BMW MOA Foundation Programs
ERC - Camp GEARS Registration Form
ERC courses are very popular during the National Rally.
Camp GEARS has grown in recent years.
Many of these events are made possible through the generosity of Foundation supporters, including Markel American Insurance Company and American National Property and Casualty. The activities include: raffling a restored 1975 R90S and vacation package to the BMW Motorrad Performance Center, hosting the MSF Experienced Rider Course and MSF Seasoned Rider Seminar, Camp GEARS, Motorcycle Awareness, Motorcycling Excellence Awards, and Coffee with Friends of Dave.
(Click on the application to the right and print it for registration)
Camp GEARS (Gaining Early Advanced Riding Skills) is a two-day camp offered to young riders, ages 16 through 26. Camp GEARS is both a training and social experience for young riders, and has the attendees camping together on the rally grounds Tuesday and Wednesday (July 14 and 15) preceding the official start of the International Rally. Paul and Voni Glaves are hosting Camp GEARS again this year, but day-to-day planning and conducting is being done by Camp GEARS graduate, Ryan Manley. Topics are scheduled to include: basic motorcycle tech, trip planning, motorcycle camping and touring, first aid for riders, riding proficiency, motorcycle weather and trip photography.
(Rally Site Fairgrounds GPS : N36° 25' 4.93", W82° 29' 3.33" and N36°25.08 W82°29.05 )
Local chartered clubs and members are encouraged to promote this camp among younger riders. There is no charge for the camp, and participation in Camp GEARS entitles the camper to admission to the Rally free of charge. The Foundation covers the costs of the camp, food during the camp, and the rally fees for Camp GEARS campers.
Proceeds from the R90S raffle will be shared between the Garth Eppley Memorial Music Scholarship Fund and Camp GEARS. The restoration will be carried out by Bill Eppley and the Friends of Garth (FOG). The bike has been disassembled down to the frame. Items to be replaced or repaired after 20 years off the road have been identified. Bob Henig has graciously offered assistance with discounted service, parts and contribution of Bob's BMW Airhead aftermarket rear shocks.
American National Property and Casualty have volunteered to underwrite the MSF Experienced Rider Course. Even if you've been riding for some time, there's always something new to learn. Attendees will review how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize lane position. The course also covers protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care. Using your own motorcycle, you'll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving.
Markel Insurance has donated a vacation package to the BMW Motorrad Performance Center event that includes travel, use of a motorcycle, and "tuition," plus a new Aerostich suit of the rider's choice (with BMW MOA and Rally patches) from RiderWearHouse. This event will be at the BMW Performance Riding Center located just west of Spartanburg, SC. The event focuses on riding and skills. Activities include on- and off-road training, conducted by BMW Motorrad instructors.
The MSF Seasoned Rider Course is designed to acquaint participants with the general effects of aging on the skills necessary to ride safely. The course provides information about active steps to become increasingly safe and responsible motorcyclists. The course is discussion-based and allows for participants to share their experiences.
The BMW MOA Foundation is presenting an awareness program that focuses on encouraging motorists to watch for motorcyclists. Part of the program will involve awareness signs placed around town before the rally. Another aspect of this effort is a seminar that is designed to be presented to local community groups, driver education classes, etc. to increase awareness among motorists. Our hope is that BMW riders and local clubs will take the initiative and present this program to local motorists after attending the training seminar. In this seminar, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association's Motorist Awareness Program coordinators will share with us the program they use to increase awareness of both motorcyclists and motorists.
Each year the BMW MOA Foundation recognizes an individual and a company for their contribution to the spirit of motorcycling through the Motorcycling Excellence Awards. Previous individual honorees include David Hough, Jeff Dean, Paul Glaves, Rob Lentini, Larry Grodsky, Roger Wiles, and Hugh H. (Harry) Hurt Jr. Past corporate award recipients include BMW AG, Reg Pridmore/CLASS, Aerostich, Conspicuity, Bob's BMW, and Motorcycle Consumer News.
For many years David L. Hough has hosted "Coffee with Dave" at International Rallies. David has started to travel less, but he did not want this great seminar to end. He suggested that we do Coffee with Friends of Dave and started recruiting his friends. This year we are very happy to have Fred Rau. Fred has written for Motorcycle Consumer News for years and now has his own touring/rental company. So come on by, eat some pastries, drink some coffee and share some stories.
These events are just some of the activities that the BMW MOA Foundation undertakes to improve rider safety, and support motorcycling and its rich heritage.
The BMW MOA Foundation is a non-profit Public Educational Foundation that meets IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Your involvement and donation may be tax deductible; please consult your tax advisor.
Visit http://www.bmwmoafoundation.org for more information.
Photos: Vince Winkel
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