What helps you to decide whether to attend the National or not

[snoone]

I am curious.. If you are on the edge of going or not going to the National, what would influence your decision to go?

[Rich]

Proximity to my house.

Unfortunately I don't have the time at this stage in my life to travel across the country to a rally.

So if they are within a day or maybe two days ride I try to make it.

Someday that will change.

[dancogan]

I agree that total distance from home is the number 1 consideration. I'm only going to travel a long distance, using lots of valuable vacation time, if there's great riding once I get there. Personally, the entertainment/musical acts is not very important. There are other venues to hear great acts with better acoustics, more comfort, etc.

[Greenwald]

I agree that total distance from home is the number 1 consideration. I'm only going to travel a long distance, using lots of valuable vacation time, if there's great riding once I get there. Personally, the entertainment/musical acts is not very important. There are other venues to hear great acts with better acoustics, more comfort, etc.

+1

[PGlaves]

I seem to go regardless - I have been to every national since Missoula 1 in 1984 except Moodus, when I had changed jobs and had zero vacation - but the only thing that has made a rally a "bad" rally for me is the weather. Heat, or heat and humidity. Second place goes to congestion. If I have to fight my way across the rust belt to get there I may be forced to take the long way around to get there - or not go!

[bobs98]

Proximity to my house.

Unfortunately I don't have the time at this stage in my life to travel across the country to a rally.

So if they are within a day or maybe two days ride I try to make it.

Someday that will change.

It's the Available Time/Distance From Home equation more than anything.

Attended my first (and only) rally in VT, and had a GREAT time! Conveniently, it coincided with my week long trip with non-BMW friends and I attended alone. Volunteered a bunch, attended ERC, did demo rides and met a bunch of MOA and Chromeheads forum members.

Happened to be in a great riding area, camped with Sherpa Ted and enjoyed fantastic entertainment. The "experience" and atmosphere is what will get me back, vendors, displays and seminars. Most important was sharing the cameraderie and fun time with new friends who will be old friends next time.

Looking forward to attending my next one. Unfortunately, it won't be in 2008.

Definitely enjoyed the major musical lineup and support their future! Great job Freidle!

Hi Snoone, see you tomorrow at the Big GIG! :wave

[PGlaves]

My personal "poll" list would include:

Good camping area with shade?
Good seminar facilities?
On-site dealer services?
Good variety of quality inexpensive on-site food?
Good restaurants nearby?


If the poll that started this thread had the key 10 or 15 things that different people are looking for in a rally then it might prove useful for decision making and site selection. But narrowly drawn as it is, all it is going to do is "prove" that riding is more important for a rally than music. Big whoop! If we didn't know that, we could all take the bus on down to the state fair when the state has a state fair and see real acts. Or go to the symphony. Or the closest bluegrass festival.

As for "wind." Of course the great plains and coastal areas are windy. So lets all go to the crammed and jammed and congested dreary little places with tall trees and 45 mph speed limits on the 2 lane roads, and towns spaced every 3 miles. Makes for great riding there without wind. Yessiree!

[osbornk]

I agree that total distance from home is the number 1 consideration. I'm only going to travel a long distance, using lots of valuable vacation time, if there's great riding once I get there. Personally, the entertainment/musical acts is not very important. There are other venues to hear great acts with better acoustics, more comfort, etc.


I agree 100%

[username]

snoone - i can add choices to the poll if you like, such as the one reflected strongly here - "proximity to home."

lemme know.

[snoone]

snoone - i can add choices to the poll if you like, such as the one reflected strongly here - "proximity to home."

lemme know.

Please do!!

[monkeywork]

I would love to ride out to Wyoming, but the time and expense to get there from Upstate NY would be too much. I only get two weeks off a year!

My first rally was in VT as well and my wife and I had a great time.

We'll go again someday.

[Mongo]

I have to be able to do it in a week. Other than that, the people make the event. The rest is gravy.

[rik]

1. One persons Great Musical Act is anothers HORRIFIC NIGHTMARE!
2. N/A. I tent.
3. What is Qaulity Riding? And why is proximity to anything so important?
My Dad used to say,"We're here, now go find somethin' to do
or I'll smack ya." In other words, go experience what THIS place has to
offer. You may never get another chance.
4. 90 degrees, cloudless sky, gimme a breeze. Rain,Hale and Tornadoes,
Gimme Shelter.


Hope to see you there.

[username]

Please do!!

done.

[apopj]

Okay,

Assuming the rally is not held in the snow, I guess the deciding factors for me in order of importance:

1. Location If I have to ride too far for the rally, it would probably not make my list. As
an example, I live in Ohio, USUALLY, I would not attend the rally if it were
held in California (but who knows)

2. Cost If I have to pay $200 a night for a cheap motel, probably not. I like to
camp, but the fiance doesn't. If you're married, you know how it is.

3. Riding If the rally is in a flat, boring location, nix

4. Weather If the rally is held in an area of terrible weather, nope. Like Death Valley in
the summer. The rally is supposed to be fun, not a chore.

There you have it..... :brad

[osbornk]

Okay,

Assuming the rally is not held in the snow, I guess the deciding factors for me in order of importance:

1. Location If I have to ride too far for the rally, it would probably not make my list. As
an example, I live in Ohio, USUALLY, I would not attend the rally if it were
held in California (but who knows)

2. Cost If I have to pay $200 a night for a cheap motel, probably not. I like to
camp, but the wife doesn't. If you're married, you know how it is.

3. Riding If the rally is in a flat, boring location, nix

4. Weather If the rally is held in an area of terrible weather, nope. Like Death Valley in
the summer. The rally is supposed to be fun, not a chore.

There you have it..... :brad

I think you got it exactly right for many of us.

[Braddog]

I've been to exactly ONE national; the one in West Bend. For me, it was a no-brainer, as it was an easy ride for me here in Minnesota over to West Bend. I chose distance to the rally, as that is exactly what determined my attendance.

However, I had a very good time at West Bend. The weather was phenomenal, the camraderie was fantastic, and for me, all things rally-related were very good.

I'm going to make every effort to attend the rally in Gillette. It's more than twice as far for me, but still not all that far. I'll also get the opportunity to visit family and friends during the trip, which is a plus.

Would I go if the rally if it were on one of the coasts in 2008? Probably not, due to family priorities and amount of vacation time that I'd want to use on a rally. Maybe in a few years, I'll be able to attend a national ANYWHERE, but not in 2008.

[r11rs94]

I am curious.. If you are on the edge of going or not going to the National, what would influence your decision to go?

Distance, at least until I retire, or hit Mega Bucks, then I will not care how far away it is. For now about 1,500 miles is the limit. 2 travel days each way.

[SheRidesABeemer]

What helps you to decide whether to attend the National or not

My boss.

If the rally is a day away it's a no brainer.
If it's 5 days away, it's a major trip.
Some years the stars align, some years they don't.

[RJM2096]

If my son-in-law goes, so will I. This will be his second and my first. He was so excited about last year's rally, that I bought a R1100RT just for the trip. We even bought some BMW shirts. We are from Illinois so the distance is good and the location sounds cool.

[mccodavj]

None of the options listed on the poll.

We'll be there because we had such a good time at West Bend. We volunteered every day, met lots of new people, saw old friends and enjoyed every minute of it.

My daughter, Jessica, was sad when it was over - she started counting the days until the next one in Gillette.

Dave McConnachie

[hcmiller52]

I love everything about the rallies, especially the comraderie and opportunity to ride new roads with new (and old) friends. I simply don't have the time to ride three days each way, to and from, a rally. I rode more than 25,000 miles in 2007 so I do get out there, just not all at once, owing to job obligations. And, with rallies scheduled Wednesday through Saturday, if the trip is long, it's a two week, rather than one week, committment.

[r1dinman]

If there is a rally, I'll go. if there isn't, I won't! Good camping is important to me. It was crappy at Charleston, but the riding and seminars made up for it. There are usually more good things to do the time allows. My thanks to those who planthem.

Jay

[Mike M]

I've been a member for several years but haven't been able to go to a National because of the distance from my home and the required time to get there. Almost went to Spokane a few years back but due to time considerations getting there and back, I just couldn't swing it.:violin

That said, I am very excited about Gillette. I went to the Black Hills last July for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the riding (it was very hot, though :hungover ). This summer, I plan to go out early in the week from Denver and visit Flaming Gorge, Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone, Beartooth Pass, Cody (and all that's in-between) then into Gillette and the National for the weekend.

I can't wait!:brad

[BradfordBenn]

Whether or not there is room at Camp BEERS

Actually for the past five years it has not been a question of going. I just put it on the calendar and go. Luckily for me July is relatively slow at work as we end our fiscal year in June and most of the fall sports work doesn't start until August. I still end up working some with the Blackberry attached to me but it is always a good time.

[gambrinus]

Did someone say "Beer"?? Well in that case ( no pun intended ) count me in!:dance :dance


RW

[BradfordBenn]

Did someone say "Beer"?? Well in that case ( no pun intended ) count me in!:dance :dance


RW
You bringing Gus?

[Sue]

I've never missed one (since I started riding in 1987), so I am not sure what would cause me to miss one.

All I could come up with would be unfortunate personal circumstances like health or financial problems.

See you all in Gillette! And in 2009! Oh yeah, and 2010, too..............

:bliss

[kenk]

If it was just me, I would camp. However, my wife has a vote and won't camp. My wife loves to ride, but won't sleep in a tent. We're both from South Dakota and when I told her this years MOA rally was in Gillette, she thought I was kidding. Nobody in Dakotas vacation in Gillette. Gillette's usually a quick gas stop. Trying to convince her to stay in a Sherpa tent next to a beer tent would not go over well.

[BeemoKat]

It's the placement in the time/money continuum that casts the deciding vote. I've been to two so far, I had a blast at both, and would love to be able to say that I'll never miss another, but the reality is I will probably not make Gillette this year.
But I might, ya never know!

[jdmetzger]

I'm not sure I'll make Gillette this year. While I enjoy the rally and the socializing, I can probably get the same going to smaller rallies and doing some "adventure riding" on my own, or with a small group of friends. I don't have a problem with the distance to Gillette, and the riding directly around the rally area isn't a huge deal for me, either. I didn't do much riding when I was in West Bend, actually (but lots afterwards).

Still, the route from Toledo (assuming I'm still living here in July) to Gillette is 1,289 miles. Lots of flat land between here and there. I also don't know that many of my riding friends are going, so that's a LONG boring ride. Give me some terrain changes and my opinion would probably change. It's not the mileage but the scenery. I see corn fields around here enough, already. :)

To the original question: Better riding on the way there OR a shorter ride (take your pick) would get me there if I was "on the edge". Possibly good riding companions would work, too.

[BradfordBenn]

Well it certainly is not for the wet t-shirt contest, loud pipes, and alcohol. But I do settle near Camp Beers. :dunno

Well we do have big plans for the upcoming Rally.:drink Anyone seen a golf cart?:p

[ontheriver]

A good laugh in my world as 2 wheels and wind are togetherness....rally location is a consideration occasionally. Vermont and West Bend were a no go due to touring up to Nova Scotia and back down through Wisconsin after the Lima show.
Wyoming is famous for WIND, some of the highest daily mean windspeed in the US are in this state! After spending many years living in the cowboy state I'll recommend everyone stake the 'ol tent down firmly and tie off those bike covers! The riding is tremendous being at the base of the black hills to the east and the jellystone/motorhome extravaganza to the west. Be sure to look on the map and locate SHELL CANYON, a hidden gem of a road....:whistle

[PGlaves]

A good laugh in my world as 2 wheels and wind are togetherness....rally location is a consideration occasionally. Vermont and West Bend were a no go due to touring up to Nova Scotia and back down through Wisconsin after the Lima show.
Wyoming is famous for WIND, some of the highest daily mean windspeed in the US are in this state! After spending many years living in the cowboy state I'll recommend everyone stake the 'ol tent down firmly and tie off those bike covers! The riding is tremendous being at the base of the black hills to the east and the jellystone/motorhome extravaganza to the west. Be sure to look on the map and locate SHELL CANYON, a hidden gem of a road....:whistle

Or Ten Sleep Canyon to its south. Also a gem!

[The_Veg]

The usual time thing, with money a slight consideration. I could swing the time for Vermont, but not enough cash to be on the road that long. I don't expect Gilette to be a problem.
Of course the rally itself is the draw, more so than much anything else. The two I've been to so far are Lima and West Bend. Coming from Dallas, the basic routes to/from were pretty dull- although I managed to add some interesting detours. But once I got to the rally, I didn't have any strong need to go ride- I had so much fun hanging out with friends and doing interesting things onsite.

My advice is that if a trip to the rally is feasible, JUST GO! :)

[BubbaZanetti]

not sure yet, i've been to all of them since i joined in fall of 2004!

i think this year, while possibly still up in the air, is prob not going to happen. depending on what i'm doing for work or travel at that point, i think i'll just be doing something else is all.

but it's usually the people that affect any decision i have to go to a rally, be it, YB, MOA, ADV, Rounders or any other groups, i go for the friends that i only get to see a few times a year!

[manicmechanic]

Because there are rallies! I go to ride to the rally, to visit old friends and make new ones, volunteer, and ride home. What else is there?

[k75karol]

Because there are rallies! I go to ride to the rally, to visit old friends and make new ones, volunteer, and ride home. What else is there?

Hey, Randy-

Looks like the RA did for '08 what I did for '94.......take a "troublemaker" :bolt and put him in charge of security!! That way you have to behave yourself:laugh
Seriously, at the RA in the Land of Lakes (yours truly was the chair), we put Skeeter (of all people) in charge of security. His hat even stated RA PD. He didn't have a drop of alcohol all weekend......believe it or not

[atoms]

Distance is really all there is to it for me at this point in my life.

Unfortunately Gillette is just a bit too far from Chicago for me. We'll see.

Motel prices are not an issue for me. I like to camp and if I can ever convince the GF to accompany me to one of these things, well, she is even more into camping than I am.

I don't need any particular kinds of roads or riding enroute to or around a rally. Once I get there I don't ride at all - especially once the beer tent is open.

As for the music, it is certainly not a reason to go or not go, but I'm glad that it is there. I don't have much experience having only been to Lima and West Bend, but it seems like a great way to try to present some of the local culture. When I go to a rally I'm pretty much content to stay at the rally the whole time. I'm not gonna traipse into Milwaukee or Cleveland or whatever to see what the regional music might be like. I appreciate having some of it brought out to the rally for us. Even if some of it is inevitably gonna strike some people as cheesy or not to their liking.

Like having regional beers at the rally, which I also very much appreciate.

[k75karol]

Distance is really all there is to it for me at this point in my life.

Unfortunately Gillette is just a bit too far from Chicago for me. We'll see.

Too Far?? 1050 miles per Mapquest. Is that the Buell rider or Beemer rider speaking? How's Illinois going to beat Wisconsin in the mileage contest?? (Just kidding) Everyone has time constraints and make choices with their very precious vacation days.

I've been to most of the Nationals in the last 15 years Even with only 2 weeks vacation, my rule of thumb was 1000 miles for a weekend rally. I've stayed at many a National for only a few hours (with no day pass) Fontana and Durango were 2......but then that's just me:dance

[Rapid_Roy]

Too Far?? 1050 miles per Mapquest. Is that the Buell rider or Beemer rider speaking? How's Illinois going to beat Wisconsin in the mileage contest?? (Just kidding)
:wave
I have got a secret. Myself, and many other BMW rider's here I know, don't even enter the mileage contest.
I am thinking 1 day from here, but it wouldn't be a fun one. Two if I want to have more fun. Then there is the time from my wife and home factor, the formula gets quite complicated. :laugh

[manicmechanic]

I resemble that remark! And I'll be sure to keep my eye on you, young lady!:stick

[DavidBMWRT]

Hahira, Georgia is a long way from Gillete, even for some one who loves riding a motorcycle, but at the risk of sounding like a sissy and boring some of you Iron Butts to death I need to know how you deal with the pain.

1- The area between my shoulders blades catches fire after five or six hours.....
2- How do you keep from growing roots to the seat? About three hours is all I can stand. Hot, sticky and raw are the words that come to mind

Are there answers for this sort of thing or should I just shut up, grit my teeth and do it?

[dancogan]

... Even with only 2 weeks vacation, my rule of thumb was 1000 miles for a weekend rally. ...
:bow I stand in awe. (I assume you mean round trip?)

[Braddog]

Hahira, Georgia is a long way from Gillete, even for some one who loves riding a motorcycle, but at the risk of sounding like a sissy and boring some of you Iron Butts to death I need to know how you deal with the pain.

1- The area between my shoulders blades catches fire after five or six hours.....
2- How do you keep from growing roots to the seat? About three hours is all I can stand. Hot, sticky and raw are the words that come to mind

Are there answers for this sort of thing or should I just shut up, grit my teeth and do it?

The answers are to stop once an hour or so, stretch, drink some fluids, eat a snack and take off again. It doesn't take long to rejuvenate. It's not my back or my backside, but my knees that have an issue. It's amazing how taking a short break with a Gatorade, a Snickers bar and some quick stretches can make you really feel like going again.

Another answer is to put something on your seat, like a sheepskin, airhawk seat pad, or maybe one of those beaded seat thingys. That will help as well.

I can't speak to the shoulder issue. It almost sounds like there's too much weight on your wrists and arms? Bar risers may help?

[osbornk]

I can understand DavidBMWRT's problem as I have a similar one. Due to a broken back in 1968, the maximum ride I can handle is 500 miles per day. However, I can not do it day after day. After a couple of 500 mile days, I wouldn't be able to get out of bed in the morning. Riding to Gillette would be 3.5 days of 500 miles each way. I can't risk being stuck almost 1,800 miles from home and laid up in a $200 per night motel room with a bad back. I have two much older riding friends who always go regardless of where it is but I have to wait until the rally is much closer.

[k75karol]

:bow I stand in awe. (I assume you mean round trip?)

Nope....one way.:dance

I said I wasn't at the rally for long;)

[Rapid_Roy]

Nope....one way.:dance

I said I wasn't at the rally for long;)
That's what I thought you meant.
:bow

[jenunn]

I am looking forward to my first rally in Gillette. It's 2010 miles each way from where I live to the rally site......a perfect opportunity for a SS2000 award from the IBA!! I am starting my workout regimen now to get ready for a long ride and a great rally!!

[k75karol]

I am looking forward to my first rally in Gillette. It's 2010 miles each way from where I live to the rally site......a perfect opportunity for a SS2000 award from the IBA!! I am starting my workout regimen now to get ready for a long ride and a great rally!!

There will be plenty of IBA members who will witness your arrival to the rally, and sign your form. Good luck with your ride, and tell your wife you're starting with that part of your anatomy:laugh

See you in Gillette!! Ride hard....but be Safe!

[Hodag]

write in...

If my wife says its ok....

[Rapid_Roy]

I am looking forward to my first rally in Gillette. It's 2010 miles each way from where I live to the rally site......a perfect opportunity for a SS2000 award from the IBA!! I am starting my workout regimen now to get ready for a long ride and a great rally!!
If you ride like the guy in your avatar, your butt shouldn't hurt at all.
:laugh
Sunburn, and your legs and stomach could be problematic.

[BillZeller]

For me, the greater distance is a plus but at age 70 I am retired and have the time. I will be riding from northern Maine, a distance of 2000+ miles and am looking forward to the solo trip. Having company for part of the trip anyway would be nice. I ride an '06 1200 RT
I am also looking at going to Colorado after if my wife will let me be gone that long. I will be camping so the motel prices won't be an issue, if I didn't camp they sure would.
This will be my first national rally and I am really looking forward to it!!

[dmaust01]

1- The area between my shoulders blades catches fire after five or six hours.....
2- How do you keep from growing roots to the seat? About three hours is all I can stand. Hot, sticky and raw are the words that come to mind

Are there answers for this sort of thing or should I just shut up, grit my teeth and do it?[/QUOTE]

David,
Think about a custom seat. My choice is a Russell, but there are other good products available. It can make a lot of difference in comfort. You might also try a pair of bicycle pants under your riding gear. For the shoulders, have you tried changing the position of your handlebars (forward, back, etc.) until you are more comfortable? Also, some folks take an OTC pain reliever at the beginning of the day before the pain begins. Good luck.

[atoms]

Too Far?? 1050 miles per Mapquest. Is that the Buell rider or Beemer rider speaking? How's Illinois going to beat Wisconsin in the mileage contest?? (Just kidding) Everyone has time constraints and make choices with their very precious vacation days.

Right. It is not the distance. I loves me a 600+ mile day. And in fact, I bought my BMW in the first place to get to a volunteer archaeological gig in Wyoming! Rather it is the time off required. But, I did say "we'll see" and it turns out that I may be able to swing it after all. Thanks for the encouragement!

And as Roy noted, not all of us are interested in the mileage contest. To me, that seems like a relic of a past era. I would suggest that we focus on the quality of the miles we ride rather than the quantity.


I've been to most of the Nationals in the last 15 years Even with only 2 weeks vacation, my rule of thumb was 1000 miles for a weekend rally. I've stayed at many a National for only a few hours (with no day pass) Fontana and Durango were 2......but then that's just me:dance

Until I retire, I think my rule of thumb for most years will be a one day or less ride to get there. I am fortunate that things aligned favorably this year and it looks like I probably will be going to Gillette even though I am not an Iron Butt rider.

[k75karol]

Right. It is not the distance. I loves me a 600+ mile day. And in fact, I bought my BMW in the first place to get to a volunteer archaeological gig in Wyoming! Rather it is the time off required. But, I did say "we'll see" and it turns out that I may be able to swing it after all. Thanks for the encouragement!.

Great!!! We're glad you can make it. Since you're in to Volunteering....we may put you to work. So where was the archaeological gig in WY??



And as Roy noted, not all of us are interested in the mileage contest. To me, that seems like a relic of a past era. I would suggest that we focus on the quality of the miles we ride rather than the quantity. !.

Quality is definitely important. When I attended some of those rallies, it was a personal decision....ride 1k/day and get to the rally, or don't go. I chose the former.

Hope your schedule allows you to make it.......

[bubbagazoo]

The prime factor whether I go to a Rally (Gillette will be my first) is location. It has to be relatively close to where I am. I anticipate leaving home on 15 July to arrive on the 17th. If my wife has other ideas, we may leave home earlier to either take a longer route or to make shorter riding days. Timing is also a factor as I usually have to work through the entire month of July but this year I put my foot down and declared my holidays really early. As soon as Gillette was announced as the location, I told the folks I work with that I was taking holidays in July and not August in 2008.

I will see ya all there. :thumb

[k75karol]

I will see ya all there. :thumb

183 days! Yikes

[bubbagazoo]

183 days! Yikes

And I thought I was bad counting the days until the Daytona 500 :brad

[atoms]

Great!!! We're glad you can make it. Since you're in to Volunteering....we may put you to work. So where was the archaeological gig in WY??

It was in the Laramie Range in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest (http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr/)in the south east part of Wyoming. I look forward to helping at the rally somehow.

Quality is definitely important. When I attended some of those rallies, it was a personal decision....ride 1k/day and get to the rally, or don't go. I chose the former.

Hope your schedule allows you to make it.......

Me too.

[62373]

It takes a lot for me to miss the national! I've never had more than 2 weeks vacation, yet I've make all but 3 since my first in Oshkosh back in '93. I actually made personal leave time a condition of employment when I changed jobs prior to leaving for Durango in '95. The only ones I missed were the 2 left coast rallies and Fredericksburg. Of course being from near Cleveland, Ohio, I hardly got the bike warmed up a few years ago when it was in Lima.

For me the biggest draw is things to see and do along the way to, at or the way back from the rally. Preferably connected by great roads. The facility is primarily only important in terms of the layout, and how easy it is to get from one area to the other. For example, Burlington seemed very disconnected. I thought the rallygrounds this past year was the nicest facility I've ever been to.

Good musical entertainment is a nice bonus; however, there rarely is (at least for my taste). That said, George Thoroughgood put on one heck of a show in Lima! I didn't listen to anything in Wisconsin.

Bottom line is I plan my big trip of the year around the national. Sometimes it takes all of my vacation, sometimes it doesn't. Then I hit as many other rallies as I can get away with.

[RNowell]

I made it to the Lima,OH rally and had a wonderful time. The others have been
too far away. The RA rally in Asheville was great too! How about another shot
at a rally in the Southeast?