2010 Texas National Rally

[henzilla]

We took a club ride to Llano today so I added some info and pics. The river looks better than it did a few months back and the park is green as we expect it to be in April. Lot's of shade and right by the water!

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Never too early to start planning 2010's calendar.... The San Antonio BMW Riders Association has taken the lead this year from our fellow Texas clubs in setting up the annual TEXAS no frills rally. This years dates will be the weekend AFTER Easter April 9-11.

We tied the venue down today , the rally will HQ in Llano,TX in Robinson City Park along the south side of the Llano River just west of downtown on RR 152 ( 2 miles). Llano is pronounced LANNO! NOT a mispelled Plano! GPS Coordinates for the park are N 30 44.942 W 098 42.333...elevation 1040' (if you were wondering!)

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Security on site at entrance to park!
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The city of Llano has a lot of shops and restaurants near the town square and a sampling can be found on the Llano Chambers link further down the page.

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This is a must for the BBQ crowd
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Within 50 miles to the south is Fredericksburg and all it's sights and shops,including the WWII Nimitz Museum, Enchanted Rock State Park. The Longhorn Caverns State Park with scenic Park Road 4 as well as Fredericksburgs' Willow City Loop are also a short drive from Llano.

http://www.fredericksburg-texas.com/

If you have also never been to Fredericksburg...very touristy, but lot's to do...

http://henzilla.smugmug.com/photos/683855188_R68to-M.jpg
Looks like they are adding on to the museum...if you have never been...quite a treat!

http://www.nimitz-museum.org/

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http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/

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along the Willow City Loop

If you haven't ridden this part of Texas in the Spring...the wildflowers are also appearing about this time all along scenic hill country back roads

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http://www.llanochamber.org/

The Chamber is working with us to add value to the event with local merchants, more info will be added to the club website closer to the event


WWW.SABMWRA.org

The website of the San Antonio BMW Riders Association. We will have info added in the near future with a link to Llano sites as well




www.llanorivergolfcourse.com
West of the Park entrance
contact : Terry Mikulenka/manager

Terry handles reservations for the RV spots which are $22 a night, full hookups up to 60 amps I believe. The sooner you lock one of these down the better...you know the Winter Texans know about this place! The RV section is near the pavilion and just inside the park entrance and across from the Police Department . It has it's own shower facilities as well that are supposed to be top notch.

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We will handle a master list for Terry of campers at the rally which is a rate of $1 a person per night. There is a very wide oak shaded grassy strip all along the river in front of and west of the pavilion we have reserved. Walking distance to showers/restrooms. The showers are "adequate", just not been updated in some

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That's about it for this update... April's not that far away!:thumb

[Rpbump]

As I remember there is a very good, make that excellant bar-b-que establishment in Llano and great riding venues in every direction. Ride Safe :usa :usa

[henzilla]

As I remember there is a very good, make that excellant bar-b-que establishment in Llano and great riding venues in every direction. Ride Safe :usa :usa

COOPER's...pick your meat off the pit...the porkchops are ....huge!

http://www.coopersbbq.com/

And yes, any direction is a good one, even on today's warm noon time ride.

[cathdeac]

mmmm... AFTER Easter!!! nice... thanks!

Coopers... mmmm yeah... anytime. First time I ate a 3 inch thick pork chop.... and it was PERFECT...

[PMonk]

I am looking forward to it. Attended the 2009, rode out on Friday and home on Saturday to be in church for Resurrection Sunday. Not much time at rally site ,but had a great fun.

Looked at the link to the San Antonio chapter. What a classy website and newsletter.

[Bullfrog]

I haven't done much fun riding this summer and am feeling a bit low about that. This announcement has lifted my spirtets and given me something to look forward to. It is just before my birthday so I think I'll celebrate in Llano!:drink

Hope to see ya there Paul and I suppose Keith can bring his Guzzi.:laugh

[henzilla]

Seems I started some corn-fusion amongst the ranks...how dare we call it the TX Nat'l Rally? :laugh:laugh:laugh I thought it was clear that it was the TEXAS Rally:scratch

this was posted in the main forums in the Rally Forum

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=38307

[Manfred]

Seems I started some corn-fusion amongst the ranks...how dare we call it the TX Nat'l Rally? :laugh:laugh:laugh I thought it was clear that it was the TEXAS Rally:scratch

this was posted in the main forums in the Rally Forum

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=38307

You did a fine job defending the Republic of Texas in that other thread, Steve. Many thanks from a native. :beer

[PMonk]

[QUOTEHope to see ya there Paul and I suppose Keith can bring his Guzzi.:laugh[/QUOTE]

He snuck in on a Goose last year. My bride says she wants to go this year.
She may even camp. I keep hearing comments like "the old bike feels like a real motorcycle and it is more fun" Bet if WE lost about a hundred pounds we would fit on it better.

[Bullfrog]

Paul,
Losing weight!?!?!?!?! Isn't that the truth!;) I might even bring the R75 instead of the GSA. Especially now that I have a large tank to go along with the small original tank. Only thing is, I can carry more on the GSA. Diane will still be on the F650 thumper. She soesn't really like the twin....says it is too uninteresting and ordinary.:dunno

Oh...yeah, Henzilla; I thought that we had the real national rally here in Tejas.:p:p

Dave

[gtunches131544]

We will be there!:bolt

[Bullett]

OOh, I'm tempted. http://twisties.smugmug.com/photos/508543725_F7qKU-M.jpg

[henzilla]

Updated my original posting # 1 today :wave

[jimshaw]

Well, I suppose if I'm going to be a volunteer Texan this winter, I guess I'll be required to do this. Please don't make me go... please. Oh, there is? There's barbeque? OK, I'll reconsider.

Maybe I could hit Branson on the way home?

[henzilla]

Well, I suppose if I'm going to be a volunteer Texan this winter, I guess I'll be required to do this. Please don't make me go... please. Oh, there is? There's barbeque? OK, I'll reconsider.

Maybe I could hit Branson on the way home?


We call them Winter Texans...:brow :laugh:laugh
There's ALWAYS BBQ with this bunch! We do the Blitz after this on the 23rd so your timing might work out!

[Voni]

Sounds like a plan.

See you there :groovy and there :groovy!

Voni
sMiling

[mff]

Great City, Great site- Have camped there many times- count me in!

MFF

[henzilla]

We added a link on our clubs website with a RSVP button at the bottom of that page...just trying to get a rough number for planning purposes. Looking forward to it already!

http://www.sabmwra.org/html/texas_rally.html

[SIBUD]

Everything is bigger in TX. :clap You all sure have some active BMW MOA Chartered Clubs that know how to have a good time.

Good luck with your National Rally!:bikes

[MLS2GO]

In Fredricksburg is excellent. Stumbled on it last year on a trip. Quite unexpected.

[YeehaStephen]

Since this is a "City" Park, what's the word on Adult Beverages at the Camp? :drink

SS

[PGlaves]

Adults may be permitted. Adult beverages sounds like old stuff to me. I suspect that a properl\y aged brown paper bag may be the appropriate remedy but I don't know for sure.

[henzilla]

Not as picky as the State Park rules of NO beverages. As long as we are not dancin' nekkid in front of the Llano Police Building at the entrance...we should be good. If you choose to do the dancin', you are on your own!:groovy

Bring your favorite Koozie , we will have coolers available under the pavillion or inside my big red trailer.

[punkasskid]

Just to set the record straight, this rally was originally envisioned as a no frills rally that would rotate between the various Texas BMW clubs. The Houston club hosted the first 2. Then, if I remember correctly, DFW (what a nightmare, rain, lightining, tornadoes), Corpus Christi, maybe Austin next. So many rallies, so much alcohol, who can keep everything straight. The term "Texas National" didn't turn up until the second or third year as a semi-protest to the MOA that Texas could host an MOA national rally. And we did in Fredericksburg. I guess the name has stuck but that's not what the originator intended.

But I'm glad the idea is still around and kicking. Hopefully I'll be there.

[Texpaul]

The San Antonio club did the 3rd or 4th (can't remember which) in Utopia and then later on did it in Brady on two different occasions.

Over the years, as the rally has rotated among the clubs, some clubs have chosen to do more, some less but it has, for the most part, remained just an excuse to ride, campout and visit with friends.

[TexasT]

I just got my BMW, just joined the MOA, and sent in my app and dues for the Hill Country Riders group, so I am extremely excited to get down to Llano and meet the others that share this passion for riding the BMW in Texas! See you all (and especially yer bikes!) in a few weeks!

T

[mistral]

Sounds fun, I will be there.

Ron

[punkasskid]

Since this is a "City" Park, what's the word on Adult Beverages at the Camp? :drink

SS

I'm assuming they checked the box in the upper right hand corner. :dunno

http://www.llanotx.com/city/park_res_permit_appl071708.pdf

[henzilla]

I'm assuming they checked the box in the upper right hand corner. :dunno

http://www.llanotx.com/city/park_res_permit_appl071708.pdf

As I was the form filler outer...yes, I did:drink

[mlaser59]

any one interested in riding to the rally on Saturday morning, maybe some breakfast about 10 then head out afterwards. Me and my Significant Other. From Austin, I live near Town Lake.

[bobinaustin]

attending for sure! friday during the day anyway. not camping out but i would like to meet some new folks and see some new people! should be great fun!

[henzilla]

Just a reminder...:whistle

Be careful on your descent into Llano on Hwy 71 in particular if you are coming in from Austin .
A State Trooper runs between US 281 and the city limits of Llano on a regular basis. Very scenic section and easy to lose focus for some. Saw him visiting with two diff folks Sunday.
Right as you come into Llano on the left is a ranch & fence supply and the local LEO's really like you to obey the 55MPH from the 70 you were enjoying as they hang out between that point and the Jr High School at the HWY 16 intersection with 71. It drops to 40 as you turn right coming into town. Play nice and all is well..even a wave from a few of the local LEO's.

If you come in that direction and need some fuel, go across the truss bridge over the Llano River just past the courthouse and to the corner of HWY 71/29/16. There is a Tesoro station as you make the left turn, then a Valero & Chevron on your right about two blocks down. Most of the retail opportunities (fast food, groceries,gas,and Coopers BBQ) are on this side of town.

Have safe travels ...the weather looks great for the weekend after the coldfront passes Wednesday
:blah:blah:blah all for now!

[Bullfrog]

Does anyone know if a reservation is needed for a tent spot or do we just pay at the gate and find a spot?

I'll be there Friday afternoon.
Dave

[henzilla]

Does anyone know if a reservation is needed for a tent spot or do we just pay at the gate and find a spot?

I'll be there Friday afternoon.
Dave

The host club will collect the massive fee of $1 per person per night and deal with the parks folks...one of us should be under the pavillion almost all the time.We will have some form of sign in and a tent marker showing you forked over your mega dollar or two!
There appear to be lot's of spaces ...we have the West end from the pavillion and the area near it as well, but can overflow to the east some .

My red Cummins Dodge and big red trailer will be near the pavillion parking on the water side. I'll have a BMW T-shirt on:laugh:laugh:laugh

[Bullfrog]

Sweet! I'll see ya there. Unfortunately, my SO has an appointment Sat afternoon and since she's a teacher, no luck on friday off. I'll be stag.

[jimshaw]

Sorry to say I have to scrub the very good idea to see you all in Llano for the rally. It's just too early to get to Texas before we leave for Mexico from Austin on the 26th. Instead, I'll be riding to Big Bend on the 13th, trying to be in Blanco on the 18th, riding Hill Country and yes, Llano for some Q.

I'm also looking forward to seeing some of San Antonio and Austin before I trudge off to Puebla and Guanajuato.

Drink a cold one for me in Llano.

Jim :bolt

[mlaser59]

Okay, I am a dork. Dont know if it's because I am new to Texas or just past 50 and the brain sometims malfunctions, could be both. I rode to Llano for the State rally last Saturday. I am used to the Colorado State rally in Paonia every year which can be quite large, so I am thinikin the Texas State rally should be pretty big as well.

I did not see a single BMW on the ride from Austin, hhmmm, get in to town, no BMW's, asking around for the BMW rally, people are what? So I am thinking the BMW rally just isn't as big in Texas :<). Then I check in to the forum today and realize its this weekend, my SO confirmed I am a dork. :banghead

I feel like Homer Simpson

Mark

[TexasT]

I just wanted to send out a great big thank you to all that organized the Texas Rally! I had a great time at my first rally and met so many amazing people and I still am amazed at all the knowledge I soaked up in those few days! From the very start, Chuck recognized his old bike and introduced himself. Steve and Helen were two of the best people I have met in a long time, the same goes for the Ganzers! I also had a good time with Nick at the fire (babysitting some grown up children, unfortunately) and at breakfast the next day!

I met so many other awesome fellow riders and their beautiful bikes that it all kinda melts together into one great day. And the presentation from Mr. Arriazola was absolutely amazing! Wow, I certainly found my kinda crowd! Again, thanks to everyone, and I truly look forward to riding with you all in the future!

T

[Voni]

Thanks for all the hard work San Antonio BMW Riders! We had a grand time this weekend. You can count on us again next year! Especial thanks to Hank for a great travel presentation!

A few pictures though I wish I had some of the BBQ the fire department served up! Guess I was just too hungry. Be sure to get them to do that spread again!

http://s320.photobucket.com/albums/nn335/Glaves/2010%20Texas%20National%20Rally/?start=all

The wildflowers were everywhere!

http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn335/Glaves/2010%20Texas%20National%20Rally/P1010774.jpg

Voni
sMiling

[henzilla]

Thanks to all who came out this weekend and to all who helped make it a great gathering. The weather held up for most on the way home I heard. Really great to put faces to screen names as well.
We hope to learn from this event and be back in the same locale next year even better.
Hope all enjoyed the site and the scenery!


Tony has posted some of the pics on our site....still under the Rally tab on the
menu bar....click on the pic....and Yes, that is my tent in the river:banghead :doh I am sure more to come of my row of shame.

rule #1 is to not get called away before you finish staking it down:laugh

www.sabmwra.org