2005 National- Where is it?

[sbsmith]

Anybody know for sure?

[MarkF]

Originally posted by sbsmith
Anybody know for sure?

I'm sure many do but nobody's talking. It will be posted everywhere next week.

MarkF

[Visian]

http://www.foodsubs.com/Photos/beans-babylimafresh.jpg

[gambrinus]

2005 National- Where is it?

Anybody know for sure?


It's at your house. Didn't anyone tell you? Better let the neighbors know now so that they won't get all excited at the sight of a few thousand motorcycles parked at your house. Now might be a good time to start making a shopping list for supplies that you'll be needing. Top of the list should be a few hundred rolls of toilet paper....

heee heeee heeeee


My bet is on the finger lakes area...

[Braddog]

I think it may be time to have a national rally a little closer to the "middle" of the country.

Here's hoping, anyway.:clap

[JetDoc]

Originally posted by Braddog
I think it may be time to have a national rally a little closer to the "middle" of the country.



According to my map, the middle of the country looks like Kansas!

Ever been there in July? Even Dorothy wouldn't want to be there! :yow

[Unregistered]

I remember well very recently in the Rally Program it was printed - the location of the followingyears Rally. Now someone must know the location of the 2005 rally. Hopethey are not holding back t this date "to keep site prices down".. Some of us need almost a year to plan the following years vacation.

[kbasa]

You read it here first: Lima, OH.

We're all staying at Lorazepam's house.

[lorazepam]

I hope beanie the town mascot shows up. Nothing like a 6 foot tall lima bean to liven things up.

[TheSuperScoot]

Seriously, do we have an announced site for the 2005 rally yet?

[JetDoc]

Originally posted by TheSuperScoot
Seriously, do we have an announced site for the 2005 rally yet?

No joke. According to the information in the booklet that was handed out today at registration, the 2005 rally is in Lima, Ohio.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by TheSuperScoot
Seriously, do we have an announced site for the 2005 rally yet?

No joke. This is the location for 2005.

though i still wanted las vegas

[Braddog]

Guess we'll have to see about Lima. That's a doable location for me, but was hoping for a little closer to the "middle" of the country.

Kudos to the folks that have to figure out the rally sites, the logistics, etc. Not an easy job, and there's no way you can please everybody.

Vegas would've been fun, but Vegas in July would be even more brutal than Kansas.

I REALLY liked the Winnipeg option, maybe a future consideration?

Hope you all are havin' fun and ridin' safe in Spokane!:wave

[Ghostryder]

Is the rally the same weekend every year?:dunno

[Braddog]

It seems that they usually cover the 2nd or 3rd weekend in July, yup.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by KBasa
No joke. This is the location for 2005.


What is the location? Fairground, convention center, what?

MarkF

[kbasa]

I think you can be fairly well assured it's going to be at a fairgrounds.

FWIW, this year's location is absolutely top notch.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by KBasa
I think you can be fairly well assured it's going to be at a fairgrounds.


Could this be it:

DIRECTIONS TO THE HARDIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

THE HARDIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IS LOCATED ON THE SOUTH EDGE OF KENTON, OHIO BETWEEN STATE ROUTE 68 SOUTH AND STATE ROUTE 31.

FROM LIMA, OHIO, TRAVEL EAST ON STATE ROUTE 309 INTO KENTON. TURN RIGHT OR SOUTH ON STATE ROUTE 68 OR DETROIT STREET AT THE COURTHOUSE. FOLLOW STATE ROUTE 68 OVER THE RR TRACKS PAST CARTER LUMBER TO FAIRGROUND ROAD. TURN LEFT OR EAST ON FAIRGROUND ROAD. APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES.

[Unregistered]

Allen County Fairgrounds is in Lima,OH.
http://www.ohionationalchampionship.com

[Unregistered]

http://www.lima-allencvb.com

[Unregistered]

http://www.allencountyfair.org

[Unregistered]

http://www.limaciviccenter.com

[Unregistered]

Its hoped that the Superbike race at Mid Ohio will be the same weekend.

[BMWRider]

Originally posted by KBasa
No joke. This is the location for 2005.

though i still wanted las vegas

Well, I'll be doggoned, Mr. Swider. You'll be in my 'hood next year. :evil

[Unregistered]

What are the dates?

Bullett

[rocketman]

Originally posted by Braddog
It seems that they usually cover the 2nd or 3rd weekend in July, yup.

I just hope it's not the same weekend as Mid-Ohio, having gone there this year I'd go there over MOA for the simple reason that mid-ohio is about Vintage bikes, and that's what really interests me much as I love my Beemers. Being around vintage bikes and riders of any make is more fun for me than just a single brand.

It would be great if they ran on consecutive weekends, then I could do both and spend the time between exploring the great lakes region. After years of riding the mid-east, northern Ohio seems Really Flat! lower part of the state in the Hocking Hills was real pretty though and roads down that way seemed to be in better repair, but having only done a small portion of the state I may have just had the misfortune to ride the worst ones up to mid-ohio!

RM

[MCohen]

The rally will be July 21-24, 2005.

[Unregistered]

Mid-Ohio has two events. Vintage last week and Superbike this week.

[jabba]

So has anyone determined if the AMA vintage days, or the AMA Superbike series coincides with the rally dates? How far is Mid Ohio racecourse from Lima?

[Bullet]

If, anyone is looking for a great burger, AND absolutely the
best pecan pie, travel south about 30 miles to Sidney Ohio
on I-75 get off at the second exit, follow it downtown to the
SPOT Drive-in

Bullet

[Bullet]

If, anyone is looking for a great burger, AND absolutely the
best pecan pie, travel south about 30 miles to Sidney Ohio
on I-75 get off at the second exit, follow it downtown to the
SPOT Drive-in

Bullet

[Bullet]

Mid-Ohio is in Dublin, Ohio which is about 78 miles away from
Lima. If, I recall correctly, Dublin is a suburb of Columbus. The
Capitol of Ohio

Bullet

PS: check out the Decker DairyBar when in Lima. It's on old Hwy 25

[rocketman]

Originally posted by Bullet
Mid-Ohio is in Dublin, Ohio which is about 78 miles away from
Lima. If, I recall correctly, Dublin is a suburb of Columbus. The
Capitol of Ohio

Bullet



Actually it's just outside of Mansfield/Lexington area, about 50 miles north of Columbus about 60-70 miles directly east of Lima. So even if they run the same weekend, it's an easy trip to visit one from the other, and if the superbike races at Mid-Ohio Raceway was on a consecutive weekend either side that would be an outstanding week!:)

RM

[wuli959]

Originally posted by rocketman
So even if they run the same weekend, it's an easy trip to visit one from the other, and if the superbike races at Mid-Ohio Raceway was on a consecutive weekend either side that would be an outstanding week!:)

RM

Actually, ESPECIALLY if they run the same weekend. Either Vintage or Super-Bike would be OK by me. That would be just about the only situation that could redeem a Lima location for a motorcycle rally :dunno

although, just to throw in a needed curve, at least we know that BMW NA knows how to get their demo fleet within range of the location. :brow

[gambrinus]

Speaking of Ohio and demo fleets, If I'm not mistaken Honda has a rather large manufacturing plant not all that far from Lima. Perhaps they'd be willing to have a demo fleet at the 2005 rally. Hmmmm

RW

[MarkF]

Originally posted by gambrinus
Speaking of Ohio and demo fleets, If I'm not mistaken Honda has a rather large manufacturing plant not all that far from Lima.

I went to a non-marque rally in Canada about 4 years ago. There were lots of demos there. The lines were long and the only bike I could get on was a Buell M2 Cyclone. The Honda guys were busy all the time. I'd like to ride a ST1300 and a Gold Wing. I'd also like to ride a new Moto Guzzi, too!

MarkF

[Guzzi]

Originally posted by jabba
So has anyone determined if the AMA vintage days, or the AMA Superbike series coincides with the rally dates? How far is Mid Ohio racecourse from Lima?

Mid-Ohio would be about 80-90 miles from Lima. If yer goin' to Lima, better invest in a bullet-proof vest and bring the biggest gun you can find! It's a ROUGH place!

[Guzzi]

Originally posted by Bullet
Mid-Ohio is in Dublin, Ohio which is about 78 miles away from
Lima. If, I recall correctly, Dublin is a suburb of Columbus. The
Capitol of Ohio

Bullet

PS: check out the Decker DairyBar when in Lima. It's on old Hwy 25

WRONG!!! Mid-Ohio is in Lexington, Ohio, which is about 90 miles north of Dublin. But you were correct when you said Dublin is a suburb of Columbus.

[username]

Originally posted by gambrinus
Speaking of Ohio and demo fleets, If I'm not mistaken Honda has a rather large manufacturing plant not all that far from Lima. Perhaps they'd be willing to have a demo fleet at the 2005 rally. Hmmmm

RW

it'd be fun/cool to get a tour of the factory too. it's really neat to see how things are made.

that'd also wake up BMWNA. "oh yeah, our hardcore customers are demoing honda bikes and touring the honda factory...AT THE BMW RALLY."

:D

[MarkF]

Originally posted by username
it'd be fun/cool to get a tour of the factory too. it's really neat to see how things are made.

I would love to visit the Honda factory. I think they only assemble Gold Wings and the Rune there. Is that correct? Are those models sold other than in North America?

MarkF

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by username
it'd be fun/cool to get a tour of the factory too. it's really neat to see how things are made.

that'd also wake up BMWNA. "oh yeah, our hardcore customers are demoing honda bikes and touring the honda factory...AT THE BMW RALLY."

:D

Which will be about the only thing to do around there, unless you drive to Cleveland. :snore :snore :snore I still wish it was Vegas...

[lorazepam]

Hey YB, you can go to Toledo, and Cincinnati is only two hours south. The Neil Armstrong Museum is in Wapokoneta, maybe 30 miles or so from Lima. Grand Lake St Marys is not much further, and was a main source of water for the Canals that were built in Ohio.

Bellefontaine (bell fountain) is close by, and nearby is the highest point in Ohio. Big Whoop. You might get a picture there for the grin factor.

Take a trip east on RT309 to RT288, and it will take you to the mid ohio track.

The bicycle Museum of America is just south of Lima.

I will come up with more stuff as I am able.

I would like to see a combine demolition derby at the fairgrounds while we are there. Nothing like destruction on a large scale. :bliss

[WETDOG]

Strange choice of locations.....Lima is'nt near anything...literally,and I live in Ohio

[Unregistered]

Theres the Wright Patterson museum in Dayton,AMA museum outside Columbus,some Amish country thats not too far and the Hocking Hills area also.

[lorazepam]

it would be at least 2 hours to Hocking hills, an hour and a half to the ama museum, and an hour to Wright Patterson to the museum.

[JetDoc]

If you're into roller coasters, there's Cedar Point in Sandusky... about two hours from Lima.

Oh yea... Put me down for the Honda factory tour.

[Random]

Originally posted by M. Cohen
The rally will be July 21-24, 2005.

In the middle of the week?

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Originally posted by Guzzi 2004-07-21
If yer goin' to Lima, better invest in a bullet-proof vest and bring the biggest gun you can find! It's a ROUGH place!
Hey Goose, there in Central Ohio! "bullet-proof vest"..."big gun"..."ROUGH place!" Care to amplify a bit more on this statement for us outlanders, please?

[Unregistered]

That statement could be made about any city. It's just the sick society we now live. Enjoy the rally.

[kioolt]

Both Mapquest and Street Atlas list two Lima's in Ohio. I'm assuming that the correct one is in Allen county. Can anyone confirm this?

[RebeccaV]

Yes - the 05 rally is in Allen County, OH at the Allen County Fairgrounds.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by SlashFiveTourer
Mark, how about an OLD Guzzi??

Maybe not that old. My fav Guzzi is the 1984 Lemans III. With Euro turn signals, if you can find them!

MarkF

[mcholt212]

Originally posted by lorazepam
I hope beanie the town mascot shows up. Nothing like a 6 foot tall lima bean to liven things up.

I'll say....mix a 6-foot lima bean with all the alcohol I saw in the '04 rally pics and you've got a recipe for TROUBLE!

[lorazepam]

I bet "Beanie" farts around a lot. I would If I were a 6 foot lima bean.

[RebeccaV]

:fart

Your joke stinks ;)

[Kenny2]

Not only Cedar Point, there is King's Island to the South/East.
Regardless, Great riding to Ohio, from California. I show 2272 miles to the Rally. See ya:bliss

[Omar]

Lima, Ohio? Does anyone know what are the key attractions for this site?

I would like to see the whole Rally in one location, camping, exhibits and the vendor displays as well as food and beer tent ... It would be great if all were within wlaking distance.

[gambrinus]

The fairgrounds appear to be quite large, so I wouldn't worry about anything being "off site". The grounds themselves look good in the pictures I've seen, Now as to what else to do while in the area......


RW

[Unregistered]

Lima Ohio

11 turns
318 miles

[Unregistered]

There's a pork rind plant.

[Sue]

You guys are going to LOVE this rally site. It is truly the perfect venue for the BMW MOA National Rally.

There is tons of shaded camping. There is even a pond to camp around, if you'd like. Shade trees all over the place. The closest motels are just 60 seconds away.

We hope for a record breaking attendance of vendors, because of the convenient, central location.

And Lima is easily within a one-day ride for a great percentage of the BMW MOA riders.

Why Lima, some of you have asked? For all of the reasons above. Sometimes our rallies are located in the middle of awesome riding areas. Sometimes the riding near a national rally site isn't as exciting, but there are other "draws"

There is NOT a crime problem in Lima. (Where the heck did that come from?)

Needless to say, I am SO excited about the 05 Rally. Just wait until your hear about some of the awesome things we are lining up. You won't want to miss it! :clap :clap

The dates are Thursday July 21 through Sunday, July 24, 2005. Feel free to contact me off-list with any questions --- or if you'd like to volunteer.

Sue Rihn-Manke
2005 National Rally Chair

[mcholt212]

Originally posted by Unregistered
There's a pork rind plant.

6 foot lima bean mascots and pork rind mfg. plants??? Man, I'm THERE!

[Kenny2]

I had lunch with the two ladies from the Lima Visitor bureau. They are excited about having us there. :bliss I mentioned a few questions about the grounds and they were very receptive as to providing for the MOA. The fact that they were at the Spokane Rally, gave them insight as to the needs of hosting a Large group.

I look forward to volunteering (again).

Short of it is, Great riding to and from the rally.
I have family in Ohio.

[mcholt212]

Originally posted by Kenny2
I had lunch with the two ladies from the Lima Visitor bureau. They are excited about having us there. :bliss I mentioned a few questions about the grounds and they were very receptive as to providing for the MOA. The fact that they were at the Spokane Rally, gave them insight as to the needs of hosting a Large group.

I look forward to volunteering (again).

Short of it is, Great riding to and from the rally.
I have family in Ohio.

I have lots of family in Ohio, too. I was born in Ravenna. Having grown up in NJ I like to poke fun at Ohioans and Pennsyltuckeyans--it's all in fun, though. That's probably due to the jabs I take about New Joisey all the time. I'll look forward to going to the rally (my first) and visiting family on the way, too. ;)

[username]

i would like to point out how smart it is to have some folks from lima at the spokane rally to see firsthand what MOA people like and dont like and how the rally goes. this is a very smart thing to do, so whomever had the idea, thank you very much.

[lorazepam]

I plan on being there, and look forward to a single site rally experience. The facilities will be really great. I drove by this week and they are plenty big for us.

[Unregistered]

I've been there for the AMA flat track races in June and its a sea of Harleys,cant wait to see the place crawling with Beemers.Rt 105 out of Bowling Green is a decent ride,it ends in Port Clinton on Lake Erie.

[pat]

http://www.bestplaces.net/html/crimecompare3.asp?lcity=9991&rcity=10729&view=T

the above statistics tell the story about Lima, Iknow folks who have moved to southern Ohio because of the growing problem.

[mcholt212]

Originally posted by pat
http://www.bestplaces.net/html/crimecompare3.asp?lcity=9991&rcity=10729&view=T

the above statistics tell the story about Lima, Iknow folks who have moved to southern Ohio because of the growing problem.

Yikes!! Bring your Kryptonite disc locks!!!!

[Ghostryder]

Comared to where I live Lima will be a walk in the park!!!!!:nra :nra

[gambrinus]

I'll be going with my usual dual "K" protection plan, Kryptonite and Kimber. If that all fails, there is a reason that I write checks to State Farm every 6 months....


RW

[Mike_In_Lima]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Its hoped that the Superbike race at Mid Ohio will be the same weekend.

Dean??

[Mike_In_Lima]

Originally posted by Bullet
If, anyone is looking for a great burger, AND absolutely the
best pecan pie, travel south about 30 miles to Sidney Ohio
on I-75 get off at the second exit, follow it downtown to the
SPOT Drive-in

Bullet

But it takes 2nd seat to the nationally famous, fabulous burgers from the Kewpee!! A "must eat" when in Lima, and there is a location 2 minutes west, towards town, from the fairgrounds.

[Mike_In_Lima]

Originally posted by foobeemer
Yikes!! Bring your Kryptonite disc locks!!!!

The problems, as in most places, are essentially contained in certain sections of town, and others live in the area all their lives and never encounter such problems. The data is skewed by the drug trades influence in certain sectors.
The fairgrounds are fine and safe, as are most other areas.

[Unregistered]

There's a Ford Duratec engine plant at Lima. Sounds like a hard working-hard playing blue collar town with a good fairgrounds.

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by Mike_In_Lima
The problems, as in most places, are essentially contained in certain sections of town, and others live in the area all their lives and never encounter such problems. The data is skewed by the drug trades influence in certain sectors.
The fairgrounds are fine and safe, as are most other areas.

You mean like in every other place in the country? C'mon folks it's in the middle of Ohio, it can't be that bad.

[Kenny2]

Originally posted by foobeemer
Yikes!! Bring your Kryptonite disc locks!!!!

Let us NOT condemn it before we get there!!!!
Spokane was NOT that wet, nor THAT HOT!

You will enjoy the rally to the extent that you allow yourself!!!

Now, Real decisions, Denver or Dallas routing?????:dunno

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by Kenny2

Now, Real decisions, Denver or Dallas routing?????:dunno

Dude, Denver totally. Dallas in July just has to suck to drive through. I70 west of Denver is absolutely gorgeous to drive through.

[Mike_In_Lima]

I remember crossing Kansas, leaving Colorado, and the blast-furnace crosswind from the south/southwest was UNREAL. A difficult day. Got into St. Louis, 104 degrees and more hot wind.

BTW, there is a nice "swim hole" about 8 minutes from the site; a new public small lake/beach.

[mcholt212]

Originally posted by YB in IN
You mean like in every other place in the country? C'mon folks it's in the middle of Ohio, it can't be that bad.

Exactly. BAD would be if the rally was in say, Newark NJ! :eek

[Mike_In_Lima]

The key is that the facility will be conducive to the event, with gobs of room for everything, and good "infrastructure", so the Rally itself will be fine. Outside of that, the worst that might be said is that west-central Ohio ain't Vegas, but that ain't always all bad.
MBB

[lorazepam]

Mike, I have to agree with you. The facilities are great, and for those that like to ride there and park, this will be a first class rally. Everything will be right there, great camping and all the space you could want. If you are friends with the powers that be at the fairgrounds, see if they can get some motorcycles to race that night. I wonder how many GS riders would like to have a try at some flat track action. possibly some instruction by an experienced rider in the area would be cool. Kinda like a track day on dirt.

Big Alice says she wants to check her online dating messages, so I gotta go.

[Sue]

I would respectfully ask that folks let me make calls and contacts regarding events at the the rally.

I appreciate all of the enthusiasm, but too many people making contact-calls can be confusing.

That being said, though --- I am open to all suggestions and would love to hear from ANYONE with good ideas for the rally.

You can bet money that Brian and I will do everything in our power to make this an incredible rally!

:bliss :bliss :bliss

Thanks!

[Mike_In_Lima]

Originally posted by Sue Rihn-Manke
I would respectfully ask that folks let me make calls and contacts regarding events at the the rally.

I appreciate all of the enthusiasm, but too many people making contact-calls can be confusing.

That being said, though --- I am open to all suggestions and would love to hear from ANYONE with good ideas for the rally.

You can bet money that Brian and I will do everything in our power to make this an incredible rally!

:bliss :bliss :bliss

Thanks!

RIGHT! Just so no one misunderstands, I have offered to help Sue in any way I can, but I am doing nothing with respect to the Rally unless she asks me to do something. These events have to be organized and arranged fromthe top down, or it doesn't work.

Other than that, my original offer stands to answer any specific questions from members relating to the Lima area, etc.

[lorazepam]

Sorry Sue, I was just getting all fired up. Lima is a famous stop for the ama flat track bikes. I will contain my excitement, and defer to you and Brian. Tell him I said hi, and it was nice meeting him at the ride for kids. Wish I could have talked more, but it was a long ride home. http://lorazepam.smugmug.com/photos/1028530-S.jpg
http://lorazepam.smugmug.com/photos/1028515-S.jpg