Change Rally to September timeframe

[GSCookeMnster]

Well, I just looked at the weather forecast for the coming week in Lima and points I'd me riding thru, and its just too damn hot and humid for me. I'm thinking of bagging the rally and heading north to cooler rides.

I do have to ask, why the hay we have the rally in July? I think July/August are the worst months for riding a bike, the heat & humidity are just too much. Now September is about the perfect month. I see the RA has their's in early Oct. Why don't we change the time of the rally to a cooler time of the year?

[Ksrob]

I agree. It would also open up more rally sites in the southern states.

Rob Lessen
Arma, KS

[Ol'Salt]

Cold front moving thru tonite will drop temp to 80's and humidity to 60's.

[BubbaZanetti]

I do have to ask, why the hay we have the rally in July? I think July/August are the worst months for riding a bike, the heat & humidity are just too much. Now September is about the perfect month. I see the RA has their's in early Oct. Why don't we change the time of the rally to a cooler time of the year?


i agree, i'd honestly rather ride in 40 degree weather in late march or november, i don't do well in heat and humidity

[Mike_In_Lima]

I was outside all day Saturday at the Rib Cook Off, pretty wilting humidity levels, same on Sunday, but when riding, that weather never bothers me. I do like September, but I wonder how a fall date would affect attendance?

[Unregistered]

Too hot in July. Was all packed last night but after seeing the weather forcast I went ahead and made hotel reservations so I'd at least have a cool room to retreat to... I hate tent camping when the dewpoint is 75F. If the rally needs to be in the summer, it needs to be north, perhaps north of the border.

Tomorrow I leave Virginia for the rally and the forcast is for 96F. Ouch.

[GSCookeMnster]

I think September (after Labor Day) has many benefits that would increase attendance

1) cooler riding and camping
2) less road construction
3) cheaper lodging
4) more lodging availably (summer crowds are gone)
5) less stormy weather
6) easier to schedule time off (everyone w/kids is fighting for summer time off at work)

I'm sure there's more.

[Garth]

I see the RA has their's in early Oct. Why don't we change the time of the rally to a cooler time of the year?
Hurricanes? Last years RA rally in WV was a good excuse to test your raingear. Nice time though :thumb Mid September might be nice.

[Belquar]

We are hotelling it due to the heat as well. Concealed behind tall windscreens makes for some toasty riding. God Bless MESHTEX. But hot/cold, humid or dry,no matter when it is all about the ride, plus...that is what the beer tent is for. It is a plot to get you to drink more.... :drink

[BiffsR]

Late May.

No hurricanes, and no conflicts with college football.

September would have more conflicts with people who have school age kids.

It is gonna be hot this week.

[Callmethebreeze]

Late May.

No hurricanes, and no conflicts with college football.

September would have more conflicts with people who have school age kids.

It is gonna be hot this week.

:dunno
When does the RA have their Rally? October? This year in TN? Hmmmm......are we on to something?
Adios

[SheRidesABeemer]

I think September (after Labor Day) has many benefits that would increase attendance

1) cooler riding and camping
2) less road construction
3) cheaper lodging
4) more lodging availably (summer crowds are gone)
5) less stormy weather
6) easier to schedule time off (everyone w/kids is fighting for summer time off at work)

I'm sure there's more.

We're not all retired, many of us need to put the kid in summer camp to even consider a rally. Something during the school year would not be good.

[Ksrob]

I thought someone would bring up kids and summer! While I'm a LONG way from retirement, worrying about children is not a concern for me. :D How about every couple of years having an Internat'l during good riding weather? :D

Ozarks in the fall, Smokies in the spring, Rockies in July, Florida in January! Every decade or so we could go west into Northern Cali. (Hummmm, Napa!)

Something to think about.....

Rob Lessen
Arma, packing the bikes, KS

'73 Honda XL250 (not going)
'91 R100GSPD (not going)
'96 R11RS (Going!)
'05 R12RT (Going!)

[Yockyrides]

We're not all retired, many of us need to put the kid in summer camp to even consider a rally. Something during the school year would not be good.

Have to agree with Gail. May and September are great months to vacation but they don't work with the school schedules...and some of us have very limited vacations days.

[n1hnr941]

If you are concerned about September and kids...they are called baby sitters. It is only a weekend for God sakes.

[Kneedragon]

...... but I wonder how a fall date would affect attendance?

I know that it would increase it by at least 2....... :brow

[GSCookeMnster]

We're not all retired, many of us need to put the kid in summer camp to even consider a rally. Something during the school year would not be good.

That's right we aren't all retired and I'm far from it! I also have two kids, one in high school and one in elementary school, and during the school year is far easier to schedule coming to the rally. I'm not bringing them anyway.

[MarkF]

:dunno
When does the RA have their Rally? October? This year in TN? Hmmmm......are we on to something?
Adios

The RA Rally is usually from late Aug to Early Oct. That is why it's first on my list. But that can be a problem in the Hurricane area. The July time frame the MOA uses is bad for me and I only go when it's a MUST SEE location. It's not possible for me to do both.

[username]

i'll bet $100 that no matter when the rally is held, 10% of the membership will complain about it and want a change.

same goes for where.

personally i dont have a preference. but i can see that one of the benefits of having it in july is that the days are long. people get more time on the roads in daylight. local rides around the rally can start earlier and end later for people that like riding in full light.

too hot behind your giant fairing and windscreen? errrr, so we should move the rally time, or should you get a smaller windscreen, pour some water down your shirt, or consider a nekkid bike?

is this a question that could be included in the ON member surveys and be used to take the pulse of the club, or at least the 7% of members who bother to send the survey back? :D

[GSCookeMnster]

too hot behind your giant fairing and windscreen? errrr, so we should move the rally time, or should you get a smaller windscreen, pour some water down your shirt, or consider a nekkid bike?


Geez "username", I didn't know that the small windscreen on my GS was considered a "giant fairing and windscreen"! God, get a life.

[rlitavecz]

I like it hot! The days are longer and you can ride early in the morning or later in the evening. Save the midday hours for a pool or napping. OK , so I'm lazy, I still get my share of miles in and I lOVE the summer weather.

[kbasa]

If you are concerned about September and kids...they are called baby sitters. It is only a weekend for God sakes.

But not necessarily a weekend ride...

[username]

Geez "username", I didn't know that the small windscreen on my GS was considered a "giant fairing and windscreen"! God, get a life.

i suggest you read post 9 to better understand the seed that was planted and bloomed as my comments. i was not referring to you.

copernicus died for the heliocentric model - that means the world does not revolve around you. ;)

apology accepted. :D

[GSCookeMnster]

apology accepted.

None was offered, nor will any be forthcoming, since there is no reason for one

[Rich]

i'll bet $100 that no matter when the rally is held, 10% of the membership will complain about it and want a change.


I can live with 10%.

And I would love to see a May, June or Sept rally. I don't have one of those "nekkid" bikes, nor will I.

In either event, if I can get the time off, I will go, heat or no heat. Unfortunately it won't work out for me this year.

[gadgetboy]

Keep it in the summer.. there's the RA rally in sept or oct.. vote with your feet, and go to the RA rally. But please MOA execs, don't change it from July!

[username]

None was offered, nor will any be forthcoming, since there is no reason for one

too late, i accepted one from you. youre hosed. you cant take it back. :stick

and the only reason i could think of that you might consider one was snapping at me and acting as if i were discussing your bike, which even someone like you, the kind of guy who tries to retract a well-deserved and graciously accepted apology, can understand.

ride well, ride safe.

[rbertalotto]

any time other than end of June, July and begining of August risks wet weather. i would suggest that a rainy forecast would keep more folks away than heat. Ican't tell you how many trips i've taken in April/May or Sept/Oct that involved rain.............keep it a summer event, there are plenty of other rallies the rest of the year.....

[cbmwgs]

July is just too hot for Texas riding. Regardless of where the rally is, I still have to get out of Texas to attend.
I would vote to move the rally Date to Sept or May. Or maybe a floating date announced a year or two in advance so people can schedule their time off.
If Sept or May, we could have another MOA rally in Texas, and this time some one would come.

It will be the RA for me, even in the wet.

[Braddog]

...are not going to be happy. But since many others are weighing in, I will as well.

I have kids, 4 of them. 2 older, now adults, and 2 younger, 1 in high school, 1 still in middle school. My choice is to be very involved with my kids by coaching their summer sports, supporting them in summer activities by hauling them to camps, and being there in the off hours. That said, the July date for the rally couldn't be a worse week/weekend for me. That's when we have ball tournaments, that's when we're in the middle of summer camps, etc. The weather, yeah, I'd rather NOT ride in high temps, but could do it, if not for my other commitments.

That said, a September date would be wonderful for me personally. My oldest daughter could run the house in my absence, but chances are my wife wouldn't accompany me anyway, so "kid care" is a moot point for me. Days would be shorter, but temps would be cooler, riding more pleasurable.

Lima, Ohio, is a fairly long, 1 day ride for me, or 2 very doable short days. This, right in the middle of one of my busiest weeks/weekends of the summer. It's my personal choice to do what I do, so I'm definitely not whining about the date. I've made my choices, and a September date would suit me personally much better.

[MarkF]

It will be the RA for me, even in the wet.

See ya in TN?

[Pwfyrcat1]

What is this RA Event that you speak of?
thx

[DarrylRi]

What is this RA Event that you speak of?
thx
http://www.bmwra.org/rally/

[Pwfyrcat1]

thx guy :wave

[IndyGT]

It's pretty obvious that no month is just right for everyone, so it seems logical that the choice of rally dates should be based on what works for the largest percentage members.
Parents with childcare issues notwithstanding, moving the rally to a more temperate month - like May or September - opens up a much wider selection of venues across the country at a time when the summer tourists are off the roads and not clogging up the lodging.
Even though my July 14 birthday is alway close enough to the rally date to get me a free beer or two from friends, I favor ending this unfortunate attachment to mid-July for the 'MOA rally.
:drink :drink :drink :drink :drink

[gambrinus]

I'd be in favor of just putting it to a vote...

I agree that going with a more Fall / Spring date would open things up to the possiblilty of visiting places that are just too hot in July.

RW

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

. . .it seems logical that the choice of rally dates should be based on what works for the largest percentage members.
. . .moving the rally to a more temperate month - like May or September - opens up a much wider selection of venues across the country at a time when the summer tourists are off the roads and not clogging up the lodging. . . .I favor ending this unfortunate attachment to mid-July for the 'MOA rally.


WHAT HE SAID!!!

I'm an elderly teenager too and riding in July in 90+ temps with ATGATT, lumbago, arthritis, sciatica, nasal drip, hammer toe, double vision, furry tongue, gimpy knees and 4-speed shiftitis (the increasing inability to shift through the gears properly in rush-hour traffic) is all getting to be too much for my old frame. :D

Somebody. . . TAKE A POLL!

[MarkF]

I'd be in favor of just putting it to a vote...


I believe it's been tried before. With surveys and such. But the return is quite low. Hard to tell if those that don't respond don't care about rallies at all or just want things to stay the same.

[Unregistered]

RA in TN sounds like a winner. With my luck it will snow.
Jim

[R90S]

How about if we had the rally at a place that was at a higher elevation? Such places are cooler no matter the season. They also tend to have interesting approach roads and scenery. Add in the mix a resort location and you'd have a real winner.

Jon-Lars
Beverly, WA

[chrishea]

Any MOA member is welcome to find a rally site, propose the rally date and present it to the MOA Rally Committee. Please do that rather than complain about the rally, the location of the rally or the dates of the rally. Many people work hard on these rallies and just another complaint is unfair to them. Be thankful there's a rally at all.

[BradfordBenn]

Don't forget there are other rallies to attend as well, not just the National for the RA and MOA, but there are also lots of others listed in ON and ONline...

http://www.bmwmoa.org/happenings/whereandwhen.htm

[MarkF]

Any MOA member is welcome to find a rally site, propose the rally date and present it to the MOA Rally Committee. Please do that rather than complain about the rally, the location of the rally or the dates of the rally. Many people work hard on these rallies and just another complaint is unfair to them. Be thankful there's a rally at all.

Stepping up onto my soapbox - I dislike when folks take this attitude. I look at rallies as a vacation. I choose the vacation (rally) I desire more and go. When I am asked why I didn't choose or don't return to a particular rally I give an honest response. It's not criticism, it's feedback.

[manicmechanic]

Do I hear somebody, anybody, volunteering to assist in this endeavor?

[Jeff]

GREAT JOB SUE, and ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS :drink :clap



I agree with the Manic Mechanic, it is hard enough to get people to volunteer for rally duty, with the rally attendance of over 8000 something really did work at this one even with the weather. Myself, wife and daughter had a great time. :thumb

[Fritzc]

Well, I just looked at the weather forecast for the coming week in Lima and points I'd me riding thru, and its just too damn hot and humid for me. I'm thinking of bagging the rally and heading north to cooler rides.

I do have to ask, why the hay we have the rally in July? I think July/August are the worst months for riding a bike, the heat & humidity are just too much. Now September is about the perfect month. I see the RA has their's in early Oct. Why don't we change the time of the rally to a cooler time of the year?

Cooking in July, Ice storm in September!! Canaan Valley, remember?
One factor that really amazes me about Lima is the number of father/son, father/daughter, families, divorced father/son, divorced father/daughter and maybe even mother/daughter, grandpa/grandson or grandpa/granddaughter combos that came to the rally. I talked to a wonderful young man of age 15 that had his /5 he restored at the rally. What a treat to listen to Ben tell of his plans of going to college to become a dentist and what he was going to do to his bike and how he was petitioning his community to build an ice rink and how he helped his dad farm. I would have not met Ben at a fall rally becaue he would be busy with school and football practice. A motorcycle rally is often stereotyped as some drunken brawl but this is truly a family affair and the togetherness is quite heartening to me. My family has some problems with it and it won't happen with me but I would love to take one of my grandsons (don't have any grandaughters) to a rally, camp, and "hangout". I even know a brother sister that rode to the rally together on their own bikes. I've raised five kids and I can't see them ever doing that. A rally after school starts in the fall? NO! NO! There are plenty of rallies to go to for all the old geezers and "dinks" (D-ual I-ncome N-o K-ids) after school starts. Besides, any date and any location has its pitfalls and abnormal weather conditions. Tornadoes in the spring, Heat in the summer, hurricanes on the east coast, earthquakes on the west coast, floods in the mountains, snow in the fall? Doesn't matter any of these things can happen. Lima, Ohio and Midland, Michigan were criticized as not having great roads to ride on but at same time were lauded as great rallies. Lima and Charleston were the most complained about and most attended rallies. How do you account for that? Build it and they will come. Hindsight is always 20/20.
If they can stand for one more accolade, I would like to say that Brian and Sue Rihn-Manke are one of the most incredible young couples I have ever met. How they can work together so well and do so much that must be infuriating at times and walk around with big smiles on their faces and be willing to visit with everyone is beyond me. If you want to see more of the Mankes then go to the Wisconsin Dells Rally. After all the work at National Rallies this couple does, you will see them up to their eyeballs doing much of the same with the wonderful Wisconsin Club. Maybe some people are just born to it.
Well, that's the way I see it from here in Owosso, Michigan, boyhood home of Thomas E. Dewey, Frederick Frieseke, James Oliver Curwood and Alvin Bentley.

Fritz

[bmwgreenrt]

Late May.

No hurricanes, and no conflicts with college football.

September would have more conflicts with people who have school age kids.

It is gonna be hot this week.


I don't think using school age kids is a valid argument given the average age of our club.
As for Hurricanes...how many rallies are held on the coast, PLUS you can't tell me some of those storms we've had at rallies are any better, case in point "Charleston" and also This one....remember Thursday night?

I definitely would vote for a Fall rally.
Maybe we should have a full membership vote for this subject and let the majority rule. JMHO

[lorazepam]

I don't think using school age kids is a valid argument given the average age of our club.
As for Hurricanes...how many rallies are held on the coast, PLUS you can't tell me some of those storms we've had at rallies are any better, case in point "Charleston" and also This one....remember Thursday night?

I definitely would vote for a Fall rally.
Maybe we should have a full membership vote for this subject and let the majority rule. JMHO

what happened at Charleston and Lima were midwest pop up thunderstorms. They can be nasty but never last for very long. Didnt see an eye, in either one of those. Hurricanes on the other hand could ruin a whole rally.

I always stake down my tent, and zip up anything exposed to the elements. I didnt have a problem either place. If I see a tent imitating a kite, or one filled with water, seems to me the owner didnt do the right things with it.

Asking the club as a whole will get you maybe a two percent response if you are lucky. It would be a miracle to get 20 percent to vote for the BoD and officers.

[n1hnr941]

to everyone squawking about hurricanes in Sept. or Oct, ya make it sound like one is going to hit the same place every year. Move the rally around. Have it on the east coast one year then back to Lima or where ever. I heard the national was going to be in vermont next year. Am I wrong or is it in Lima every year? I ride a k1100RS and is sitting in the garage until cooler weather. It is like sitting on an oven during hot weather.

[bmwgreenrt]

to everyone squawking about hurricanes in Sept. or Oct, ya make it sound like one is going to hit the same place every year. Move the rally around. Have it on the east coast one year then back to Lima or where ever. I heard the national was going to be in vermont next year. Am I wrong or is it in Lima every year? I ride a k1100RS and is sitting in the garage until cooler weather. It is like sitting on an oven during hot weather.

The National Rally is held in a different part of the country each year, but always in July.
Although I personally would much rather attend a Fall Rally,
I think it would be nice to alternate years for summer and fall.

My better half has already informed me that after next year in Vermont, our National Rally attendance will be determined by location and predicted weather. She will not do the hot stuff anymore.
This seemed to be the consensus of many we spoke with.
I think the MOA should seriously look in to what the membership wants.


Anyway, at the least, an alternating basis would be welcomed.

[YB in IN]

I don't think using school age kids is a valid argument given the average age of our club.
As for Hurricanes...how many rallies are held on the coast, PLUS you can't tell me some of those storms we've had at rallies are any better, case in point "Charleston" and also This one....remember Thursday night?

I definitely would vote for a Fall rally.
Maybe we should have a full membership vote for this subject and let the majority rule. JMHO

I can see your point about the average age of the club not lending itself to school aged kids. However, I would counter that some of those school-aged kids are eventualy going to be the riders who come to these rallies. The format of the National Rally lends itself more to having a larger group of young people attend than a small local rally. Someone who isn't able to ride would probably get bored at some of the really small rally sites just because there aren't a whole lot of things to do. At National volunteers are able to do a "teen lounge" sort of thing, and to put on a program to get them interested in riding for themselves (Beemerville University, Camp Charleston, Camp Trenton). My first rally that I went to was Midland, and I was happy to be able to go. If it had been in September or whatever I wouldn't have been able to go because of school conflicts. There really are quite a few younger people at National and it would be a shame to have to turn them away.
I don't think that it's been mentioned, but in a way the Georgia Mountain Rally, and the Trail of tears Rally are really sort of like the unofficial start and end of rally season. If someone is really concerned about not wanting to ride in the heat, they can always decide to go to one of those. I've been to both and the roads are great, there are a few vendors, and there is always a fairly large crowd. If those are two that you haven't been to, maybe you should think about making them your "big trip" rally for the year, and just go to National when it's convenient.

[kbasa]

The fall is when I'm busy at work. If I don't take advantage of the busy season, it has a pretty significant impact on my income.

Summer works out fine. When I'm retired, fall would be nice, but since I'm still at work, summer is when I actually can take a couple weeks off and not starve.

[bmwgreenrt]

The fall is when I'm busy at work. If I don't take advantage of the busy season, it has a pretty significant impact on my income.

Summer works out fine. When I'm retired, fall would be nice, but since I'm still at work, summer is when I actually can take a couple weeks off and not starve.

C'mon Dave...Just do it :) RETIRE !!! :clap

[kbasa]

C'mon Dave...Just do it :) RETIRE !!! :clap

If the place I'm working IPO's, that's entirely possible.

Until then, eating regular meals and sleeping indoors keeps me pretty motivated to keep working. I blame it all on my parents. :evil

[DarrylRi]

If the place I'm working IPO's, that's entirely possible.

Until then, eating regular meals and sleeping indoors keeps me pretty motivated to keep working. I blame it all on my parents. :evil
Not on Tina?

[Dave92029]

The weather during July is the reason I own and drive a car with air conditioning.

It really is difficult to get motivated to cross the desert with day time temps of 115 and night time temps in the 90's to ride to a location with temps and humidity in the 90's.

I agree that the MOA should take a fresh look at when we schedule the National Rally. A mid- week rally in late August/ September seems to make more sense to me.

If there were a mid week rally at a different time of the year organized by the Manke's in Ohio there would still be 8,000+ in attendance. :clap

The National Rally is fun but it could be even more fun with milder weather. :brow

[DrRaoulDuke]

Agree that July is possibly the worst possible month (next to perhaps January) to schedule this event. Another bad storm on Thursday night, not as bad BUT reminiscent of Charleston coupled with unbearable heat makes me a solid fall rally goer. BMW RA seems to have that already figured out.

My 2 Cents,
Dr. Raoul Duke

[MarkF]

I agree that the MOA should take a fresh look at when we schedule the National Rally. A mid- week rally in late August/ September seems to make more sense to me.

If there were a mid week rally at a different time of the year organized by the Manke's in Ohio there would still be 8,000+ in attendance. :clap

The National Rally is fun but it could be even more fun with milder weather. :brow

Except for those a days ride away the mid-week format seems best. Take a week off from work. Ride a weekend to get there and another weekend to get home. Spend a week in an area during the week when most folks are working and enjoy the roads.

July seems to be set in stone but if Fall/Spring allows other venues to be considered (such as the south) it could only be a good thing. Heck, it's July now and it's 94 deg in New England! I'm still waiting for that Alaska MOA Rally.

[HAPPY]

The people in charge of the MOA event did an absolute wonderful job. Their efforts were greatly appreciated. The locals were accommodating, friendly, and very greatful we were there. A very pleasant experience.
I am sure if the MOA committees could have changed the weather, they would have. But since they can't I agree with moving it to Sept/Oct.
Riding back to NC on Sunday we got stuck in a 54 mile traffic jam and never got out of first gear. Good thing is, I lost 6 pounds.

Hap

[merrittgene]

If you are concerned about September and kids...they are called baby sitters. It is only a weekend for God sakes.

Spoken like a non-parent.

The rally is more than a weekend, and with travel time, ends up being more like six days, unless it's in my own backyard.

[andy45320]

Excuse my ignorance since I am a new member, but I had no idea that the voting return rate was so low.....just a thought, make the vote part of the renewal process if it is not already.

Unless you can provide hard numbers I don't think our "random" samples here are going to speak with much confidence for everyone. I my area (and no I don't have kids), schools go year round (eck poor kids). I don't think a single month/weekend should be chosen, it should fluctuate. I can say this, if a rally were scheduled in the southern region beyond Tenn. in mid-July, I won't be there. Worse yet, how about Texas :)

[dflow]

As is always true you can’t please all the people all of the time. But I believe the intent of the BoDs is to please as many members as possible. I don’t think suggesting a change in rally dates is a criticism of what has been but rather an opportunity to improve on what will be. While there are many factors that impact an event like a rally, the predetermined schedule date is probably the easiest to revise with the greatest potential for reward. I think most of us understand what is involved in selecting a location and venue and tend to be tolerant of those decisions. After all if you don’t like the location you won’t make the plans to attend. Whereas, many of us are less likely to ride in the hottest part of the year and therefore less likely to plan on attending. It’s the total experience of the ride, camping, attractions and camaraderie that appeals to me. If the quality of any of that is jeopardized I’ll find an event that has a better likelihood of meeting my criteria. I think it would be in all of our best interest to find a way to poll the membership regarding this issue. Perhaps a simple pre-addressed/stamped card in the BMWON that requires 30 seconds to fill out is the best means. Electing club officials requires much more time and effort than that and while not an excuse is probably the reason for the low response.

[Friedle]

Granted a spring or fall time frame would be cooler than any July dates.

However....there are a lot of other considerations to take into account. First, our event is now attracting approximately 7-000 to 8,000 attendees on a fairly consistent basis. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find venues with adequate on site facilities and off site lodging and ammenities. Such venues are often booked more than 5 years in advance, often with reoccuring annual events.

Finding an open date is not easy. July dates are often easier to book because they are usually before the county fair circuit starts. July is also usually a time when the tourism industry is slower, meaning there are more motel rooms available at a lower price and more room at the local restaurants and other support services. The venue's rental prices are often cheaper in July than other times of the year. Many people have vacation time in the summer, some industries shut down during July, kids are out of school, and a host of other personal situations.

We tried mid week dates at Rhinebeck in 99. The people travelling some distances to the Rally liked the idea of being able to travel on a weekend, doing the Rally midweek, and being able to travel home on the following weekend. Only needed to take one week's vacation time. Local people didn't really like the idea of having to take midweek vacation time to attend a Rally that they would not have had to take any vacation time at all if it had been on a traditional weeknd schedule. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea that there is a lot more to consider than just the weather.

It was hot in Rhinebeck, but the air conditioning in the buildings was nice. It was hot in Charleston, but the air conditioning felt nice in the Civic Center. It might be hot in Vermont, but the air conditioning in the buildings will feel nice. Air conditioning would have made Lima feel nicer as well.

Michael Friedle
BMW MOA Ambassador
BMW MOA Board of Directors
BMW MOA International Rally Co-Chair 99, 03, 06
BMW MOA Rally Site Selection Committee Member

[merrittgene]

Air conditioning would have made Lima feel nicer as well.

I spent the hottest part of Friday in the Beer Garden, and felt quite comfortable...with my arms stuck in the coolers, and carrying bags of ice. Regardless, I thought Friday wasn't that hot, even sitting outside for the concert.

On Saturday, I spent the day walking around, or riding to lunch, or sitting outside for the ceremony. Again, I didn't think it was all that hot.

Now, muggy was a different story. But, luckily, I had a few beers and went to bed exhausted so my muggy tent didn't bother me much.

Anyway, what I'm saying is 1) attitude is everything, and 2) being out of the sun was a plus, even without air conditioning.

Geesh, it's amazing our ancestors survived.