Going to the National? [Archive]

GSCookeMnster

03-21-2003, 09:35 AM

Last year's National at Trenton was my first national, and being in one location was great. I'm still undecided about going because of the idea of having to choose to be away from the beer tent & food and regular camping just to have quiet camping, and having to commute across the city to the convention hall to attend a seminar are all very negative. I enjoyed just walking around the rally site (note site, not sites), taking in a seminar without much planning, getting some food at a vendor whenever. I think this disjointed arrangement will not make a good rally environment.

MrsKbasa

03-21-2003, 10:19 AM

One of the beautiful things about Durango was the shuttle bus up and down the main drag and right to the rally site.

I checked and our hotel has a shuttle bus to the convention center. Right on!

robnye

03-21-2003, 10:22 AM

Greetings,

I can definitely understand your concerns about the rally set up. I am a camper and when I first heard about the "new" rally I was very concerned.

This was before I attended a rally planning meeting in Charleston. The vendors, seminars, awards and registration will be in the Civic Center. This is a wonderful air-conditioned facility easily accessible from the interstate or local roads. We have arranged for a dedicated floor of an attached parking garage for secure parking.

The primary camping is at the University of Charleston. They have excellent facilities and will be providing food service and showers. The beer garden will be located here. There is nice camping and there are areas away from the river front field that will be pretty quiet (but not as quiet as the quiet camping area).

There will be evening shuttle bus service running between the University, civic center and quiet camping area.

While not as easy as walking a fairground, my suggestion would be to ride over to the Civic Center when you want to attend a seminar or see vendors and use the shuttle to visit the beer garden.

One of the bright spots of having the rally in this setting is that services are much more accessible. For example there is a food court in the mall between the parking garage and the civic center along with plenty of restaurants. Finding food without an hour wait will be easy.

One thing for sure is that this rally will be different. I hope you will attend and make sure to let us know what you liked and disliked so we can incorporate this into future rallies.

Originally posted by GS Cooke Mnster
Last year's National at Trenton was my first national, and being in one location was great. I'm still undecided about going because of the idea of having to choose to be away from the beer tent & food and regular camping just to have quiet camping, and having to commute across the city to the convention hall to attend a seminar are all very negative. I enjoyed just walking around the rally site (note site, not sites), taking in a seminar without much planning, getting some food at a vendor whenever. I think this disjointed arrangement will not make a good rally environment.

DanGreene

03-21-2003, 11:40 AM

Yes indeed. This will be my first National Rally and I am looking forward to it. After this event, I am leaving for Colorado for the Top o the Rockies rally the following weekend. I plan to camp, but have not decided between the "family" island park camping or the University "beer garden" camping. Any input would be welcome.

Ian

03-21-2003, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by Dan Greene
Yes indeed. This will be my first National Rally and I am looking forward to it. After this event, I am leaving for Colorado for the Top o the Rockies rally the following weekend. I plan to camp, but have not decided between the "family" island park camping or the University "beer garden" camping. Any input would be welcome.

Beer Garden camping, for sure! :beer

Just get you some earplugs... and voila! instant quiet camping! :rofl

Ian

jdiaz

03-21-2003, 01:43 PM

Probably can't go this year. Have a pretty good excuse tho! :clap

RRick

03-23-2003, 10:09 AM

Hoping for hot fun in the summertime! Riding with a friend or 4? From Mid-Mich. to camp out but the provisional room at the motel sounds good! :brow

iRene

03-23-2003, 04:33 PM

Oh, yeah! Be there with bells on. Bringin' my shower shoes.
:jester

HankPfister

03-23-2003, 10:04 PM

THE ROADS, MAN, THE ROADS....No place on earth has roads like West Virginia! And such interesting little communities, river towns, mining towns, and twisty lightly travelled roads! Miles and miles of great dual sport roads too. Rivers for fishing, white water rafting, swimming. If you let the fact that the rally is centered in Charleston deter you from coming, you will really miss out. Sure it will be different than other rallys, but hey! its in WEST VIRGINIA!:wow

ctthayer

03-24-2003, 05:02 PM

Yup, this will be my first one. I hope to h-e-double toothpicks I meet a whole lot more folks between now and then, too. It'll be nice to have friends to visit with while there, rather than wandering around like a tourist in, say, Schenectady. Not that there's anything wrong with that fine city, but you know what I mean. I'm working on it, forcing myself on my local club, and the K12LT folks. :)

KBasa

03-24-2003, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by ctthayer
Yup, this will be my first one. I hope to h-e-double toothpicks I meet a whole lot more folks between now and then, too. It'll be nice to have friends to visit with while there, rather than wandering around like a tourist in, say, Schenectady. Not that there's anything wrong with that fine city, but you know what I mean. I'm working on it, forcing myself on my local club, and the K12LT folks. :)

Rest assured. You're going to make a whole bunch of new friends at the national. You put a bunch of people with beer in the region of a bunch of parked motorcycles and you can't help it.

To quote a friend of mine: "You're among friends".

Besides, we're probably going to have to set up a Forum meeting point and time so we can all meet each other, right?

ctthayer

03-24-2003, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by KBasa

Besides, we're probably going to have to set up a Forum meeting point and time so we can all meet each other, right?

That'll work, I reckon (remembering the WVA-speak my parents taught me (they weren't brother and sister, though)). ;)

KBasa

03-24-2003, 05:47 PM

chasman

03-25-2003, 11:03 AM

Is camping available at the University on Tuesday and Wednesday nights for those rally volunteers that will be arriving early to help with setup?

MarkF

03-25-2003, 11:47 AM

Last year was my first national. I love Canada and the Kiltmeister and his crew did a wonderful job. But, it's just too big for me. I have gone to the Sportbike Rally in Parry Sound, Ontario for years and that too has grown too big for me.

I think a rally with around 1,000 attendees in an out of the way spot is more my style. Like the Georgia Mountain Rally, nice size. I do like the vendors, music sights of a large rally but am willing trade that in for the smaller crowd.

Also, the spread out you camp here, we camp there, plus the hotels are over that way, let's meet at the Civic Center later and then go to a restaurant for dinner just isn't my style. Just hand me a raw steak and point me towards the fire pit.

Not to insult any of you who like that kinda thing. You go and have a good time. If I meet yo on the road or at a smaller rally later in the year please, tell me all about it.

Mark:clap

gararnett

03-25-2003, 12:57 PM

I plan on riding over as Charleston is about 2 hours away. I will not be on my beemer though, as it will be prepped for the AHRMA races the following weekend in Ohio.

My boss is interested in BMW bikes too, so I mght bring him along to see what all there is to offer.

Melissa

03-25-2003, 01:30 PM

I had such a great experience at my first National in Trenton. When I got there on Thursday, I thought the rally was "full". Much to my surprise (and everyone else's laughter) I hadn't seen anything yet! I'm looking forward to another good time with the Dogs! See you there!

BMWGypsy

03-25-2003, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by Melissa
I'm looking forward to another good time with the Dogs! See you there!

Hi Melissa! :wave

firstbmw

03-25-2003, 08:36 PM

I will be attending my first bike rally at the national. Looking forward to the concept of several different locations to visit. Hoteling the first time because I want to see how the camping is done by the biker experts. If you see someone wandering around with a dazed looked and mouth hanging open, stop me and say Hello!!!! :newbie

KBasa

03-25-2003, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by firstbmw
I will be attending my first bike rally at the national. Looking forward to the concept of several different locations to visit. Hoteling the first time because I want to see how the camping is done by the biker experts. If you see someone wandering around with a dazed looked and mouth hanging open, stop me and say Hello!!!! :newbie

You. Are. In. For. A. Treat.

Hide your wallet, grab your favorite beverage and get ready to overdose on BMW motorcycles.

We'll have to organize a forum meeting in the beer garden or something to put faces with the names, eh?

:boldpurpl

Bob Weis

03-26-2003, 07:57 AM

Hi All. I'll be there, looking forward to seeing Team K again, perhaps he'll show this time ;-)...Oh wait, Tina said they have a room, I'll take her word as gospel. This should be an interesting venue, we'll have to give it a chance to see how it works.

MrsKbasa

03-26-2003, 10:49 AM

seeing Team K again, perhaps he'll show this time ;-)...Oh wait, Tina said they have a room, I'll take her word as gospel.

Damn straight skippy.:brow

What kind of lies has he been tellin'? His tale of how R1100S beats FZRs?

Bob Weis

03-26-2003, 11:03 AM

What kind of lies has he been tellin'? His tale of how R1100S beats FZRs?
Heh, no I don't even acknowledge that stuff as I read it! It had to do with his no-show in New Mexico last year...

KBasa

03-26-2003, 11:06 AM

:uhoh

r1100rick

03-27-2003, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by Hank Pfister
THE ROADS, MAN, THE ROADS....No place on earth has roads like West Virginia! And such interesting little communities, river towns, mining towns, and twisty lightly travelled roads! Miles and miles of great dual sport roads too. Rivers for fishing, white water rafting, swimming. If you let the fact that the rally is centered in Charleston deter you from coming, you will really miss out. Sure it will be different than other rallys, but hey! its in WEST VIRGINIA!:wow

:drink see you there hank :clap I will bring the flag and hope to camp nere the river leaving the 9th

GSBliss

04-01-2003, 08:10 PM

I am looking forward to putting some miles on the new GS:
Looking to ride in from the East: I live in Norfolk so ride will be reasonable: Anyone else going from the Hampton Roads area?:cool:

PhilR807

04-07-2003, 09:57 PM

Can't wait to attend! Just bought my "new" '78 R80/7 and plan the trip from St. Louis, camping on campus. I have attended 3 Falling Leaf rallies in Potosi MO and enjoyed each one. Even when I rented a HD, so that I could arrive on a bike (surprising my good friend and instigator of my first big trip without the family). I figured if I was accepted on a rented HD, BMW riders pretty mush accept anybody!! :>)

Ian

04-08-2003, 10:30 AM

Originally posted by GSBliss
Anyone else going from the Hampton Roads area?:cool:

I'm heading up from Atlanta, but let me tell you about a very cool road if you're coming in on a GS from across Virginia.

Get your map and find Blacksburg, VA... just southwest of Roanoke off of I-81.

US460 heads west out of town... look for a little road called Craig Creek Road heading off to the right. ( N37° 17.158' W80° 27.665') If you reached VA42 you went too far (but that road will work, too.)

Craig Creek heads northeast through a valley and turns to gravel... very easy, and quite a nice ride.

You intersect with Hwy 311... take it north/west into the Jefferson National Forest.

PHENOMENAL twisty road that you'll never forget.

This picture was taken at the crest of the hill as you enter West Virginia. http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally03/images/111902_updatepic.jpg

311 hits I-64, which takes you west to Charleston.

Have fun!

Ian

moterbiker

04-08-2003, 03:34 PM

Thanks for this info, already putting it into the mapping program!

Awesome, anybody else?

gsjoe3

04-08-2003, 05:20 PM

Hello all-
This is my first post on the first forum I've joined and Charleston
will be my first rally.
I feel like I've just been deflowered.
I hope to meet and drink beer with alot of you.
I'll be heading down from Southern MD.

KBasa

04-08-2003, 05:28 PM

Originally posted by GSJOE
Hello all-
This is my first post on the first forum I've joined and Charleston
will be my first rally.
I feel like I've just been deflowered.
I hope to meet and drink beer with alot of you.
I'll be heading down from Southern MD.

Hey Joe! Welcome aboard!

You know anything about martinis?

:D

I think we're going to have to organize a forum meeting at the beer garden or something to put faces with all the names.

gsjoe3

04-08-2003, 05:53 PM

KBasa-
The only thing I know about martinis is that I like mine extra dry
with a twist.

Ian

04-08-2003, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by GSJOE

I feel like I've just been deflowered.

You know.... rally virgins have to buy everyone beer.

It's a tradition!

:beer

KBasa

04-08-2003, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by GSJOE
KBasa-
The only thing I know about martinis is that I like mine extra dry
with a twist.

Ah - a man after my own heart!

:1drink

Beemn

04-09-2003, 07:21 AM

I'm hoping to get there if only for 1 day...it would make an easy day ride for the wife and I and serve as an introduction to rallies for her....we'll see.

Scotti

04-09-2003, 05:07 PM

I'll be there, then on up to Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia. Hope to make it our annual summer vacation.

Hillman

04-09-2003, 10:09 PM

Originally posted by Ian
I'm heading up from Atlanta, but let me tell you about a very cool road if you're coming in on a GS from across Virginia.

Get your map and find Blacksburg, VA... just southwest of Roanoke off of I-81.

US460 heads west out of town... look for a little road called Craig Creek Road heading off to the right. ( N37° 17.158' W80° 27.665') If you reached VA42 you went too far (but that road will work, too.)

<snip>

Ian

311 is a nice road up over Potts Mtn. and Peters Mtn.

If you're coming from the south and you want a "twisties" experience on the way, allow me to recommend VA 16 , which turns into WV 16. (And, actually, it's NC 16 before it's VA 16.)

Anyhow, beginning at Marion, VA, you've got three nice mountains between Marion and Tazewell, VA -- Big Walker Mtn., Brushy Mtn., and Clinch Mtn.
Good surface, very little traffic. Beautiful view of Thompson Valley from partway down Clinch Mtn.
Follow VA 16 toward Tazewell and take rt. 16 bypass to avoid "downtown" Tazewell. You'll then
have a nice twisty descent down to Bishop VA/WV (on the border), and beginning in Bishop, the scenery changes dramatically. You are now in coal country, and you'll be going through some coal camp towns. Continue on through Welch, Pineville, Mullens (devastated by a flood last year) to Beckley. You can jump on the turnpike there to get to Charleston faster, or you could take US 19 north, over the New River Bridge, to US 60 at Hico. Go west (left) on US 60 to Charleston.

Weeble
(anybody remember what a "Weeble" is?)

MrsKbasa

04-09-2003, 11:16 PM

We knew right away, Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.:D

ctthayer

04-10-2003, 04:52 AM

Originally posted by KBasa

I think we're going to have to organize a forum meeting at the beer garden or something to put faces with all the names.

Ya know, you've mentioned this a couple of times before, and I think it has now become a must. What a great way to meet and greet, not only for the veterans *cough*, but for us newer-flavor types too. And yup, I'm happy to contribute to whatever gin-induced debauchery ensues.

Also, I just printed off the order form for my Presidential name badge from IBMWR so I can get it made before Charleston, too. It'll sure beat walking around with a Magic Marker and a pack of those "Hello! My name is..." stickers! :)

Hawk Hawthorne

04-16-2003, 10:50 AM

Of course I'm going. I want to see how this rally format works. Yeh, it's new and untested. But that doesn't make it bad. I will reserve my judgement until after the rally. Hope everyone else does the same. And give us some feedback afterwards...

Hawk Hawthorne
Vice President
BMWMOA:clap

MidwestTravel

04-21-2003, 08:59 AM

Don't forget all those great roads in Eastern KY, just a quick hour away. It's always fun being chased by a coal truck down a two directional single lane road. Just as a warning to those from other states, if you see a sign that shows weight limits and says "Except Coal", that means that overloaded undermaintained coal trucks run this road, and they have the right of way.:wow

Karol Patzer

04-21-2003, 08:45 PM

Wouldn't miss it for anything. Where else can you find so many BMW specific vendors, seminars, and most importantly riders!!

:newtoy

gararnett

04-23-2003, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by Midwest_Travel
Don't forget all those great roads in Eastern KY, just a quick hour away. It's always fun being chased by a coal truck down a two directional single lane road. Just as a warning to those from other states, if you see a sign that shows weight limits and says "Except Coal", that means that overloaded undermaintained coal trucks run this road, and they have the right of way.:wow

That's where I live!! Great roads, but the trucks suck!

zzkvsl

04-24-2003, 11:22 AM

yep....I'm go'en, last year was my first national ,and I still get a smile on my face just thinking about the good time I had. I think I'm camping at the university. was a little confused as to where to stay at first ,but then thought , where is the beer garden going to be? and that's were I'm camping . I'm hoping there will be more venders this year than last ( I guess being in Canada made it a little harder for some vender to come last year). a meeting at the beer garden would be good to meet other forum writers.
can't wait

kim terry

04-27-2003, 08:21 PM

yes, i am planning to come to the event- my first time to any moa event.

Profile

04-30-2003, 08:35 PM

This will be my first rally. All of my expectations "were" based on my readings of past rallies. This will be a "new " experience for all of us.

bmwgs94

05-07-2003, 07:32 PM

I can't wait to go to the rally. This well be my first rally since 1987. I hope this will be a good time. :bliss ... I am counting the days.. But most of all , I hope to meet some really nice people down there. Hope to see every one there. Kevin Frantz.. Warsaw In.

RevWillie

05-08-2003, 07:43 PM

You know, the very first rally that I ever went to (heck, it was my very first overnight bike trip), was to the 2nd MOA National at Table Rock,SC.in 1974. That rally was not the super-organized operation that the Nationals have become now-it more resembled a informal local rally or an old'RA national. The beer tent was a keg sitting in a bucket with a bunch of people standing around,not a whole lot of vendors, not a whole lot of activities, not a whole lot of food available, and not a single hot shower. It was rough, but the spirit at the Rally was good. This is what started my BMW experience for me.

I have made the pilgrimage to the MOA National 12 more times since then, and they all have become experiences that I will always remember. Not all of them good memories, but they all have been major experiences in my motorcycling life. I plan my summer around Rally plans. I think that a lot of folks in this club are like me.

I have my reservations about this rally--we never have had separated campgrounds,beer tent,and seminars/vendors before. All the Nationals that I have gone to were in one, centralized location. This "urban rally" concept is more like a Wing Ding than a MOA National. I know of a lot of long-time members that don't like the format and will miss the Rally. I also know that I cannot judge a Rally until it has started, so I tell people that the jury will be out on this National until it starts in July. I am working to keep a positive attitude about our '03 Rally, and I hope that it will be a positive first National experience to all those new members that we have collected. It should be a mission for us "old-timers" to put a positive spin on this Rally for our new members. While we might not like some of the changes, we need to keep this a wonderful experience for the people that have never participated in a BMWMOA National. I'm going to try to have fun in Charleston, and I hope that you can too. Remember,there is NOTHING like a MOA National! :thumb

KBasa

05-08-2003, 09:39 PM

Originally posted by Rev.Willie
I am working to keep a positive attitude about our '03 Rally, and I hope that it will be a positive first National experience to all those new members that we have collected. It should be a mission for us "old-timers" to put a positive spin on this Rally for our new members. While we might not like some of the changes, we need to keep this a wonderful experience for the people that have never participated in a BMWMOA National. I'm going to try to have fun in Charleston, and I hope that you can too. Remember,there is NOTHING like a MOA National! :thumb

And we all know that attitude is everything. I'm going to have a ball - I know it!

:D

bmwgs94

05-10-2003, 07:16 PM

I was just wondering if there is someone from Indiana going to the rally? :confused: If so just drop me an email and let me know when you are planning to go. I might want to tag along if possible.:D .. The only other person I know that belongs to the club is my father and he is not going this year. Thanks for the responses... Kevin

beemerron

05-11-2003, 09:23 PM

Been to all but one of the last ten Nationals. The two things I need the most with imediate availability are morning coffee (without a 1/2 hour wait) and afternoon shade. :snore . Everything else I can ride to. Trenton was good for both the coffe and the shade.
Regarding Charlseton, I'll save my judgement for Sunday, July 13. Like Trenton, It will be nice having food and drink nearby. We do overwhelm some of the smaller communities we have visted.
The riding should offset any of the negatives caused by the seperation factors.
Let's all go there with a good attitude and let it happen.

Hawk Hawthorne

05-12-2003, 09:17 AM

Beemerron:

I couldn't have said it better myself!

Hawk

BlackFly

05-12-2003, 11:04 AM

Draggin' along the Ball and Chain. You know how that goes. She'll out ride me (mileage), again this year, anyway.

I hate it when that happens. I have to become either 1) Retired or 2) a school teacher.
Wah!

Fredly:confused:

KBasa

05-12-2003, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by Black Fly
Draggin' along the Ball and Chain. You know how that goes. She'll out ride me (mileage), again this year, anyway.

I hate it when that happens. I have to become either 1) Retired or 2) a school teacher.
Wah!

Fredly:confused:

Or 3) Secure in your studliness.

HTH,

dave

BlackFly

05-12-2003, 01:39 PM

What's the 4th option again?

fb
:eek

Hawk Hawthorne

05-13-2003, 11:28 AM

Hey GSJoe! Great to hear you're going to the National. As a first timer with no basis for comparision, I'd be interested in your opinion of the format we're using this year (e.i. "taking over downtown").

I'll be in the Beer Garden Friday night. Look me up! I'll be the one with half an ear. Can't miss!!

Also, I'll tell you the REAL story about martini's.....

Hawk
VP BMWMOA

KBasa

05-13-2003, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by Hawk Hawthorne
Hey GSJoe! Great to hear you're going to the National. As a first timer with no basis for comparision, I'd be interested in your opinion of the format we're using this year (e.i. "taking over downtown").

I'll be in the Beer Garden Friday night. Look me up! I'll be the one with half an ear. Can't miss!!

Also, I'll tell you the REAL story about martini's.....

Hawk
VP BMWMOA

This kind of makes me wonder if we should have forum gathering there on Friday night.....

Who's in?

Friday night. Beer Garden. 7pm by the guy with a half an ear.

dave

Ian

05-13-2003, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by KBasa
Friday night. Beer Garden. 7pm by the guy with a half an ear.

I'm there! :beer

Ian

gararnett

05-13-2003, 01:31 PM

I'll be there, but more like 8p.m.

Hawk Hawthorne

05-13-2003, 03:29 PM

You can certainly have a forum at the Beer Garden, but I (and the rest of the Board of Directors) will be working that shift. If you guys didn't drink so fast, I might have time to join you, but you DOOOOO....:dunno :dunno :dunno

Hawk

KBasa

05-13-2003, 03:49 PM

Alright, 7 might be tough for me and a couple of the moderators too. Why don't we look at 8pm in the beer garden by the guy with a half an ear or the guy with the red hair and the big bottle of Ritalin?

I'm going to put another thread in the Rally forum that announces the first actual Forum Members happening.

:thumb

beemerron

05-13-2003, 04:02 PM

As a newbee to this new forum, I hereby invite myself. I'll be the miggle aged guy, balding with a grey beard wearing jeans and a leather vest. You can't miss me. See ya'll there.

robnye

05-13-2003, 04:03 PM

Sounds great.

The half eared man and the ritalin boy will be serving :beer along with the rest of your board of directors.

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your pov) the beer garden sales are closely monitored so as much as we would like to just toss one to our buddies here on the forum you will need to bring some $$ for the suds.

Fun is where you find it and in Charleston there will be fun in the beer garden Friday at 8....PM!

beemerron

05-13-2003, 04:18 PM

One ticket one beer is how I remember the process.
Power to the Bored of Directors.:)

Ian

05-13-2003, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by KBasa
... the first actual Forum Members happening.
:thumb

You might call it a "be-in." (Need to be Mac-type to get that one.)

Or how about a "beer-in" Nothing like calling it what it is!

Ian
@8

BlackFly

05-13-2003, 06:36 PM

Hmmmm. 8 O'clock in the garden, eh? Will Jimmie Rodgers be there with the leopard-skin bimbo?

Dave, do you remember her? in Moodus? Whew!

fredly
:stick

BlackFly

05-13-2003, 06:38 PM

Oh, that's Jim Rodgers, the Investment Biker...

Weiner.:fart

beemerron

05-13-2003, 10:29 PM

Leopard skin bimbo? Missed her completely. All I remeber 'bout Moodus is flying down to Washington Sq. in Manhattan & pickinging up some bud. Should have focusued on the pie. My mistake.

Hawk Hawthorne

05-14-2003, 01:45 PM

Hey Swider! I know the half-ear fellow, but, pray, tell, who is the red haired, black horn rimed, Ritalin Yankee to whom you made reference?......:brow

Hawk:p

(Sorry Rob!)

Hawk Hawthorne

05-14-2003, 01:56 PM

All:
Sorry. Make that black horn " rimmed ".....

And on that same mode, Hey Beemerron, how does it feel to be " miggle " aged?:bliss

Hawk

beemerron

05-14-2003, 04:07 PM

Quite embarassing Hawk. My two worst subjects is school were typing and spelling. That was a typo. Keep that blue pencil sharp.:smile

gsjoe3

05-17-2003, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by Hawk Hawthorne
Hey GSJoe! Great to hear you're going to the National. As a first timer with no basis for comparision, I'd be interested in your opinion of the format we're using this year (e.i. "taking over downtown").

I'll be in the Beer Garden Friday night. Look me up! I'll be the one with half an ear. Can't miss!!

Also, I'll tell you the REAL story about martini's.....

Hawk
VP BMWMOA

Hawk-Although this rally format is a bit different from the norm I
think it will be great. If the shuttles keep rolling everyone should
be happy.
I look forward to meeting you Friday.

Hawk Hawthorne

05-19-2003, 09:27 AM

GSJoe: I appreciate you keeping an open mind on the format. I, too, will be curious to see how this works. As I said when I ran for the Board, "We've never done that before..." is no reason for not trying something. If it works, great! If not, oh well, we won't do it anymore. But what the hell, let's give it a shot!

See ya in the Beer Garden (if we can still see....);)

Hawk
VP BMWMOA

Hillman

05-21-2003, 10:20 PM

I'm a state of WV employee. In our last paycheck is a 7" x 2.75" card stock card, goldenrod with black printing --

Save a Life...Look Twice!
MOTORCYCLES
Are Everywhere

A couple of motorcycles are shown -- stylized Road Glide and 750 Nighthawk, and the notification that this card is courtesy of the WV Division of Motor Vehicles.

I've also noticed a couple of large billboards with the same message -- east of Charleston on WV 61 and south of Charleston on US 119. There are probably many more around.

SHAG

06-19-2003, 10:28 AM

Probably leave Fri morning, 6hrs. Don't know if I'm camping or not yet! Liked the set up at Trenton with everything in one area. Not sure what to expect in a city environment with stuff spread out
:dunno

Hawk Hawthorne

06-19-2003, 11:06 AM

Hey Shag! You got the best plan for finding out what to expect with the Charleston format...go!!:rofl Stop by the Beer ent Friday night (see Beer Garden posts). See ya there!

Hawk Hawthorne
VP BMW MOA:D

6833

07-11-2003, 08:38 PM

Since I retired, and started a new job, I haven't been able to attend a national, as I no longer have enough vacation, I wish that we could go to a mid-week rally. But I think we tried that once, and it did not go over, so I guess I will just have to suffer! Hope everone has a great time at this years rally, and I hope that there will be a lot of rally pictures posted for those of us that cannot attend. thanks, and enjoy jerry