BMW Motorcycle Owner's of America
HOME  |  International Rally  |  MOA Forum  |  Flea Market  |  Site Map  Need Help?  

Gemutlichkeit!
Come to the "Bavarian Festival" by Ship
January 25, 2006
By Bob Lannin, #82740


(enlarge image)


(enlarge image)
 

Hi. I'm Bob Lannin, member of the Wisconsin BMW Club (MOA #10). We're really looking forward to welcoming each and every one of you to the 2007 International Rally that will be held in West Bend, Wisconsin July 12 thru 15.

If you're traveling from the east, you may think Chicago is an obstacle. Not any more. One of the best kept secrets in the area - our car ferries. There are two to choose from.

The first is the S.S. Badger; in its 51st year of sailing the Great Lakes. She sails between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The Badger is a ship that is 410 feet long and seven stories high. She can carry 620 passengers, 180 automobiles, tour busses, RV's, commercial trucks and Motorcycles.

The trip on the Badger takes 4 hours to complete at a speed of 18 mph. Your voyage will go quickly with so much to do. Feel free to meander around the large decks; visit the on board maritime museum; or relax in one of the 4 lounges that have 2 bar service areas. If you'd like, enjoy a free first run movie or satellite TV. Tired from your long ride and need a real rest before heading to Bavaria? The Badger also has a complete complement of state rooms for a nominal fee; rest and unwind; you'll get a wake up call before arrival. The upper deck has buffet style dining with great views indoors or out. Downstairs is a deli-style snack bar. Free parking is available on both docks if you need to leave a vehicle. The Manitowoc Terminal is about an hour from the rally site.

Pricing is now available at 800-841-4243 or www.ssbadger.com and tell them you're going to the MOA rally to receive your 20 percent discount.

2007 Summer Schedule

    Leave  Arrive  Leave  Arrive
  Ludington  Manitowoc  Manitowoc  Ludington
  8:00 am (ET)  11:00 am (CT)  1:15 pm (CT)  6:15 pm (ET)
  7:55 pm (ET)  10:55 pm (CT)  12:30 am (CT)  5:30 am (ET)
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

(enlarge image)
 
Another option is the Lake Express Ferry; which began service in 2003. She sails between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Muskegon, Michigan. This ship; as its name implies; is the express way across Lake Michigan. The Lake Express is a catamaran style ship that flies across the widest part of the lake in 2 1/2 hours, at a speed of 40 mph using twin 3000 hp diesel engines.

The Lake Express is designed for style, class, and comfort. Your experience will be a breeze, from the easy loading and unloading of cars and motorcycles to the spacious modern cabin. There are full length movies and an on board cafˇ that offers adult beverages. More personalized service and amenities can found in the business class section of the ship. Hertz Rental Cars are available at both terminals. The Milwaukee terminal is located about 40 minutes from the rally site.

When calling for information, ask for the BMW MOA Rally rate. Pricing is now available at 866-914-1010 or 414-727-7792 and www.lake-express.com.

2007 Summer Schedule

DepartArrive
Milwaukee 6:00 am (CT)Muskegon 9:30 am (ET)
Milwaukee 12:30 pm (CT)Muskegon 4:00 pm (ET)**
Milwaukee 7:00 pm (CT)Muskegon 10:30 pm (ET)
DepartArrive
Muskegon 10:15 am (ET)Milwaukee 11:45 am (CT)
Muskegon 4:45 pm (ET)Milwaukee 6:15 pm (CT)**
Muskegon 11:00 pm (ET)Milwaukee 12:30 am (CT)


Route Map (enlarge image)
 
** As an extra incentive, I have reserved the entire Lake Express Ferry on Wednesday, July 11th for the 4:45 pm sailing from Muskegon to Milwaukee for rally goers only. Also reserved is the return trip on July 15th at 12:30 pm from Milwaukee to Muskegon.

To ride on this exclusive trip, you must reserve before June 1, 2007.

So make your reservations for one of the ships and set sail for the BMW MOA "Bavarian Festival" in July!

 

 


BMW MOA 
P.O. Box 3982 
Ballwin, MO 63022 
509A Old State Rd 
Ellisville, MO 63021 
ph:(636)394-7277 
fx:(636)391-1811