Anonymous Book Etiquette

[SweetT]

I've only been in the club a little more than a year and I've never used the Anon book, as I figure its for emergency only. I've noticed that several people listed show that they have rooom for someone to pitch a tent in thier backyard. Lately I've been wondering if it would be considered uncouth if I called these people and asked if I could "camp out" at their house when I pass through on an upcoming trip.

I know these people aren't wanting to start a campground at thier house, but if one of my fellow MOA members called me and asked to camp out for the night, I'd say yes. It'd be fun to meet another beemer rider.

What do y'all think?

Tarren Shaw

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Good question. Like you, I believe that the Anon book is for real emergencies only. I doubt if I ever would impose on the generousity of others unless I was in dire need of help. Camping out in someones backyard could be cool, as you get to meet other riders, but how much of the 'facilities' can one use without imposing too much? How can the homeowner be sure he/she doesn't get a loudmouth brat in their yard?? Where does the liability start/end???
At the same time there are people in the book that offer this 'service' but I believe it is for an emergency only, i.e if there are no hotels nearby etc. Your question is very interesting. Hopefully we get to hear from those in the Anon book and get their opinions.

[BradfordBenn]

I orginally pulled out the book to look at the codes, and while there are some cool ones in there the "KK" code indicates people who want to just talk and have coffee and there are people who list the "C" for camping as well. So obviously there are lots of room for variations, but I think that the explanation in the book itself does a pretty good job of explaining the guidelines.

While the services offered are first and foremost for emergency situations, there may be times when you simply need advice or a place to change your oil. Please state whether an emergency exists or not. And while the socializing with other BMW MOA members can be a legitimate reason for calling a number in the Anonymous book, it is the caller's responsibility to be sensitive to and aware of the individual limts to that socializing, as presented by the host.
...
While there will always be gracious members of BMW MOA who are willing to allow the use of a spare bedroom or sheltered bedroll space, the request to be able to use this space should always be regarded as a seldom used privilege, rather than a less expensive way to cross the country.

Having "quoted" that I would say that another idea would be to plan ahead an possibly post on the forum your plans for travel and see if anyone volunteers space or even just an invite to lunch. Me personally I would rather meet someone before I say, sure come on over and camp out. However if you are stranded and in need I would help you out.

Just my $0.02 and some stuff from the book...

[manicmechanic]

I've been on the giving end a couple times. Once spoke to guys from another state looking for reasonably decent non-chain motels nearby while they attended the bike races at Road America. Another time, also about hotels, since I'm at the western terminus of the Lake Michigan car ferry. The two years ago, coming home from work at 11:30 pm, noticed some taillights on a sideroad. I figured they looked like BMW taillights. These gentlemen had just gotten off the ferry and were looking for someplace to camp for the night. "Follow me," and we got to my home, where they set up their trailer in my driveway for the night. They took me out for breakfast the next morning(Not what I expected, but nice). 3 for 3 isn't bad.

[DarrylRi]

My number is in the Anonymous, and I have KK and a bunch of other such codes. In 20+ years, I've had one guy stay over, and it was fun to meet him. So, any of you fellow travellers that find yourselves in Santa Cruz, look me up. I'm in the book. ;-)

[Rad]

My number is in the Anonymous, and I have KK and a bunch of other such codes. In 20+ years, I've had one guy stay over, and it was fun to meet him. So, any of you fellow travellers that find yourselves in Santa Cruz, look me up. I'm in the book. ;-)

When I come to Santa Cruz can I camp at yur place...Oh wait, I already live in Santa Cruz...Daymn :D

[MarkF]

My book is in the tank bag now but isn't there a code for emergencies only? I would assume if that code isn't used then anything goes. I never heard of emergency coffee and conversation. On the other hand I have never called anyone so maybe I'm way off base.

[Rob Nye]

Greetings,

My experience is that folks with camping and kk codes are making a blanket invitation to their fellow MOA members.

I also think that it is well within the intention of the book to contact people with camping codes in advance of a trip and see if you might be able to drop in. I think this is better than calling around at 5pm looking for lawn space for that night.

I know a few MOA members in the midwest who have welcomed campers on their rides cross country.

Best,

[DarrylRi]

When I come to Santa Cruz can I camp at yur place...Oh wait, I already live in Santa Cruz...Daymn :D
That's a pretty short ride, but... sure. ;-)

[BEinIN]

I regard the book as a resource to be used based on need and circumstances.
As we all know, BMW dealers are getting more and more scarce thru the country. That leaves us with the knowledge of the people listed in the book to assist someone traveling thru the area. Garth has used the anonymous twice that I know of while traveling. Both times the people he contacted were helpful and assisted him.
This past summer I was able to help a young man when he called. He didn,t know the area and was too far from Vermont to get help from home. His final drive seal went out on his RS. I was able to get him to the dealer in Ft. Wayne before closing time. Had supper with him and put him up for the night at my youngest sons' apartment.
I was glad to be able to help a fellow rider in need. An added bounus was a quart of maple syrup I received from his family owned syrup farm in Vermont and an invite to "stop by" if I'm in the area. :clap

Bill

[Rob Nye]

I regard the book as a resource to be used based on need and circumstances.
As we all know, BMW dealers are getting more and more scarce thru the country. That leaves us with the knowledge of the people listed in the book to assist someone traveling thru the area. Garth has used the anonymous twice that I know of while traveling. Both times the people he contacted were helpful and assisted him.
This past summer I was able to help a young man when he called. He didn,t know the area and was too far from Vermont to get help from home. His final drive seal went out on his RS. I was able to get him to the dealer in Ft. Wayne before closing time. Had supper with him and put him up for the night at my youngest sons' apartment.
I was glad to be able to help a fellow rider in need. An added bounus was a quart of maple syrup I received from his family owned syrup farm in Vermont and an invite to "stop by" if I'm in the area. :clap

Bill

I read about you!

The rider you describe wrote a great article for the MOV newsletter. Thanks for helping him out. :clap

- Rob

[Fritzc]

I have been listed in the Anonymous book for 24 years. I had my first and only overnighter camper before the National Rally at Midland, Michigan.
My wife called me at work and in a panic stricken voice told me
to get home as my "Motorcycle Gang" was coming. I rushed home to
greet the "Hell's Angels". Along about 10:00 P.M. a very nice young couple from the Cleveland area (He was an Eagle Scout) rode up on his Toaster tank 750 which he inherited from his deceased father. They pitched their camp in my back yard by the light from his headlight. Having a 3/4 bath right by the back door which they could use and picnic table it was just like being in a State Park. In the morning I had a pot of coffee for them, they showered and were on their way. I met Jerry two more times after that at rallies.
If you read this Jerry I lost your email address. Send it to me as I would like to keep in touch. :)

[SweetT]

After reading all of your posts, it sounds like I should only contact the people with the KK and C codes next to ther numbers and make sure I do it in advance.
Thanks guys, I'm enjoying the stories!

Tarren Shaw
Stillwater, OK

[YB in IN]

I regard the book as a resource to be used based on need and circumstances.
As we all know, BMW dealers are getting more and more scarce thru the country. That leaves us with the knowledge of the people listed in the book to assist someone traveling thru the area. Garth has used the anonymous twice that I know of while traveling. Both times the people he contacted were helpful and assisted him.
This past summer I was able to help a young man when he called. He didn,t know the area and was too far from Vermont to get help from home. His final drive seal went out on his RS. I was able to get him to the dealer in Ft. Wayne before closing time. Had supper with him and put him up for the night at my youngest sons' apartment.
I was glad to be able to help a fellow rider in need. An added bounus was a quart of maple syrup I received from his family owned syrup farm in Vermont and an invite to "stop by" if I'm in the area. :clap

Bill

Hey, you didn't tell me anything about the Vermont maple syrup that you got. If I'd have know that we'd have had pancakes last Sunday for breakfast!

[BradfordBenn]

My book is in the tank bag now but isn't there a code for emergencies only?

Yup the code for "services emergency only, excluding kk" is "e"

[riderR1150GSAdv]

After reading all of your posts, it sounds like I should only contact the people with the KK and C codes next to ther numbers and make sure I do it in advance.
Thanks guys, I'm enjoying the stories!

Tarren Shaw
Stillwater, OK

Well Tarren, I guess you and me both got our answers pretty quick. :clap
I always liked this forum and this shows that this 'little' :hug community of ours is working fine :thumb
I'll keep this in mind as I plan for my trip next year! :dance

[BEinIN]

Hey, you didn't tell me anything about the Vermont maple syrup that you got. If I'd have know that we'd have had pancakes last Sunday for breakfast!
:idea Burr.....rp! Opps! I mean excuse me. I guess I forgot. Uh yah thats it I just forgot. I will reserve some syrup for when you come home at Christmas break. ;)

Bill
A.K.A. Garths dad

[BradfordBenn]

So are the rest of us invited? :dunno

[YB in IN]

So are the rest of us invited? :dunno

Step off Brad, that syrup has got my name on it.

[BradfordBenn]

Step off Brad, that syrup has got my name on it.

And I was going to offer to bring some of my own Canadian Maple Syrup.... but now I am not so sure :stick

[riderR1150GSAdv]

And I was going to offer to bring some of my own Canadian Maple Syrup.... but now I am not so sure :stick

Don't feel bad, just ride down this way and I am sure I can round up some riders who can :evil :help you with any excess you have :twirl

[Visian]

I regard the book as a resource to be used based on need and circumstances.


Bill -- Here's a circumstance that may not occur to everyone.

I've used the Anonymous book before visiting an area to get info that only the locals know. This has led me to roads, campgrounds and definitely people that I never would have enjoyed otherwise.

And in every instance, I've been invited to stay at the person's house!

On-line resources are getting pretty useful for things like this, but there's no beating a phone conversation for getting the inside scoop.

Ian

[The_Veg]

I've used the book once, when I got stranded in Oklahoma in September of this year. It took a fair bit of calling to get help as there are few Beemerphiles in OK. One would have been perfect as he was an Airhead expert with a trailer and what seemed like a heart of gold, only problem was he'd just had eye surgery and couldn't drive.
But even better than the Anonymous Book was the family in front of who's house my bike died. My cell phone doesn't work in much any of OK outside of OKC and they graciously invited me in to use their phone as much as I wanted and kept me full of delicious iced tea (and it was a hot day). They even offered dinner and a place to stay if it came to that. All that for a strange city-slicker on a motorcycle! This family got a Helping Hand Award, as did the fellow member that their phone allowed me to contact so he could drive up from Dallas to bring me home.