? After trying motorcycle camping (I've done traditional tent camping in my younger days), I might have found another 'hobby' to pour money into - that will surely please the Mrs.

Ride Safe!

[Beemer01]

[QUOTE=Greenwald;263113]

3-man quality, waterproof tent: $27
Ground Cloth: $8
Sleeping Bag (Good to 35 degrees): $20
Over-size Tent Stakes (For WY winds!): $5
Tent Stake Hammer & Remover: $6
8" Thick Twin-size Air Mattress: $12
Battery-operated Air Pump: $10

QUOTE]


There is no such thing as a quality tent for $27 or a good sleeping bag for $20, sorry. :dunno

[Greenwald]

There is no such thing as a quality tent for $27 or a good sleeping bag for $20, sorry.

Spent 2+ years selling sporting goods at Sears - beg to differ. But hey - time will tell.

In the meantime, enjoy your wilderness camping - sounds like an adventure.

[118078]

I booked my tent with SherpaMayberry, so I guess I'm commited now.

I like camping, but 2-up camping is a pain. But I like being at the ralley site, so we will motel on the way to and from the rally, and have a nice comfy tent on the grounds when we get there.

Sounds like the best of both worlds to me.

Wife will be happy too.

See ya there, Don :dance

[k75karol]

Save the boxes and return it all to Walmart after the rally. Total cost for lodging at the rally: $0.00;)

Better Yet......donate it to the local boy or girl scouts:dance

[Greenwald]

Better Yet......donate it to the local boy or girl scouts:dance

An option.

[SheRidesABeemer]

Prolly a good idea if you are going to hotel-it. Spearfish is a nice mid-sized town and would be a good center of operations if you planned to do some riding through the Black Hills during the National.

Spearfish or Buffalo are far enough away (one hour+) that it wouldn't feel like you were part of the rally. As an experienced hotel dweller myself, being 10 miles away can feel remote. I made the switch to Sherpa Ted, and can strongly recommend it. Clean towels everyday, attentive service, hot coffee, quiet camping & no gear to haul!

[calmil]

I agree....Sherpa Mayberry rocks.:dance

[AnMar]

This is my first rally....EVER ! I am looking forward to the adventure and after reading some of these posts, I'm a little confused. Once I register for the national rally, does that include lodging at the rally site, or do I have to make arrangements for lodging at another site? What does the registration fee include? Are there restaurants (food tents) on site, are there washroom facilities etc? I'll be traveling up from south Florida (Tampa Bay area) and I plan on combining camping and an occasional motel along the way. How can I find other riders who plan on making the trip? Thanks for the help!

[Braddog]

This is my first rally....EVER ! I am looking forward to the adventure and after reading some of these posts, I'm a little confused. Once I register for the national rally, does that include lodging at the rally site, or do I have to make arrangements for lodging at another site?

The rally fee includes a spot to camp, right on site of the rally.

What does the registration fee include?
For starters, it includes access to the grounds and ALL events at the rally, including a camping spot, seminars, displays, vendors, etc.

Are there restaurants (food tents) on site, are there washroom facilities etc?
There will be multiple food vendors on site, and most are quite reasonable in price. There will be many, many porta-johns set up, that are frequently "serviced". There will also be hot showers available as well as washup sinks.

I'll be traveling up from south Florida (Tampa Bay area) and I plan on combining camping and an occasional motel along the way. How can I find other riders who plan on making the trip? Thanks for the help!
This forum is a good place to start.

Disclaimer: I'm basing my answers on my experience at West Bend, my first national rally. I am NOT a camper in the truest sense, but frankly, you don't HAVE to be to camp at a national rally. All the amenities are provided, if you want to use them and pay for them (you pay for food and drink, but the plumbing facilities are free).

[kenk]

Hey guys,

I must be doing something wrong. I went to Expedia.com and checked on rooms for the rally in Gillette. A 1 1/2 star motel was $220 a night. Did I read it wrong or was the decimal point put in the wrong spot? I really really want to go to the rally, but to pay almost $1000 for a room for several days seems rather severe. So, what did I do wrong? Thanks for the help and see you in Gillette (Maybe!!!)..... Jeff:wave

A blind man could have foreseen this problem. I called most of the local hotels three months ago and the prices all far exceeded the numbers in this months ON. A sherpa tent is good for a drunk fest. It's not a good idea if your bringing your wife. My wife has rode plenty of 500 mile days over the past 25 years. However, she expects a good room at the end of the day and a great restaurant. Gillette has neither. With all the selection requirement that limit our possible locations, I am still scratching my head trying to figure out how Gillette made the cut.

Meanwhile, I will take her to Jackson Hole and allow her to bend a credit card on whatever she wants.

[SherpaMayberry]

A sherpa tent is good for a drunk fest.

As far as BMW rallies go (the ones I support), the Sherpa camp has hardly been a drunk fest. Sure, there's some moderate drinking (one of the advantages of staying on the ground), but nothing close to a 'drunk fest'.

It's not a good idea if your bringing your wife.



If a wife is expecting a hotel room with a/c, shower, etc, Sherpa isn't an option. However, plenty of wives have been rather happy with the service.

[John Brase]

Kenk, where on earth did you get the idea that the Sherpa village is a "drunk fest?"

I've got frequent lodger points with Sherpa Mayberry (Lima, Shelbyville, Asheville, West Bend) and I've never encountered anything that could be considered drunken behavior.

John

[Sue]

With all the selection requirement that limit our possible locations, I am still scratching my head trying to figure out how Gillette made the cut.


Jeepers, Ken --- Give it a rest, would ya?

[Rapid_Roy]

As far as BMW rallies go (the ones I support), the Sherpa camp has hardly been a drunk fest. Sure, there's some moderate drinking (one of the advantages of staying on the ground), but nothing close to a 'drunk fest'.
.........
That may have been our group. We were just on the other side of the century fence at West Bend. Sorry.

We will camp far away from the Sherpa site at Gillette.
:wave

[SherpaMayberry]

That may have been our group. We were just on the other side of the century fence at West Bend. Sorry.

We will camp far away from the Sherpa site at Gillette.
:wave

Then your group must also be pretty well behaved. I have never noticed any rowdiness within or around the Sherpa Village.

Now, my other non-BMW motorcycle rally.... I just won't go there.

[kenk]

As far as BMW rallies go (the ones I support), the Sherpa camp has hardly been a drunk fest. Sure, there's some moderate drinking (one of the advantages of staying on the ground), but nothing close to a 'drunk fest'.



If a wife is expecting a hotel room with a/c, shower, etc, Sherpa isn't an option. However, plenty of wives have been rather happy with the service.

I tent camp all the time. However, most women and a large number of men (I rode to the arctic circle with one last year) have no desire to camp. My wife is one of them. Camping is really your only option with this rally. I can stay in Crystal City overlooking Washington D.C. for the price of a crap hotel in Gillette...and I'm overpaying in Washington D.C. I was quoted $230 for run down mom & pop in Gillette. For the same price, I can take my wife to Aspen or Jackson Hole where I can enjoy the ride and she can shop until she drops. What's the draw at Gillette? A beer tent...Geeeeez folks. No wonder we only draw 10% of our members. Expect much less for Gillette and possibly long-term damage to our vendors. Heck..hotels on the haul road are cheaper.

[SherpaMayberry]

I tent camp all the time. However, most women and a large number of men (I rode to the arctic circle with one last year) have no desire to camp. My wife is one of them. Camping is really your only option with this rally. I can stay in Crystal City overlooking Washington D.C. for the price of a crap hotel in Gillette...and I'm overpaying in Washington D.C. I was quoted $230 for run down mom & pop in Gillette. For the same price, I can take my wife to Aspen or Jackson Hole where I can enjoy the ride and she can shop until she drops. What's the draw at Gillette? A beer tent...Geeeeez folks. No wonder we only draw 10% of our members. Expect much less for Gillette and possibly long-term damage to our vendors. Heck..hotels on the haul road are cheaper.

I have no personal issues with your gripes about the hotel prices.

I just want to make it real clear that the Sherpa Village for BMW events (including MOA, RA and Cass) is not a drunk fest.

No where close to it.

I have no idea where you got this idea, and do not appreciate being painted in such a light.

[Rapid_Roy]

I have no personal issues with your gripes about the hotel prices.

I just want to make it real clear that the Sherpa Village for BMW events (including MOA, RA and Cass) is not a drunk fest.

No where close to it.

I have no idea where you got this idea, and do not appreciate being painted in such a light.
I'll second that. I was going to go over there and complain about it being too quiet.
:laugh
In fact, one of the people at the Sherpa Village came over by our group because he said he could hear us having fun. Most folks were asleep, or being very quiet at Sherpa Village by that time. Not anything like a drunk fest.
We were the drunk fest, but not all of us were drunk.

[k75karol]

I tent camp all the time. However, most women and a large number of men (I rode to the arctic circle with one last year) have no desire to camp. My wife is one of them.

You may need to rephrase that, Ken.....Some women and Some Men. I know a lot of women (riders and non) that enjoy camping.
For those who don't....

I just called the Hampton Inn. They have 15 rooms left in our block @ $199.00. The Holiday Inn Express has sporadic availability only on certain days. The best thing to do is Call. Don’t make reservations over the internet or you won’t get our rates, and make sure to mention the BMW MOA block. I have calls in to some of the other hotels checking the status, but won’t hear until tomorrow. There are still rooms at the Days Inn (307-682-3999) for a rate of $139 single/149 double.

These are negotiated rates, so you must mention the BMW MOA.

And for the record....I took advantage of the Sherpa Village in NC, and I must have missed the drunkfest! All was quiet!

[kenk]

You may need to rephrase that, Ken.....Some women and Some Men. I know a lot of women (riders and non) that enjoy camping.
For those who don't....

I just called the Hampton Inn. They have 15 rooms left in our block @ $199.00. The Holiday Inn Express has sporadic availability only on certain days. The best thing to do is Call. Don’t make reservations over the internet or you won’t get our rates, and make sure to mention the BMW MOA block. I have calls in to some of the other hotels checking the status, but won’t hear until tomorrow. There are still rooms at the Days Inn (307-682-3999) for a rate of $139 single/149 double.

These are negotiated rates, so you must mention the BMW MOA.

And for the record....I took advantage of the Sherpa Village in NC, and I must have missed the drunkfest! All was quiet!

Well Karol...you've been to just about every rally, so I don't need to tell you that when you look around, it's not 50/50 men and women. The rallies are predominantly men with some women. The more hotels available, the more more women. At West Bend, 80% were men and 18% were women. Most of men are married and left our wives at home. I prefer to take my wife along.

When you include tax into the Holiday Inn Express numbers, your spending close to $900 for four days. The Days Inn is not filled for a reason. It's has a horrible rating due to it's bad management.

[clowry]

I seem to remember seeing LOTS of couples at the '07 Rally. What does it matter what the gender dynamic of the group is? I'm sure that MANY of our members, male or female, and for a variety of reasons would prefer a private bathroom, a comfy bed and a climate controlled room. That's not always possible. Many of us are looking forward to the rally, and would go no matter where the group decides to hold it. The location is secondary to the event - the meeting up with friends and acquaintances, putting faces to names, taking in the seminars etc. I can only speak for myself, but I'm not looking forward to hearing 6+ more months of pi**ing and moaning about the location and the perceived lack of amenities/conveniences/suitable roads/shopping opportunities/sightseeing venues/whatever. If you're not happy with it, by all means, give it a miss. We'll gladly see you next time, if that one suits you. Otherwise, if you're not inclined to come, STFU about it.

Cheryl

And as a resident of Sherpa Village at West Bend I can attest to the fact that it was NO drunkfest.

[sachiwilson]

FWIW, I joined MOA because I knew I was going to Gillette. I love the riding in Wyoming! I chose to get a motel but I am perfectly happy camping too, and have done that more than I have used motels on bike trips. So . . . a lot of people, including women, are happy with the site and the options.

[KGT1200]

As a first time rally attendee, I was impressed by the division of "types" of campers at West Bend.

All the lined up nicely were the Sherpa tents uniform and seemingly perfect, and were, for the most part pitch dark after 11:00? 10:00 either with sleeping occupants, or quiet ones indeed! Nice looking, quiet, and not for me! I get sea sick if Iook too close at pefect right angles; I strive for random chaos in my life :)

The area where I camped was as far from the "normal people" as you could find, way north and east over by the fence. I'm not the one to disturb others, however do like the conversation late into the evening, meeting new people, and telling fish stories, so I was pleased that those who wished to stay up and chew the fat had a place of their own far from those who actually wished for the quiet and sleep. That quiet area, I do believe was the Sherpa tent area. Other areas west of the main pavilion was also one where I originally pulled into when I first arrived, and thought it was nice, but a bit sedate for my liking; and these were also people who found the quiet they were looking for after the 10:00 hour.

Now maybe there was a "drunk fest" somewhere at West Bend, but it wasn't my group, and when I finally was bested by this seemingly all night group, I donned my earplugs, and went to bed in my tent! Out like a rock and stayed that way. Drunks are a label and didn't seem to fit my group! Happy people imbibing a bit late at night is what you call drunks? Yep thats them, but Drunks? Hardly! Thats a total oversimplification of the disease that afflicts this group:p I've seen many a drunk in my life, and this group don't fit that label. There was plenty of room at West Bend to separate out all the people, and even more room by my eye at Gillette; it shouldn’t be a problem.

If this group is the one labeled by excessive drinking, keep in mind that some of in this crowd such as myself labeled "drunks" preferred chai tea to the fermented beverage, so what may have been said about any area is a huge stereotype, and not true. I don't touch the stufff myself, but love a good conversation around the dark and deep into the night.

Gillette has twice the area, and areas separated by large distances, so I would imagine each type of rider will head to their own area, and nary will a word be said as long as we all can keep track of Pete!!

See you all in Gillette!

Red

[Braddog]

kenk, seriously, hats off to you and your wife for traveling together on 2 wheels, and enjoying nice hotel stays. In many ways, I envy you. My wife does not like motorcycles, does not like to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, and is not crazy about me riding a motorcycle. However, she understands my love of riding, and is quite tolerant of it. She has attended some rallies with me, but with me on the motorcycle and her in the car. Ever stayed at Chula Vista at the Dells? That's hardly roughing it, but that's about as close to camping as she'll ever go. She does love to ride her own 125 Vino scooter, which doesn't make much sense, but I digress.

You've communicated your rally attendance requirements very clearly, over and over again. I think everyone "gets" it. You've got your priorities, and you're sticking to them. Good for you. And good for your wife, as well. But now it seems you're taking some shots at a rally provider, which doesn't seem very fair.

I'm sure you and your wife will enjoy yourselves greatly this summer at Jackson Hole, or any number of other great places. But, the BMW MOA National doesn't seem to be on your list this year. So be it. That's OK, hopefully it will be somewhere more to your liking in 2009. You've provided input to the process, which I'm sure, is actually appreciated.
:wave

[k75karol]

FWIW, I joined MOA because I knew I was going to Gillette. I love the riding in Wyoming! I chose to get a motel but I am perfectly happy camping too, and have done that more than I have used motels on bike trips. So . . . a lot of people, including women, are happy with the site and the options.

We're glad you joined us. Be sure to say Hi! in Gillette, and we know you'll be safe!!:)

[k75karol]

What does it matter what the gender dynamic of the group is? I'm sure that MANY of our members, male or female, and for a variety of reasons would prefer a private bathroom, a comfy bed and a climate controlled room. That's not always possible. Many of us are looking forward to the rally, and would go no matter where the group decides to hold it. The location is secondary to the event - the meeting up with friends and acquaintances, putting faces to names, taking in the seminars etc. I can only speak for myself, but I'm not looking forward to hearing 6+ more months of pi**ing and moaning about the location and the perceived lack of amenities/conveniences/suitable roads/shopping opportunities/sightseeing venues/whatever. If you're not happy with it, by all means, give it a miss.

+1
:thumb

[kenk]

Here's some South Dakota choices. However, a bit far to enjoy the rally.

Spearfish, SD 94 miles (188 miles round trip)
Quality Inn $126.66
Days Inn $106

Sturgis, SD 113 miles (225 miles round trip)
Best Western Sturgis Inn $107
Super 8 Sturgis SD $69

Deadwood, SD 108 miles (216 miles round trip)
First Gold Hotel and Casino Deadwood $92
Best Western Hickok House $89
AmericInn Deadwood $116

Rapid City, SD 141 miles (282 miles round trip)

[GTRider]

Wow, after reading this thread I think kenk should bypass Gillette and stick to rallies like the Curve Cowboy Reunion! Seriously, I usually book a motel room for the rally but in Gillette that'$ not an option for me. OK, I guess that means I can P&M about it for the next 5 months, thrown an icky fit and threaten to not go (like that will make the organization change the site or the setup), or deal with the situation as it is. Personally, I think the latter is the way to go so I plan on staying in Buffalo, or Sheridan, or Casper, or ??? the night before the rally and show up early to be a VOLUNTEER. Maybe I can help make things better in some small way....

So where on the rally page do I go to sign up? I can handle anything except latrine duty or security.....
:^)

GTRider

[jesaus]

Here's some information for you about lodging in Gillette that's a bit disturbing (specifically the Clarion Inn) - if you've tried to plan early, as we did for 5 couples, so that we could gather, from literally all sides of the country, and made reservations at the Clarion Inn - don't count on them honoring them.

We called, got our room reservations with confirmation numbers at a $119.00 rate way back in August after returning from the Wisconsin rally.

Returning home to Nevada after our Christmas holidays, we had a message from the Clarion informing us that they couldn't honor that rate and they had cancelled all our reservations.

Seems these rates were only intended for our BMWMOA board members and there were only 2 people who were authorized to release these rooms at this rate.

Funny, we didn't ask for any special BMW rates - just called to make reservations. How unprofessional of the Clarion. I don't fault the MOA board for getting a special block rate for their group, but shouldn't they have made it clear to the folks at the Clarion exactly who that group consisted of?
A bit of egg on the face of both our Board and the Clarion Inn.

So, they decided it was OK to just arbitrarily cancel our rooms and, by the way, good luck with finding something else...........

Sure hope this isn't an indication of how the entire rally will be unfolding........

jesaus in NV

[kenk]

Here's some information for you about lodging in Gillette that's a bit disturbing (specifically the Clarion Inn) - if you've tried to plan early, as we did for 5 couples, so that we could gather, from literally all sides of the country, and made reservations at the Clarion Inn - don't count on them honoring them.

We called, got our room reservations with confirmation numbers at a $119.00 rate way back in August after returning from the Wisconsin rally.

Returning home to Nevada after our Christmas holidays, we had a message from the Clarion informing us that they couldn't honor that rate and they had cancelled all our reservations.

Seems these rates were only intended for our BMWMOA board members and there were only 2 people who were authorized to release these rooms at this rate.

Funny, we didn't ask for any special BMW rates - just called to make reservations. How unprofessional of the Clarion. I don't fault the MOA board for getting a special block rate for their group, but shouldn't they have made it clear to the folks at the Clarion exactly who that group consisted of?
A bit of egg on the face of both our Board and the Clarion Inn.

So, they decided it was OK to just arbitrarily cancel our rooms and, by the way, good luck with finding something else...........

Sure hope this isn't an indication of how the entire rally will be unfolding........

jesaus in NV

This practice is not uncommon. A couple years ago, I booked a room at a Holiday Inn Express for my wife and I in Indianapolis on the day they announced the next years date for the USGP F1 race for $98 a night. With confirmation numbers, I thought I was safe. A couple weeks later, I received an email canceling my reservation. So I call the hotel and talked to the manager. The manager stated the clerk made a mistake and wouldn't honor the price. The new price was $198 a night. So I call the National Headquarter of Holiday Inn Express and was told although not a good business practice, each hotel was individually owned and I had no recourse. I then told the man I did have recourse. At the time, I was staying 90-100 days a year in hotels. My recourse was I no longer stay in Holiday Inn Express Hotels. In addition, I instructed all the folks that worked for me they were no longer allowed to stay in Holiday Inn Express Hotels.

[kenk]

I'm still trying to figure out how a town like Gillette with only 13 hotels was first considered and then selected. Since there are no towns within 20-23 miles, the selection committee must have counted the number of rooms available in the prairie dog towns. :scratch

[tkpinsc]

I'm still trying to figure out how a town like Gillette with only 13 hotels was first considered and then selected. Since there are no towns within 20-23 miles, the selection committee must have counted the number of rooms available in the prairie dog towns. :scratch


With enough cheap beer and great entertainment who needs rooms?

[judjones]

I'm still trying to figure out why the number of hotel rooms would ever be a criterion for a rally site.

[osbornk]

I'm still trying to figure out why the number of hotel rooms would ever be a criterion for a rally site.

Old bones, bad backs, medical conditions and city slickers.

[mrich12000]

:lurk :scratch :dunno :type Just wondering Paul is there to be a Salty fog this year? any how to far for me I will be attending Fingerlakes,Laconium and The return to Trenton, That's my club, "The Loonie-tics" put a great show(The steaks melt in your mouth) in August, and if you know is the green mountain going this year? Thanks hope you all have a great time in wyo.

Michael R
12636x
K75rt
VE3CEH
RCE ret.

[Sue]

I'm still trying to figure out how a town like Gillette with only 13 hotels was first considered and then selected.

We get it, Ken. Heard you loud and clear. No can you give it a rest please?

Thank you.

[tkpinsc]

We get it, Ken. Heard you loud and clear. No can you give it a rest please?

Thank you.

I'm sure the board and the committee get it at this point, however no one has answered his question. I suspect the best way to end this thread would be to provide one.

[Sue]

I'm sure the board and the committee get it at this point, however no one has answered his question. I suspect the best way to end this thread would be to provide one.

Au contrare, mon ami.... He has been answered:
By Board members Michael Friedle and Dave Swider.
By Site Selection Committee members Friedle and Schmiesser.
By former rally chairmen.
By other experienced rally volunteers.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21479

Each rally site carries it's own pluses and minuses. For instance,

***West Bend did not have adequate inside air conditioned space for all of our seminars and vendors.

***Burlington Vermont had an 11 PM noise curfew.

***Lima, Ohio had NO air conditioned spaces.

***And Gillette has less hotel rooms than we could use.

None of these are show stoppers. The bottom line is that site in Gillette was well researched. It provided everything needed for a great rally. There will never be a perfect rally site. Continuing to gripe about this location is getting old.

[k75karol]

I'm sure the board and the committee get it at this point, however no one has answered his question. I suspect the best way to end this thread would be to provide one.

Thanks, tkpinsc(?) and thanks to Sue for jumping in!! Sue's experience with succesful rallies is very helpful!!

Actually this was answered many moons ago, and is lost somewhere in forumland. The Rally Site Selection team was aware of the limited hotels in the area, but felt the site advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

Many of the mom & pop hotels have been taken over by construction workers. The BMW MOA found out about the power plant construction schedule after the decision was made and contracts signed.
As everyone is aware the negoiation on rally sites takes place long before the actual rally.
For many years BMW rallies have been known as "camping rallies". This year we have more options for Sherpas than in years past, and are trying to make the best of it. We know the membership is changing, and the RSS team will definitely have more rooms as a priority, but if we hold out until every criteria is met......we may not have a rally.:hungover

[tkpinsc]

Au contrare, mon ami.... He has been answered:
By Board members Michael Friedle and Dave Swider.
By Site Selection Committee members Friedle and Schmiesser.
By former rally chairmen.
By other experienced rally volunteers.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21479

Each rally site carries it's own pluses and minuses. For instance,

***West Bend did not have adequate inside air conditioned space for all of our seminars and vendors.

***Burlington Vermont had an 11 PM noise curfew.

***Lima, Ohio had NO air conditioned spaces.

***And Gillette has less hotel rooms than we could use.

None of these are show stoppers. The bottom line is that site in Gillette was well researched. It provided everything needed for a great rally. There will never be a perfect rally site. Continuing to gripe about this location is getting old.


I just re-read the thread you linked to. I found posts by the folks you mentioned posted, but I did not see anyone answer his question. Please send me the post numbers so I can find them. Thanks.

[tkpinsc]

Thanks, tkpinsc(?) and thanks to Sue for jumping in!! Sue's experience with succesful rallies is very helpful!!

Actually this was answered many moons ago, and is lost somewhere in forumland. The Rally Site Selection team was aware of the limited hotels in the area, but felt the site advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

Many of the mom & pop hotels have been taken over by construction workers. The BMW MOA found out about the power plant construction schedule after the decision was made and contracts signed.
As everyone is aware the negoiation on rally sites takes place long before the actual rally.
For many years BMW rallies have been known as "camping rallies". This year we have more options for Sherpas than in years past, and are trying to make the best of it. We know the membership is changing, and the RSS team will definitely have more rooms as a priority, but if we hold out until every criteria is met......we may not have a rally.:hungover


Thank you. I may be wrong, but I sense what kenk is fishing for is which advantages were felt to out weigh the lack of motels. I'm really not trying to be contentious, just trying to bring this issue to an end. If someone in the know could/would spell this out, some folks on this thread will not like the answer, but hopefully we can then all move forward.

[KGT1200]

Thank you. I may be wrong, but I sense what kenk is fishing for is which advantages were felt to out weigh the lack of motels. I'm really not trying to be contentious, just trying to bring this issue to an end. If someone in the know could/would spell this out, some folks on this thread will not like the answer, but hopefully we can then all move forward.

The advantage: THE PEOPLE, THE EXPERIENCE of the rally being held in Wyoming.
The wonderful State of Wyoming and ALL the roads and times to be had on the way there, and the way home.

Each to their own, but that's mine. Wyoming is different than say, Wisconsin, but for those of us who know this state, it's worth it to me when you mix in all the ingredients.

Rock on Wyoming!

red

[osbornk]

kenk

We may as well quit complaining about this rally. It's a done deal and nothing is going to change it. We can only hope that future sites are better suited for what we want in a rally location. As the Cub fans always say "wait til next year".

I will not go because of the distance involved, expenses involved (motels, etc) and there is nothing special (for me). I will probably substiture the RA rally in the UP of Michigan. It is just over half as far for me, is a nicer location for visiting as well as riding and it has a far more comfortable temperature.

The size of the MOA rally makes it far more difficult to find venues that can handle the number of people attending.

[KGT1200]

kenk

We may as well quit complaining about this rally. It's a done deal and nothing is going to change it. We can only hope that future sites are better suited for what we want in a rally location. As the Cub fans always say "wait til next year".

I will not go because of the distance involved, expenses involved (motels, etc) and there is nothing special (for me). I will probably substiture the RA rally in the UP of Michigan. It is just over half as far for me, is a nicer location for visiting as well as riding and it has a far more comfortable temperature.

The size of the MOA rally makes it far more difficult to find venues that can handle the number of people attending.

I have a question; whats the temp like in the UP of Michigan in the summer time? No humidity? Not too hot, but not too cold?

I really don't know.

[Greenwald]

I've done a fair amount of riding in Michigan's UP in the summer months, and found it quite pleasant. Very much like the weather we enjoyed at the Rally in West Bend this past July.

Temps can even be a little cooler, due to higher latitudes and that big air conditioner we call Lake Superior.

Have ridden to Watersmeet, Land O' Lakes, Munising, St. Ignace, Mackinaw City and spent time on Mackinac Island. Take a look at the May, '07 issue of ON - "Bridges To Adventure." Gives a more detailed account of the area and what I thought of it when I wrote the article.

By the way, where and when is this RA Rally?!

[PAULBACH]

:lurk :scratch :dunno :type Just wondering Paul is there to be a Salty fog this year? any how to far for me I will be attending Fingerlakes,Laconium and The return to Trenton, That's my club, "The Loonie-tics" put a great show(The steaks melt in your mouth) in August, and if you know is the green mountain going this year? Thanks hope you all have a great time in wyo.

Michael R
12636x
K75rt
VE3CEH
RCE ret.

Will there be a Salty Fog?

Do Bears run in the woods?
Is the BIG Gig the premier Urban Rally?
Is Cape Breton one of the premier riding destinations in all the world?

Definitely will be a Salty Fog and this year with a diner and a breakfast and maybe even kayaking with the whales!

No beer halls - BYOB
No vendors
Fantastic Riding and the usual friendly Canadian hospitality!

I Love Salty Fog
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Salty%20Fog%20Rally/LoveSaltyFogbutton.jpg

[osbornk]

By the way, where and when is this RA Rally?!

Houghton, MI
June 19-22, 2008

http://www.bmwra.org/rally/

The price of lodging seems reasonable. See below:

Thank you for your email inquiring about summer housing options at
Michigan Technological University. We do have apartments and regular
residence hall rooms available for rent during this time. The cost
associated is as follows:

RESIDENCE HALL ROOM
Internet access is available to guests with a valid drivers license or
passport at the time of check-in. Michigan Tech residence halls are
smoke-free facilities.

Regular Room
single room - rate per night : $28.00
double room - rate per person per night : $18.50

Room w/ Private Bath
single room - rate per night : $36.00
double room - rate per person per night : $23.00

Meals are also available in the residence halls.
$5.95 breakfast
$6.95 lunch
$7.95 dinner


MICHIGAN TECH APARTMENTS
Availability and accommodations vary, please contact my staff at
906-487-2727.

UPDATE:Hi everyone!!,
I just called Travis at Michigan Tech about the dorm rooms there on campus.
Travis said he can't take reservations for the rally until late May. He also said there would not be a problem getting a room as there are over 2200 available! Once his summer staff is in place, he'll be able to take reservations.

Mark

[MplsK100RT]

the horse is now dead via flogging, the hide has been tanned and someone has a nice new leather jacket out of it. The good parts have been turned into jerky and the left overs are now being composted for someone's organic garden. I think continuing this rant is only serving to deter newcomers from attending the rally. YES, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but this is getting moldy.

One thing to keep in mind is the size of this event. It is huge. It rivals political conventions in size. There are not a lot of places that can handle this sort of thing and like everything else not everyone is going to be happy about decisions others make on their behalf. Crabbing over and over accomplishes nothing.

:lurk

[kenk]

the horse is now dead via flogging, the hide has been tanned and someone has a nice new leather jacket out of it. The good parts have been turned into jerky and the left overs are now being composted for someone's organic garden. I think continuing this rant is only serving to deter newcomers from attending the rally. YES, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but this is getting moldy.

One thing to keep in mind is the size of this event. It is huge. It rivals political conventions in size. There are not a lot of places that can handle this sort of thing and like everything else not everyone is going to be happy about decisions others make on their behalf. Crabbing over and over accomplishes nothing.

:lurk

I like Michigan....:scratch :scratch :scratch :scratch

[Paul_F]

kenkI will not go because of the distance involved, expenses involved (motels, etc) and there is nothing special (for me). I will probably substiture the RA rally in the UP of Michigan. It is just over half as far for me, is a nicer location for visiting as well as riding and it has a far more comfortable temperature.

When the UP location for the RA Rally was announced, I expressed disappointment to my wife that I might not attend because it was going to be too short of a ride. I figure on my way to Wyoming, I'd find some interesting roads and scenery. I was hoping for the same for the RA. I might have to take the long way through N. Ontario and ride around Lake Superior to extend the ride to the UP.