trailered to the rally and back [Archive]

108896

07-22-2008, 08:56 PM

well, we did it!

we made it back last sunday (trailered from eastern PA) out to wyoming and back. Unbelievable roads out there, we clocked about 1,500 miles going up to montana (custards battlefield) and also east to mt rushmore, the crazy horse memorial and devil's tower then over to the beartooth pass and chief joseph's trail into yellowstone park. Great weather, only one threatening storm on our way back to the hotel in moorcroft (that was the first day of the rally). Was a big and violent storm from what i heard (quarter size hail) but we missed most of it and just got the rain. 4 of us went including myself. 2 LT's, 1 GSAdv (1200 series) and my FJR.

pics below:

http://skylandsnjbmwriders.smugmug.com/gallery/5487564_5xXES#335597964_iXwpC

wuli959

07-23-2008, 01:15 PM

well, we did it!

we made it back last sunday (trailered from eastern PA) out to wyoming and back.

What kind of mileage did you get with the truck pulling that rig?
(thinking about buying one)

mrich12000

07-23-2008, 01:18 PM

Thats not how you do it. unles your sick. Sorry :nono :nono

alien_hitchhiker

07-23-2008, 01:36 PM

Custard's battlefield ???

wuli959

07-23-2008, 01:41 PM

Thats not how I do it. unles I'm sick. Sorry :nono :nono

Fixed.

To each . . . his own.

SheRidesABeemer

07-23-2008, 03:55 PM

Thanks for posting!
It would be nice if you picked a few of your favorite pics and posted them here, we'd be more interested to pick up on the rest of the story though the link.

well, we did it!

we made it back last sunday (trailered from eastern PA) out to wyoming and back. Unbelievable roads out there, we clocked about 1,500 miles going up to montana (custards battlefield) and also east to mt rushmore, the crazy horse memorial and devil's tower then over to the beartooth pass and chief joseph's trail into yellowstone park. Great weather, only one threatening storm on our way back to the hotel in moorcroft (that was the first day of the rally). Was a big and violent storm from what i heard (quarter size hail) but we missed most of it and just got the rain. 4 of us went including myself. 2 LT's, 1 GSAdv (1200 series) and my FJR.

pics below:

http://skylandsnjbmwriders.smugmug.com/gallery/5487564_5xXES#335597964_iXwpC

Paul_F

07-23-2008, 05:30 PM

Thats not how you do it. unles your sick. Sorry :nono :nono

Hey Mike. Sometimes time is limited and trailering is the way to go. At least these bikes made it to the rally which more than mine did this year.

108896

07-24-2008, 04:37 AM

yes, still get the disagreement of why we trailered the trip, but time was a constraint and wanted the most 'fun' factor on the bikes.

I think we got 10 miles to the gallon LOL going out there. Did notice lower octane gas out there (the max i saw at some stations was 87). Also noticed a lot of the flex fuel stations which my buddies nissan truck could use, noticeable difference in price (about 3.00 a gallon).

On posting some pics, there's a lot of them now...buddy just added more and it totals over 700 pictures on the link now.

Colt03

07-24-2008, 10:09 AM

I also was limited on time, so three of us trailered out from New England, Driving straight thru to the Black Hills Beemer Stampede. Here is a pic of the Avalanche Express.

http://clc.smugmug.com/photos/337645718_KqZpz-L.jpg

That K1200LT has a big foot print.
http://clc.smugmug.com/photos/337649014_zgAeF-L.jpg

We had my GS, an RT and the big 1200LT. the trailer is my Snowmobile trailer, which is 8 1/2 feet wide by 12 ft long and then has a 4 ft v nose, so outside dimensions of 81/2 by 16.

It did allow us to do some nice riding in SD, ND, MT and WY.

http://clc.smugmug.com/photos/337659133_f9sWy-L-1.jpg

http://clc.smugmug.com/photos/337662301_86dzS-L.jpg The Badlands

http://clc.smugmug.com/photos/337666293_yGREk-L-1.jpg The Real Center of the Geographical USA.

http://clc.smugmug.com/photos/337670731_HHuxW-L.jpg
it also allowed us to take a camp trailer from Spearfish to gillette when the owners bike was out of service.

johnpeter

07-24-2008, 10:15 AM

Thats not how you do it. unles your sick. Sorry :nono :nono

Agree 100%. Ride or stay home.

Colt03

07-24-2008, 10:22 AM

http://clc.smugmug.com/photos/337670461_vL669-L.jpg

camp trailer in back of trailer. sorry it didnt come up in prior post

GrafikFeat

07-24-2008, 10:39 AM

Ride or stay home.

Gee Whiz! I wish I was this awesome.
I'd lay odds you don't wave either...

Nice.

PAGoldsby

07-24-2008, 10:47 AM

I think the OP wins the award for "Most Densely-Packed Motorcycle Hauler"! Good photos. Thanks for posting!

GrafikFeat

07-24-2008, 10:52 AM

I think the OP wins the award for "Most Densely-Packed Motorcycle Hauler"! Good photos. Thanks for posting!

+1 :laugh

cmartin

07-24-2008, 11:04 AM

Thats not how you do it. unles your sick. Sorry :nono :nono

This comment reminds me of the time in Cody when my3 year old bike was on a trailer, (bike had over 50,000 miles that I had ridden) on a trip to ride the Cascades.
Guy on a K75 was tinkering with his bike in the motel parking lot, went over to visit and got a very cold shoulder. He made some comment about trailering, Then I invited him over to check the speedo on my bike. His 5 year old K75 had 24000 miles.

He got a lot friendler after seeing my speedo.

This type of action is why BMW riders are considered snobs.

:)

Sanders

07-24-2008, 11:29 AM

Agree 100%. Ride or stay home.

Constructive and polite. Nice one mate :bow
Having a bad day?:brow
WTF does it matter to you how anyone else rides? Or gets there?
If a motorcyclist wants to trailer to a destination why do you see the need to criticize?
I usually don't respond to ill-mannered louts, but I didn't see the original poster asking anyone to critique his manner of transport. I believe he was merely posting his enthusiasm with the whole road trip experience as it were.
And you felt the need to crap on his post
I don't get it...
In the same spirit of your attitude
Post nice or STFU

Jeff Sanders

careycsg

07-24-2008, 11:35 AM

Agree 100%. Ride or stay home.

Trailered my bike and the bike of my 75 year old neighbor from Chicago, who has severe arthritic back problems and has to limit his riding to 150 miles per day. We made it there, met many new friends, learned alot from vendors and spent alot of money with the vendors! Glad not to have met a smarta** like you who hides behind the security of a computer screen and keyboard.

alien_hitchhiker

07-24-2008, 04:19 PM

It's time to put this whole 'ride to the rally' versus 'trailer to the rally' thing to rest.

Riding to the rally is good - it says that you are a dedicated rider and love to go the distance.

Trailering to the rally is a compromise, but it still gets you there - it says that you are dedicated to making the rally and that's just fine. No apology required.

Bottom line - If you ride there you get braggin' rights, but you DO NOT get the right to diss' those who may have - for whatever reason - hauled their bike there.

All agreed?

BuddingGeezer

07-24-2008, 07:38 PM

Constructive and polite. Nice one mate :bow
Having a bad day?:brow
WTF does it matter to you how anyone else rides? Or gets there?
If a motorcyclist wants to trailer to a destination why do you see the need to criticize?
I usually don't respond to ill-mannered louts, but I didn't see the original poster asking anyone to critique his manner of transport. I believe he was merely posting his enthusiasm with the whole road trip experience as it were.
And you felt the need to crap on his post
I don't get it...
In the same spirit of your attitude
Post nice or STFU

Jeff Sanders

I have to agree 1000%. What I don't understand is when an opinion isn't asked for is, why does someone state theirs. Especially if they don't agree. I bet the guy who trailered his bike doesn't know the dissenters or give a crap what they think. I sure wouldn't.

Look in the dictionary for the definition of pretentious, I bet some will find their picture there.

Live and let live and mind your own business.

Ralph Sims

Rpbump

07-24-2008, 07:54 PM

Sounds like you had a great time. I'm looking forward to the rally in TN next year. Hope to meet some of the posters to this and other BMW internet sites. :D Ride Safe

dancogan

07-24-2008, 08:20 PM

I really don't understand the attitude of some of the objections stated. We've trailered to 2 national rallies and rode to one. Had fun at all three.

97553

07-24-2008, 09:13 PM

What kind of mileage did you get with the truck pulling that rig?
(thinking about buying one)

Calculate miles per gallon by multiplying the MPG of the tow vehicle by the number of bikes and riders, if your hauling four bikes and riders at 10 mpg x 4 = 40 MPG. for most of us that would put the fuel cost for a trip pretty close to the same as riding there.

kantuckid

07-25-2008, 08:16 AM

At a time when I had carpal tunnel problems -to the extent that it precluded me from riding- I could have trailered my bike-my choice was to stop riding, as it is expensive and nothing fun about pulling around a bike in a trailer!Since, I've had surgery in each hand (2001-right&2002-left) and now find I can ride wherever. I did a 7k trip to Mexico last winter, so trailering is out for me. I say let them haul 'em around, even if it makes no sense to some of us... I have more problem with "why would you take a picture of a vehicle buying fuel" than the trailering issue.If I took a picture every time I fueled it would be a handsome collection. What's the significance of such a picture? Maybe to remind of what a pissy experience it has become?
It's easy to find fault-I saw exactly 1 bike in the first 1500k of my last winters trip- so where were all the hardy bikers that couple of days?On that occasion, I had one "harley guy" telling me as to how he never wears a helmet and surely no electric clothes in the winter-of course he was in a PU. This whole thing of how many miles/if you trailer and so on is ridiculous ! I live in a rural area and find that my bikes are useless to me for most trips, as I need to haul stuff , besides me!!! Am I open to criticisim because I drive my truck or my car? Give me a break!!! I will never win a mileage award as this is often the case.I am retired so it not a matter of a simple commute to a job .
I actually see a very sensible side to trailering when it comes to the aforementioned aspect of long distance travel in a short time span-it is much safer that the "ironbutt thing" where it becomes fashionable to travel distances beyond reason and safety in a short time span. If you want to get into hypocrisy , then look at the fascination with mega miles in the ironbutt crowd vs. all the safety articles in our motorcycle publications. I say these topics fly in opposite directions in many ways!:stick

mrich12000

07-25-2008, 08:33 AM

Hey Mike. Sometimes time is limited and trailering is the way to go. At least these bikes made it to the rally which more than mine did this year.

Well that true I did say I was sorry..Paul you can come to.

So now a way to make it up. Come to Canada's rally in southern Ontario,in August. You can book it now.(Goggle the Loonie-tics for the event):buds :clap :clap Great tours of several winery's in beautiful Prince Edward County, Super entertainment Lots of spaces to camp(and yes you can trailer if needed). Great prizes super food, so to make up for your indiscretion to the cycle Gods come here....:bikes :heart:bolt :gerg :ca :bar :bar

Then of to the Salty fog this year as well..:)

Sorry if i sounded callous. Didn't mean to be mean My apologies to anyone who thinks that I slighted them

RJM2096

07-25-2008, 09:54 AM

My son-in-law and I rode for Central Illinois to Gillette and really enjoyed it. The 2500 miles round trip was great. We carried our tents, bedding, and clothes easily (left the kitchen sink home). :bikes

We could have used our trailer. The cost in gasoline milage would have been the same. Two motorcycles filling up verses one truck with trailer filling up probably would have taken the same amount of gas.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/RJM2096/ReadyToRide.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/RJM2096/RallyTent.jpg

Can't wait until next year!

SheRidesABeemer

07-25-2008, 10:03 AM

Hi, my name is Gail, and I drove my Ford Explorer to my first rally in Midland MI.

The week before the rally I threw my back out, and could not manage my bike.

My riding partner took advantage of the whole thing and the truck filled to the brim with stuff! I parked against the fence for the duration and rode pillion.

I had a great time. At the closing ceremonies people booed the statistic for number of cars in attendance. It was my first exposure to such thing. I don't think I would have attended another rally if someone had come up to my face and derided my ride.

I think it's very unfortunate that people feel the need to say things online that they would not say to you in person. That is no way to make people feel welcome.

Rapid_Roy

07-25-2008, 10:04 AM

Agree 100%. Ride or stay home.
Look at your sig line, you are using a hammer viewpoint.:laugh

If nobody trailered, the Vintage tent would be much smaller, or even non-existent.
I would miss that, as I enjoy looking at the old bikes. IMO, it just adds another facet of the rally for me to enjoy. Bring on the trailers. :wave

wuli959

07-25-2008, 10:04 AM

Calculate miles per gallon by multiplying the MPG of the tow vehicle by the number of bikes and riders, if your hauling four bikes and riders at 10 mpg x 4 = 40 MPG. for most of us that would put the fuel cost for a trip pretty close to the same as riding there.

true, but I just wanted to understand what kind of mileage his truck got pulling the loaded trailer as I'm in the market for a truck. :D

GrafikFeat

07-25-2008, 10:55 AM

Hi, my name is Gail, and I drove my Ford Explorer to my first rally in Midland MI.

Following Gail's lead... I've trailered plenty of times for various reasons.
Did I ever feel the need to explain myself to anyone? No?
Was I ever questioned as to why? No.
Do what it takes to get yourself to where ever it is you're going - Safely.

If my trailering bothers you I'd suggest getting introspective and find out why.

PGlaves

07-25-2008, 12:15 PM

Aw come on everybody. The whole world knows that us macho types that always ride our bikes thousands of miles through floods, hurricanes, boiling water, and burning sun, taking days or weeks, or months to do it are inherently superior to those timid weaklings that would even think of trailering a bike.

We are, after all, BMW riders, which makes us the smartest, best, most courageous, and overall the only true motorcycles riders in the whole wide world. Everybody knows this is true. I do, because I've been riding BMWs for 31 years, and besides, as absolute proof I read it on the internet.

2beers

07-25-2008, 05:36 PM

Thanks for helping the guy with the bike trailer. What happened? That looks like my buddy Larry's (Magilla's) trailer? Hope he didn't break something expensive?:type

Colt03

07-25-2008, 06:15 PM

The owner had a K1200LT, with a severe gas leak. He had just had it serviced and he got within a few miles of the site before the leak started. Don Lapierre( who was in our Avalanche Express Group) showed him how to take the plastic off and find the leak. Sturgis BMW picked up his rig and replaced a gasket. When he filled up the tank it started to leak again. :( So thats where we came in, we brought his trailer down along with his wife, and SBMW got him on the road later that day.

PS he gave us some great riding routes !
Once out west I rode >1800 miles.

jasonTDI

07-25-2008, 07:04 PM

you've heard it enough...

fwiw they didn't have flat rubber when they got there to ride on.

I RODE even with a bad case of left elbow tendonitis....3500 miles with the side trips in 6 days.

Thats not how you do it. unles your sick. Sorry :nono :nono

Mrs2beers

07-25-2008, 07:44 PM

Knowing "Magilla" we bet he gave you some great places to ride, and along with his deep booming voice some stories besides. Trying to keep up with him when he rides can be a bit daunting. We've been behind and tried to keep up and a ton just wasn't enough--qoute per Barr. Thanks again for giving him and Linda a helping hand.

FredK

07-26-2008, 02:49 PM

Yep, "Magilla" DID recommend Chief Joseph Highway and Beartooth Pass, which added about another 150 miles to our originally planned 400mile loop. WOW, was that extra distance worth it! The wildflowers were in rare form, due to good timing + a wet season. What sights! Wonderful riding + marvelous memories, both in Wyoming and in the Black Hills.

Trailering... the Avalanche Express was my first such experience. With time in short supply, doing the 2000 miles to and from Gillette in non-stop "Iron Butt fashion" with 3 people rotating driving responsibility allowed us to apply more time riding 1500 miles on our bikes at the intended destination. Going to the Gillette rally in this way allowed us to achieve our goals for this trip. All 3 of us had previously ridden our bikes across this great land. Been there, done that.
Colt 03 and I have previously participated in Saddlesore events. Next year, the rally site is within easier striking distance. Wouldn't think about trailering in that circumstance.

What I'd like to know is how the MOA has so serendipitously selected its rally sites in Gillette, Ohio and West Virginia that then greeted us with such blessedly hellatious weather?

Rod Sheridan

07-28-2008, 11:27 AM

What I'd like to know is how the MOA has so serendipitously selected its rally sites in Gillette, Ohio and West Virginia that then greeted us with such blessedly hellatious weather?

Fred, don't you know that the MOA is "all knowing, all seeing"? Of course bad weather was planned, and provided.

Aside from unusual, what would a motorcycle trip without bad weather be?

Regards, Rod.

Rod Sheridan

07-28-2008, 11:29 AM

This type of action is why BMW riders are considered snobs.

:)

Rats!

All these years I've been using other actions to make people consider BMW riders snobs.

I stand corrected..........Rod:ca

dpryan

07-28-2008, 03:03 PM

jenunn

07-28-2008, 03:28 PM

Constructive and polite. Nice one mate :bow
Having a bad day?:brow
WTF does it matter to you how anyone else rides? Or gets there?
If a motorcyclist wants to trailer to a destination why do you see the need to criticize?
I usually don't respond to ill-mannered louts, but I didn't see the original poster asking anyone to critique his manner of transport. I believe he was merely posting his enthusiasm with the whole road trip experience as it were.
And you felt the need to crap on his post
I don't get it...
In the same spirit of your attitude
Post nice or STFU

Jeff Sanders

+1+1+1..... who cares how you get there. I suppose I was wrong for flying to AZ and renting a GS for a 3 day weekend with my wife as opposed to driving my own bike. If this keeps up I'm going to start hanging out with the Harley guys...........

KGT1200

07-28-2008, 03:59 PM

+1+1+1..... who cares how you get there. I suppose I was wrong for flying to AZ and renting a GS for a 3 day weekend with my wife as opposed to driving my own bike. If this keeps up I'm going to start hanging out with the Harley guys...........
:thumb :thumb TOTALLY agree, Mr. Sanders! Thanks for speakingup!

I have no need to compare how you got there, cause it's none of my busine

rbertalotto

07-29-2008, 05:48 PM

I've ridden a bike from New England to the foothills of the rockies (Black Hills)..............Never again! All you do is wear out a set of tires and if you are riding a BMW, you take half or more of the useful life out of the FD......(Sorry!)

The real riding starts at the Rockies...........In a truck you can do the 40 hours with two or three drivers non-stop. This leaves much more time to ride the good roads.

If you have all the time in the world, then ride my friends..........but if you are a working stiff and only have so much vacation, trailering is the only way to go.

And the last guy in a parking lot that made a comment about my trailering instead of riding..............well, he doesn't ride anymore............:D

JimVonBaden1

07-30-2008, 11:50 AM

Come on guys, on both sides, it is about the ride isn't it?

Now, in defense, partially, of those who refuse to trailer and tease others, if you post you trailered your bike across country you should expect some good natured ribbing, right?

Jim :brow

PS I missed the rally, though I did ride right past the sight in Gillette on Tuesday.

See my trip report here: http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27547

Jim :brow

Sanders

08-01-2008, 04:27 PM

[QUOTE=JimVonBaden1;352022]Come on guys, on both sides, it is about the ride isn't it?

Now, in defense, partially, of those who refuse to trailer and tease others, if you post you trailered your bike across country you should expect some good natured ribbing, right?

Jim :brow

Jim
You are correct. I just didn't see it as good natured ribbing. It felt like the guy was a rectum, on the whole...
On a side note I just bought a used Kendon trailer and hope to find someone real close to the rockies that will let me park the car/trailer on their property while the wifey and I explore the mountains for a week or two.
I never mind the ride out, but I tend to stay in fun land to long and then have to jam home in a day and a half across the plains to home on the East side of Mn.

Jeff Sanders

Ctrod

08-06-2008, 11:58 AM