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Imagine curvy, tree lined country roads with overhanging branches reaching out on each side to create canopies of refreshing shade.

Imagine small lakes with narrow two-lane roads and rustic cottages hugging the shorelines.

Imagine the golden shores and crystalline blue waters of Lake Michigan with miles of sandy beaches and cooling breezes.

Are you with me yet? Can you feel the adrenaline that comes when you dive into those tight, sweeping curves that wind through the coolies of southwestern Wisconsin? Stop for a moment right now and close your eyes; imagine the smell of the wild prairie flowers, fields of clover, and sweet corn growing almost within reach of your handlebars. This is just a part of what the national rally destination has in store for you this summer.

The 35th Annual BMW Motorcycle Owners of America International Rally will be held on the southern edge of West Bend, Wisconsin. The dates are Thursday through Sunday morning, July 12 - 15th. In the upcoming months you will read about interesting places to visit and ride as we try to entice you to plan your travels to include many of the scenic areas in the "Dairy State."

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Wisconsin is blessed with an excellent network of state and federal highways that are supplemented with rural county trunk and township roads. Because the large highways are favored by the 4-wheelers, our secondary roads are generally unencumbered, leaving them free for the enjoyment of motorcyclists. This might be one of the reasons the riders from Wisconsin are so passionate about the sport. Ask anyone from Wisconsin - an early-morning ride on some of the local "Rustic Roads" is about as close to heaven as there is.

Speaking of the "Rustic Roads," you will read more about them in upcoming issues of the Owners News. If you are considering calling for travel information & maps of Wisconsin, be sure to add the "Rustic Road" guide to your list of required reading. You won't want to miss some of these jewels.

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Other things to watch for in upcoming issues include information about the two Ferry Services that cross Lake Michigan, things to see and do in nearby Milwaukee, Cheese Factory tours, and so much more. There will be lots of fun reading in the months ahead.

Years ago, Milwaukee was the destination for many German immigrants. Today there are many local Bavarian clubs and German festivals --- so it seemed like a perfect fit to combine the local Bavarian Heritage with the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Rally. We plan to really kick out the jams and throw an ALL-OUT Oktoberfest style celebration on the first night of the rally. You won't want to miss Thursday evening, with Lederhosen, Oktoberfest Beer, and a band straight from Germany itself.

Rally Chair Sue Rihn-Manke walks the '07 rally site with Sam Munn and Josh Ascher in November. (enlarge image)

Maps, Rustic Road books, and travel information at www.travelwisconsin.com/
Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-432-TRIP