Thankyou Karol and Deb...

[cjack]

I don't know how you did it but you designed the most perfect weather out here that one could hope for. A storm at night...sorry about the tent fly blowing away to those who lost one, but the days have been incredibly nice. Sunny, breezy, and in the '80s.
Hot damn!

Oh wait, cowboy country...Yippee!

Oh wait again...it's a great rally too. We think well organized and well attended. Super facility.

Viki and Jack

[From MARS]

They did do a good job, and they're gracious as well. During my stint on the main gate, Karol took the time to ride out and say "thank you".

I didn't stay long, but what time I did spend there was great.

Tom

[Rharrod]

Thanks for all the hard work over the last year. I for one had a good time, even if it was in Gillette!:D I helped out at registration, Wednesday and Thursday and ended up with 2 1/2 shifts and loved it, I had a lots of fun! I got to do the demo rides all three days, now that was a blast. It was nice to see all the venders that we don't have anywhere around here. I made new friends for all over. Thank you for the rally, you two did a outstading job!!!So, my hats off to you.:thumb Richard

[Munchy]

Superb job on the rally, from a rally virgin. Amazing what you all pulled together with just volunteers. I put in some time at the charging booth, met lotsa folks, and had a great time. I'm working on my photos now. :clap
--Doug

[adamceckhardt]

A big +1 I was quite taken back at how great the rally was! thanks to EVERYONE who helped put it together!

[HankPfister]

I want to add my thanks too! A fabulous facility! Well organized, well executed! :clap Thanks also to all the volunteers that helped to make it a great event! Especially the Shuttle folks. Those shuttles to the N. 40 made the rally really work. A lot of folks missed out by not coming to Gillette.

[jjlawrence]

Karol and Deb,

You did a great job. Putting on a national rally is a lot of work and both of you worked hard. Every time I saw either one of you, you were always looking after the details which is what makes the difference.

Thank you for all your hard work and making the rally a great time. :clap

Jim Lawrence

[MikesK12GT]

Guys, were you at the same rally I was? Almost everything about this was a joke. Gillette Wyoming?? No trees, no shade. I enjoyed the 1/2 mile hike to the showers. By the time I walked back to the camp area, I needed another shower. The Music was so lame. The complete lack of food was unacceptable!! The painfully long closing ceremony was full of worthless contest winners. Who Cares about that crap? We talked with so many people who had the some opinion as us. Very disapointed

[Burnszilla]

Good times.

[Warthog]

Guys, were you at the same rally I was? Almost everything about this was a joke. Gillette Wyoming?? No trees, no shade. I enjoyed the 1/2 mile hike to the showers. By the time I walked back to the camp area, I needed another shower. The Music was so lame. The complete lack of food was unacceptable!! The painfully long closing ceremony was full of worthless contest winners. Who Cares about that crap? We talked with so many people who had the some opinion as us. Very disapointed

This was my second rally and I guess I don't have much experience to judge this against, however, in the spirit of full disclosure I would like to make the following points:


Shade: Not a state secret see: BYOS - http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25818&page=3&highlight=BYOS

Showers: Actually, the showers were co-located in the main camping area, the camping around the event area was never intended as the main camping area and the shower facilities were clearly marked on the rally map. http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally08/BMWMOA_Rally_08_site_map.pdf

Music: Different strokes for different folks, and so on and so on and scooby dooby dooby. - Sly and the Family Stone

Food: Didn't eat much of the stuff because I was too busy volunteering. Schwan's Hamburger was good and the BBQ was not bad wait was a little long. What can you say it's rally / fairgrounds food, I did not expect to see Emeril setting up shop - Pork Fat Rules!!. http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=26893&highlight=food

Closing Ceremony: Guess we all know who did not win a prize


If you don't like something get involved and fix it. This is your association. A lot of good people put a lot of their own time and effort to pull this off. Was it the best rally in the history of MOA - probably not, however, anytime not spent at work is a good day.

Finally, in the immortal words of Thumper: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

[Rapid_Roy]

I can't say one good thing about the Gillette Rally.

I can list many that I experienced.
There were some lines for some food, but I never waited more than a half hour, and I enjoy standing around and talking with BMW riders.
Chalk me off as odd.

I enjoyed the music, the rain, if you have to have it, was timely.
Some have described what might be considered negative, aspects of this rally. Unfortunately, everyone of these things has happened at other Nat'ls, in one way or another, these things happen. I was prepared, as was everybody in our group. The fact that Gillette was [insert negative description of town] in no way took from my experience. People asked me what was going on at the Camplex and were very friendly. They had all the things I needed, food, ice and pop/soda.:D We had a great meal at the Mexican restaurant about a mile from the rally, no Beemer riders there. I was sad that I didn't find 3 forum members I really wanted to meet. I did meet many others though, which was great. I had a great time, but I was expecting to no matter what.

[crazydrummerdude]

Guys, were you at the same rally I was? Almost everything about this was a joke. Gillette Wyoming?? No trees, no shade. I enjoyed the 1/2 mile hike to the showers. By the time I walked back to the camp area, I needed another shower. The Music was so lame. The complete lack of food was unacceptable!! The painfully long closing ceremony was full of worthless contest winners. Who Cares about that crap? We talked with so many people who had the some opinion as us. Very disapointed

Must you rain on everyones parade?

If you go to a motorcycle rally, expect to bring your own food and take few showers.

..and the closing ceremony would carry on without you; just leave.

Do you expect us to respond to your whining by PM'ing you some internet kleenex?

[MikesK12GT]

Must you rain on everyones parade?

If you go to a motorcycle rally, expect to bring your own food and take few showers.

..and the closing ceremony would carry on without you; just leave.

Do you expect us to respond to your whining by PM'ing you some internet kleenex?

Ahh, Crazydrummerdude, I was pointing out the failures of this rally so that others might know it wasn't that great. If the MOA promises food for an event, then we should expect to get it. That's all.

Please send the kleenex as soon as possible. I've used all of mine wiping the tears of laughter at your and others comments to my posts. Are your personal attacks at me any more appropriate than my comments about the rally? At least I didn't direct my comments at any one person. Have a great day Dude.

[Oznay]

Mikey boy reminds me of a seagull,if he ain't ****tin',he's squawkin'. Quitcherbitchin'and volunteer next time.

[adamceckhardt]

Guys, were you at the same rally I was? Almost everything about this was a joke. Gillette Wyoming?? No trees, no shade. I enjoyed the 1/2 mile hike to the showers. By the time I walked back to the camp area, I needed another shower. The Music was so lame. The complete lack of food was unacceptable!! The painfully long closing ceremony was full of worthless contest winners. Who Cares about that crap? We talked with so many people who had the some opinion as us. Very disapointed

Mike,

I'm pretty sure that this thread was supposed to be a big thank you to the people who made it happen. You can take your sardonic comments elsewhere as far as I'm concerned. It wouldn't have taken a lot of research on your part to discover that Gillette is remote, to say the least, and that you should have just stayed home if that wasn't your cup of tea.

My fiance and I made the best of it. She didn't have a problem with the showers, and was in fact grateful that they were there. I learned a few things at various seminars, saw a lot of neat bikes that I've never been lucky enough to see in person before, met a bunch of GREAT people off the forums, and enjoyed the ride to and from the rally.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my friend. I know that I need the occasional attitude adjustment. Maybe you just need a tune up?

Adam

[SheRidesABeemer]

The painfully long closing ceremony was full of worthless contest winners. Who Cares about that crap?

I take it you didn't win anything?

I wasn't there this year, but I can agree that, in general, closing ceremonies can be long. But "worthless contest winners"? Is it too painful for you to watch other's enjoy themselves? My daughter and I have twice won a plaque for two up female. Is that lame? Not to my kid, and not to me, cause it's fun. FUN, that is why we go to rallies. And if you don't find them fun, AND we recognize that not everyone will, YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GO.

I would not go to a GS event and complain the roads are muddy! I'd go find an event that is more suitable for me. Hope you find your fun elsewhere.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/1751436560_08e992bdc4.jpg

[jimfastcar]

As a first timer, and a newcomer to BMW bikes, I would like to extend my appreciation for a job well done.
Volunteering is a thankless task, and having done so under several other organizations, I have concluded that generally those that complain most, do the least.......(not always of course :stick )
Thanks again to all involved, while I was only there for two days as I had to start making my way back home, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[tessler]

I volunteered remotely (I designed the two rally logos that were used on the Web, in the ON and on T-shirts, patches, pins, mugs, medals, banners and awards, etc.) but didn't have the opportunity to physically attend the rally.

However, if Karol's and Deb's lucid, professional and friendly communications and project management skills (that I was privy to in the months leading up to the rally) were any indication, then their event was a rousing success. It was a sincere pleasure working with the Co-Chairs this year and from much of the feedback I can see just how great a job they'd done.

Thank you, Karol and Deb! :thumb

[TSchleff]

I have to agree with Mike a little bit. On Thursday evening the food vendors, all 5 of them, ran out of food. Thankfully the Pizza Hut guy ran out and got some more pizza or there would not have been anything to eat on site, except for the popcorn.

I had no issues with the site or Gillette. I knew there wasn't going to be any shade and that you would have to drive 60 miles to get to some interesting riding. All things I knew before showing up. But having only 5 food vendors on Thursday had to be some kind of mix up.

By the way, before you start attacking me, I did volunteer, as I do each year. This year I worked 8 hours at the registration area on Thursday. Won't do that again as it was too much work. That was one long day.:)

[lagator]

Mike, my guess is that you weren' the guy who set up next to or on a sprinkler head or you wouldn't be complaining about the long hike to the showers. Maybe you should have set up in the North Forty like I did. My tent was 50 feet from a shower trailer and 100 feet from a shuttle stop. If you were having such a bad time you should have just left. I'm sure the rest of us would have sensed your absense. Any trip or event is what you make of it and I guess that your trip wound up like your attitude--sour. Great job Carol and Deb and to all the staff and volunteers. I did a shift at gate 2 on Saturday and the staff even provided me with shade in the likes of a straw hat. Can't beat that. I had a great time.

[Rapid_Roy]

I must have been at a different rally, I had a blast. Thank you indeed, Karol and Deb for a great party. I always bring my "make your own fun bag" to the Nat'l, and I always have a great time. It could have just been the magic welcome hug from Voni.

It was great meeting everybody! :wave

[John Brase]

Thanks Deb and Karol. Great job!

John

[Polarbear]

Karol and Deb:). As a GS Event Co Chair person, I had my hands full and much thanks to Karol and Deb for always checking in! I fell off my GSA1200, doing my chores at the MX track on Wednesday and pulled my hamstring badly. Karol looked in on me, as I recieved first aide at the First Aid Station. The injury is not bad and all is well and Deb ALWAYS called me back or showed in person as I needed to ask her something, regarding my end:). Good folks doing great 'MOA work, imo..The grounds were really good, with grassy camping(no shade,so what) and Wyoming made for some great riding too. A State and surrounding states with so much beauty, so how can anybody complain? Not me:). I'm growing older, as we all are and finding time to thank folks for their spirit, hard work and lifes passions give such a warm feeling inside. Our National Rally is such a monumental sized, volunteer event and those willing to work at it are special and deserve nothing but our praise, so THX to our leaders this year in Karol and Deb and all of us that did the misc. chores of running such a playtime event. Always a success:clap :D Randy"Polarbear"

[ChasBrink]

I have to agree with Mike a little bit. On Thursday evening the food vendors, all 5 of them, ran out of food. Thankfully the Pizza Hut guy ran out and got some more pizza or there would not have been anything to eat on site, except for the popcorn.

I had no issues with the site or Gillette. I knew there wasn't going to be any shade and that you would have to drive 60 miles to get to some interesting riding. All things I knew before showing up. But having only 5 food vendors on Thursday had to be some kind of mix up.

By the way, before you start attacking me, I did volunteer, as I do each year. This year I worked 8 hours at the registration area on Thursday. Won't do that again as it was too much work. That was one long day.:)

You camp and don't bring any of your own food? I do & was never hungry. Besides, there were grocery stores and restaurants within minutes from the Cam-Plex.

I too volunteered, at registration, 8+8+4 hrs. beginning on Wednesday. It was a pleasure meeting fellow riders from around the world. I enjoyed every minute of it and will do it again.

Yeah, there may have been some inconveniences, but then again, if you camp, you expect that. The price was right. The seminars were great and scheduled very well. It was great meeting vendors and entrepreneurs I had only read about. I dislike crowds, but enjoyed this one, where each of us had at least one thing in common.

Thank you Karol & Deb (and yes Deb, you don't have to be Hispanic to speak Spanish).

Charlie

[PGlaves]

Next year I think I'll bring a big banner that says - "It's a Rally - Not a Resort" just so folks keep things in perspective.

[Motorwerk]

Next year I think I'll bring a big banner that says - "It's a Rally - Not a Resort" just so folks keep things in perspective.

...and just how am I supposed to get a spa treatment with that attitude?


The SO and I have attended 3 rallies all a bit different but each enjoyable. While we did not make it to this last one the next is planned.

It's all in what you make of it. We come for the ambiance of fellow riders not for the scenery, food, etc. We pride ourselves in enjoying the mutual interests of being a part of a small faction of the populous that sees the world in different perspective - from a motorcycle.

The folks that make these events possible should be commended for taking time out of their private lives to give of themselves so that people can come and enjoy what each has to offer. Good or mediocre, they each offer a chance to share our interests.

It's a short time, enjoy it while you can.

[KGT1200]

It is such a great feeling to edit through my pictures, tuck my maps, my registrations, my fishing licenses, all my memorbilia into a file right behind "BMW Westbend"! What a great rally! Thanks for your long distance hard work in making this 08 Rally a huge success. I had a blast, and my trip in general made it for me for the year! As usual the people I met new Glad to meetcha's all a roound, and many more to come!

The group of white shoes and soft hands of course, couldn't handle the vittles, the atmosphere, the rides, the music and god forbid the closing cermoney, but in the end? whats it matter. The majority felt the money, time and expense was well worth it, and a big thanks from me! What a success!

Red

[edvoneuw]

My 'greenhorn' 12 year old son and I rode beautiful back roads from British Columbia, and we both agree that this was a good rally for a bunch of reasons.

We arrived early (Wedns) and stayed until Sunday, and we both volunteered (served coffee and bartended (he worked the tickets, not the product) - fun! I completed the Experienced Riders Course (I would highly recommend it - excellent instructors and boy did I learn alot!). We camped with family and friends at the Camplex site. As a result of these activities, we both met lots of great people, had lots of laughs and made lots of new friends. Local riding was very very good if you got off your duff - Devil's Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Needles, and Custer Park made a super day trip (400 miles or so). Food was also good if you got off your duff - we particularly enjoyed nearby Pokey's bbq and Mona's mexican. Vendors were friendly if not numerous; the bands were entertaining and an interesting change from my preferred tunes.

Bottom line: our 2008 rally enjoyment was in direct proportion to what we put into it, and as a result my son and I had a really good time. We didn't come to be spectators - we came to participate and experience. Reality check: although this rally was good, I thought last year's rally in Westbend was great, but hey, variety is the spice...

Anyway - thank you for stepping up Karol and Deb, it's great volunteers like you that make MOA the excellent organization it is. I'm already looking forward to helping out at the next rally!

[bmwmj]

Didn't get to say hi to either of you at the rally, you were both off and gone again too quickly. I have missed 3 National rallies since DuQuoin and back then only one of the family members was on a BMW! We make it part of our yearly vacation plans, last year was unavoidable due to dad getting sick two days before departure, but he's hanging in there. So, this year when my husbands health prevented him from riding, we decided to make the 3000 mile round trip in our RV(against doctors orders), 10 mpg, no bikes, yikes. We made do just like we would if we were in our tent mostly. We don't go to the rally for the food (nice if there is variety) but we make do with what's available or we forage, or the entertainment, some great, some not so hot. We go to see our friends from around the country that we may only get to see each year or two. We go to shop for all the farkles we think we may need for our bikes, knowing full well we could probably live without them. We go to see what each rally chair has come up with for ideas. We go to volunteer so we can see as many faces as possible. We go to hang out in the bier garten. :drink We just go, it's what we do, part of who we are.
So, to all our friends who called us every day of WestBend to keep us informed on what was going on and check on dad (and bring us mugs), thank you, that's why you are our friends.:heart
To Deb & Karol, thanks for over a years worth of hard work and planning, thanks again and we'll see you in TN!

[kbasa]

Tina and I had a terrific time. Big props to Karol, Deb, Ray and the rest of the staff that helped make it a good time for so many.

Like life, your rally will be what you choose it to be.

[Beemer01]

Thanks for organizing this event. I can't even begin to imagine all the details and hundreds of 'moving parts' to make this event come off smoothly. And with a volunteer army to boot!

I did my research and did not come expecting trees (and was not disappointed) but was astounded by the utterly fantastic scenery and rides that Wyoming and the neighboring states offered. What an inspired selection of a locale - if not for MOA and your rally, I would never have ridden these roads.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/Beemer10/P7160119.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/Beemer10/P7160087.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/Beemer10/P7190202.jpg

Thanks for EVERYTHING you did.....seen and unseen.


Bryan

[Boingo]

This was my first MOA rally (Greenhorn!) and I had a blast. Everything at the rally exceeded my expectations. The organization of everything was amazing, it totally blew me away. I helped out in registration (May I help YOU?) and had such a good time. It was fun to see all the road numb warriors trying to find their reg stuff. Most everyone was grinning ear to ear just to be there (sans one grumpy old fart…but let’s forget him). The demo rides, seminars, beer garden, venders (and everything else) were awesome.

My only rally annoyance is directed at the small minority of whiners. If you didn’t like the rally, step up and run the next rally and show us how it should be done.

Thank you Karol and Deb. I can’t even imagine how much how much time and effort went to making this rally happen. I would like to apologize for those who can’t or won’t appreciate what you two have accomplished. :clap