First Rally... Ever

[robinje]

Hello all. My wife just said "take as long as you need" to attend the rally, so I will be on my way come July! This will be my first rally of any kind and I don't really know what to expect. I plan to camp in a tent at the rally site. Do any of you ship your camping gear ahead of time, or do you simply pack it on the bike? I have pretty minimalist stuff, so my RT should have plenty of room, especially traveling solo. I have never camped via motorcycle either, so this whole trip will REALLY be something new! I am really looking forward to attending. By the way, I am from Park Rapids, MN and plan to take the ferry to avoid Chicago on the way down. I think I'll go through Chicago on the way back, though, as I hope the traffic will be much less of a factor on Sunday. Enough rambling...

See you there...

Jim

[Cliffy777]

jim, why dont cha ride through the upper peninsula of michigan, across the mighty mackinac bridge and down through the state. much more fun than riding on a ferry imho.
good luck on your trip - you are going to have a blast.

[John Brase]

Jim,

Cliffy has a good idea. If time permits I'd suggest the ferry one way (I preffer the old, slow Badger) and The Bridge and the U.P. the other.

Somewhere on the internet, maybe even on this site, there is a pretty good FAQ on motorcycle camping. Anybody have the URL?

John

[manicmechanic]

Look on the Home page under Motorcycle Camping. Welcome to the gang, and look any and all of us up at Lima. Volunteer for a shift at something, you'll meet lots of folks that way. In fact, c'mon to the Forum Frenzy on Thursday evening, and work a shift with us at the beer tent on Friday afternoon.

[merrittgene]

avoid Chicago

Going through Chicago might be bad, regardless of when, but I believe the East bound lanes (at least on I-80 / I-90) have less construction delays than the West bound lanes. So, if you cannot go through Michigan, then at least try to avoid Chicago on the way home.

As for camping, you really don't need a lot. This isn't "camping" per se, anyway. This is tent-sleeping. You'll want a tent, thermarest, sleeping bag, pillow, a towel, your clothes and toiletries, a collapsible chair, and leave the rest at home. Oh, and don't forget your camera.

And UPS can ship any purchases home for you.

[BradfordBenn]

You may want to hook up with your local club to see if anyone else is going. That way you know someone there.

Trust me, you will have fun. There are three important things to bring with you:


Humor
Stories
Earplugs - cause people snore

[robinje]

Thanks for your helpful replies. I never considered riding through the UP, but I will consider it. I still have lots of route planning to do. The most direct way for me will be about 850 miles and I plan to ride straight through. So, I don't want to add TOO many miles to that (although a Bun Burner Gold would be fun)! :thumb

I will probably have more questions as my planning progresses. Again, THANKS!

Jim

[Whiplash]

jim, why dont cha ride through the upper peninsula of michigan, across the mighty mackinac bridge and down through the state. much more fun than riding on a ferry imho.
good luck on your trip - you are going to have a blast.

Yea, take a nice stroll through the U.P.
If you like I could meet up with you on the road.

[Oznay]

Hello all. My wife just said "take as long as you need" to attend the rally, so I will be on my way come July! This will be my first rally of any kind and I don't really know what to expect. I plan to camp in a tent at the rally site. Do any of you ship your camping gear ahead of time, or do you simply pack it on the bike? I have pretty minimalist stuff, so my RT should have plenty of room, especially traveling solo. I have never camped via motorcycle either, so this whole trip will REALLY be something new! I am really looking forward to attending. By the way, I am from Park Rapids, MN and plan to take the ferry to avoid Chicago on the way down. I think I'll go through Chicago on the way back, though, as I hope the traffic will be much less of a factor on Sunday. Enough rambling...

See you there...

Jim
Well,here's a suggestion,if you don't wanna fight the crowds'round Cicago,take 39 south,from Madison,thru Rockford,Ill,then hang a left on 24,and shoot straight east,on back roads,am sure you'll not mind that,that's the route I'm plannin'on takin'...Nose

[Oznay]

Hello all. My wife just said "take as long as you need" to attend the rally, so I will be on my way come July! This will be my first rally of any kind and I don't really know what to expect. I plan to camp in a tent at the rally site. Do any of you ship your camping gear ahead of time, or do you simply pack it on the bike? I have pretty minimalist stuff, so my RT should have plenty of room, especially traveling solo. I have never camped via motorcycle either, so this whole trip will REALLY be something new! I am really looking forward to attending. By the way, I am from Park Rapids, MN and plan to take the ferry to avoid Chicago on the way down. I think I'll go through Chicago on the way back, though, as I hope the traffic will be much less of a factor on Sunday. Enough rambling...

See you there...

Jim
Well,here's a suggestion,if you don't wanna fight the crowds'round Chicago,take 39 south,from Madison,thru Rockford,Ill,then hang a left on 24,and shoot straight east,on back roads,am sure you'll not mind that,that's the route I'm plannin'on takin'...Nose

[rlitavecz]

my RT should have plenty of room, especially traveling solo.

I think I'll go through Chicago on the way back, though, as I hope the traffic will be much less of a factor on Sunday. Enough rambling...

See you there...

Jim
Hi Jim. I have an Rt and packed a tent, sleeping bag and a chair using a cargo net and adding bungee buddies to the top of the saddlebags. everything stayed put for 5300 miles last year.
Do yourself a favor and go around Chicago coming home. Traffic from I-65 west into Illinois and beyond is horrendous on Sunday afternoon.
Rob

[motofranz]

You might want to do a shakedown camping trip ?

Pack your bike and get accustom to the equipment and weight.

There are mant camping equipment packing lists on the net.

Over time you kind of weed out the stuff you don't use.

The first rally is really a great experance !

Have fun..

[bluestune]

Hi Robinje,

Ditto what everyone has said! Over the years I bring less and less stuff when camping. What ever you end up bringing be sure to test pack, test ride and if you have the time, test camp. You can test camp in your own yard. It's really important to make sure all your camping gear is secure when going down the road. There are plenty of choices for inexpensive waterproof bags to pack your gear into. If needed, buy a couple bags to keep everything secure, then use several serious bungee cords, tie downs or cargo nets to keep it all in place. Check the MOA camping site for lots of camping info.

Whatever route you take, watch out for critters on the road during the darker hours. Remember with the extra gear on your bike, braking takes a bit longer.

As an aside, I just moved from the Detroit Lakes area to Eastern Iowa, I also used to live in suburban Chicago, bypass Chicago! There are a couple of folks from the Red River BMW Club going to Lima if you are so inclined to ride with others, you might contact them.

Don't sweat the camping details, if you really need something when you get to Lima there's always a Wal Mart nearby! Just have a great ride!

[Kenny2]

Hi Robinje,


Whatever route you take, watch out for critters on the road during the darker hours. Remember with the extra gear on your bike, braking takes a bit longer.

Don't sweat the camping details, if you really need something when you get to Lima there's always a Wal Mart nearby! Just have a great ride!

I was in Ohio last week, checking out the grounds. The interstates have deer (road kill) on the shoulders what seemed like every ten miles, and Wal-Mart is "Next" door.

[Feedback]

I was in Ohio last week, checking out the grounds. The interstates have deer (road kill) on the shoulders what seemed like every ten miles, and Wal-Mart is "Next" door.

Hi all

Yes the deer are a big problem here in Ohio so be very careful. They really start moving around dark but you are likely to see then at anytime.

See you at the rally

[robinje]

Thanks for all your tips. I am really stoked for the rally! I have decided to ride through Wednesday night from Park Rapids, MN down I-94 through Minneapolis, then on to Madison, WI, then down I-39 to US 24 straight east to Lima. I hope to arrive in the morning on Thursday, but if I get too tired I will stay overnight somewhere on the way. As far as the return, I am considering the reverse of my aforementioned route, taking the ferry, or going through the UP. I will decide that at the rally. Going anywhere near Chicago is off the list.

As far as packing, I picked up a Helen 2 Wheels dry bag that should hold most of my camping gear. I'll mount it on the rear seat. My other stuff should fit in the side bags no problem. Except for a cheap lawn chair, which I intend to buy at Wal Mart in Lima. I have much experience with my camping gear (not via motorcycle), so a trial run using it isn't necessary. I may pack it all up and ride with it a bit for a handling perspective, however.

Again, thanks for the tips. See ya there!

Jim

[rlitavecz]

One more thought came to mind regarding packing on the RT. you may want to add some mirrors to the handlebars because the baggage on the rear seat obstructs your view with the stock mirrors. A set from a GS bolt in the existing holes or you can pick up some aftermarket mirrors.
Rob

[Hodag]

I'm thinking of taking the 12:30 am ferry on the way there. Grab some zzzz's then get up and go.
way back is still up in the air, would prefer the UP route, or just round trip on ferry.

[Andy]

Just my luck...I buy a new 04 GT this year, and my first rally will be the this one, only a hop, skip and 100 mile jump up from southwest ohio. Since I have never been to a rally before, I thought I would ask...is the quite camping, truely quite? I camp/backpack a lot so I am not concerned about gear as much as people keeping me from my solid weekend crash time (especially if I have a few :))

[Kenny2]

Just my luck...I buy a new 04 GT this year, and my first rally will be the this one, only a hop, skip and 100 mile jump up from southwest ohio. Since I have never been to a rally before, I thought I would ask...is the quite camping, truely quite? I camp/backpack a lot so I am not concerned about gear as much as people keeping me from my solid weekend crash time (especially if I have a few :))


Well......That's where I camp...and I snore!!!! So as to quite, yes abeit the snoring. :D

[K100Motorrad]

...is the quite camping, truely quite?
Well.... I only have a couple rally's under belt, but have been kept awake by the nocturnal thunder. Bring a couple pair of soft foam earplugs that you can sleep on, should help.

[K100Motorrad]

If you have the time, following the Muddy Miss, either Hywy 61 in MN or Hywy 35 (my fav) on the WI side are great rides. We're taking the scenic from the Twin Cities to about the Quad Cities then 24 across.

[merrittgene]

Just my luck...I buy a new 04 GT this year, and my first rally will be the this one, only a hop, skip and 100 mile jump up from southwest ohio.

Like I heard someone else say:

Distance from A to B, is 100 miles "as a crow flies" but might be 200 miles by car. We don't criticize the car for the difference. The same trip might be 400 miles by motorcycle. Hey, it's not the motorcycle's fault, either. :D

Another friend says, "The shortest distance between two points is irrelevant."

So, take the scenic route to Lima, or home from Lima.

At least you don't have a straight-line 600 mile route from home to Lima...time constraints keep me from adding much excitement to my route.

[BubbaZanetti]

I am not concerned about gear as much as people keeping me from my solid weekend crash time (especially if I have a few :))


this is generally the reason i have a few, solid weekend crash time no matter the situation!

[scargs]

Just remember you don't hit the one you see, you hit the one behind it.
Motolights make great deer finders up close, just look for the eyes!

[dzimbric]

robin
Why are you still home? If my Adult Supevisor said take as much time as you need I would be out the door RIGHT NOW. You can always wait to check the tires at the first gas stop and there are Salvation Army stores if you need to get something else to wear.


Tom42 posted a good set of direciton to avoid Chicago with some scenic routes and stops. Here is the link. http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=70271&posted=1#post70271

I helped plan the routes and did some pre-rides for him. You don't need to go as far south as 24. You'll get rnough of that long straight boring road after you get into Eastern Indiana.

[Unregistered]

Ear plugs and an open mind, you will have a great time! Try Volunteering too great way to get involved.

[dzimbric]

See picture for instructions on how/what to pack ion your bike

http://dzimbric.smugmug.com/photos/27135842-L.jpg

[BradfordBenn]

Really. It does happen. Just bring the sense of humor.

[MarkF]

http://dzimbric.smugmug.com/photos/27135842-L.jpg
What's that extra tire hiding behind your bike?

[dzimbric]

What's that extra tire hiding behind your bike?

Would you beleive it's a harley. I had to look at it and think for a moment. We were having a party to celebrate the final pour of the new driveway. :clap :clap :clap 72 yards total in four pours. Bike is a real sweet looking custom chopper, it's rare because it does not leak oil. That was a pre-requisite to parking on the new driveway. His front tire was going flat, we had to pump it up before he left, Go figure :dunno :dunno

[Fritzc]

I'm thinking of taking the 12:30 am ferry on the way there. Grab some zzzz's then get up and go.
way back is still up in the air, would prefer the UP route, or just round trip on ferry.

Mark,
Does this mean you are not going to camp in my back yard on Wednesday 20 July??? :dunno
Fritz in Owosso MI

[Hodag]

Mark,
Does this mean you are not going to camp in my back yard on Wednesday 20 July??? :dunno
Fritz in Owosso MI

not sure yet, most likely will be a game time descision, I like to explore all my options, plan a bunch of routes, and then make a rash last minute choice. seems to work best for me.

[RickG]

As far as packing, I picked up a Helen 2 Wheels dry bag that should hold most of my camping gear. I'll mount it on the rear seat. My other stuff should fit in the side bags no problem. Except for a cheap lawn chair, which I intend to buy at Wal Mart in Lima. I have much experience with my camping gear (not via motorcycle), so a trial run using it isn't necessary. I may pack it all up and ride with it a bit for a handling perspective, however.

Again, thanks for the tips. See ya there!

Jim

Jim, the trial run isn't for the setting up your gear it is to make sure that everything is packed securely to your bike with no obstructions that could hinder your movement or reactions while riding. A loose bag can spell disaster on the road.

Helen Two Wheels bags are a good choice as they are designed to work on bikes. I hope you bought her straps or are planning on using similar webbing straps, as bunggees can permit movement and shifting of weight while riding with undesirable handling effects. I use bungees only for smaller and lighter weight objects. Everything else is strapped tight! Try to pack heavier objects lower on the bike in the saddlebags to keep center of gravity low.

When you get to the rally, if you want some peace and quiet camp as far away from the vendor, food and entertainment area as possible. Camping near showers is convenient, but foot traffic and comotion will be heavy around them.

Leave space to bring stuff home as vendors will be plentiful. :thumb

Travel safe and see you in Lima!

Rick G

[BradfordBenn]

not sure yet, most likely will be a game time descision, I like to explore all my options, plan a bunch of routes, and then make a rash last minute choice. seems to work best for me.

Probably not Toledo this time, right?

[pmdave]

Jim, a BMW International rally is like a huge 3-ring circus, with all sorts of things going on at once. Most participants arrive on Wednesday, and get registered (or pick up their pre-registration packets) at the registration booth Thursday morning. Then it's mark up your rally program as you decide where you want to be, and in-between it's wander through the vendor area gawking at can't-do-without items that threaten to melt down your plastic cards.

There are usually three different camping areas, based on anticipated rowdyness/quiet. Usually, you're so exhausted from strolling the grounds that sleep is not a problem. And normally there are hot showers available, both indoor and outside in a portable trailer. Very civilized camping.

Typically, there are food vendors on the grounds, so you can spend the duration right there, except when you and some new-found buddies decide to go eat at Kewpies or some other restaurant.

The rally is (amazing as it sounds) staffed by volunteers. So, be one. Volunteer for some interesting task for a few hours. Gate duty is always fun. You get to make everyone show their arm bands to get in, and you'll have the absolute best seat in the house to scope out the bikes and people coming and going. Smile, crack a joke, but make 'em show their armbands. Or sell tickets at the beer tent, or help with cleanup, or whatever. But DO volunteer.

Do attend some seminars. See a travelogue by famous tour operators. Talk about riding skills. Learn how to pick up a fallen bike. Listen to the experts demonstrating the internals of various engines. Meet some journalists. Join us for "coffee with Dave" (ON editor Sandy Cohen will be at the Friday "coffee").

Or, sign up for the Experienced RiderCourse, and get some practice under your belt. If that's too tame, sign up for the track school.

And, if at any time you're feeling bored or lonely, just walk up to the nearest group and introduce yourself. Don't be bashful. Walk right up to other rallygoers and start a conversation. "Hi, where you from? What are you riding? Any seminars strike your fancy? I'm Jim, from..." You'll meet some great people, learn a few things, and maybe have the time of your life. You'll probably find a bunch you enjoy and end up late at night carousing in the beer tent, or sitting around having a heavy duty discussion about riding to Alaska, or Tierra del Fuego, or Russia, or South Africa, with people who have actually been there.

But my absolute best advice is to not hurry to or from the rally as fast as you can. Use the rally as an excuse to ride to Lima, but plan the most circuitous route you can. Get out that Rand McNally, and find the twistiest little back roads that run through the smallest towns on the map. Squander several days at 150 miles per day. Enjoy the ride, and don't be so nervous that you have to rush home. Think about including some other events, such as a visit to the AMA museum, or a tour of the round barns of Ohio. Past issues of Owners News are a good source of ideas.

pmdave :thumb

[IAMBOB]

Hello all. My wife just said "take as long as you need" to attend the rally, so I will be on my way come July! This will be my first rally of any kind and I don't really know what to expect. I plan to camp in a tent at the rally site. Do any of you ship your camping gear ahead of time, or do you simply pack it on the bike? I have pretty minimalist stuff, so my RT should have plenty of room, especially traveling solo. I have never camped via motorcycle either, so this whole trip will REALLY be something new! I am really looking forward to attending. By the way, I am from Park Rapids, MN and plan to take the ferry to avoid Chicago on the way down. I think I'll go through Chicago on the way back, though, as I hope the traffic will be much less of a factor on Sunday. Enough rambling...

See you there...

Jim
I'm in the same boat.. back to biking after a more then 15 year absence, and have never done a rally. Am fighting back and forth about this one. Probably won't decide until Wednesday if I'll be going or not. I'll be coming from Southern MD (Dameron to be exact, right outside of PAX River NAS), about a 600 mile trip, and I'll be going solo, unless I hook up with other people form the area. Have taken many trips up that way by car, commuting back and forth from NW PA to here, but this would be the longest trip by bike. This would be my first Rally, my first long trip in over 15 years, etc etc.. Lots of worries, but would really enjoy the rally.

[Kenny2]

Hey Bob,
I don't think you will have any problems coming to the rally. 600 mile day is VERY easy on these new Beemers.

Only concern..the weather. Stay hydrated and dry. See ya in ohio.

[kbasa]

Just my luck...I buy a new 04 GT this year, and my first rally will be the this one, only a hop, skip and 100 mile jump up from southwest ohio. Since I have never been to a rally before, I thought I would ask...is the quite camping, truely quite? I camp/backpack a lot so I am not concerned about gear as much as people keeping me from my solid weekend crash time (especially if I have a few :))

Earplugs are your rally camping friend.

[IAMBOB]

Hey Bob,
I don't think you will have any problems coming to the rally. 600 mile day is VERY easy on these new Beemers.

Only concern..the weather. Stay hydrated and dry. See ya in ohio.
OK, right now the plan is leaving Thursday AM.. can't get the time off to leave Wednesday.. and heading back Sunday AM.. Would I be missing anything good on Thursday? Or will I get there just in time to make fun of the drunks??

I doubt there are any rooms available up there, so guess I will have to camp.. and all the good places will be taken by then.. any suggestions as to where?

[Voni]

When i first started riding solo, it felt safer to plan to ride to rallies - kind of like visiting family ; )

This will just be visiting your very LARGE very diverse very enthusiastic family. Glad you're planning to come!

Voni
sMiling

[Kenny2]

bob,
you will probably be arriving the same time as most riders. (Thursday noonish)

I arrived at spokane on Thursday Morning, did registration, (the help was needed) and did not get set up untill late in the evening.

I was near the road in the quiet area. NO problems.

see ya in Ohio.

[FTurner]

OK, right now the plan is leaving Thursday AM.. can't get the time off to leave Wednesday.. and heading back Sunday AM.. Would I be missing anything good on Thursday? Or will I get there just in time to make fun of the drunks??

I doubt there are any rooms available up there, so guess I will have to camp.. and all the good places will be taken by then.. any suggestions as to where?

Just be sure you are there for Friday night and the BIG GEORGE show.

Once you arrive if you have any questions or you need help see the Hospitality and Information Team

REMEMBER THE RIDE IS THE DESTINATION

Fred Turner
Co-Chairman
HOSPITALITY AND INFORMATION
419 420 7422

[Mike_In_Lima]

Just my luck...I buy a new 04 GT this year, and my first rally will be the this one, only a hop, skip and 100 mile jump up from southwest ohio. Since I have never been to a rally before, I thought I would ask...is the quite camping, truely quite? I camp/backpack a lot so I am not concerned about gear as much as people keeping me from my solid weekend crash time (especially if I have a few :))

If it ain't to your liking after a night or so, call me 419-234-4155 and you can hit my backyard (seriously) bordered by woods and fields............it's QUIET!
MBB