'04 MOA Rally

[MarkF]

Lots of rumors...

When you guys get back from W.VA. could you please post the scoop on next year? Location, venue, etc.

Is it really back to the west coast, again?

MarkF

[chasman]

Be happy to Mark. But, keep an eye on the forum as someone may post something during the Charleston rally.


Chuck Manley
Director, BMW MOA
Rally Site Selection Team Liaison

[Friedle]

I can tell you that it will be a shorter trip for you this year then it will be next year. :p

Friedle
BMW MOA Board of Directors
Rally Site Selection Team member

[vickielman]

I hope it is back out west, we need a good excuse to head cross country again. :D Colorado or Montana would be nice.

Vicki

[widebmw]

I thought that this was already in the forums.
Spokane, Washington.

[chasman]

At the Iowa Rally I was told that it was at Laguna Seca, CA. We'll know for sure Thursday the 10th.

"Riding like the wind" to Charleston...


Chuck Manley
Director, BMW MOA

[Jon]

Could someone tell me where to find a list of past national rally sites? Why is the next year rally location a secret?:confused: :confused:

[Friedle]

Originally posted by Jon
Could someone tell me where to find a list of past national rally sites? Why is the next year rally location a secret?:confused: :confused:


Look in your Anonymous Book for a listing of past National Rally sites and Rally chairs.

While we try to identify potential sites as far as five years in advance, contracts aren't always signed or details finalized. Remember, these events are entirely volunteer driven. We need to take one event at a time to make it somewhat manageable, plus the host location is not always ready for us to announce the location too far in advance. Many lodgings will not take reservations more than a year in advance amongst other considerations.

In a week from now, the 04 location won't be a secret any more. Come to Charleston and you'll be amongst the first to know.

:p

[Jon]

Thanks for the info Mike, your sure are fast:D

[Unregistered]

I think the membership needs to know whats in the running for upcomming national rallys. If any are to have the 2003 format (ie. motel/hotel rallye) the membership may like to change the destination or at least the format. The 2003 rallye, in my opinion, was a logistical disaster---We went home a day early---transportation sucked!!

[MarkF]

Originally posted by Unregistered
The 2003 rallye, in my opinion, was a logistical disaster---We went home a day early---transportation sucked!!

I wasn't there but I've stated before my preference for one location, away from city centers where everyone and everything on site is within walking distance. That's what it will take to get me to attend.

MarkF

P.S. Even if it "sucked" I don't think I would go home early.

[Colt03]

I just got back and thought the rally was excellent. Great roads, great hospitality, And a good first try at having a hotel and tent based rally. Sure a few things can get better, but it was well planned, and although different this style of rally shows some promise. I arrived Wednesday after taking the excellent roads noted on the website, (Thanks Ian) I left this AM and just got home. Thanks for a great rally

Craig Cleasby

[kbasa]

I thought the concept was great, the transportation was effective and I had a great time.

If we had a larger college campus, with the hotels right nearby (like in walking distance) it would have been absolutely perfect.

The vendor area was fantastic and I liked having a place to walk to for lunch that didn't have a line a mile long.

Our hotel was a terrific value and it was fun to party with some of my buds that were also staying at that hotel.

See you cats in Spokane!

dave

[Jon]

Good time, Good Rally, Good work Mike. Thanks

[Kneedragon]

The 2003 rallye, in my opinion, was a logistical disaster---We went home a day early---transportation sucked!! [/QUOTE]

OK...you weren't happy. Can you perhaps post some ideas for improvements with your criticism? That way mistakes can be avoided at future events.

[dstone]

Why bother?:dunno The venders were excellent, the seminars were great; it was a good trade show. Without the community of one location you are no longer talking rally, it's a motorcycle trade show. I hope lessons have been learned and we don't repeat Charlston again.:banghead

[rpg]

Does anyone know where in Spokane the rally is going to be?

County Fairgrounds, etc?

thanks, rpg

[Unregistered]

I agree the rally was rather disappointing. The city in my opinion was not condusive to a gathering of friends....

Charleston is a beautiful city and one I would re visit and suggest to others, but a good rally location it is not.

It was almost impossible to stumble upon old friends and new for that matter as there really was no central meeting area. A central camping area or ground zero is an important part to these rallys in my mind. In Canada I saw so many people because for the most part well could all congregate there.

Just my 2 cents which isn't worth much....

I will commend MOA on the vendor show....very well done.

[Unregistered]

No official or unofficial GS ride was lame.

Was really one of the only reason I traveled. That and to see friends I never saw either...

Viva Spokane!

[beemerron]

As explained in ealier postings, no one volunteered to lead a GS ride so the staff arranged for a an off road touring outfit to do so. Considering the weather, I expect the conditions were pretty awful

[Fiordmann]

::rolleyes

Considering that the national was held in Redmond, OR two years ago, the announcement that the 04' rally would be held in Spokane, WA was a disappointment. The rally selection comittee tells us that there are several criteria that must be met for a future rally site. When the 04' Rally Chairwoman announced that the rally would be in her "hometown" of Spokane, WA it became obvious that those involved with BMWMOA on the national level make the rally decision based on personal preferences (i.e. my hometown). Why not let the membershop of BMWMOA have a direct impact on the rally site by being able to vote on a region of the country for upcoming rally sites?

[Fiordmann]

::rolleyes

Considering that the national was held in Redmond, OR two years ago, the announcement that the 04' rally would be held in Spokane, WA was a disappointment. The rally selection comittee tells us that there are several criteria that must be met for a future rally site. When the 04' Rally Chairwoman announced that the rally would be in her "hometown" of Spokane, WA it became obvious that those involved with BMWMOA on the national level make the rally decision based on personal preferences (i.e. my hometown). Why not let the membership of BMWMOA have a direct impact on the rally site by being able to vote on a region of the country for upcoming rally sites?

[MarkF]

Originally posted by Fiordmann
Considering that the national was held in Redmond, OR two years ago, the announcement that the 04' rally would be held in Spokane, WA was a disappointment. The rally selection comittee tells us that there are several criteria that must be met for a future rally site. When the 04' Rally Chairwoman announced that the rally would be in her "hometown" of Spokane, WA it became obvious that those involved with BMWMOA on the national level make the rally decision based on personal preferences (i.e. my hometown).

I think those that volunteer tend to volunteer to do it close to home. Makes sense to me. How do you pull it all together hundreds if not thousands of miles away? But, perhaps a system ought to be in place to rotate the area of selection. Northeast, Midwest, West then South or something like that. Another idea, although it's most likely unpopular is to run a Fall mini-national on the opposite coast from the national each year. That gives more options for those that can't travel in the summer, are on the wrong coast and for locales too hot to host a summer rally.

MarkF

[chasman]

The Presidents column in the August issue of the BMW Owners News will explain how the International Rally sites are researched and selected. It also covers the basic site requirements that must be met before BMWMOA will consider a venue. Almost all of sites of past International Rallies have been suggested by our regular members, not the board members. The reason for this is that with over 37,700 members we have a lot of eyes looking for the perfect locations for future rallies. Yes, the Spokane rally chair is from Spokane. Who could be better at planning and coordinating our rally but someone from the area?

If anyone thinks they know of a potential site we can consider for a future International Rally you need to let me know. You can e-mail me at cmanley@bmwmoa.org or call me at 1-309-825-8445 and I'll be happy to discuss the site requirements.

Ride safe and see you down the road...

Chuck Manley #12106
Director, BMWMOA
Chairman, Rally Site Search Team
Director, Dinky Dozen BMW Riders, Inc. #84
2002 K1200RS

[IndyGT]

Count me in the "pro-Spokane" camp, even though I live in Indiana. All of the national rallies I remember most fondly - Laguna Seca, Rapid City, Durango, Missoula, Redmond - were in the West. I like it because the roads are less congested and the scenery is magnificent.
Besides, I have a son in Porland who is my excuse for a three-week ride every summer, so I can dovetail the rally with my annual visit.
Looking forward to next July...

[eljeffe]

Yeah, that's all I need. Another reason to ride US 12 from Lolo to Clarkston TWICE!!!

Yeehaw!

[IndyGT]

That's a popular sign. Here it is as a backdrop for Tim (brother of Gator) Balough's PD.

[Montana]

2004 BMW MOA National Rally, Spokane, WA
Chapter One - Getting There

Members of BMW MOA living to the West of Spokane know all about the great roads and rides on their way. These include the Rattlesnake in OR and on to Lewiston, Hwy 12, Hwy 2 through Leavenworth (a cute Bavarian town), and Hwy 20 through Twisp, Winthrop, and past the Grand Coulee Dam (an engineering marvel and proof there isn’t anything we can’t tame).

However, more members live to the East side of Spokane; some of you, way over there to the right and a lot to the south. Since my home State of Montana is in the way for many of you (or on the way, if you like, as is the Idaho panhandle), here’s a little travelogue.

I had already planned a few days of riding from Missoula, Montana, over to Spokane and through the Idaho panhandle, when the 2004 rally site selection of Spokane was announced. I offered to provide notes so you can read what one out-of-the-area motorcyclist has to say about Spokane. In fact, Missoulians often go to Spokane. It’s the nearest big city (approximately 200,000 population in the urban area) and is definitely a “date place” with great restaurants and theater.

In my mind I tend to think of pine trees and volcanoes when I think of Washington. I tend to forget how much of Washington is agricultural. Approaching Spokane from the West and especially from the South takes you through miles of fields and waves of grain. Walla Walla onions are amazing and the Columbia River system provides irrigation for fruit available at roadside stands from Wenatchee to Yakima. Riding along the gorge is something to experience, and crossing the Bridge of the Gods (near the OR border) on a windy day (and there aren’t many calm days in the gorge) will definitely get your attention.

Coming from the East is a different story. Spokane lies just to the West of the Rocky Mountains, 20 miles from the Idaho border. The townsite is along the Spokane River. At Riverfront Park, a remnant of the 1974 Expo, you can ride little gondola cable cars and get a great view over the falls. There’s also an IMAX and a carrousel at the park.

Along the city’s eastern fringe is an area of rail yard, truck distribution warehouses and light industrial that developed to support the growing city. I’m sure when the fairgrounds were first built it was a great location on the outskirts of town. Now the City of Spokane Valley creates a suburban feel to this end of the sprawl and the Interstate Fairgrounds and Spokane Expo Center is smack in the middle, right by the concrete pre-mix yard. Felts Field municipal airport is a busy little place, too, just north of the fairgrounds along the river.

While not too many rally locations can live up to the experience of Redmond OR, where the site was out of the town of Bend in sort of a campus-like setting, Spokane has what looks like a large, self-contained facility that should allow for a centralized event. I couldn’t walk the grounds but I saw a variety of buildings and lots of open space. The parking lot was being used for a car sales event the day I was there.

Coming from the East, the underpass/overpass section of I-90 where you would be exiting is a section that I swear has been under construction for twenty years. I’ve never once gone through there without seeing cones and closed lanes. I took the exit (286) marked for the fairgrounds and was immediately stuck in surface street traffic at a light. A long truck hadn’t been able to make a hard right and an immediate left into his stop without blocking two lanes while waiting for the signal. This route also required me to make two left turns (one at a corner, one mid-block) to get into the fairgrounds parking area. My recommendation is to ignore the signs and take exit 285 or 284. Coming from the West take exit 283B.

[Jim Shaw]

[With tongue firmly lodged in cheek]

I think all of the nationals I have been to suck, and each for good reasons.

I never meet half of the people I know in the Club. That can't be their fault; we need an infinitely large beer tent which is intimate for the 7100 attendees. Quiet bands, except when I want to dance - then nice and loud.

If it rains, it makes me uncomfortable, and that can't be my fault.

If it's too hot, the siting committee should have realized that.

If it's someplace too far, we should have put it to a popular vote - one month before the rally.

If it is someplace too close, I should resign my membership in protest.

If I like motels, and wanna bring the family, they put the event in a fairgrounds right after a huge horse show, and I gotta sleep in manure. Or my nearest hotel is 12 miles southwest of the fairground, and I miss the beer tent or ride home drunk.

If I like camping, it is too far to walk to the vendors. Also, see if it's too hot, above.

The vendors are always wrong - too many or too few. Don't you hate it when they cow-tow to vendors!

Forget Canada; I can't pack my 9mm, and I won't go anywhere without it, so I can't go.

I have a really good memory of the fun time I had in "ought six" in Dismal Seepage, Wisconsin. No matter what the current rally is like, I will be sure to remind everybody that this rally just can't measure up to good old Dismal Seepage. Actually, I can't remember Dismal Seepage at all, because I was drunk all the time.

Let's face it, my brother, we're paying $35 a year to belong to the Club, and another $35 to go to a rally for four nights. For that kinda dough, it oughta be perfect. Especially for me, personally. My preferences are absolutely identical to the smartest and best looking members, I'm sure.

After all, we're paying those siting committee people enough to expect them to get it right. Not to mention the rally chairs.

Oh... they're not paid? Nothing at all? No wonder they can't please me! We should hire somebody to do this... pay them big bucks. Then, we could fire them every year if anybody isn't pleased with every aspect of the rally.

Now, I feel much better. See you in Spokane, I hope.

Don't fall off,
Jim Shaw

:dunno

[kbasa]

I was going to make a comparison between the cost of the rally ($35) and what Tina and I paid to go to the movies the other day ($18) but I think Jim's done a better job.

:rofl

dave

[widebmw]

Where is the rally going to be in Spokane ?
Streets and X-streets
My maps don't show Fairgrounds or Expo Center.

[Montana]

404 N Havana, near Sprague and Broadway, North of I-90 exits 283-286, cross streets Fancher and Freya. Just look for the big empty block between the railroad switching yard (6 sets of tracks, I think) and Felts Field municipal airport.

[Montana]

2004 BMW MOA National Rally, Spokane, WA
Chapter Two - Being There
(see previous page for Chapter One)

The rally site is about four miles from downtown via I-90. Be prepared: Spokane is a Big City. Sure, that’s my hick perspective. I found myself riding in downtown traffic with three or four lanes all going one way, circling the blocks to figure out how many more I had to go down before I could find the correct one-way that would bring me back, closer to where I wanted to be, because I just couldn’t get there from where I was. You city folks know all about one-way street grids.

You will pay for parking in downtown, either on the street or in one of the parking garages. Downtown Spokane is made for walking. There are skyway bridges that connect 15 blocks of buildings to each other, above the traffic, so you can circumnavigate and never touch pavement.

I know the rally committee will have lots of ideas and suggestions for where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Consider these as unofficial offerings.

Where to eat: Some of these are my favorites or were recommended to me by friends as I was heading out on my trip. I’ll rank them $=cheap to $$$ = expensive. Of course, it’s all relative, right? Right along the Riverfront Park area and within a few blocks of Front and Riverside streets, you will find Cyrus O’Leary’s $ (their pies are sold in some grocery stores – this is eating at the mother ship), The Onion $, Steak House $$, Mustard Seed $$, Azteca Mexican $ (along the river near the Doubletree), Ankeny’s $$$ (at the Ridpath Hotel on the uppermost floor – a killer view across the valley), The Old Spaghetti Factory $$. Across the Monroe St bridge is Milford’s Fish House $$$. Near Sprague and Maple are Elk Café $$ and Frank’s Diner $$.

One place you may want to visit is the Hot Rod Café $$. It is in Idaho, at exit 6, Seltice Way, Post Falls. Beaudry, the BMW dealer, is at the same exit, about 20 miles East of the rally site. The food ranges far and wide, there are classic cars and even a bike on display, and the TV monitors play videos from car shows. Fliers for all the car and bike events are posted here. Next door to the Hot Rod Café is Easy Rider Road House, an independent American Iron motorcycle shop. Eye candy.

Where to stay: The motels near the rally site are your typical $-$$ trucker and sales people spots. Those along the I-90 corridor are the usual $$ chains. In downtown you will find some great old hotels. Top of the $$$ list would be Hotel Lusso, The Davenport (recently restored to her full glory) and the Ridpath. Along the river you will find the $$-$$$ convention hotel-type places: Doubletree, Fairfield Inn, Marriott.

Don’t overlook staying out of town a bit. I know the rally committee would like to bring all the business to the Spokane area, but you could stay at Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and ride in 30 miles (unfortunately all on Interstate 90).

There is a KOA campground off of exit 293.

[Montana]

Maybe this will help:
See map here (http://www.chromeheads.org/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=8&post=41066#POST41066)

I had to provide a link, I couldn't get the map to display here. Sorry.

[Clay]

Look'n forward to the National Rally in Spokane, Washington. Spent a year near Liberty Lake(Right on the Wash./Idaho border) when my father was stationed at Fairchild AFB. Also I hear Coeur D'Alene can be hoot to visit:clap

[Visian]

Originally posted by Jim Shaw
[With tongue firmly lodged in cheek]

... snip


What? I can hear you but I can't understand you.

Could you take your tongue out of your cheek, speak more slowly and directly into the microphone?

:D

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Visian
What? I can hear you but I can't understand you.

Could you take your tongue out of your cheek, speak more slowly and directly into the microphone?

:D

Veerrrrrry funnny.

:D

[Montana]

Rally site map:

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Montana
Rally site map:

Neat city.

http://www.murrayco.com/spokane/red_wagon.jpg
something for the rider with everything

More Spokane stuff (http://www.murrayco.com/spokane_walk.html)

[Montana]

2004 BMW MOA National Rally, Spokane, WA
Chapter Three - Going Somewhere Else While You're There
(see previous posts/page for Chapters One and Two)

What else to do: It's not dark until nearly 10:00 pm, and until dark it’s going to be HOT! Okay, as we say, it’s a dry heat. I’m sure everyone who was at the 2003 rally in WV will appreciate the difference. Still, it could be anywhere from 85-105 degrees F in the Spokane Valley in July and it is highly unlikely to rain.

If you want to see Grand Coulee Dam and Lake Roosevelt, to the northwest of Spokane, keep in mind that area will likely be even hotter than the Valley.

There is a water park in Spokane at exit 289, Splashdown. Another cool spot is up Hwy 95, Silverwood theme park. They have added a water park. Hwy 95 is about 30 miles east on I-90 near Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Or, to cool off, go up. There are a number of roads to choose from that will take you out of the Valley and up to Mt Spokane.

Another great place is in the South Hills: Manito Park at 17th and Grand. This is one place to see the geology of the area; there is a lot of exposed basalt in the park, and little roads wind past the lilac collection, the roses, the pond, and along the Japanese garden.

Roughly 65 miles east on I-90 (past Lake Coeur d’Alene) in Kellogg, Idaho is Silver Mountain. The “World’s Longest Gondola” (single stage with 45 towers) lift operates Thursday through Monday and will definitely cool you off.

From Kellogg you can follow the Coeur d’Alene River back into the mountains and find a place to swim.

[jgr451]

Hey Jim Shaw,re All nationals suck: I loved that !!I see our next rally chair.YOU, for the 2010 rally.How about Whistler/Squamish just in time for the Olympic Winter games?What is WITH that summertime rally anyway??Ski,ride,ski.It's a natural.
I am peeing my pants until we meet in Spokane.:clap

[Montana]

2004 BMW MOA National Rally, Spokane, WA
Chapter Four – Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh, My!
…and Submarines, too
(see previous posts/page for Chapters One, Two and Three)

From Spokane, take or get to Hwy 2 (about 10 miles from rally site if you take Market/Pend Oreille Hwy, to Newport Highway US 2). North of Mead and the intersection of Hwy 206 you will find Cat Tales Zoological Park, a training center where students can intern while caring for about 48 big cats. You can see lions, tigers, puma, leopards, native bobcats and lynx, servals and caracol. (The two bear cubs are due to be traded back this Oct.) You can even feed them (5pm, except Thursday is a fasting day). They offer group entrance rates. An ongoing tour takes about one hour, and you can roam at will (if you dare). Check them out on the Internet at www.cattales.org.

Not ready to go back to the rally? Continue North on Hwy 2, 40 miles from Cat Tales, stop at the coffee shack in the Subway parking lot in Newport WA for a great smoothie, then 25 miles more to Sandpoint, ID and beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.

Being 1,150 feet deep, this lake is used to test submarine technology. You can tour the facility near Bayview at Farragut State Park. To get there, take Hwy 95 across the river (like a causeway bridge) and go about 30 miles to the south end of the lake. 24 miles south on Hwy 95 (past Silverwood theme park) you will hit I-90 at Lake Coeur d’Alene. Less than 30 miles and you’re back at the rally site.

(This image was taken from Hope, ID, looking West at the Islands of Hope. The small white spot docked at the far shore in the left of the photo is a plane.)

[daver80]

An earlier post-er mentioned that 2 years ago the site was Redmond, and Missoula a few years earlier. All great places in their own right, but the same general region. Likewise, Trenton, Midland and Rhinebeck are in "similar" regions. Charleston was a good choice, without discussing rally format. WHY NOT try somewhere central? Missouri (MOA home state), Arkansas (beautiful country) or maybe western Tennessee? What about eastern edge of the Rockys in Colorado? Missouri could be great. Easterners could get there, Westerners could get there. Just a thought.

[kbasa]

DuQuoin, Oshkosh, Midland, Fredricksburg, Durango. These have all been in the last ten years.

[Unregistered]

What sort of interest is out there for a GS training camp the week before the Spokane Rally? Possible ideas include:

Classroom sessions
Range Sessions
Trail training
GS Ride
GS English Trials Competition (ala the NorCal 49er Rally)

Feel free to e-mail your comments and ideas to.

Ramey "Coach" Stroud
Ramey@wvi.com

[beemerron]

If your talking the week of and prior to, I'm all for it.

[osceola]

FYI, The Top O The Rockies rally in Paonia Colorado will be from July 9-12 2004. The weekend before the National. And the closing events (where they give a bike away) will be on Sunday July 11th.

See you in Spokane!!!

[beemerron]

Doesn't get any better than that!:bliss

[Hacksaw]

Are there dates for the 04 MOA yet?

[TheSuperScoot]

Are there dates for the 04 MOA yet?


__________________
Jeff
Southeast Texas
98 R1100GSA (RED)
http://www.pbase.com/hacksa
BMWMOA #108002

Jeff, I have a date already, but thanks for asking.

terry

[Unregistered]

July 15-18 2004

[Unregistered]

Hello:

Never posted here before, but I thought this was as good a time as any. In the 80s, my job transferred me to Spokane. I was there for 8 years, before being transferred again. I LOVED IT!! Spokane is a GREAT place - certainly one of the nicest I've ever lived in!! The roads are great, the scenery is great and the people are great. Friends used to tell me that Spokane was one of the Northwest's best kept secrets. Unfortunately, I think the secret's now out, because migration to the area has really taken off, and the area has really expanded.

It's still a super place, and job permitting, I hope to be there.

Ride safe and hope to meet you next year!


Mike Rapp
021150RT
Garden Grove, CA

[animby]

I too was disappointed to learn that next year's rally will be in
Spokane, Washington. I was hoping for California-- somewhere
near the 49er site. I couldn't help but notice that 2 of the complaints

posted so far were from Conneticut & Florida. I guess we could have
a permanent spot at the geographical center of the U.S.-- somewhere
South of Trenton, near Lawrence, Kansas. The mileage award could be
retired to the member that comes from Key West.
I have been a member since 1984, and it has always been a given
that the rally site alternated between the two coasts. The selections
of Trenton / Charleston seems to have thrown a monkey wrench in the
system. This year's rally site SHOULD have been out West.
I have been to Missoula twice, Laguna Seca, & Redmond. I scouted
the grounds at Redmond 9 months in advance, and thought the site
was stupendous! The reason that I am disappointed, is that I live
about 1340 ft outside Spokane's city limit. I have lived here by choice,
since 1968, and longer that I have been here, the more I have taken
this place for granted- compared to the rest of the country. For those
that are geographically impaired-- Spokane is nowhere NEAR Seattle.
Spokane is the 2nd? largest city in the state, and is the 'hub'
of the Inland Empire from which goods & services flow in all directions
for over 100 miles. Spokane is the 'go to' place for all of the smaller
communities. What Spokane doesn't have is humidity, congestion,
or gridlock. It is entirely possible to not see a cloud in the sky for the
entire length of the rally. Spokane is a 'working' town, with a constant
high unemployment that gets by on about $8.00/hr.
The Spokane County Fairgounds at the East city limits (Havanna St.)
in an industrial area. The good news is that the stockyards are all
gone years ago. The bad news is that Spokane has plenty of potholes
& red light runners. Drivers in cages tend not to signal, & when they
want to change lanes, they just 'wedge' in if they get more than a
fender length ahead of you. I am familiar with the Fairgrounds layout,
and in spite of several new buildings in the last few years--- I am
not aware of ANY shower facilities. The motels closest to the site
are either older, or truckers only-- none that I would want to stay at.
There is plenty of shaded grass at the Fairgrounds for tenting, with
security fencing & control gates around the entire facility. There are
enough large buildings to house ALL of the vendors & their trucks!
Since I will only have to drive about 10 miles, I plan on driving
my V10 Dodge. That way I won't be limited by size & weight of all
the BMW goodies I'll be buying from BOB'S & Kermit, & Helen 2Wheels'
& all of the rest of my Visa card family.

Ride safe #32686

[MarkF]

Originally posted by animby
I couldn't help but notice that 2 of the complaints
posted so far were from Conneticut & Florida.


I hope you didn't think any of my comments were complaints.

Spokane is as good a location as any other. My only preference is for venue type and I was only offering suggestions.

I probably won't attend next year but it's due to vac time available, July is generally bad and I hate HUGE crowds.

MarkF

[zzkvsl]

Montana,
keep up the good work this is interesting stuff for us that have never been too foar west of the Mississippi . I have started printing your chapters out for reference when I get there.

[Unregistered]

Hey, Im completely new to your site, but will be joining soon. I have lived in Spokane for 28 years and just bought my first BMW two weeks ago. An 04 GS Adventure! So please excuse my giddy like attitude about my new machine.

I read most of the replies and comments about Spokane. Whomever said the roads are great, has never actually been to Spokane. The roads SUCK, but are bearable still. Driver are pretty much idiots, althogh most car drivers are when it comes to bikes. (Or so Ive found) I should say that I have been riding for ten yearrs, so Im not new to motorcycles completely. The traffic is light generally, the fairgrounds are roomy and nice and fairly updated. Correct there are no showers that I know of or have heard about. Hotels is easy since the freeway runs right past the Fairgrounds and there are a slew of nice places to stay on the freeway exits. All of them less than 10 min from the Fairgrounds via the freeway. The weather is varied, but usually nice and tempered.
I would love to help with your rally and become a member of this association. Please feel free to use me as a liason or ask me questions about Spokane.
Aaron Rollins

Rollque@aol.com

make sure and put non junk mail titles on any emails you send me, since they will be from addresses Im not familiar with.

Thanks,
looking forward to the event,
Aaron

[tjschaff]

I am only disappointed that I will not have far to travel to the rally this year - since I live in Spokane. But sign me up as a volunteer.

[Zellamsee]

In the final ceremonies why not give the statistics while you wait for a prize winner to come down to the mike. What happend to a lot of the stats. i/e how many BMW's, brand x, planes etc. Check the sound system, many could not hear. Get an announcer that is used to speaking in puplic and does not incite such a bad reaction from BMW riders. I have been to most Nationals in the last 12 years and this was the worst one by far. However, the people of West Virginia were wonderful to us.

[Jim Shaw]

Thanks for the suggestions. Come to Spokane, and see if we don't do better!

Jim Shaw:stick

[Unregistered]

The city is great. Any opportunity to ride US 12 is worth a lot, but have you seen the grounds that the '04 rally will be held???

http://www.spokanecounty.org/fair/images/expo/ExpoArial.jpg

Ick! Might as well have it in the middle of the stock yards. Was gonna camp, but I guess a 'decent' hotel 10 miles away is going to be the smart choice.

Who on the rally site selection committee really thought this site would be a good choice??? 104 degrees in the shade during July in Spokane, and not a decent shade tree in sight.

PLEASE find an alternate location in the area before it gets too late.

[Montana]

2004 BMW MOA National Rally – Spokane, WA
Chapter Five – Go West, Young Man (and Woman)
(see previous posts/pages for Chapters One, Two, Three and Four)

All through the NW MT-Northern ID-NE WA area you will see reference to Mullan Rd and Mullan Trail. While the folks in the East were fighting each other, during 1859-1862 Captain John Mullan of the US Army was establishing a route between Fort Benton, MT and Walla Walla, WA. The goal was to connect the Missouri River and the Columbia River for a supply route. It was marked with “MR” for Military Road but this designation is now more commonly described as Mullan Road.

This road was 25 feet wide, ran over 624 miles and hand dug. It was used for over thirty years; then it became part of the motorway designated The Yellowstone Trail (1912-1930s). This was somewhat of a marketing ploy to encourage tourism via a transcontinental highway stretching from MA to WA or “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound.” This was a private endeavor, similar to the Lincoln Highway project which was started a year after this one and ran parallel but through Midwest states. In the 1930s, as the national highway efforts consolidated all the various routes, this route became Hwy 10. In the 1980s this became part of the Interstate system, now known as I-90.

You can walk on or drive stretches of the Mullan Road, see the old Yellowstone Trail signs and some of the original bridgework still intact across local streams as you leave Montana from Missoula (the frontage road on the north side of I-90) and all the way through the panhandle of Idaho. Stop and visit the historic tree nursery Savenac, I-90 exit 16, Haugen, MT; the road(s) cut through the front yard of the compound. The Mullan Tree monument is off of I-90, exit 28 in Idaho. The crew rested a day because it was July 4, 1861 and blazed a tree with the date. This resulted in the names you see today: Fourth of July Summit, Fourth of July Canyon, Independence Pass, etc. Some of the road can be seen here, too, along the interpretive trail.

Coming from the East: Stop for gas in St. Regis, MT, then take the local road called Camel’s Hump, about 15 miles to the other end, where it connects with I-90 again at Harrison. Right now this whole stretch of I-90 is one way each direction and 45 mph due to bridge work so this is actually a faster way to get through the area, although this section of I-90 has incredible sweepers and is normally a sport-bike heaven.

If you have an extra hour or two, instead of Camel’s Hump, for a different route, leave St Regis and I-90 behind and take Hwy 135, which follows the Clark Fork River. It is joined by the Flathead River at Hwy 200. Take Hwy 200 to Thompson Falls (or if you are coming across the State on Hwy 200, take note). Just past town, take the bridge to the left, across the river. This road will take you over Thompson Pass and into Idaho.

If you are riding GS and have an extra hour or two, take Camel’s Hump to the Harrison end but don’t get back on I-90. Instead turn up the forest road to the North (your right), go past the campground, up over Knox Pass towards Thompson Falls. When you come to the bottom you will feel like you just drove out of someone’s backyard, which you have. You will hit the pavement at the same road as the previous paragraph, but you are already across the river from Thompson Falls. Go left on the main road and you can rejoin your pavement-bound buddies (if you separated at St Regis at the same time, you should all join up again here with about the same time traveled) and you can all go over Thompson Pass together.

The road over Thompson Pass was first paved only a few years ago and many maps do not show it as paved or even show the route. When you hit the Y near Prichard you can quickly drop down to Wallace, ID and regain I-90 via a route that is steep, twisty and big time fun, or take the right hand route and meander along the Coeur D’Alene River road back to I-90 near Cataldo ID. If you had friends who left St Regis via I-90, they will have had time to eat in Wallace ID while waiting for you to come in the back way.

[Kevin910]

Burp....................

[Unregistered]

I've been watching the forum and am somewhat saddened at what's been said by some of my neighbors, so I want to set the record straight with my perceptions and experiences.
I'm a Spokane resident, but wasn't raised here. I moved from the Seattle area 5 years ago, due to a mandatory transfer of my wife's job. The move was made willingly, but with some apprehension. All those misgivings were unfounded.
Spokane is a biker's paradise. Any kind of scenery and any kind of road (or off-road) you desire, it may be reached within 20 minutes from city center, except mountains, which will take you an hour or so.
Some have complained about bad roads. NOT SO! Spokane County's roads are great, well maintained, and pretty well marked. The city itself has had some unfortunate fiscal issues in the past several years, so there are potholes and patches. They aren't a problem except in winter, and even then, not too bad.
Someone also mentioned the Rally venue, the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. I have no idea what the "might as well have it in the middle of the stockyards" comment was all about, since there are no stockyards any more, although there are several clean and well-kept animal barns on the fairgrounds campus. Someone mentioned showers. For one, if you look at one of the pictures someone posted, you'll see what looks like a baseball stadium. It looks like one because it IS one. Complete with home team and visitor locker rooms and, therefore, showers. The Fairgrounds has also recently seen a transformation process undertaken in order to make it into a venue that can handle multiple simultaneous major events. In order to make that happen, more shower facilities were constructed. I'm not positive, but I believe several full-hookup RV sites were added. Beyond that, there is a full service truck stop less than half a mile away. The nearby community college's facilities will also probably be made available. Whether you want mom-n-pop motels, chain, budget, or classic landmark hotels, B-n-Bs, primitive or full hookup camping, it is all close by, within 10 miles, most within 5. I plan on making my floor available to my many on-line friends whom I've never met in person (also, I've got central AC in case the weather is TOO hot). Beyond creature comforts, the fairgrounds are comparable to the nicest agriculture-oriented facilities out there. Lots of room to spread out and I can personally guarantee that there will be no floods.
So much for the venue complaints.
"Montana" has already sung some of the praises for the area; I'll add more. In 3 hours, you can be across the Idaho-Canada border and into the East Kootenays of British Columbia. Lots of incredible roads and scenery (one GS road that runs higher into the mountains and comes down into the Yaak Valley in Montana, I believe), wildlife, hiking, fishing, breweries, wineries, pubs, and incredible deals on shopping, lodging and food (I have a cabin up there and I love the place). I know of at least one hotel that will put you into a homey riverside room for about $35 US a night and you'll get in on an impromptu potluck BBQ (bring chips or something from a nearby store) if you arrive early enough. A great way to spend the last night before the rally or the night you leave the rally.
But back to Spokane: you can find whatever makes you comfy. There are microbrew pubs, wine bars, jazz clubs, golf courses, live theater (Best in Nation winners 1999 and 2003), you name it. There is a favorite hangout for local riders, a gas station / convenience store called the Rocket Market, where the eurobike crowd shows up first Tuesday of every month at 7pm. On Tuesdays and one other night every week, there is live entertainment. In the parking lot. The Market started out as a yuppie grocery store and just sort of acquired a mind of its own. On the live music nights, it gathers quite a crowd. They've got about 60 varieties of brew, the obligatory espresso menu, plus a hell of a deli / dessert counter. The music is always good, as is the mood of the crowd, a great place in which to watch the sun go dim.
I could go on extolling this area's virtues, and probably will do so at a later date. But if you're straddling the fence on whether to come, make the leap. You'll have a great time. The Rally has the unqualified support of local government and business. Taken as a whole, the whole area, including the venue, is maybe the best that the Rally has seen in a decade, and anybody who misses this one will definitely regret it.
Ciao.
-rainmaker

[kbasa]

In.

:thumb

[Montana]

A/C floor space? IN!

[jgr451]

Yeah,I would take some of that AC floor space;and I have friends coming from Michigan with some of their children and a spouse or maybe 2.Kay??:D

[YB in IN]

Has anyone noticed that the site appears to be a couple of blocks from the interstate? That combined with the picture of the site someone posted awhile back makes this site look pretty dreadful.

[MrsKbasa]

Party Pooper.

:D

[YB in IN]

Sorry. Just an observtion. I'm sure it will still be a blast to go though. Hoping to make it my first trip to the West Coast. I'm sure there will be many things to distract from an ugly rally site. :beer

[Unregistered]

Wonderfull, if Charleston was not bad enough, we have a rally between to rail road tracks in spokane

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Wonderfull, if Charleston was not bad enough, we have a rally between to rail road tracks in spokane

Check the poll:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=858

dave

[kyRTer04]

Was there a couple of years ago for a meeting in Post Falls, ID. Flew into Spokane and drove over to Post Falls. Also got to go to Sand Gap, ID. Neat town.

Looking forward to the trip and seeing the sites and visiting the Micro's and sampling the local flavors:bliss

[tjschaff]

Just got back from riding some of the incredible roads described by Montana. Glacier Park, Flathead Lake, Thompson Falls, St Regis, Northern Idaho and the Locksa River. Getting here and day rides wil be over half the fun. Who takes their bike to a rally to park it?

[jgr451]

"Who brings their bike to a rally to park it"

I do,unless I have to have a short ride for pie,poutine,laundry or shower.I do my riding to get there and back.The rest of the time I want to see and be seen,hang with my pals,make new ones,snort beer out of my nose with laughing,buy something absolutely essential(just like golf,when my game falls apart I accessorize);I bought a diode board from the dealer in Portland Oregon a few years ago when the turn signal flasher quit en route to Redmond a few years ago and guess what?My on board board fried before I got back to Vancouver!!
I have been to Spokane and found it a great city.I dont know the venue,but I am darn well prepared to like it a lot!!:clap

[MCMXCIVRS]

I'm rather pleased to hear that the rally site for next year is Spokane. That means that I should be able make it down there for most of the weekend (I all ready checked my shift calendar). I have never been out to one of the BMWOA rallies before because I have not been able to put together the time needed to ride to the chosen locations. This one will be close enough to make it an easy days ride, two if I make it interesting. Hope to see you all there.

[RoxsterSD]

I am a newbie BMW owner. I got a hand me down 75 R90 /6. I put some money into it, rebuilt the carbs, joined the Airheads Beemer Club, and have it to this day. A few months ago I went out to buy a new bike. I went straight to BMW. Why? IT FEELS LIKE FAMILY. I bought the new Rockster. The first one to own it in my town. I have been looking forward to a rally to enjoy the knowledge and camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. So far, I think I am the youngest owner of a new BMW, even at 30! I am somewhat disappointed however at the complaints on where the rally is and how they (complainers) want the whole thing handed to them on a platter. The whole point is to ride and be with family.
I'll definitely be at Spokane. My wife and I will be riding from San Diego. In the eloquent words of Stimpy "I am so excited I can hardly contain myself"

[Rob Nye]

Kids.... :D

Wasn't it a youngster who told the emperor he was nekkid? Take it from me, while 30 is younger than our average age everyone here is young at heart.

Welcome to the family. You will have a great time in Spokane *and* you will find other riders close to your age, both physically and in spirit. Quote from the Redmond Rally from a 17 year old who started hanging with us late night: "You guys are just like my friends, only older." Indeed.

Once again welcome and I also look forward to Spokane. Anywhere I find a crowd of BMW riders is a great time, be it Charleston, Spokane or for Machine in the Garden, downtown Boston.

Best,

Rob Nye
Feeling frisky at 41

[richc]

Originally posted by kyRTer04
Was there a couple of years ago for a meeting in Post Falls, ID. Flew into Spokane and drove over to Post Falls. Also got to go to Sand Gap, ID. Neat town.

Looking forward to the trip and seeing the sites and visiting the Micro's and sampling the local flavors:bliss

Sand Gap, ID? Do you mean Sandpoint, ID? I live in Sandpoint, it is a nice little town. I'm not going to praise Spokane, I personally think it's a sesspool and go there only when I have to.

A good ride from Spokane I haven't seen mentioned in this thread is east on 2, and turn left on 57 toward Priest Lake. Above Nordman it turns to a well maintained (by Id. standards) gravel road that takes you up to Metaline Falls and past the giant cedar grove, the "shoe tree" and some fantastic country. Getting to 57 from Spokane is about a 40 min. ride, the rest of it depends on how many times you stop to look around.

[kyRTer04]

That I am not from those parts. Thanks for the correction on Sandpoint as it should be call. Looking forward to the trip. Should be if I remember about a 3 hour ride (?) from Spokane to Sandpoint. It is a 2300 mile ride from my house to Spokane so what is a few more hours in the saddle to see some great country.

[richc]

Originally posted by kyRTer04
That I am not from those parts. Thanks for the correction on Sandpoint as it should be call. Looking forward to the trip. Should be if I remember about a 3 hour ride (?) from Spokane to Sandpoint. It is a 2300 mile ride from my house to Spokane so what is a few more hours in the saddle to see some great country.

3 hours from Spokane to Sandpoint? Maybe at 30 mph. Depending on where I have to go in Spokane - it's an hour to an hour and a half from Sandpoint to Spokane. It's probably been posted here before, but route 2 into Spokane from Montana is a nice ride, just watch out for radar in Newport (the border between Id and Wa) - they sit on the east side of Newport and catch a LOT of people.

[kyRTer04]

We came down Hwy 2 from Sandpoint into Spokane so that is where I am thinking the long drive time. I knew that from Post Falls it was close to 1 hour of drive time with traffic and looking at the sites. Either way neat country and looking forward to seeing it again.

[Bmwgs94]

Well I might as well jump in here too. I have been to quite a few rallies in the past , and Charleston was the first rally for me on a Bmw. I had a pretty good time there except for the weather and how spread out it was. I meant a few people there and never did see them after only talking to them once or twice. I hope this rally is a little closer together so you can enjoy meeting people a little more. Being so spread out is not to fun if you ask me. This will be my first time out to this part of the states. So if anyone has any pointers to help me out on this ride, feel free to send me info. I would greatly appreciate it. :brow ...

Kevin Frantz
Warsaw,Ind.
R100GS

[Bmwgs94]

I guess I should have been more specific.. I have never been out to the Spokane area... duh.. Any help would be greatly appreciated..

[jgr451]

Hey Kevin welcome!!Look forward to seeing you in Tacoma.I am the svelte charming Canadian on the magenta R100RT.

My suggestion is that from Indiana,you give yourself 4 days to tacoma.Get lots of maps and pore over them.Everything else just falls into place.:wow

[Bmwgs94]

Thanks for the welcome jgr 451. I have purchased a few maps to start the studying for the trip out west. I have a few friends that might try and make the trip out there with me and I really do hope they do. Sometimes it is nice to ride by yourself. You can ride as fast or slow , make tourist stops or stop long enough to gas up and go. I have not really rode with a lot of people before. I think they only ones I have rode with is my father and brother and thats as big as it gets. But again thank you for the info.. And hope to see you out there next summer.

Kevin Frantz
Warsaw,In.
R100GS

[Montana]

2004 BMW MOA National Rally – Spokane, WA
Chapter Six – Vicarious Winter Travel: Go Paperback
(see previous posts/pages for Chapters One - Five)

Bored with AAA maps? Can’t stand the Interstate but not sure what routes you can take and still find gas, food and lodging? Can’t tell the “fat red” paved roads from the “skinny red” improved gravel roads on the MapQuestOnUsTravelQuickly.ComNetInfo site? Is that what’s bothering you, Bucky?

Boy, it sure would help if there were a reference guide. One where the author thinks like, well, a motorcyclist. One that describes the routes, and mentions what you will find along the route. It would be great if it mentions all those little-known things, too – the old hotel, the cheap diner, the place to stop for local color.

Wait a minute – there is such a book!

Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures on America's Two-Lane Highways by Jamie Jensen. Paperback, April 2002 (I believe this is the third edition). It’ll set you back $25 or less.

Of course, don’t believe everything you read. I used this book last year to ride Hwy 93 from Wells to Ely, NV. I planned on getting gas in Currie (pronounced as in “Madame Currie”). When we got there, there was no gas for sale. The whole town was for sale, but no gas. Oh well.

That’s part of the fun, right?

[MCMXCIVRS]

Originally posted by Montana

Boy, it sure would help if there were a reference guide. One where the author thinks like, well, a motorcyclist. One that describes the routes, and mentions what you will find along the route. It would be great if it mentions all those little-known things, too – the old hotel, the cheap diner, the place to stop for local color.


Another such book for Washington that may help in planning the trip to Spokane is the Destination Highway (http://washington.destinationhighways.com/) motorcycle guide. I have read through the British Columbia one, and these guys have done a great job. There's lots of detail, and the roads are ranked by how much fun they are on a motorcycle. :clap

I may have to get a copy myself before next year

[CanadaDan]

http://www.mapquest.com/mqproxy/3f78a830-0030a-05a64-400c254d

Start: Winnipeg, MB Canada


End: 404 N Havana St Spokane, WA 99202-4690 US


Distance: 2190.72 km
Total Estimated Time: 32 hours, 50 minutes

Driving Directions Distance

1. Go South on PROVINCIAL HIGHWAY 42 to PROVINCIAL HIGHWAY 75. 12.71 km

2. Go South on PROVINCIAL HIGHWAY 75 to the border of United States. 94.45 km

3. Go South on I-29 S to I-94 W/US-52. 246.07 km

4. Go West on I-94 W/US-52 to US-10. 9.66 km

5. Go West on US-10 to I-90 W. 955.43 km

6. Go West on I-90 W to ARGONNE RD. 865.49 km

7. Go North on ARGONNE RD to WA-290. 1.13 km

8. Go West on WA-290. 5.79 km


:clap

[John Ephlin]

It appears as if some folks would gripe if you hung them with a new rope. After I got my flat fixed I had a wonderful time (between showers)other than geting in and out of town the site was just right. But I am really looking forward to the 2005 raley in Las Vegas, I lived there for 25 years and can tell you it is a wonderful place to hold a raley.

[Montana]

CanadaDan, you can do better than that! I-90 across Montana? Boring until you hit the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River.

[jgr451]

I agree Montana,there is a little used road across southern Canada near the border called the Red Coat Trail.It would be a lot more fun than the slab(Canadadan)- unless your goal is to make time and try to avoid getting crushed by the 18 wheelers!

[widebmw]

Just a reminder that the "Las Vegas 2005" rally was a Joke.
I think? :confused:

[MarkF]

Originally posted by widebmw
Just a reminder that the "Las Vegas 2005" rally was a Joke.


I think it already has a following. It might be hard to kill now.

Maybe I'll start a rumor for 2006, too. How about the Cabot Trail?

MarkF

[jgr451]

No Joke Miserable Mark
I think Nova Scotia would be dandy for 2006.
Now how about Winnipeg for 2007?!!:brow

[MarkF]

If the Canadians had their own MOA or RA national it would grab a huge chunk of the rally attendees from the USA. The roads and people of Canada are very motorcycle friendly. Go once and you'll go back again and again.

MarkF

[widebmw]

Just a guess but I think 2005 will be in the mid-west.
As I remember, Oregon - East Canada - East US - Washington.
That only leaves one place to go, Kansas.

[jgr451]

Originally posted by oilhed
If the Canadians had their own MOA or RA national it would grab a huge chunk of the rally attendees from the USA. The roads and people of Canada are very motorcycle friendly. Go once and you'll go back again and again.

MarkF

:D Now your'e talkin' Mark!!
Winnipeg 2007!!It is as midwestern as it gets,in a Northern sort of way.
Besides it is our turn!!

[kbasa]

Originally posted by widebmw
Just a guess but I think 2005 will be in the mid-west.
As I remember, Oregon - East Canada - East US - Washington.
That only leaves one place to go, Kansas.

No.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/396398-M-1.jpg

Not Kansas.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/456737-M-1.jpg

Sorry, Voni.... :dunno

[jgr451]

...This isn't Kansas!???
Dorothy to Toto.

Why not Kansas K!!Is it the tornadoes?The locust plagues?The heat?The empty flatness?Voni and Paul drive there all the time.Manitoba,there's the place.Grand Beach 60 miles north,the RIDING MOUNTAINS a bit further north than that...I would recommend the U of M as the rally site,right on Pembina Highway,direct shot up from the US border,80 miles or so.:bliss

[kbasa]

From Dictionary.com:

flat:
adj. flat·ter, flat·test
Having a horizontal surface without a slope, tilt, or curvature.
Having a smooth, even, level surface: a skirt sewed with fine flat seams.
Having a relatively broad surface in relation to thickness or depth: a flat board. See Synonyms at level.
Stretched out or lying at full length along the ground; prone.
Free of qualification; absolute: a flat refusal.
Fixed; unvarying: a flat rate.
Lacking interest or excitement; dull: a flat scenario.

It's pretty in a subtle kind of way and the people are amazingly nice, but it's just not motorcycle country to me. When I was there, it was 105F! The Nevada desert on Rt. 50 was cooler!

[Voni]

Yes, Paul and I do ride across Kansas all the time.

To get to somewhere else. Not to get to Kansas.

In fact, we might not go back, but they pay us to live here ; )

Kansas isn't anywhere. But one great thing is that it isn't far from anywhere else.

Voni
sMiling

:wow

[kbasa]

Voni's right. KS is the best place in the country if you want good reach to the rest of the country.

Are you guys about two days from any place in the country?

I'm envious. Really.

:)

[TXFJRider]

I just returned from a weekend in Spokane. I cannot comment on the roads surrounding the city but I do have a suggestion for a 'do not miss' landmark: The Davenport Hotel. Now I doubt if many will spring the $150 or so a night but it is worth a trip down town (near the city's Riverside Park, not to be confused with the State Riverside Park) to see it. It was originally built in 1914 but was recently restored to the tune of $30 million! It is indescribable! Also, there is a fun little road (well no fun in a rental car....) that runs along the river just south of down town. Lots of bicycles though.

Have fun in Spokane!

[JULIE]

Hey Everyone, I'm new to the web site but not to motorcycles. You are all talking about the 2004 rally being in Spokene Wa. but I'm unclear on the dates. Would someone please fill me in? Also, If any one has info on Shawn Baecker with the 1100GS, who recently moved from KC to Detriot please have him contact me. Julie in Washington

[calnalu]

Spokane 2004 will be my first ever MOA Rally and I want to do it right. Is there a FAQ for first-timers that covers things like where to stay (hotels vs. camping); what to do; what to bring; when to arrive; and that sort of thing?

I've been picking up bits and pieces through the different postings here.

Thanks!


Marty
1999 R1100R
El Cerrito, CA

[YB in IN]

For your first national I would suggest that you camp. A good part of the fun is being able to walk around and check out the cool bikes. Also, if you camp it is only a short stumble back to your tent from the beer garden. :beer

[jgr451]

...and therefore you should camp near the beer tent..:drink :D

[JULIE]

About how many people usually attend this rally? Can anyone tell me the dates?

[kbasa]

Hey Julie,

Figure somewhere between 5 and 7 thousand people will attend. I think there were 7100 people in WV, which was one of the largest rallies ever.

If you're looking for information about the date and stuff, click here. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally04/index.htm) It'll take you back out to the MOA web pages and drop you right where you need to be.

:)

dave

[Unregistered]

Thank you, I've been stumbling around these pages for days, always getting side-tracked reading stuff and never seem to find ( or remember) what I was looking for.

[calnalu]

Originally posted by jgr451
...and therefore you should camp near the beer tent..:drink :D

And I guess even more ideal would be to camp halfway between the beer tent and the bathroom!

[jgr451]

Yess!!Now that can be the tricky part.:D

[kbasa]

Originally posted by jgr451
Yess!!Now that can be the tricky part.:D

It gets worse as you get older.

DAMHIK.

[calnalu]

OK, so besides drinking brews and going to the bathroom, what else goes on at a MOA rally? I saw the photos and read some of the articles about the Charleston rally so I know there are demos and vendor exhibits but what else? Are there group rides in the surrounding areas? Poker runs? What does one do at MOA for four whole days?

[kbasa]

Look here (http://kbasa.smugmug.com/gallery/11998/5)

[JULIE]

Originally posted by KBasa
Look here (http://kbasa.smugmug.com/gallery/11998/5) Great pics! That photo of Deals Gap sure brought up some good memories.

[calnalu]

Originally posted by KBasa
Look here (http://kbasa.smugmug.com/gallery/11998/5)

Great pictures indeed! I'm starting to get this MOA thing now. At MOA, one rides around, drinks beer, does BMW stuff, rides around some more, drinks more beer, and extends their middle finger in photographs?? Is that a secret MOA greeting? :D

I can do all that!

[beemerron]

Dig; I used to be a "lone wolf" type. The first National that I attended was DuQuoine (+/-1992). Allthough the roads of southern Illinios were marginally entertaining, the cameradery was infectious. I was hooked.

Since DuQuoine, I've attended all but Redmond. Maybe I lead an uneventfull life, but they have been the best of times (second to my wedding and a very good plate of Pad Thai that I enjoyed in Ferndale a few years ago).

Things you must do at a National:

1. Visit Airhead Cental after midnight. Ask for Brent. Password; necessity sent you. Stay away from anyone from Fla., esspeciallly Lenny and Gator.

2. Clean you credit card and do the vendors. You'll see a lot of things you really don't need, but crave. Tip; Buy it when you see it. Come back later and your size or color may be sold out.

3. Dress scantily

4. Zip your tent tight (just joking).

Tip: If you set up camp within a 1/2 mile of me, wear earplugs when you turn in for the night. I snore like a chainsaw with a fouled spark plug (not joking).

IMOH, you will have the time of your life. These are some of the most decent and fun folk that you will ever meet. Join us.

[jgr451]

...and bring your best smile and handshake,and your natural interest in people and your desire to make new friends and have a lot of fun...I could go on but others have and will.
went to my first rally in montana and I have been to 3 since.Great times all.For resaons that sometimes don't have easy explanation.It is just very cool.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Calnalu
Great pictures indeed! I'm starting to get this MOA thing now. At MOA, one rides around, drinks beer, does BMW stuff, rides around some more, drinks more beer, and extends their middle finger in photographs?? Is that a secret MOA greeting? :D

I can do all that!

Well....

:uhoh

The middle finger is a special salute by some guys I know. It means you're number 1!

[jgr451]

In Canada it is a political statement ,first made famous by former Prime Minister Pierre Trudaeu who was french reallly.Roughly translated,it meant Fuddle Dudle.
Struth.I dont know why.

[JULIE]

I've been to alot of rallies, none of them BMW rallies, thought I'd given up on them, but I'm new to the great NW and I was just starting to think '04 in Spokane was a good one to try, but after all I just read,( beer AND riding , the finger, dress scantily?), I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different!

[lorazepam]

The Beer doesnt come at the same time as the riding. If a few guys take pictures giving the finger, it doesnt mean that everyone does. You will find that the participants are very nice people for the most part. I would bet I could lay my wallet on my gas tank at a BMW rally,and the only reason it would disappear would be because someone too it to the lost and found. You have no worries about attending any BMW function. By the way, if you go to Sturgis now, you will see so many Dentists and Stock brokers posing as bikers you will laugh till you pee your pants. Sturgis is nothing like it used to be.

[jgr451]

My experience of the beer at MOA rallies is that it is not the quantity but the quality:the folks in charge always seem to find a local perhaps exotic but very pleasing microbrewery to provide tasty beer as well as the usual canned stuff.The great Northwest has lots of those (microbreweries) so it is another thing to enjoy.
No I've never been to Sturgis during bike week,but I am certain the MOA rally atmosphere is quite different.
All things in moderation,I always say.Except fun,you can never have too much of that.
Camping near the bathroom just means you can see when there is no line up for the shower;it is not a comment on the food.:)

[YB in IN]

I wouldn't be too worried about an MOA rally turning into Sturgis. I think that I hear and see crazier things happening when I'm walking back to my apartment late at night through campus (Indiana University). Like someone said, beer comes after the days riding is done, the finger is an advrider.com thing, and as for the dress scantily, well, I think that someone was just joking about that. Come and join us in Spokane, it'll be a good time.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by JULIE
I've been to alot of rallies, none of them BMW rallies, thought I'd given up on them, but I'm new to the great NW and I was just starting to think '04 in Spokane was a good one to try, but after all I just read,( beer AND riding , the finger, dress scantily?), I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different!

Scantily? I see most folks wearing shorts, but that's about it.

Everybody knows it ride - then beer. Besides, we want to help you get your bike on the centerstand!

:)

dave

[manicmechanic]

Honestly, there's nothing to fear from the Beemer crowd. A national is just a great big family reunion, with family you didn't know you had. You'll find some of the friendliest folks at a rally. Yes, you will find an occasional exception to that, but very seldom. If you're concerned about not knowing anybody, then wander over to the volunteer tent and sign up for something. In fact, by signing up for a shift or two at the beer tent, you'll meet all sorts of people. We harass each other across the counter, poke fun, have fun, and meet folks.

Try volunteering for security, get to ride around in a golf cart for a while, or be a gofer, or........ If you go to a rally and don't have a pretty good time, then you're not trying hard enough. Handshakes and smiles are easy to come by, hugs and kisses are not that uncommon either. Skimpy dress is a personal choice, not a requisite. Go riding, spend money, meet people, eat drink, and be merry, for that's what it's all about. See ya there!

[Phill]

The ralley for 2004 is going to be in Spokane Washington a beautiful area of Washington State. I know I live in the Seattle area and have been to Spokane several times but never for anything as fun as a ralley. For me it will be a 4-5 hours stint but for some of you a much longer haul, but try to make it as it has some great riding areas and is very rural just a short ways away from the city, which in itself is not a large city but a comfortable friendly city.

See you there I hope

Phill Baber, CPA from Mercer Island, WA

[richc]

Originally posted by JULIE
I've been to alot of rallies, none of them BMW rallies, thought I'd given up on them, but I'm new to the great NW and I was just starting to think '04 in Spokane was a good one to try, but after all I just read,( beer AND riding , the finger, dress scantily?), I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different!

That's easy - most of our women have teeth.:D

[beemerron]

Quote:
[That's easy - most of our women have teeth.]

:bliss

re: Dressing scantily. Only an encouragment.

[GRANT63RT]

Quote from Julie:

I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different!
------------------------------------------------

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned a key element that is found at most motorcycle gatherings but is missing from a BMW rally: NOISE! I can't recall hearing one set of loud pipes at Trenton or Charleston. What a relief! 3 years ago I went to Americade in Lake George, NY. I had a good time but had to wear my earplugs in bed to get any sleep. It's great to be around people who love to ride but don't feel the need to let everyone within half a mile know they're on the road.

Julie, If you go you'll meet some super folks and your ears won't be ringing at the end of the day (unless you're too close to the band in the beer tent)

Hope to see you there!

[tjschaff]

Originally posted by grant
Quote from Julie:

I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different!
------------------------------------------------

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned a key element that is found at most motorcycle gatherings but is missing from a BMW rally: NOISE! I can't recall hearing one set of loud pipes at Trenton or Charleston. What a relief! 3 years ago I went to Americade in Lake George, NY. I had a good time but had to wear my earplugs in bed to get any sleep. It's great to be around people who love to ride but don't feel the need to let everyone within half a mile know they're on the road.

Julie, If you go you'll meet some super folks and your ears won't be ringing at the end of the day (unless you're too close to the band in the beer tent)

Hope to see you there!

Went to the BMW/RA rally in Red River New Mexico. The only real noise was on Saturday AM when the local "V-twin"riders roared through town.

[GRANT63RT]

V Twin riders? Is that the politically correct term? ;)

[k75karol]

Originally posted by JULIE
I've been to alot of rallies, none of them BMW rallies, thought I'd given up on them, but I'm new to the great NW and I was just starting to think '04 in Spokane was a good one to try, but after all I just read,( beer AND riding , the finger, dress scantily?), I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different! :bliss

Juli-

BMW MOA rallies are VERY different than Sturgis. I know everybody mentioned beer and riding, but there's much more.
There are a wide assortment of vendors selling items you may have difficulty passing up. Last year in Charleston we had 116 vendors marketing things like protective clothing, accessories for your bike, items to help pack your bike for your trips, tee shirts and all kinds of cool doodads! We also offer approximately 50-75 seminars (several conducted by some of our women riders with information/suggestions of interest to both new and experienced riders. Some of the women's seminar topics are also of interest to men and are usually well attended by both., ie How to pick up a dropped bike. The seminar topics are as varied as the riders. Keep watching the website for a complete listing as we get closer to the rally.

Where Sturgis is an assault on your senses (sights and sounds!) BMW MOA National Rallies offer beer and bands (if you choose), but more importantly an opportunity to meet riders with a common interest (Beemers, camping and socializing).
Oh, and by the way....scantilly dressed is in someone's dreams ;)

Hope to see you there.

Karol Patzer
Director, BMW MOA

[CABNFVR]

Originally posted by tjschaff
Went to the BMW/RA rally in Red River New Mexico. The only real noise was on Saturday AM when the local "V-twin"riders roared through town.
---
Interesting trivia about Red River (a BMWRA event, BTW) and BMW rallies in general. We heard the loud bikes that morning. That's what the town see every Memorial Weekend during a "Biker" event there. At the BMW rally on Wednesday most shops in town were closed because they knew a "biker" rally was in town. On Thursday over half the shops were open. By Friday word had gotten out among the locals and nearly ever shop in town was open, and doing business. They (the shop owners) said the "other" crowd just made noise and drank beer. They figured "we" would be no different. When not riding most of the BMW crowd was in town looking around and buying things, or eating at a local restaurant. As is usual after a BMW event leaves town, Red River would like to have us back. Trenton was larger than Red River, but small enough to want us. For my 2c, I wish we'd stay out of large towns. (Did you hear the ONE loud jerk riding around Charleston that Saturday? And everybody thinks that's "us".):dunno

[Gizmo]

Originally posted by JULIE
I've been to alot of rallies, none of them BMW rallies, thought I'd given up on them, but I'm new to the great NW and I was just starting to think '04 in Spokane was a good one to try, but after all I just read,( beer AND riding , the finger, dress scantily?), I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different!

Hi Julie,

Don't give up and do give the MOA Rally a try, particularly since it is in your backyard. You will find in general the finest group of people at MOA rallies. Yes beer is available but I have yet to see it become problematic, more the kick back and relax type of atmosphere. I cannot tell you how many times I have been to a BMW rally (national or local) and have heard the locals say how nice BMW folks are. Many had initial fears when hearing of a "Motorcycle Rally" coming to their communities, but were pleasantly surprised to find out how "well behaved" we really are.

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by Gizmo
Hi Julie,

Don't give up and do give the MOA Rally a try, particularly since it is in your backyard.

Hi again Julie,

Let me second what Gizmo says. I wasn't too exited about the idea of a bmw rally but decided to go up to Trenton since it was only a 3 hr. ride from my home. Even then, I only went because I signed up for track day. I ended up having a much better time than I expected and now can't wait to ride all the way across the country...and there's not even a track day scheduled!

But beware, if you go you may get hooked like I did and end up planning your vacation time around the rally.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[OLY]

My good friend and I are planning on riding to the rally from Charleston, SC. We want to take in the festivities in Cody on the way. Any suggestions as to routing?

This is the best forum ever!

[JULIE]

Originally posted by OLY
My good friend and I are planning on riding to the rally from Charleston, SC. We want to take in the festivities in Cody on the way. Any suggestions as to routing?

This is the best forum ever! Wyoming is one of my favorite states even if the distances are extreme. I road west in August................... There are a few places you don't want to miss. The Big Horn Mts is one of them. There is a Medicine Wheel off of Alt 14 outside of Sheridan. It is pre-historic, the Crow were the earliest settlers in the area and even they don't know who built it. The wheel has been adopted by ALL american tribes and is sacred ground for their ceremonies and the 360 view is amazing.............................I don't know how much time you have, but a good route is from Ft Collins Co.. Go NW on 287 into Laramie. Laramie sucks but most of the ride is really good. Continue on 287 to Medicine Bows, I suggest you travel in the day and be aware of gas distances. The gem is 487 N through the Shirley Mts (keep your eyes open, I crested a hill going 85 and almost split an antelope), then go north to Casper ( or if you want to camp go south to Alcove Res.)...............At this point you can either hightail it up highway 25 to Sheridan or take the high plains road 20/26 N to Thermopolis where the dinosaurs are being excavated. The ride down to town is a canyon that follows a stream and there are signs telling you how old the exposed rock is. This is a good lunch stop and there is a dino museum...... ......................continue N to Greybull, go E on 14 into the Big Horn Mts. Also a good place to camp and the well water is SO GOOD it even taste great after a long hot day of being in a saddlebag. ........... Take Alt 14 to the Medicine Wheel. Then on to Cody. They have Rodeos in town every night in the summer.......................NEXT IS THE BEST PART. Go NW on 286 , this road is called Chief Joseph Scenic Hiway and it is Incredible! If I had had more time I would have turned around at Yellowstone and ridden it again! You'll want to go NE on 212 and ride the pass, then turn around, retrace 212 and follow to Cooke City before continuing into Yellowstone. Be on awares, this is where I saw a Grizzly Bear. This will be your best day of riding, the twistys and the views! ( Also if you find yourself in Red Lodge watch for the police, I had one pull me over and try to extort $135 for a 3 day old expired tag while I was in the proccess of moving.)

[kbasa]

She's right. Beartooth Pass is stupendous.

dave

[tjschaff]

Don't mis Thermopolis (free hot springs) and Hwy 20 - the Wind River Canyon road - supper two wheel road.

[Montana]

Flaming Gorge. Chief Joseph Highway is also known as Sunlight Basin, don't been confused. Definitely Beartooth Pass.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by OLY
My good friend and I are planning on riding to the rally from Charleston, SC. We want to take in the festivities in Cody on the way. Any suggestions as to routing?


Hey Oly,

Headed to the UnRally in Cody? Why not go up through Colorado the weekend before and Hit the Top of the Rockies rally by the Colorado Beemers? I'll be there and so will a thousand other folks! ;) http://www.coloradobeemers.com/tor.htm

[YeehaStephen]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Hey Oly,

Headed to the UnRally in Cody? Why not go up through Colorado the weekend before and Hit the Top of the Rockies rally by the Colorado Beemers? I'll be there and so will a thousand other folks! ;) http://www.coloradobeemers.com/tor.htm


Well, I don't know why it showed me as unregistered, but the above message was from Yeeha! Stephen. :)

[RebeccaV]

Originally posted by JULIE
I've been to alot of rallies, none of them BMW rallies, thought I'd given up on them, but I'm new to the great NW and I was just starting to think '04 in Spokane was a good one to try, but after all I just read,( beer AND riding , the finger, dress scantily?), I'm starting to get a Surgis like impression, PEASE somebody explain to me how BMW riders are different!

Julie,

The most scantily clad people I've seen at a BMW rally are the guys who take off their one-piece riding suits and then walk around in bike shorts with their riding boots. :yow It's an interesting look to say the least. I hope that you decide to come to Spokane.

In fact, I'll be disappointed if I don't get to meet lots of you forum folks. It will be fun to attach some faces to avatars and user names.
:beer:beer:beer

[OLY]

Thanks to all who responded ~ Julie you are a veritable font of information! We are limited as to how much we can do and see as we only have 20 days for the round-trip. The Rockies event sounds tempting though ~ I used to live in Silver Plume and Tinytown Colorado so I am familiar with the astounding scenery.

So far the plan is to go up through Chicago and go 'over the top' on the way out and take a southerly route on the return trip

[Voni]

Oly wrote:

> So far the plan is to go up through Chicago and go 'over the top' on the way out and take a southerly route on the return trip

Well, then. You'll have to consider the Lunatic Fringe Rally July 11-13 in High River, Alberta. Those Canadians sure know how to have a good time.
Voni
sMiling :wow

[Visian]

Originally posted by boxergrrlie
Julie,

The most scantily clad people I've seen at a BMW rally are the guys who take off their one-piece riding suits and then walk around in bike shorts with their riding boots. :yow

Indeed. This is a classic rally sight.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally02/thursday/aroundtherally/aroundtherally/medium_greatlegs.jpg

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Visian
Indeed. This is a classic rally sight.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally02/thursday/aroundtherally/aroundtherally/medium_greatlegs.jpg

He looks to have the appropriate sunburn as well.

[Grumpy]

That is a problem when riding with a one piece suit, although several cold beers change it to a fashion statement.

[Scott]

Why is there such a prodigious number of skeptics, worry worts ,complainers and so forth in this thread? As one who has traveled a fair amount of North America including Mexico I really don't see what all the ado is about, Either you want to go or you don't ! It is in Spokane like it or not. If not Stay home or go somewher else. It appears that a lot of folks have put a lot of there time and effort to make this happen. All we have to do is show up or not. If you want guarantees go to DISNEYLAND or take an all inclusive CRUISE. I suggest that some of you read Jupiters Travels by Ted Simon. Actually I think everyone should read it ,its really pretty good. Hey this is just my two cents worth.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by Scott
Why is there such a prodigious number of skeptics, worry worts ,complainers and so forth in this thread?

It's not just this thread, this forum or even motorcyclists in general. It's the beauty of the internet. Everyone has an opinion and everyone who doesn't agree must be wrong!

Glad you took the time to share yours.

MarkF

[Jim Shaw]

I never have figured out why, but motorcyclists in general, and MOA members in particular, have an affinity for the negative. We complain about BMW, MOA, our local club, dealers, the slab, the weather, rallies in particular, and each other.

One of the rare rallies I've been to that was entirely positive was the latest RA rally. In actual fact, it was easy to blame it on the Barber Museum, or so, but lots of circumstances and dodgie planning made it an organizer's bad dream. At the last moment, Barber refused to allow alcohol, or the permits failed, and they had to give away beer (limit 2 per). Only one, over priced food vendor was allowed in, and they kept running out of food. Vendors were good, but scarce. Some of the organizers were vocally at each other's throats - or so they told me. The door prizes were an order of magnitude smaller and fewer than at MOA. Yet the rally goers cheered it all, while almost everything I heard about Charleston was bitching.

I sure have to give a lot of credit to the people in MOA who volunteer to plan, organize, and work their butts off to carry out a big rally. It is a big challenge, but I sure don't find it much fun. Especially when I hear nothing but gripes. I've decided that MOA nationals are misery magnets - the only people who enjoy them are those who come to kick back and have a good time.

This year, why not come to Spokane with the intention of kicking back, and having a good time? Spokane should be a good place to do it. Good roads, friendly locals, and just getting to / being in the the Northwest makes me happy. It's contagious.

Jim Shaw

[manicmechanic]

I've been following, not only this thread, but in previous years before the Forum existed. It does seem as though there are a few malcontents who are only happy when they're unhappy. Or that their only reason for being is to complain. It also seems as if the same complaints are aired following a rally, and the same questions are asked before the rally. Perhaps we could direst some of this to another venue on the forum, FAQ's, having to do with the rally. But then I wonder if it would make a difference. My suggestion - if you have a complaint, offer a solution. Just accept the fact that nothing here is perfect or guaranteed. Live with it.

[Scott]

Hey, I did not mean to hijack this thread. I guess that I'm guilty of complaining about complainers. So what does that make me ? Another complainer. Sorry folks. I will enjoy what life gives me and will be glad to share a story , idea , suggestion , or best of all a beer with all I meet at Spokane or any where else for that matter. Sorry for the earlier rant.
SCOTT

[kbasa]

Beer?

In.

Nice to meet you, Scott. We're starting to get some SF folks here. You, ian408, fish, syeager, lone*star, who else?

[BradfordBenn]

MMMM Beer

So there.

[pwittstruck]

BEER??!! count me in for that!

[riderR1150GSAdv]

So far in spite of some negative things I have been reading about the rally, I plan to ride from the Florida Keys to Spokane and bring along my brother and dad who both just bought new BMW's ,a K1200 GT and K1200 LT respectively.:clap
We will then ride up to Spokane together to enjoy ourselves and meet old friends and make new ones.
From there we plan on seeing Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons and Mount Rushmore. Sturgis is also on the planning board as by then it will be early August.
It will be a lot of riding but we are looking forward to this adventure. :bliss :bliss
The beer part does help too as we will be parched from the ride:eek So there better be some when we get there!!:beer

[kbasa]

Oh boy. I think we've got a couple contenders for the Long Distance awards......

:thumb

[beemerPhil]

IN!!

Sometimes I read these posts and I can't understand them at all...... gotta throw in my 2 cents worth.
MOA Rallies have ALWAYS been all over the country. Much of the fun of going to the rally is getting there(most BMW riders like to RIDE their bikes, more than the average biker) and it's always been exciting to find out at the awards ceremony where we're going next year, and start to think about how to get there from here. If it had always been in the same place, I'm not sure I'd have kept going for so long...over the years, it's given me an excuse to ride through every part of the country.
No place or time is ever perfect for the rally for everyone. It's when & where it is, according to who steps up to the plate to make it happen. Adjust. And if you have somewhere special in mind, make it happen! Lots of folks will help- always have. That's how these things work. There's no silver platter!
Has anyone who was there forgotten how humid it was at Hurricane Mills, or how hot it was in Florida? or how much it rained in Shreve? or how dusty the grounds were in Lake Placid? But all of those were great rallies! I wouldn't have missed 'em for anything. The only rallies that have disappointed me were the ones I didn't get to. It's all part of the adventure!
A rally isn't great because of where it is, it's great because we all show up and make it the best we can. (Whiners can take something away from that, but only if you let 'em.....I often wonder if these same folks whine as much at home....like maybe that's why they were able to get the time to come to the rally in the first place?)

I thought Charleston was a grand (and brave) experiment, and overall, a great success. The site was well situated, scenic, lots of room, great food nearby. Everybody I know who wanted a room got one for reasonable money, and there was plenty of camping space. Given that we'd never had an "in-town" rally before, the whole show came off a lot more smoothly than might have been expected. And the entertainment was really outstanding!

I saw all my rally friends, wherever they were staying, on or off campus(Hint- if you want to see everybody at the rally, volunteer. At the beer tent, or registration, or security....anywhere, it really makes you a lot more visible, and it's more fun than just watching)

If you're thinking about Spokane, do it. The ride getting there is beautiful, wherever you're coming from. I lived in Washington State through all of the '90s, and there are few motorcycling destinations that can compare with the northwest region. And if you have some time, the Top o' the Rockies and the Lunatic Fringe rallies are just a week away, and both are always a certifiable great time!

See you there!

[MarkF]

Originally posted by beemerPhil
...... gotta throw in my 2 cents worth. Much of the fun of going to the rally is getting there.

Gotta agree. My only limitations are vacation time and spousal acceptance. Otherwise every rally I attended would be a weeks ride each way.

MarkF

[basketcase]

Or truthfully -- and on a positive note, I'm very good at complaining.

I spent a lot of years working as an employed exec in a notorious volunteer organization, otherwise known as, "Church." I have seen a lot of unhappy people, and a lot of happy people. From a classical, reformed theological standpoint, I would say those who are unhappy are predestined to be that way, and those who are happy are predestined to be that way.

That said, I hold a personal view that the holy writ does not support a strict predestinarian viewpoint, and that mankind is indeed able to make volitional choices. So, as an exegetical theologian turned customer service specialist in a large retail operation, I would classify most of the public as follows:

1. Chronically discontened with no intent of changing.

2. Somewhat contented but easily offended.

3. Contented but easily pleased.

4. Usually contented but occasionally offended over issues of substance.

5. Always contented and able to cope with all but the most dire of tragedies.

Unfortunately, it seems most of the American public falls somewhere in the un-contented brackets (1 & 2), and a very small minority niches into the other three.

Moving away from a theological view and into a psychological one, it seems there are a lot of ego-centric people in the populace, and not a few of these self-centered individuals ride motorcycles. So the rally organizer or volunteer who takes it all personal is doomed to a frustrated life. Those discontents were unhappy before they got there, may lack the personal desire or ability to change, and are thus self-condemed to terminal cranial rectosis, a.k.a. as head-in-arse disease.

Like a skilled customer service specialist, the smart rally worker will smile, project a positive attitude, listen patiently, nod attentively, do what they can within reason, not take the other person's attitude as a personal affront, and then forget about it.

It is over 2,300 miles to the rally site from my home, and my discontent is over not being able to go. However, as a firmly entrenched category 4, if I could go, I would be a happy camper, unless the beer ran out. :brow

[warbird]

:clap I have been an MOA member for 4 years at this point and have attended Rally;s in Midland, Redmond, Trenton and Charleston. My wife rides with me and I must admit the fun is the ride to the rally( no trailer queen here) meeting the people etc. I am looking forward to the 04 Rally and do agree the all in one venue is consistent with the best experiences we have had to this point. As far as " Sturgis" I have been there too and our Ralleye is much different and I enjoy the people that attend the whole experiece, with riders of many different bikes there as well. The BMWOA Rally is somthing we look forward to and expct to have a great time this year as well. :D

[John Ephlin]

Scott, I could not have said it better. As I said before, some people are looking for an excuse to complain.

[Unregistered]

I'm thinking of going to the Rally with the wife. She isn't into roughing it so are considering staying in a motel. Is there a list of motels that are in the area?

Steve from Sacramento CA

[John Ephlin]

I do not have a list of Hotels/Motels in Spokane, however; I have a reservation at Motel 6, they probably still have a vacancy.:snore

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I'm thinking of going to the Rally with the wife. She isn't into roughing it so are considering staying in a motel. Is there a list of motels that are in the area?

Steve from Sacramento CA

Last year the Visitor's Bureau setup a hotel booking system, like most other conventions. I am presuming that this will happen again. You can check out the links at http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally04/index.htm and those have local info if you want to book your own.

[pmdave]

The only negative feelings I've had following any of the many rallies I've attended come from the Moaners and Groaners who want me to feel as awful as they did even though I had a marvelous time.
Back in 1970 I attended my first ever motorcycle "rally", the Pikes Peak Tour. I recall standing around the parking lot of the motel looking over people's shoulders and wondering where the action was "at". Here were riders who had obviously come from far away, yet many seemed to know each other and were renewing old acquaintances. I felt that old M&G feeling.
It only took me one more day to figure it out. You wanna know were the action is? It's wherever YOU make it happen. Not the other guy. You.
You want better weather? Plan a rally where YOU can be responsible for the weather. You want better camping? YOU offer to arrange the camping. You want better seminars? YOU volunteer to manage the seminars. You want a better sound system at the awards ceremony? YOU make it happen.
Hundreds of your fellow BMW riders are already involved in planning to make another grand rally happen. Get involved, volunteer your talents, and you'll discover the most amazing thing: suddenly the rally begins to look much better--at least your part.
I'm not just blowing up the muffler here, I'll be busy at the rally myself. And all those other rally volunteers have my gratitude and admiration, wherever in the country it happens, and whatever the venue. I only wish we could extend the International rally another couple of days.

pmdave

"He who complains about the stew gets to cook the next meal."

[kbasa]

What Dave said.

My dad taught me that if you don't like the way something is done, get to be in charge and run it differently.

:dunno

[gcsitts]

Good points by pmdave.

It can be tough for me to ride into any group of people who all seem to know each other. I don't feel comfortable "butting in." They don't know me and have their own connections going.

Volunteering solves both sides of the problem. It's an excuse to spend time with others and for them to get to know me.

Especially with an all-volunteer group, I feel I will never be "part of the group" until I am a volunteer. Whether I pay $35 or $3500 to get in, I am an outsider to them. Being there is just being there. Being part of the group requires pitching in.

IMO it's that way in every club, service organization, church and charity.

That said, there can be legitimacy to some gripes. Some people seem only to be able to express dissatisfaction by complaint. Others express dissatisfaction by suggesting cures. Others yet work to cure what the don't like by volunteering to help effect change.

Any organization, if it wants to prosper in the long run, has to be as attuned to the message of all three of the above members.

Sometimes the non-participating griper's point is more valid or more important than the change the participating volunteer is trying to effect. Sometimes the participating volunteer has a private agenda or belief that drives him; that vision may not be in the long-term interest of the club.

Other times that drive by that volunteer, because he is so committed, creates a or strengthens a core value of the club. An example: A club has a moderately sucessful annual outing. A member decides it would be fun to add a clambake on saturday afternoon. He heads it up, gets it running. It becomes an annual signature event that draws higher and higher attendance to what becomes the clubs Annual Clambake.

But the clambake sparkplug might have started thinking about it all by hearing some other guy gripe about how boring the last event seemed.

On the other hand, that volunteer may have had another agenda; to make the outing alcohol-free. By zeel and enthusiasm he could gain position where he controlled that decision and impact the outing in a whole different way, particularly if the board was weak and easily swayed. It's easier to give in to zeel than to listen and fix a gripe.

It's hard to listen to complainers and it's easy to let volunteers plunge in. But the club board has to carefully consider the message of both before moving ahead.

[Ole Yeller]

Those who are belly aching about Spokane are stupid. Spokane is a great town. It's a big town with a small town feel. I will be riding out form Iowa through Yellowstone. The on the way home, I will be taking 150 miles of dirt(a buddy from Spokane who rides a GS knows the way) to Glacier and take Hwy 2 across Montana and ND. What a blast...

If anyone wants to ride along, let me know.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by Ole Yeller
Those who are belly aching about Spokane are stupid. Spokane is a great town. It's a big town with a small town feel.

No gripes about the location from me, except the long, long, LONG ride out. So I will be using this years Vac time for the RA rally in West Virginia. Not a gripe but it meets two desires of mine - 1) In the wilderness and 2) Not between 4th of July and Labor Day. The fact that it's a days ride from New England is also a plus.

MarkF

[Visian]

Originally posted by gsitts

... snip

It's hard to listen to complainers and it's easy to let volunteers plunge in. But the club board has to carefully consider the message of both before moving ahead.

And then there is the classic line about volunteering:

No good deed goes unpunished. :burnout

Ian

[JimKane]

:confused: I hope that my zeal to attend the rally in Spokane is not excessive, but the wife and I are looking forward to the ride out west. We have not been west on a bike for almost thirty years and have never attended a rally. A couple of questions:
1. Are there camping facilities at the rally site or do we need to make reservations elsewhere?
2. When will one be able to sign-up for the festivities?
3. What is the average age of the rally participants?
I as sure I will have more dumb questions as time progresses. That is all for now.
Jim Kane
:dunno

[87066]

I'm staying at the Quality Inn a few miles east of the rally. There are still lots of rooms available in the area but I wouldn't wait too long. The rally site is on the east end of Spokane so I would look for rooms in the "Valley" east of the rally or along the Interstate east of the rally.

[Rob Nye]

Originally posted by jentine
:confused: I hope that my zeal to attend the rally in Spokane is not excessive, but the wife and I are looking forward to the ride out west. We have not been west on a bike for almost thirty years and have never attended a rally. A couple of questions:
1. Are there camping facilities at the rally site or do we need to make reservations elsewhere?
2. When will one be able to sign-up for the festivities?
3. What is the average age of the rally participants?
I as sure I will have more dumb questions as time progresses. That is all for now.
Jim Kane
:dunno

Jim,

There will be camping at the rally. To be honest with 5-6000 campers there are times when the facilites are put to the test. Having said this I must be very lucky (or do stuff at wierd hours) because in all of the Nationals I have attended I have never been inconvenienced by the crowd, in fact I love it.

Secure on-line registration will be available in a few weeks. Watch this forum for an announcement.

The average of our membership is around 47. I would bet the rally reflects this. Best quote ever heard at a Nat'l was in Redmond when a 17 yr stated: "You guys are just like my friends, only a little older." Party on Garth.

:clap

As far as riding out west, it *is* incredible.

See you in Spokane.

Best,

[gcsitts]

It looks like the Spokane Indians will be playing the Eugene Emeralds along side us in the stadium located on the fairgrounds. A four night homestand.

[Montana]

I think I have a few answers:
That's not an old quarry (like you find in the East) it's as active gravel operation. The river is very close so the ground water is "right there" when you dig a shallow hole.

The view you show is looking to the South, likely from a plane that is just above the little airport North of the fairgounds (starts with an F but the name escapes me at the moment).

The rail yard is BNSF, the Empire Builder Amtrak runs through it. It is very active.

[Rob Nye]

Greetings,

I do not have all the answers (only the Rally Chair does) however here is what I do know.

Originally posted by SlashFiveTourer

I can see where the ballpark is located - upper right corner in the aerial view below. Looks like that stadium holds a couple of thousand fans and that parking lot will be packed with vehicles during the Spokane Indians (http://www.spokaneindians.com) homestand 13-17 July against the Eugene Emeralds.

a) Will Spokane BMW rallygoers get reduced admission rates to the games if we show the wristband? Discounts on stuff like team jerseys and caps?

Excellent question on the team gear. I believe there will be discount on tickets for Thursday's game. There are a few places where you can take in the game with tables and service. We may be offering advance sales through the website after we have rally registration on-line April 1.

b) Are all of the games being played at night?

Not sure, I know Thursday is an evening / night game.

c) Can rally organizers tell us where the "quiet camping area" will be in relation to the ballpark - is it in the area above the centre and right fields of the ballpark?

I am not aware of the exact layout of the grounds. Jackie Hughes, Rally Chair will be posting this information in the near future.

d) What "class" of camping will be allowed in that large football-sized field to the left of the huge parking lot in the photograph..."quiet", "normal", "the LOUD crowd???"

See above.

e) I'm not sure just how old this aerial photo of the Spokane Fairgrounds is (it's taken from their own website and I saw it first posted here on the MOA Forum on the 16th of August 2003 by "Unregistered") so perhaps someone familiar with this rally site can let us know what the present status is of the trainyard at the top of the photograph: What railroad operates through there (I'm a train buff!) and does the shunting yard operate 24 hours a day?

That photo is four years old. I do not know if the trains operate 24hrs.

e) What's the story with those old quarries filled with standing water - are they still there?

The Fairground website has a map graphic (http://www.spokanecounty.org/fair/SIF/SIFFairandMaps.htm) but it's kind of hard to read for an oldtimer. This is where the original aerial photograph of the Spokane Fairgrounds can be found. :wave

The photos I have seen (from ground level) show a more developed site including more grass.

Here is a better overhead photo.

Best,

[Jackie Hughes]

I haven't been to an organized professional ballgame in a couple of years so I'm kind of looking forward to taking in one of the night games between the Indians and the Emeralds. Nice-looking stadium!

It is a nice stadium. Avista Stadium, home to the 2003 Northwest League Champions, the Spokane Indians has been selected as field of the year six times in the past seven years.

We will be offering a BMW night at the ballpark on Thursday night with reserved upper box seats for $7 and reserved bench seats for $4. More will follow in the ON and on the web on how to order your tickets.

[Rob Nye]

Slash Five,

You asked, I try to deliver. That is what I try to do as your Secretary. :D

After reading the post yesterday I did a little digging and made a few phone calls.

I now have a batch of photos one of which is posted. They were graciously provided by the local EDC (econ dev chamber) the local chamber of commerce as well as the local utility company. Most utilities have hi resolution images.

I also happed to speak with the person from the fairground first and she mentioned that they are in the process of a website redesign and are planning on updating the photos. I have some photos provided by the facility, I should be able to provide enough for you to get a good feel for the site and surrounding area.

The pictures I have will be posted on a seperate thread and will be on the rally web pages in the near future.

Best,

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Originally posted by Rob Nye
Slash Five,

You asked, I try to deliver. That is what I try to do as your Secretary. :D....

I now have a batch of photos one of which is posted....I have some photos provided by the facility, I should be able to provide enough for you to get a good feel for the site and surrounding area.

The pictures I have will be posted on a seperate thread and will be on the rally web pages in the near future.

Best,

Excellent stuff there, Rob! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the photos when you start the new thread. Is this technology stuff great or what? When I was a kid....RADIO was the big thing!!

Thanks again - Onward and upward to Spokane.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Originally posted by Jackie Hughes
It is a nice stadium. Safeco Field, home to the 2003 Northwest League Champions, the Spokane Indians has been selected as field of the year six times in the past seven years.

We will be offering a BMW night at the ballpark on Thursday night with reserved upper box seats for $7 and reserved bench seats for $4.

Hello, Rally Chair Person! Living right there in Spokane as you are, can you give us an idea of what a regular mid-July temperature might be on a clear, sunny day in eastern Washington state, please? Thanks

[eljeffe]

Originally posted by SlashFiveTourer
Hello, Rally Chair Person! Living right there in Spokane as you are, can you give us an idea of what a regular mid-July temperature might be on a clear, sunny day in eastern Washington state, please? Thanks

http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/monthly/USWA0422

[Jackie Hughes]

Hello, Rally Chair Person! Living right there in Spokane as you are, can you give us an idea of what a regular mid-July temperature might be on a clear, sunny day in eastern Washington state, please? Thanks

I certainly can. The average temperature in July is a moderate 82 degrees with overnight temps usually in the 60's. Average rainfall for the month of July is about 2/10's of an inch. These figures come directly from the CVB and the Chamber of Commerce.

My personal experience is that our "hot" weather comes in August and our rain usually in June. With any luck at all rally week should be mild and dry.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Originally posted by Jackie Hughes
I certainly can. The average temperature in July is a moderate 82 degrees with overnight temps usually in the 60's. Average rainfall for the month of July is about 2/10's of an inch.

My personal experience is that our "hot" weather comes in August and our rain usually in June. With any luck at all rally week should be mild and dry.

eljeffe and Rally Chair Person........THANKS for the information!

[RevWillie]

Originally posted by SlashFiveTourer


'Montana' replied earlier that Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freights and AmTrak passenger trains operate through that train yard. I know where I'll be spending a portion of my 2004 National rally time...right there at trackside - cameras in hand - watching the trains go by.

{REV. WILLIE - please note...another "crack" AmTrak passenger train - 'The Empire Builder'! Couldn't these guys have stopped right there at the Rally site and unloaded a couple of tons of BMW motorcycles from a Rally Train? We're never goin' to be this close to a major rail line again!...aaagghhhhhhh! }
?

Yes SlashFiveTourer, I know the Empire Builder goes right through the yards in Spokane-that was the train that we used in the original Rally Train back in '01. I remember the Spokane Yards very well--waiting out on the platform before dawn,making sure that all the freight cars with our bikes were getting connected to the train going to Portland (the Empire Builder splits into 2 trains in Spokane: one to Portland and one to Seattle). That is why this impass with Amtrak is so frustrating-we could unload and reload at the Rally site if only Amtrak would give us a chance to give them some business!

I wonder if the Empire Builder will still be running in July? :confused:

[Montana]

/5: As Rev Willie points out, Spokane is a major rail distribution point. I don’t know the shift schedule of the rail yard, but I’m pretty sure it runs all the time. After all, the Empire Builder goes through at something like 1:30 am, so that should tell you something about the operations.

The statistics may give an average July temp of 82F but I’ve been there on plenty of mid-July days when it was more like 95-103F in the Spokane Valley. Wear your perforated riding gear, pack lots of water.

I wouldn’t try swimming at an active gravel operation, but there are water parks nearby – one right near the rally site (Splash-Down exit 289, I think) and one near Coeur d’Alene (Silver Mountain’s Boulder Beach), plus CdA Lake and Lake Pend Oreille have public swimming beaches.

[Jackie Hughes]

Okay all, here is the difinitive answer to all those questions regarding the rail lines that are seen in the ariel view of the fairgrounds.

The yard is operated by Union Pacific, not BNSF as previously reported in other posts. I spoke with a director at UP this morning, so this is direct from the horse's mouth as they say.

While UP does have 24 hour operations, they only have two trains that utilize those tracks on a daily basis. Both trains are morning trains, 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and operate Monday-Friday. IF (and according to UP that is a big IF) there is any other activity that occurs, everything is shut down by 7:00 PM. No trains run on Sundays at all.

All their other rail activity takes place through another switching yard, as does the Amtrak train, which BTW does come through Spokane at 1:30 AM. The station for Amtrak is located in downtown Spokane (the platform Rev. Willie is refering to) and the train comes into Spokane via another yard before hitting the station and then departing for parts west.

For those of you who like trains, you will have to be satisfied with the visiting the train museum on the rally grounds. Hopefully this answers all questions.

[RevWillie]

:D
Thank you Jackie for the definitive information about the trains. I didn't remember the fairgrounds near the platform, but then again,it was dark and late at night. I think the train was running late when we were on it, so that is why I remembered it as a pre-dawn experience. Actually,I think that the westbound trip was pretty much on schedule but the return trip was the p-d experience. Both ways we were worried if our bikes were going to be travelling with us or not!

I am sorry that we couldn't get the Rally Train organized for your Rally. I know that Gray Buckley and Charlie St.Clair really tried to get Amtrak to give us another train, but things seem to be going down the drain with them. I will still be at Spokane, but I wish that I could have gotten there on a train again.:rolleyes

[Unregistered]

Hey Everyone, I'm new to the web site but not to motorcycles. You are all talking about the 2004 rally being in Spokene Wa. but I'm unclear on the dates. Would someone please fill me in? Also, If any one has info on Shawn Baecker with the 1100GS, who recently moved from KC to Detriot please have him contact me. Julie in Washington

Well, finally...... (and to think, all you had to do was go to shawnspage.net to find me...lol)

I have been trying to figure out where you've been hiding, but not much luck. I can't belive I found this post. (Actually, I googled my name to see what came up, and "poof", there you were looking for me.

I'm in MI now, and the only riding I've been able to really find was through a Ducati group out here. They were reluctant at first when they saw the ol' girl (the GS), but after spanking the guy on the SV, passing the guy on the ninja, and sticking my front wheel up the ass of the guy on the Honda (I was working my way up to the 916) on every corner, they said they GUESS I'm ok to ride with them in the future...lol. Oh man, I can't wait to hear back from you. I hope you are still on here.
email: shawn@shawnspage.net
phone: 810-824-8440