FAQ --- THE BASICS

Rally Site Fairgrounds GPS :  N36° 25' 4.93", W82° 29' 3.33"        and          N36°25.08 W82°29.05

 

How many people are expected to attend?

We are expecting approximately 10,000 rally attendees.

 

THE EMERGENCY HUMBER AT THE RALLY GROUNDS IS 423-477-1420.

 

Are there BMW dealers near the Rally Site?

There are two dealers in the region.  The closest BMW motorcycle dealer is in Greenville, SC approximately 100 miles away. There is also a BMW dealer in Knowxville. 

In Knoxville, TN the dealer is Destination (BMW) Motorcycles.

Destination MotorCycles
19452 Highway 11 West of Kingston Pike & Watt Rd Lenoir City (Knoxville) TN 37772
Phone: 865-988-4420  -  http://www.destinationmotorcycles.com/

 

In Greenville, SC, the dealer is Touring Sport BMW, 1431 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607
Phone 864.232.2BMW -- http://www.touringsportbmw.com/bmd/

 

 

When does Pre-Registration start and end?

Pre-Registration ended June 30.  You must now register at the Rally Site. 

 

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?

Sorry there will be NO day passes. We hope you plan to spend the entire rally with us but realize some may not be able to do so. However the rally admission price has great value even for a one day admission. You will be eligible to win many door prizes and if you miss the closing ceremony there will be some grand prizes awarded that you need not be present to win. (Registration Pic)

 

How much does it cost to attend the Rally?

Registration at the gate is $35 for members and $45 for non-members

 

When does the Rally start and end?

The rally OPENS on Thursday July 16th at 8 AM and the rally ends at noon on Sunday July 19. Closing Ceremony is Saturday night at 6:00 pm. Sunday is primarily a clean up day. We will need volunteer help with this too. (PIC)

 

What is the earliest I can arrive at the Rally and set-up camp?

Gates will open for early arrivals after noon on Wednesday, July 15.

Registration for all Rally attendees opens at 8 AM on Thursday July 16th, 2009.

Registration on Wednesday will be open from 2 pm to 5 pm for volunteers on site for rally setup.

Volunteers and vendors assisting with rally set up will be admitted prior to Wednesday;

-Everyone who enters before noon on Wednesday will be asked when and where they volunteered to work.

-Important considerations for early arrivals: There may be limited food, toilets, & showers available on-site until late Wednesday.

 

VOLUNTEERING

 How do I volunteer?

There are several ways to volunteer:

-If you have a specific area of interest, contact the Rally Committee Chair for your specific area of interest.

-The committee chair list will be published in the BMW MOA Owners News March edition.

·-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. 

 

TENT CAMPING INFO

 Camping will be available in several areas outside the fenced area of the rally grounds. Camping inside the rally grounds will be limited to the designated RV sites, Camp Gears and the Special Needs Camping Areas. PLEASE DO NOT plan to camp or erect any tents inside the grounds unless you are in one of the above mentioned areas. Available camping areas will be defined on the rally map site published in the ON prior to the rally. We are asking for your cooperation to avoid traffic confusion and to provide a safe environment for pedestrian traffic. There will be plenty of camping areas within easy walking distance of rally central. In addition, we will provide shuttles to aid in this effort. (Pic)

 

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?

While camping areas will NOT be completely fenced the area will not be open to easy public access during the rally. We will have security patrolling the area during the rally itself (Wednesday afternoon through Saturday night. The security will include MOA security staff, private security and local law enforcement on the rally grounds. Please use common sense with regard to your personal belongings.  

 

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. Typically the farther 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 limited on site and are NOT located in one place but around the fair ground. Please note all sites are grass or gravel / dirt and therefore are unimproved and may not be completely level. A limited number of sites have full hook-ups (water, electricity and sewer) for $20.00/night.  Some additional RV sites with Water & electric only are available for $17.00.night. Please note these are located in close proximity to the Beer Garden!  Questions can be directed to RV Committtee Chairperson or go to  www.bmwmoa.org and click on the 2009 BMW MOA rally link.

 

Will there be electrical outlets available for tent campers?

Yes, we will have limited number of Special Medical Needs campsites. This area IS limited and located inside the rally grounds itself to allow for power availability. We request that these spots be held for this purpose even though this may prevent you from camping immediately adjacent to friends that do not require power. To reserve a spot in this limited area, please contact Paul McCarty

 

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. There will be car parking available in designated locations. If a Go-fer is available, they will be happy to help you with moving your camping gear to your campsite. 

 

What will the shower situation be?

There will be two portable 16-stall shower trailers on site as well as a number of site showers available.  Check your rally program for locations.

 

When will the Rally Site Map be available?

It will be available March 1 on the rally web page at www.bmwmoa.org

 

THE EMERGENCY HUMBER AT THE RALLY GROUNDS IS 423-477-1420.

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 be in the BMW ON and on the web page.

 

Is there a helmet law in Tennessee and what about other laws?

Tennessee is a helmet law state as are the other states you will like be riding in during the rally KY, VA and NC. Max Speed limit on highways 70 mph (or as posted) BAC limit in the above states is .08. (pic)

 

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 to and from the rally as well as rides while there will be in the ON and on the Rally web pages. Volunteers in the Hospitality area will be happy to help you with maps, ride-suggestions.

 

Will there be a GS ride?

There are no plans for an organized GS ride at this time. However we hope to have some GS rides suggested by locals. Check the Hospitality Desk for this information.

 

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.

 

Will there be BMW demo rides this year?

BMW Motorrad is scheduled to provide demo rides at the rally.

 

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 HUMBER AT THE RALLY GROUNDS IS 423-477-1420.

 

WHO IS WELCOME?

 Do I have to be a member of the BMW MOA to attend?

The BMW 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 Fees

Children (Under 6) No Charge

Children (Ages 6-15) 5.00 pre-event registration   $10.00 At The Gate

Adult Registration is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

 

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. (PIC)

 

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. The area is served by a regional airport and the availability of rental cars as well as other automotive related services is readily available.

 

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. There are many other hotels in the area however the only ones aware of our event are the ones listed. Some of these are already sold out so please don't procrastinate. You may also want 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.sherpapackers.com

 

 

FOOD

 Are meals a part of the Rally fee?

Meals are NOT part of the rally fee. There will be a variety of food vendors onsite. Most of these are typical fair vendors operated by local civic organizations and charities. In addition there are plenty of offsite restaurants and fast food of every kind located close to the rally site.(2 FOOD pix)

 

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.  We expect a great variety and plenty to choose from for most all your motorcycle needs!

 

ALSO INSIDE THE GATES

 Will worship services be available?

Yes, 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.  

 

If you DO bring your pet:

-You will be held responsible for noise (barking) and cleaning up after your pet.  

-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 vehicles. For the safety of all rally goers all vehicles on site must be parked in designated areas and follow only posted traffic patterns.

Will there be a shuttle service?

Your rally committee is working on shuttle details for the rally grounds to provide easy access to the grounds from all camping areas. There may or may not be shuttle service from the rally grounds to local hotels. We are working on that too!

 

Are there any special events planned for Women and children?

Please check with the Hospitality Booth located near the country store for suitable local attractions. Also check your seminar schedule!

 

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. 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 the vendor list is incomplete. However we expect to one or more vendors equipped for minor repairs. Please check your rally manual for a list of vendors on arrival at the rally.

 

Are there any BMW motorcycle dealerships in the vicinity?

The closest BMW motorcycle dealer is in Greenville, SC approximately 100 miles away.

 

Can I buy new tires at the Rally?

We expect one or more tire dealers to be at the rally. There should be a nice variety of tires to select from. (PIC)

 

NEED TO SHIP?

 How do I ship my gear to the Rally? 

Please do not ship packages for arrival before July 15^th to avoid confusion. Upon arrival on site please visit the Receiving area located close to the Vendor area to claim your shipments. Clearly mark all packages as follows:

Your Name & Contact Number          

C/O BMW MOA Rally

APPALACHIAN FAIRGROUNDS

100 Lakeview Street

Gray, TN 37615

 

There will be UPS shipping available for return gear or all the stuff you bought that you can't carry home!

 

 

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