2008 International Rally FAQs
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January 28, 2008 |
THE BASICS
How many people are expected to attend?
Between 6,000 to 7,500 people
When does Pre-Registration start and end?
April 1 - start
June 27 - end
Can I register on-line?
Yes. Click here to go to our online registration.
Will you accept personal checks for admission to the Rally?
Yes.
Can I use a credit card for admission to the Rally?
Yes. We accept Master Card or Visa
Will there be Day Passes?
With a crowd of this size, there are NO day passes because they are too difficult for us to manage. While we invite you to spend a few days at the rally you will find value in paying the admission even for one day. If you only stay one day you are eligible to win door prizes as you will need not be present to win some of the grand prizes.
How much does it cost to attend the Rally?
Pre-Registration is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Registration at the gate is $35 for members and $45 for non-members
When does the Rally start and end?
VOLUNTEERING
How do I volunteer?
There are several ways to volunteer:
If you have a specific area of interest, contact the Rally Committee Chair listed on the volunteer page. The committee chair list has also been published in the BMW MOA Owners News.
If you are unsure where you'd like to volunteer and just want to get involved, send a note to
Rally Set-Up: Volunteers assisting with rally set up will be admitted prior to Wednesday. To sign up for early set-up, please contact the volunteer committee or rally committee chair(s) at the address above.
CAMPING INFO
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 Cam-Plex is not completely fenced but is closed to the public for the time of the rally. We will have our own "Posse" patrolling the area. There will be MOA security staff, private security and local law enforcement people on the grounds. Common sense should prevail.
Will there be quiet camping?
A rally-rat once made this comparison: "CAMPING" quiet solitude, somewhere in the woods with the placid sounds of nature all around. At a rally, he sleeps in a tent. That pretty much sums it all up.
There are acres of open camping space. Generally speaking, the further you are from the beer garden, the quieter the camping.
First timers should remember that EARPLUGS will make your nights more restful. Loud camping never works, because at 2 in the morning, noise really does carry all over the grounds. Quiet camping never works because the early riders might be right outside your tent, drinking coffee and talking in normal tones. Remember: the closer you are to "rally central" and the activities, the greater the chance of noise.
The bottom line is that we ask for common courtesy throughout the rally grounds, and remind people that the thin fabric of a tent doesn't do anything to deaden sound.
Are there RV accommodations?
RV accommodations are plentiful at the Cam-Plex. Many sites have full hook-ups for $20.00/night. For more information and the registration form, visit the RV camping page. Additional RV sites with Water & electric are available for $17.00.night. Questions can be directed to . or refer to the RV camping information on www.cam-plex.com.
Will there be electricity outlets available for campers?
Special Medical Needs: We should be able to accommodate some tents for attendees with special (medical) requirements for electricity. To be sure that you DO have a spot, please email John Borella at to get your name on this list.
If I drive my car to the rally, will I be able to camp?
Yes, but you will NOT be able to park your car next to your tent during the rally.. If a Go-fer is available, they will be happy to help you with moving your camping gear to your campsite. Check with Communications in the Main Kiosk. No Cars will be allowed on the rally grounds after 8am on Thursday...
What will be the shower situation?
There will be four 12-stall shower trailers on site in the upper camping area (North 40). There will be shuttle service available for campers convenience. There are limitied additional showers in the Wind Mill RV area.
When will the Rally Site Map be available?
It will be available April 1st here on the rally web pages.
RIDING!
Will there be MSF courses at the Rally?
There will be MSF ERC courses provided by the BMW MOA Foundation this year. The details on registration, times and locations of the courses will bein the BMW ON and on the web page.
Is there a helmet law in Wyoming?
Wyoming is a partial helmet law state. Riders and passengers 18 years of age and younger, and all riders operating on a learners/instruction permit must wear approved helmets at all times while operating a motorcycle.
Max Speed limit on highways 75 mph (or as posted). BAC limit.08
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. Articles about riding the Byways and Backways in the ON will be available on the Rally web pages.
Maps, and travel information is available at: http://www.wyomingtourism.org and Toll-free phone: 1-800-225-5996
Volunteers in the Hospitality area will be happy to help you with maps, ride-suggestions.
Will there be a GS ride?
Recognizing the presence of many "backways" in northeast Wyoming, members of the Black Hills BMW Riders and other local area dual-sport enthusiasts are planning to scout and set up a variety of routes for GS-oriented riders attending the Gillette rally that would be interested in "getting off the pavement." Our goal is to map and print a series of routes of varying lengths and potential destinations, using unpaved, but maintained, county and local back roads that could include alternative routing to Devil's Tower, Black Hills, Big Horns, etc. Maps and route sheets with mileage and GPS data will be made available to interested riders at the rally site in the Cam-Plex, at the Hospitality Booth. These routes are not to be regarded as guided rides and rally attendees wishing to travel any of these do so at their own discretion, and are under no obligation to stay on the recommended routes. Some prior experience with riding on unpaved roads is recommended. The routes have varying proportions of paved and maintained unpaved roads, and should be rideable without enduro-type tires.
Jim Hansen, president of the Black Hills BMW Riders is willing to field questions from interested "GS" riders via e-mail at jimhansen@rap.midco.net.
What kind of organized rides will be offered?
No guided rides are planned. However, the Hospitality Booth will have a number of suggested self-guided rides to offer. Wyoming State Road Maps will also be available.
Will there be BMW demo rides this year?
BMW Motorrad is scheduled to provide demo rides in Wyoming in 2008, but it will be a partial fleet due to a date conflict with Laguna Seca, another scheduled event.
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?
At this time there are no plans to offer demo rides from other manufacturers.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY...
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 has not been established yet. Watch the pages of the BMW MOA Owners News and the BMW MOA Rally website for this information as we get closer to the event. Please note that this number is for emergency use only and will be active for the rally duration only.
WHO IS WELCOME?
Do I have to be a member of the BMW MOA to attend?
The MOA International Rally is open to all BMW riders and their guests. Membership in the BMW MOA is not required for entry however Non-members will be charged a higher registration fee (Registration is $30 for members and $40 for non-members). Children pay the same rate based on age.
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. All brands of motorcycles are welcome as long as they meet local noise abatement regulations. No straight pipes allowed.
Do I have to ride a motorcycle to attend?
No, this is not a necessity. Many riders find it easier to come by car, train or plane to the rally.
Can I bring a guest?
As the above statement notes - you can bring a guest and they will be made welcome.
LODGING?
How do I find a hotel room?
A list of hotels and motels offering special rates to rally attendees was published in the January issue of the ON. The list is also available here on the Rally 08 site and will continue to be updated. Because Gillette is growing very rapidly, many of the small hotels are contracted to the construction workers. New hotels are being built, but may not be completed for our rally. This is also the height of tourist season and hotel rooms are in short supply in Gillette. We encourage you to consider taking advantage of the Sherpa Packers. The Sherpa accommodations are comfortable, you don't have to pack your camping gear, and you will be able to enjoy the total rally experience." For reservations visit: www.sherpamayberry.com or www.sherpapacker.com Ted and Theo take the hassle out of camping.
FOOD!?!?
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 chain-style and locally owned restaurants within a few miles of the rally site.
What kind of vendors will there be at the Rally?
In addition to a lot of food vendors, most of the vendors who advertise in the BMW ON will be there.
ALSO INSIDE THE GATES...
Are there church services available?
There will be short devotional programs on Friday & Saturday mornings, and a non-denominational Church Service on Sunday morning. Watch your rally program for times and location. There are also local churches of most denominations near the rally site.
Are pets allowed at the Rally?
Pets are allowed, but we strongly encourage you to use common sense when it comes to your pets. Ideally, everyone will have a better time if your pet stays home. There are two boarding kennels available in Gillette
If you DO bring your pet:
- You will be held responsible for noise (barking) and cleaning up after your pet.
- You will be required to sign an insurance waiver.
- Pets should not be left unattended, and must be leashed at all times..
- Pets are not permitted in buildings
- Common courtesy applies.
- Anyone not adhering to these guidelines will be asked to leave.
If I drive my car to the rally, will I be able to park?
There will be a designated parking area for four-wheeled (or more-wheeled) vehicles, however vehicles will not be allowed inside the rally grounds after the rally begins.
Will there be a shuttle service?
Rally committee is working on a shuttle within the grounds but there is no scheduled shuttle between the CAM-PLEX and downtown area.
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.
Hospitality will also have a list of interesting options for the ladies.
Will there be organized activities for my kids?
KIDS LOVE THESE RALLIES.
There will be a children's center for kids 5-12 with movies, arts & crafts, and other fun activities.
In addition, the teen center (for those 13 and older) will be a gathering place with games, music, and activities geared to this age group.
Check the Rally program for times and location of these activities throughout the rally.
What is the "Friends of Bill W?"
There will be on site "Friends of Bill W" meetings as well as many local meetings you may wish to attend.
WORKING ON MY BIKE?
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?
At this time, we do not have any service vendors signed up for the rally. However, the Chain Gang and the Airheads traditionally have a club camping area.
Are there any BMW motorcycle dealerships in the vicinity?
The closest BMW dealer is in Sturgis, South Dakota 114 miles away
Can I buy new tires at the Rally?
There are usually tire dealers at the rally. There should be a nice variety of tires to select from.
The Local H-D dealer is available for tire changes and minor repairs.
NEED TO SHIP?
How do I ship my gear to the Rally?
Packages will not be accepted before July 7th.
Send your shipments to:
YOUR NAME
C/O BMW Rally
Cam-Plex Event Center
1635 Reata Drive
Gillette, WY 82718
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