Rally FAQs
Go ahead, stump the Rallymaster!

There is no shortage of questions, and there are no dumb questions. Use the table below be begin your search, and if you can't find the answer, just ask us.

If there's an emergency...
...while I'm away at the rally, can I be notified? What happens if I have an emergency while on my way to the rally and need to contact someone there for assistance?
The emergency contact phone number for the rally is: 419-879-2080. Please note that this number is for emergency use only and will be active for the rally duration only.

How do I volunteer?
You can volunteer ahead by simply contacting one of the Rally Committee Chairs listed in the "Where do I Volunteer" area of the webpage or by contacting the Volunteer Chair directly that is listed in the ON or on the webpage.

When does Pre-Registration start and end?
April 1 - June 30, 2005

Can I register on-line? 
Yes, the online registration will start on April 1, 2005.

Will you accept personal checks for admission to the Rally?
Yes.

Will there be Day Passes?
With a crowd of this size, there are NO day passes because they are too difficult for us to control.

How Much?
How much does it cost to attend the Rally? 
Pre- registration - $30 U.S Adults
$5 U.S Children
At the Gate - $35 U.S Adults
$10 U.S. Children

When does the Rally start and end? 
Dates of Rally are July 21- 24, 2005

What will the local weather be like?
Generally the weather in July in Lima will be variable, 75 degrees to 80 degrees in the day and about 65 degrees at night. It can be very humid

How many people are expected to attend?
7000 people +.

Are there church services available?
There will be a non denominational Church Service on Sunday morning. Watch your rally program for time and location.

Are pets allowed at the Rally? 
Pets will be allowed at the 2005 rally. Common courtesy still applies and we have leash requirements and a "poop and scoop" policy in Lima. Watch for the article in the BMW ON this Spring.

Will there be MSF courses at the Rally? 
There will be MSF ERC courses provided by the MOA Foundation this year, watch for notices in the BMW ON and on the web page for notifications about the times and location of the courses.

What kind of vendors will there be at the Rally?
You will have lots to choose from. Helen's Packing Systems, Bob's BMW, Motolights, Vision reflective vests, Aeroflow, Jesse Luggage Systems, just to name a few

Is there a helmet law in Ohio? 
No, you are not required to wear a helmet in the state. The exception is 1st year riders and those under 18 must wear a helmet.

Will campfires be allowed on the Rally site? 
NO, fires are not allowed on the rally site.

Will there be picnic tables available at the Rally site? 
There will be some picnic tables, but they will be on a first–come, first-serve basis.

Do I need to worry about leaving my gear unattended? 
The Fairgrounds is completely fenced and closed to the public for the time of the rally. As well, we have our own Security force patrolling the area.

Will there be quiet camping? 
Yes, the quiet camping area will be designated with signage.

When will the Rally Site Map be available? 
Rally site map is available here.

If I drive my car to the rally, will I be able to park?
There is plenty of parking available for those who bring vehicles to the rally. However, vehicles will not be allowed inside the rally grounds after the rally begins.

If I drive my car to the rally, will I be able to camp?
Yes, just carry your gear inside the rally grounds once you have registered.

What will be the shower situation? 
We are bringing portable shower trailers to supplement the on-site facilities.

How do I find a hotel room? 
A list of hotels and motels offering special rates to rally attendees will be published in the February issue of the ON.

What is the soonest I can arrive at the Rally and set-up camp?
Registration opens at 8:00 AM on Thursday, July 21. Volunteers may arrive and register on Wednesday afternoon.

What are some good roads to ride to the rally? 
Watch for issues of the ON and on the website for articles dealing with this subject

Will there be a GS ride?
TBA.

What kind of organized rides will be offered?
The Hospitality booth will have a number of suggested rides to take while in the area. At this time, no actual guided rides will be available.

Will there be BMW demo rides this year?
BMW Motorrad returns to the BMW MOA International Rally in 2005 with their demo fleet.

What's the best way to assure I get a BMW demo ride?
Demo rides are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you get up early and stand in line to reserve a spot for the demo rides.

Will there be demo rides for other makes of bikes? 
Because we do not have a commitment yet from BMW Motorrad, nothing has been ruled out at this time. Be watching for updates on this "hot" topic.

Are there RV accommodations? 
The rally site can accommodate about 200 RV’s ranging from full to no hook-ups. Click here for more information about reserving your spot.

Will there be electricity outlets available for campers?
There are MANY outlets in several of the camping areas. As is always the case though, if you require electricity it is a good idea to make prior arrangements with the rally chair.

Can I change my oil at the Rally?
There will be a Do-it-Yourself area available - see rally map in program for location.

Will there be repair services at the Rally should I need them? 
There will be servicing dealers at the rally to provide repairs and maintenance to those in need.

Can I buy new tires at the Rally?
Yes. Several tire dealers have already expressed an interest in being at the rally. There should be a nice variety of tires to select from.

Are there any BMW motorcycle dealerships in the vicinity?
TBA

Will there be organized activities for my kids?
Yes, there will be a children’s center for kids 5-12 and a teen center for those 13 and older. Check the Rally program for times and location of these activities throughout the rally.

How do I ship my gear to the Rally?
Shipping info is here

Are there any special events planned for Women?
There will be something special for women with respect to the seminar presentations but we would like to hear from women riders as to what they would like to be able to see at the rally.

What is the "Friends of Bill W?" 
This our answer to a local Alcoholics Anonymous group for BMW Rally go-ers who require the association with other members of this Society.

Do I have to be a member of the BMW MOA to attend? 
This rally is open to all BMW riders and their guests. You will not be asked for a BMW membership card when you arrive at registration. No one is prohibited from the site if they pay the entry fee.

Are other makes of motorcycles welcome?
This rally is for BMW riders and their guests, when we use the word guest there is no specific brand noted, so yes other brands are welcome.

Do I have to ride a motorcycle to attend?
No, this is not a necessity since many riders find it easy to come by car for these rallies, however, cars will NOT be allowed into the rally site and must be parked designated parking areas.

Do I have to bring a membership card?
Not really.

Can I bring a guest?
As the above statement notes - you can bring a guest and they will be made welcome

Are meals a part of the Rally fee? 
Meals are NOT part of the rally fee. Besides the various food vendors on-site, there are also many chain-style restaurants within walking distance of the rally site.

What kind of food will be available?
We are working on providing something for everyone, from espresso and ice cream to Zippy Dogs and elephant ears. We will have pizza, burgers and full barbecue dinners. We are working on a special breakfast vendor at the present time.

Where is the nearest BMW motorcycle rental facility?
TBA

What is the smoking policy at the rally site?
Ohio State law prohibits smoking in any government-owned (city, county, state) building, therefore smoking inside any of the buildings on the rally grounds is not allowed.