1st BMW Club Veteran Riders International Campout

March 30-1 April, 2012
Come explore the historic military sites on the Gulf Coast and camp with BMW Club Veteran Riders International at the Historic Civil War Blakeley State Park located at 34745 State Highway 225, Spanish Fort, AL 36577 ([url]www.blakeleypark.org[/url]). The fees for camping are $15.00 per night payable to the Blakely State park. Reservations are requested with the campground at (251)-626-5581. There will be a Friday and Saturday night dinner provide for those who are not explore the Gulf coast. For more information contact Michael Johnston at [email]mljohnston1200@gmail.com[/email] or at the [url]www.veteranbmwriders.org[/url] website.

The Town of Blakeley is the oldest continuous town in Baldwin County and one of the oldest towns in the State of Alabama. Chartered in 1814 by the Mississippi Territory; re-chartered in 1818 by the Alabama Territory; and, chartered once more by the State of Alabama in approximately 1820 this municipality is still in existence today. Blakeley reached its zenith in the 1820s when its population hovered around 4,000, larger than its competitor city of Mobile across the bay. There were hotels, stores, churches, blacksmith shops, majestic homes, and the first Courthouse of present day Baldwin County settled beautifully down by the Tensaw River..a bustling seaport town.

Today, the land has been reclaimed by nature. Not a brick, nor plank of wood remains. Not a sign of human habitation. 400 year old oak trees grace the boulevards that used to be. The horned owl hoots through the silence. There is nothing there to indicate that Blakeley was once a major player on the Alabama scene. It is considered by many to be ÔÇ£the SouthÔÇÖs loveliest ghost town.ÔÇØ

Settled by Josiah Blakeley and others from New England in 1814, the streets and lots were laid out in such fashion with avenues named after Presidents and streets named fruit trees. The Blakeley Sun, published and printed down in the town, was one of AlabamaÔÇÖs earliest newspapers. Blakeley was a prosperous and thriving entity. However, as often happens, the tide turned and by 1830 BlakeleyÔÇÖs physical status began to ebb. Yellow fever epidemics and rampant land speculation turned the population movement towards Mobile.

With less than one hundred inhabitants Blakeley slowly began to die out. She was temporarily resurrected again during the Civil War years and was transformed into Fort Blakely (spelled this way during the Civil War years) housing an army camp of upwards to 4,000 soldiers. Her last day of the war saw a contingent of 20,000 men fighting the last major battle of the War Between the States. After 1865 Blakeley was no more. The land stood idle for better than 100 years until Historic Blakeley State Park was created in 1981.

In 1995 Blakeley was added to the Civil War Discovery Trail that links more than 300 sites in 16 states to inspire and to teach the story of the Civil War and its haunting impact on America

Ride the Mobile Bay and see 3 historical Forts along the way
This is a Summary: 112.6 miles ride that takes one to 3 historical mitary forts that have played a important role to the Mobile Alabama area. The frist stop is the Fort Conde located in downtown Mobile ([url]www.exploresouthernhistory.com/fortconde.html[/url] ) . This fort was built in the 1720s for the french and played a major role in the protection if the city of Mobile. The secound stop is Fort Gaines located on Dauphin Island ([url]www.dauphinisland.org/fort.htm[/url] ) on the west side of the mouth Mobile Bay. This fort was established during the war of 1812 and contined service up to the end WWII. Then a 30-45 min ferry ride from Dauphin Island to the last fort on this ride. The ferry price for motorcycles are $8.00 plus rider and extra $4.50 for passenger. Fort Morgan which is located east side mouth Mobile Bay and was established in the 1812 and continued service to the end WW II ([url]www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/73morgan/73morgan.htm[/url] ). The ride back to Bakeley state Park will take thru the City of Gulf Shores then up to the City of Foley hwy59. Then turn on to hwy 98 and follow this hwy to the City of Fairhope then back to Bakeley state Park. This ride will take you past many of fantastic place to try the seaford along your ride .

Summary: 112.6 miles (3 hours, 21 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 4.5 mi
9:11 AM 7.8 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-10 2.4 mi I-10
9:13 AM 10.2 At exit 27, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.4 mi US-90 / US-98 / Government St
9:14 AM 10.7 Keep LEFT to stay on Ramp 43 yds
9:14 AM 10.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:14 AM 10.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 0.8 mi
9:15 AM 11.5 Turn LEFT (South) onto S Joachim St, then immediately turn LEFT (East) onto Church St 0.3 mi
9:16 AM 11.8 Turn RIGHT (South-East) onto S Royal St 43 yds
9:16 AM 11.8 At Fort Conde [150 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602, (251) 438-7304], stay on S Royal St (North-West) 32 yds
9:16 AM 11.8 Turn LEFT (West) onto Church St 0.2 mi
9:17 AM 12.0 Turn LEFT (South) onto S Joachim St 0.1 mi
9:17 AM 12.1 Road name changes to Franklin St 0.2 mi
9:18 AM 12.3 Road name changes to Local road(s) 21 yds
9:18 AM 12.4 Road name changes to S Franklin St 65 yds
9:18 AM 12.4 Take Ramp onto I-10 4.1 mi I-10
9:22 AM 16.5 At exit 22B, turn LEFT onto Ramp 0.4 mi AL-163 / Dauphin Island Pkwy
9:23 AM 16.9 Keep RIGHT to stay on Ramp 164 yds AL-163 / Neshota Ln.
9:23 AM 17.0 Turn RIGHT (South) onto SR-163 [Dauphin Island Pky] 28.3 mi
10:08 AM 45.2 Turn LEFT (East) onto CR-2 [Bienville Blvd] 2.4 mi
10:12 AM 47.7 At Fort Gaines Historic Site [Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, (334) 861-6992], return North on CR-2 [Bienville Blvd] 0.6 mi
10:13 AM 48.2 Turn RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 32 yds
10:14 AM 48.2 *Check timetable* Take Mobile Bay Ferry (East)
10:44 AM 48.2 Take SR-180 [Dixie Graves Pky] (East) 0.7 mi
10:45 AM 49.0 Turn RIGHT (South) onto Local road(s) 0.2 mi
10:46 AM 49.2 At Fort Morgan, return North on Local road(s) 0.2 mi
10:46 AM 49.4 Turn RIGHT (East) onto SR-180 [Dixie Graves Pky] 12.8 mi
11:07 AM 62.2 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-180 [W Fort Morgan Rd] 7.3 mi
11:19 AM 69.5 Turn LEFT (North) onto SR-59 [Gulf Shores Pky] 3.0 mi
11:24 AM 72.5 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-59 3.3 mi
11:30 AM 75.9 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-59 [S McKenzie St] 3.5 mi
11:35 AM 79.4 Turn LEFT (West) onto US-98 [SR-42] 12.6 mi
11:51 AM 91.9 Turn RIGHT (East) onto Local road(s) 43 yds
11:51 AM 91.9 At US-98, return West on Local road(s) 43 yds
11:51 AM 92.0 Turn RIGHT (North) onto US-98 [SR-42] 16.4 mi
12:13 PM 108.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 0.9 mi
12:15 PM 109.3 Turn RIGHT (East) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
12:15 PM 109.5 Turn LEFT (North) onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
12:18 PM 110.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 1.8 mi
12:21 PM 112.6 Arrive Historic Blakeley State Park

LA, Lower Alabama, is beautiful that time of year.

Tom

National Naval Aviation Museum Ride

Fly high with an adventure at the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the worldÔÇÖs largest aviation museums. Located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, this historic treasure boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft, hands-on exhibits and more than 4,000 artifacts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Watch the awe-inspiring Blue Angels at practice air shows from March through November, take a ride in a motion-based or Top Gun Air Combat simulator, have fun with the ultimate seven story giant screen movie experience in the IMAX Theatre and dine in the Cubi Bar Caf?®, an exhibit itself. There are plenty of family-friendly ways to get the most out of quality time with the kids. Free admission is an added bonus, as well as free tours inside the Museum and on the flight line
With the Museum being located on a Military Installation expect the strict guidelines for motorcycles requires you be a certified, licensed motorcycle operator, carry insurance and have proof of registration. You must wear a helmet (even though it is not required by State Law), eye protection (also required by State Law), long pants, shirt, and boots (or full shoe - no sandals or bare feet). Depending on current changes to these guidelines a Hy-viz jacket or reflective vest maybe required to enter the installation.

Summary: 58.9 miles (1 hour, 28 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.5 Turn RIGHT (West) onto Patrician Dr (E) 0.5 mi
9:08 AM 3.9 Turn RIGHT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.4 mi
9:09 AM 4.3 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:09 AM 4.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-16] 9.6 mi
9:21 AM 13.9 Turn RIGHT (South) onto CR-49 [Magnolia St] 0.8 mi
9:24 AM 14.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto CR-49 [S Magnolia St] 0.3 mi
9:24 AM 15.0 Turn LEFT (East) onto CR-64 [W Union Ave] 0.4 mi
9:25 AM 15.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto CR-64 [E Union Ave] 0.4 mi
9:26 AM 15.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto CR-64 4.8 mi
9:33 AM 20.5 Turn RIGHT (South) onto CR-83 3.5 mi
9:40 AM 24.0 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-90 [SR-16] 14.5 mi
9:57 AM 38.2 Entering Florida
9:57 AM 38.5 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-10] 2.1 mi
10:00 AM 40.6 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-10A] 6.2 mi
10:07 AM 46.8 Turn RIGHT (South) onto CR-297 [Millview Rd] 0.5 mi
10:08 AM 47.3 Turn LEFT to stay on CR-297 [Millview Rd] 65 yds
10:08 AM 47.3 Turn RIGHT (South) onto SR-173 [CR-297] 1.6 mi
10:11 AM 49.0 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-173 [N Blue Angel Pky] 4.4 mi
10:18 AM 53.4 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-173 [S Blue Angel Pky] 4.9 mi
10:26 AM 58.3 Road name changes to Radford Blvd 0.6 mi
10:28 AM 58.9 Arrive 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508

Mike I wish I was going. Hopefully in a few years when I retire. The Naval Air Station Pensacola, National Naval Aviation Museum is the best air museum I've ever seen, and I have been to a few. That alone would be worth the trip. :thumb

This Blue Angel Practice Schedule 2012. The perform at 8:30 am, the Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola has a viewing area for visitors to watch the team practice. The team visits the museum to answer questions and sign autographs after Wednesday practices.

Blue Angel Practice Schedule

LOCATION Naval Air Station Pensacola
TIME 8:30 AM
MARCH 21*, 27, 28*
APRIL 3, 4*, 5, 6, 10, 11*, 17, 18*, 24, 25*
MAY 1, 2*, 8, 9*, 15, 16*
JUNE 5, 6*, 12, 13*, 19, 20*, 26, 27*
JULY 17, 18*
AUGUST 7*, 8, 9, 14, 15*, 21, 22*
SEPTEMBER 5*, 11, 12*, 18, 19*
OCTOBER 17*, 23, 24*, 30

Here is a dinner that individual does not want to pass up when exploring the Gulf Shore area of Alabama. Where they will throw fresh rolls straight out of the oven at you, and you will not leave there hungry. :dance The Place is called LAMBERT'S CAFE III is located in beautiful Foley, Alabama., eight miles north of Gulf Shores. This cafe is located next to a factory outlet mall and a wide variety of places to visit. One of the greatest attention grabbers at the cafe is the fact that the BEACH is located no more than eight miles away. To see the menu go to: [url]http://www.throwedrolls.com/default.asp[/url] The LAMBERT'S CAFE III is just a short ride from Historic Blakeley State Park.
Summary: 34.3 miles (46 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 1.0 mi
9:07 AM 4.2 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:07 AM 4.2 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-16] 0.3 mi
9:07 AM 4.5 Take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-10 8.5 mi I-10
9:16 AM 13.1 At exit 44, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.4 mi AL-59 / Loxley / Bay Minette
9:16 AM 13.4 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-59 [Gulf Shores Pky] 1.5 mi AL-59 / Loxley / Gulf Shores-Beaches / Gulf State Park
9:18 AM 14.9 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SR-16] 5.3 mi
9:25 AM 20.2 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-59 [Milwaukee St] 11.6 mi
9:42 AM 31.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-59 [S McKenzie St] 2.5 mi
9:46 AM 34.3 Turn LEFT (East) onto CR-20 [Miflin Rd] 21 yds
9:46 AM 34.3 Arrive 2981 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535

This is a place to explore when you are at the BMW Club Veteran Riders International campout, it is the Battleship Park on Mobile Bay. This is the home of the Battleship USS ALABAMA, and the submarine USS DRUM (SS-228) along with many military aircrafts that range from pre-world II to present day aircrafts. ([url]www.ussalabama.com/[/url] ) The Battleship Park is just 9 miles away from the campout and a person can spend a day exploring the park. Admission fees: Age 12 & up: $12.00 Ages 6-11: $6.00 under age 6: plus vehicle parking is $3.00. Hours: Open every day except Christmas Day
Opens - 8:00 a.m. Closes - 4:00 p.m. October-March, 6:00 p.m. April-September
Summary: 9.4 miles (13 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [US-98] 4.8 mi
9:11 AM 8.1 Turn LEFT (South) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:11 AM 8.1 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.2 mi
9:11 AM 8.3 Keep RIGHT to stay on US-90 [US-98] 1.2 mi
9:13 AM 9.4 Arrive USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

I have reserved 20 tent camping site for the BMW Club Veteran Riders International Campout and guest at the Blakeley State park for the weekend of March 30- 1 April. Each site is $15.00 daily charge and the sites will hold 3 tents each. So if a group of friends wish to split the cost of the tents site then the extra adults would split the cost plus the $3.00 gate fee that the park charges per extra adult. These Tent sites are near Flushing toilets and Showers. To reserve you space contact Historic Blakeley State Park at 251-626-5581 and mention that you are with BMW Club Veteran Riders International. These sites will be on reserved until March 15 and any unused site will be on first come basis with Park. Blakely State Park also has RV camping for $30.00 daily fee with full hook ups. I have received emails from non-military veterans if they can attend. The answer is yes; you can attend the campout because the more that attends the better and bigger the stories are and the more friends we make.

Directions: From I-10: Go north on U.S. Highway 98 to U.S. Highway 31 and take a right. Turn left on Highway 225 and go 4 1/2 miles. Park is on left.

From I-65: Go south on Highway 225. Go 15 miles and park is on right.

Location:
Historic Blakley State Park
34745 State Highway 225
Spanish Fort, AL 36577

I live right up the road......all the info that Mike puts out is honest-to-God accurate...the area drips of history....will try my ^$%#@#(&^ tomaake it!!! Could almost be a mini-rally with all the amenities nearby.......and yes......one of the largest Bass Pro shops in nation is AT the I-10 exit (#35).....a mere 5 miles from Fort Blakeley (now Blakeley State Park)!!!!!:clap

The Air Force Armament Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery. Admittance to the Museum is free of charge and the Museum is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Over one million people have now visited and enjoyed this Museum. Numerous significant, military-related ceremonies such as promotions, reenlistments, retirements and meetings occur within the Museum each month. Visits by school, church and veterans groups are now almost daily occurrences and the Armament Museum has become an important educational, cultural and social landmark. ([url]www.afarmamentmuseum.com/[/url] )
With the Museum being located on a Military Installation expect the strict guidelines for motorcycles requires you be a certified, licensed motorcycle operator, carry insurance and have proof of registration. You must wear a helmet (even though it is not required by State Law), eye protection (also required by State Law), long pants, shirt, and boots (or full shoe - no sandals or bare feet). Depending on current changes to these guidelines a Hy-viz jacket or reflective vest maybe required to enter the installation.

Summary: 102.8 miles (1 hour, 55 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 3.4 mi
9:09 AM 6.5 Turn RIGHT (South) onto SR-181 1.0 mi
9:11 AM 7.5 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:11 AM 7.5 Take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-10 48.8 mi I-10
9:39 AM 35.2 Entering Florida
10:00 AM 56.4 At exit 22, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.3 mi SR-281 / Avalon Blvd / Milton
10:01 AM 56.7 Keep RIGHT to stay on Ramp 76 yds
10:01 AM 56.7 *Toll road* Merge onto SR-281 [Avalon Blvd] 11.0 mi
10:12 AM 67.7 Turn LEFT (East) onto US-98 [Gulf Breeze Pky] 27.5 mi
10:43 AM 95.2 Keep LEFT onto SR-85 [Eglin Pky SE] 5.5 mi
10:50 AM 100.8 Keep LEFT onto SR-189 [SR-397] 0.9 mi
10:51 AM 101.7 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-397 [John Sims Pky] 1.1 mi
10:55 AM 102.8 Bear RIGHT (East) onto Museum Dr 142 yds
10:55 AM 102.8 Arrive 100 Museum Dr, Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542

[QUOTE=Brownie;745999]I live right up the road......all the info that Mike puts out is honest-to-God accurate...the area drips of history....will try my ^$%#@#(&^ tomaake it!!! Could almost be a mini-rally with all the amenities nearby.......and yes......one of the largest Bass Pro shops in nation is AT the I-10 exit (#35).....a mere 5 miles from Fort Blakeley (now Blakeley State Park)!!!!!:clap[/QUOTE]

If you have never been to a Bass Pro Shop store, each store decor is different from each other. The Bass Pro Shop in Spanish Fort, the theme is one that features Alabama Gulf coast outdoors. I have been in this store many different times and I spotted something different or a display that I have missed because there is so much going on. The Bass Pro Shop does have an attached restaurant called World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant. I eaten there many of times and there is no complaints about any meal that was served to me. The Bass Pro Shop can meet you demands from camping needs to getting a bit to eat or just going in sightseeing. The Bass Pro Shop is just located just minutes away from the Historic Blakeley State Park.
Summary: 4.2 miles (7 minutes)

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart Historic Blakeley State Park on SR-225 (South) 1.8 mi
9:02 AM 1.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-225 [Blakely Dr] 1.3 mi
9:04 AM 3.1 Bear RIGHT (West) onto US-31 [Spanish Fort Blvd] 0.2 mi
9:05 AM 3.3 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.8 mi
9:06 AM 4.0 Turn LEFT (East) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
9:06 AM 4.0 Turn LEFT (North) onto US-90 [US-98] 0.1 mi
9:07 AM 4.2 Arrive US-98, Daphne, AL 36526

FelixÔÇÖs Fish Camp Grill is one of the top seafood restaurants in the Mobile and surrounding area located at 1530 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort. The menu consists of fresh seafood from the gulf to sandwiches. For more information on FelixÔÇÖs visit their website. ([url]www.felixsfishcamp.com/[/url] ):dance
Historic Blakeley State Park
34745 State Hwy 225

1. Head southwest on AL-225 S toward Blakeley Oaks Blvd
4.9 mi
2. Slight right onto Spanish Fort Blvd
0.8 mi
3. Continue onto Battleship Pkwy
4.6 mi
4. Turn left
Destination will be on the left
407 ft
1530 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort, AL 36527

BMW Motorcycles of Pensacola is one of the newest dealership of the BMW family of motorcycles. They are located at 6258 North 'W' ST Pensacola FL 32505, GPS: +30?? 28' 39.09", -87?? 15' 24.03. They have many different models motorcycles to demo or if you need service for your BMW motorcycles while you are at the campout. This dealership is just 48 miles away.:german
Historic Blakeley State Park
34745 State Hwy 225
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
(251) 626-0798
1. Head southwest on AL-225 S toward Blakeley Oaks Blvd
4.9 mi
2. Turn left onto Spanish Fort Blvd
3.4 mi
3. Turn right onto AL-181 S
1.0 mi
4. Turn left to merge onto I-10 E
Entering Florida
37.5 mi
5. Take exit 10A for US-29 S toward Pensacola
0.2 mi
6. Turn right onto US-29 S/Pensacola Blvd

1.1 mi
7. Turn right onto N W St
Destination will be on the left
0.7 mi
6258 N W St
Pensacola, FL 32505