user:   password: remember    forgot password?  
 
 
March 20, 2010
2010 Rally: Frequently Asked Questions - The FAQ
Print | Text      Bookmark and Share   
February 02 2010

Rally Site is Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center (DCFE)

3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756

GPS : N44° 14. 4545', W121° 11. 206'

 

What does 4R Rally mean?

The 4Rs represent Ride, Rally and Relax in Redmond. We have the opportunity to Ride to Central Oregon, to enjoy all the activities at the Rally, to spend our vacation relaxing with friends and visiting Redmond and the other sights in Bend, Sisters, Prineville and other communities.

 

How many people are expected to attend?

We are expecting more than 6,000 Rally attendees.

Are there BMW dealers near the Rally Site?

There are five BMW dealerships in Oregon. The closest BMW motorcycle dealers are in Eugene and Salem approximately 125 miles away. There are also BMW dealerships in Portland, Tigard and Medford.

 

BMW Motorcycles of  Western Oregon
2891 W 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402
Phone: (541) 338-0269,
http://www.bmwor.com

Salem Honda-BMW-Ducati
1515 13th St, SE, Salem, OR 97302
Phone: (503) 364-6784,
http://www.salembmw.com

Portland Motorcycle Company, Inc.
10652 NE Holman St.,
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: (503) 258-8888,
http://www.portlandmotorcycle.com

BMW Motorcycles of Western Oregon
12010 SW Garden Place,
Tigard, OR 97223
Phone: (503) 597-7097,
http://www.bmwor.com

Hansen's Exclusive BMW, Inc
3598 S. Pacific Highway,
Medford, Oregon 97501
Phone: (541) 535-3342,
http://www.hansensmc.com

 

REGISTRATION

When does Pre-Registration start and end?

Pre-Registration form will be in the BMW MOA Anonymous Book, the March issue of BMW Owners News and found on the http://www.bmwmoa.org Web site in early March. Pre-registration ends June 30.

 

How much does it cost to attend the Rally?

Pre-Registration is $30 for members, $40 for non-members and $5 for ages 6 - 15. Registration at the gate is $35 for members, $45 for non-members and $10 for ages 6 - 15. For children under age 6 there is no registration fee.

 

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 MasterCard or Visa.

 

WHO IS WELCOME

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

No, 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. Non-members can join during pre-registration or at the Rally registration area and pay the member amount. One year membership is $40.

 

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 as long as they meet local noise abatement regulations.

 

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 rental cars as well as other automotive related services are readily available.

 

Can I bring a guest?

As the above statement notes, you can bring a guest and they will be made welcome.

 

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.

 

When does the Rally start and end?

The Rally OPENS on Thursday, July 15th at 8 a.m. and the Rally ends at noon on Sunday, July 18. Closing Ceremony is Saturday at 6 p.m. Sunday is primarily a clean up day and vendors will not be open. We will need volunteer help with this, too.

 

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

Registration for Early Arrivals on site who helped with Rally set-up will begin after noon on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 until 5 p.m. Vendors and Volunteers assisting with Rally set up will be admitted prior to Wednesday. Registration for all Rally attendees opens at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 15th, 2010. Everyone who enters before noon on Wednesday will be asked for their volunteer schedule or will be signed up to volunteer during set-up. Important considerations for early arrivals: There may be limited food available on-site until late Wednesday. Toilets and on-site showers will be available.

 

Are there Taxis in Redmond?

Yes, Taxi service is available.

 

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 is here: http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally10/committee_chairs

 

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) on the Committee Chair list and accessible on the BMW MOA Web site.

 

RALLY LAYOUT

When will the Rally Site Map be available?

An overview of the Rally Site is available at http://www.expo.deschutes.org and general information on the site appeared in the January BMW ON. The Rally Site Map will appear in the April BMW ON and be posted on the Rally web page at http://www.bmwmoa.org.

Will the names appearing  the on DCFE map be changed?

No, the building names will be used for the Rally Site Map and the Rally Program. The site has excellent signage and we will use it to help Rally attendees locate buildings.

 

What will be in the Sisters Buildings?

The South and Middle Sisters buildings will house the indoor commercial vendors, receiving, shipping, vendor registration, two seminar rooms and a dining area. Outdoor vendors will be located outside the buildings on the way to Center Circle.

The North Sisters Building will house the MOA related activities: Door Prizes, Pin & Patch, Country Store, BMW MOA Membership, Awards and Tallies, Hospitality/Information, Cyber Café, Electric Charging Station, Sewing Booth, Signs, Charity and 50/50 Tickets, BMW MOA Foundation, 2011 Rally Site Information, and a food and beverage area. One room of the building with an exterior entrance will house sign-in for the Redmond 1000, an Iron Butt Association sponsored event that culminates at the Rally. Camp Gears will be located on the north side of the building.

 

Where will Registration be located?

Registration will be in a very large tent immediately inside the Main Entrance, which is pedestrian only. With Registration will be Volunteer Sign-up, a Membership Table for non-members and First Time Rally Attendees Recognition Table.

 

Where will the Beer Garden and Entertainment be located?

A very large tent will be erected in the Central Circle of the Rally Site to hold the Beer Garden. BMW MOA will serve a regular and light beer, choices of Deschutes Brewery microbrews and 14 Hands red and white wine. This will be a gathering place for meeting friends and getting to know Rally attendees.

Evening entertainment on Wednesday through Saturday will be on an outdoor stage by the Hooker Creek Event Center, located in close proximity to the Beer Garden. Creekside food booths will be near the Beer Garden and the entertainment.

 

Where can I purchase beer and wine?

 Beer and wine will be available on-site for purchase during serving hours at the Beer Garden.  Off-site locations are grocery stores or the State Controlled liquor stores. 


Where will First Aid be located?

First Aid room is located on the ground level of the Hooker Creek Event Center. During the day the First Aid Golf Cart will circulate through the grounds to offer assistance as needed.

 

Where will the Closing Ceremonies be held?

The Closing Ceremonies will be held in the Hooker Creek Event Center starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening.


Where will the Vintage Display and Seminar be located?

The Vintage Display will be located in the Beef Barn. This location will also be the spot for the Vintage Seminar. The Beef Barn is on the shuttle route.

 

Where will Seminars be located?

Seminars will be held in the High Desert Activity Center, the Dairy Barn, the Sheep Barn, the Swine Barn, two rooms in the Middle Sister/South Sister building complex, Beef Barn (Vintage) and tech sessions in designated outdoor arena.

 

Where is the Chartered Club Camping Area located?

A chartered club may choose to furnish a tent or club trailer which will provide a gathering area for that club's members. The grassy area to the east of the DCFE Administration building by the perimeter fence will be the location for the Chartered Clubs with a tent or club trailer. Chartered Clubs need to contact the Rally Chair at no later than 30 days prior to the Rally to reserve space and obtain, if necessary, a list of tent rental companies in the area. Tent and trailer set-up must be completed by Wednesday at noon when registration starts.

 

Will wireless service be available?

The Rally grounds will have wireless service in numerous areas.

 

 

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

What if there's an emergency at home and I need to be reached or need assistance on the way to the Rally?

The Emergency Number at the Rally Grounds is 541-548-2711 and is available only during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The BMW MOA Office in St. Louis can be reached during business hours at 636-394-7277. If unable to reach anyone at the listed numbers, call 719-510-9452 or 719-250-4358 for Rally Chair assistance. These numbers are for emergency only.

 

TENT CAMPING INFO

Camping is plentiful and the grass is well-maintained. It is by far the softest, plushest and most comfortable grass to camp on you'll find at any Rally site. Available camping areas will be defined on the Rally map site published in the BMW ON prior to the Rally. The camping areas are within walking distance of Rally vendors, seminars, beer garden, entertainment and vintage display. We will provide shuttles running a one-way route through the grounds.

Do I have to register for tent camping space?

No.  Registration includes tent camping. There is sufficient space on the grounds for camping. 

 

Will campfires be allowed on the Rally site?

NO, fires are not allowed in the camping areas. There are a small number of charcoal grills on the grounds near the designated chartered club camping area.

 

Will there be picnic tables available at the Rally site?

There are 75 picnic tables and they will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the duration of the Rally with a $20 donation to the Rally Charity, serving Central Oregon's children in need. More details on reserving a picnic table in April BMW ON FAQ update.

 

Do I need to worry about leaving my gear unattended?

Camping areas are completely fenced and there is no public access during the Rally. We will have security patrolling the area during the Rally itself (Wednesday afternoon through Saturday night). The security on the Rally grounds will include MOA security volunteers, private security and local law enforcement. Please use common sense with regard to your personal belongings.

 

Will there be quiet camping?

An area will be identified as quiet camping but you won't be able to hear a pin drop and you may hear your neighbor in the next tent. Typically the farther you are from the Beer Garden and Entertainment, the quieter the camping. First timers should remember that EAR PLUGS will make your nights more restful. Loud camping never works, because at 2 o'clock in the morning noise really does carry all over the grounds. Quiet camping never works because the early risers 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.

 

Will there be electrical outlets available for special medical needs tent campers?

Yes, there are electrical outlets in various locations throughout the camping areas. A designated area will be reserved for Special Medical Needs camping. We request that these spots in front of the Beef Barn be held for this purpose even though this may prevent you from camping immediately adjacent to friends that do not require power. There is no need to reserve a spot in the Special Medical Needs camping area. The closest restrooms are located in the Juniper Arena and showers are located in the Hooker Creek Event Center. The shuttle will serve the area on three sides.

 

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 in the parking lot. If a Go-fer or other volunteer with a golf cart is available, they will be happy to help you with moving your camping gear to your campsite.

 

What types of trailers are allowed in the tent camping areas?

Individual trailers pulled by motorcycles are allowed in the tent camping area.

 

What will the shower situation be?

There are showers on site in the Hooker Creek Event Center and in the bathhouse by the High Desert Activity Center. Off-site showers are also being arranged as was done in 2001. Check your Rally program for locations and times.

 

Can Generators be used in tent camping area?

The use of generators is prohibited in all tent camping areas.

Can I cordon off camping space for others?

The BMW MOA Board of Directors has enacted a Rally policy that the practice of cordoning off camping space for future arrivals is strictly prohibited.

 

When does the sun rise and set on July 14, 2010 in Redmond, Oregon?
Will we have moon light?

The sun rises at 5:34 a.m. and sets at 8:46 p.m. The half moon sets at 10:26 p.m. By Saturday, July 17th, the half moon will set at 11:54 p.m.

 

RV CAMPING FULL SERVICE & DRY CAMPING

Are there Full-Service RV Accommodations?

Full-service RV accommodations are available in the new RV Park located adjacent to the Rally Site, reached by walking through a pedestrian gate or getting on the Rally shuttle. The RV Park has over 100 spaces that are on a concrete slab and each site comes with a charcoal grill and picnic table. The site map at http://www.expo.deschutes.org does not show the new RV Park. The Park is located SW of the High Desert Activity Center.

 

What is the Full-Service RV Registration Process?

The RV Park sites will be assigned on a first come basis. Fees for the RV site will be $150 for the Rally. This fee will cover up to five days (Tuesday thru Saturday). This amount should be included with your Rally registration fee. You can either register for RV space on the BMW MOA site beginning March 1, or with the registration form in the March issue of the BMW Owners News or the 2010 Anonymous Book. RV Park sites will be assigned on a first come basis. The fee is for the use of the site for the Rally. You will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt of payment.

 

What if I'm coming before Tuesday or leaving after Sunday?

DCFE RV Park reservations are needed before Tuesday, July 13 and after Saturday, July 17 and should be made through DCFE. They will contact  the BMW MOA to confirm you possess a BMW MOA RV registration. The DCFE daily fee is $35.20 and includes tax. The DCFE number to contact is 541-548-2711 ext. 7949.

 

What if I arrive and don't have an RV Pre-Registration?

If you arrive at the Rally without a pre-registration, the RV Committee will do their best to rent a site to you in the RV Park if there are any sites available in the RV Park. If you arrive before Tuesday and space is available, DCFE will collect a daily fee.

 

Will Dry Camping or "Boondocking" be available?

Yes, there is unlimited space for parking RVs and trailers not requiring water or electricity on either grass or asphalt, and it will be free. The RV Parking identified on the http://www.expo.deschutes.org site map is not the area BMW MOA will use for "Boondocking."

 

What if I need to use my tow vehicle during the Rally?

If you are pulling a trailer into the dry camping area, you will not be able use your tow vehicle to go in and out of the camping areas during the Rally. Four-wheel vehicles will not be permitted to enter the main facility unless setting-up in the dry camping area. If you plan on using your four-wheel vehicle during the Rally, you will be asked to move it to the four-wheel parking area after setup. If you plan on leaving the Rally before Sunday morning, you will be able to get into the camping area to pick up your trailer.

 

Is registration required for Dry Camping or "Boondocking"?

Yes, please mark on your Rally registration that you are arriving in an RV or are bringing a camp trailer. You will have a choice of camping on asphalt or grass. Please note your preference on the registration form. A Honey Wagon will be available at various times on site. You will be responsible for making your own arrangements for pumping out your tanks. Information will be available at the Rally.

 

Is there any restriction on using generators in the RV Park or Dry Camping areas?

Generators may be used in the RV Park and Dry Camping areas between the hours of 8 am and a designated evening time.

 

Individual Trailers

Where can I leave my cargo hauler, flatbed?

This type of individual trailer can be left in the Dry Camping area which is within in the secured perimeter of the Rally grounds. After registering for the Rally, proceed toward the Dry Camping area to park the trailer during the event.

 

Where can I place my pop-up tent camper?

Pop-up tent campers pulled by a car or truck will be placed in the Dry Camping "Boondocking" area on grass or asphalt.

 

 

RIDING!

Will there be Rider Training at the Rally?

Yes, BMW MOA Rider Performance University (RPU) will be offering a variety of opportunities to participate in Rider Training at the Rally. They range from the Experienced Rider Course, Skills Plus (range only) offered at the Rally Site, the Advanced Rider Course, SportBike Techniques (range plus classroom) held at the High School, Seasoned Rider Workshop (seminar) and the Rider Perception Workshop (seminar). MSF has offered to hold a RiderCoach/Trainer Professional Development Workshop for Rider Coaches.

Several GS training activities before and during the Rally are in the works. The Juniper Arena is a large dirt facility. A natural terrain area is located adjacent to the Rally site.

Sport bike training opportunities at a nearby track are also under consideration.

Follow developments on training opportunities and the course registration, times and location details in BMW ON and at http://www.bmwmoa.org. Rider Training is supported by the BMW MOA Foundation and other sponsors.

 

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

Yes, Oregon is a helmet law state. Max Speed limit on freeways is 65 mph. It is 55 on ALL two-lane highways. BAC limit is .08.

 

Why can't I pump my own gas in Oregon?

Oregon enacted a law in 1951 to prohibit individuals from dispensing fuel into their vehicles because of safety factors. The law was amended to allow the operator of a motorcycle who is handed a discharge nozzle to fill the tank and then hand the nozzle back to the attendant. The pump attendants are only doing their job.

 

What are some good roads to ride to the Rally?

Watch for issues of the BMW ON and on the Web site for articles dealing with this subject. Articles about riding to and from the Rally, as well as rides while there, will be in the magazine and on the Rally Web pages. Volunteers in the Hospitality Area will be happy to help you with maps and ride-suggestions.

The Iron Butt Association with BMW MOA support is offering Rally participants the opportunity to participate in the Redmond 1000, a Saddlesore 1000. Riders leave from one of three locations to ride to the Redmond 4R Rally within 24 hours. Participants must arrive by noon on Friday, July 16th. There will be an IBA Pizza Party on-site and finishers will receive certificates at the Rally. More details at http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41250.

 

Will there be a GS ride?

There are no plans during the rally for an organized GS ride at this time. However, we will have some very interesting GS rides suggested by locals at the Hospitality Desk.  Stop by and pick up a ride sheet.

A pre-rally off-pavement GS Ride exploring the beautiful Cascade Mountains of Oregon will be held on July 13 and 14 to benefit the BMW MOA Foundation.  Ramey "Coach" Stroud developed the event as a self-guided, off-pavement tour with maps and GPS tracks for each of three routes: Easy, Moderate and Difficult. Each route will have chase riders bringing up the rear and there will be off-pavement coaching sessions. The Ride will leave each day from DCFE.  Camping will be available at DCFE for Pre-Rally off-pavement GS Riders starting on July 12th.  All proceeds from this event will go to the BMW MOA Foundation to help pay for safety training.  Requested donation is $50 for one day and $100 for two days. 50% of the donation is tax deductible.  Sign-up will begin April 1 on the BMW MOA website at www.bmwmoa.org.   

 

What kind of organized rides will be offered?

No guided rides are planned at this time. However, the Hospitality Area will have a number of suggested self-guided rides to offer.

 

Will there be BMW demo rides this year?

Yes, BMW Motorrad is scheduled to provide demo rides at the Rally on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

 

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.

 

 

RALLY TRAIN

Will there be a Rally Train?

There is an agreement in the works for Amtrak to provide a dedicated train section (passenger car(s) and baggage cars) to carry BMW riders and their mounts between Washington, DC and Portland, Oregon via Chicago on metal pallets. Passengers and bikes could also get on or off in Chicago.

We are also talking with motorcycle shipping firms about special rates for shipping bikes to/from Redmond. A tempting option may be to ship the bike and ride a train with dozens of Beemer people headed for the Rally.

 

LODGING?

How do I find a hotel room?

A list of hotel and motel offerings was published in the January issue and updated in the February issue. The updated list is also available at http://www.bmwmoa.org. There are other hotels in the area however the only ones aware of our event are listed. Some of these are already sold out, so please don't procrastinate. You may also want to take advantage of Sherpa Ted's camping accommodations at the Rally site. The lodging is comfortable, you don't have to pack your camping gear, and you will be able to enjoy the total Rally experience. Sherpa Ted will have 150 tents so don't delay in making a reservation at http://www.sherpamayberry.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 available onsite. In addition there are plenty of offsite restaurants and fast food of every kind located close to the Rally site. The April BMW ON will have a list of restaurants in Redmond, Bend and Sisters.

 

COMMERCIAL VENDORS

What kind of vendors will there be at the Rally?

In addition to a lot of food vendors, many 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 and riding apparel needs!

 

ON THE GROUNDS

Is there Handicapped Parking?

There are 85 Handicapped Parking spaces in the parking lot located at the Main Pedestrian Entrance by Registration and the Commercial Vendor Buildings.

 

Will worship services be available?

Yes, watch your Rally program for times and location.

 

Are pets allowed at the Rally?

Pets are allowed, but we strongly encourage you to use common sense when it comes to your pets.

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.

Animals are not permitted in buildings, except for assistance animals.

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?

Yes, there will be a designated parking area for four-wheeled vehicles in the extensive parking area. Shuttle service is available to parking lots during designated Rally hours (see Rally Program). Vehicles within the site are limited to DCFE staff and the food and beverage service staff. Their parking is in designated areas outside Rally central.

 

Will there be a shuttle service?

There will be a shuttle for the Rally grounds to provide easy access around the grounds from the camping areas and parking lots to South and Middle Sisters (Commercial Vendors), North Sisters (BMW MOA Building), Vintage Display (Beef Barn), Beer Garden (Central Circle), Entertainment (Hooker Creek Event Center). There may be a shuttle service from the Rally grounds from the hotels. There is local taxi service.

 

Are there any special events planned for non-riding activities?

Please check with the Hospitality Area located near the country store for suitable local attractions. Also check your Rally program and seminar schedule.

 

Will there be organized activities for my kids?

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 locations of these activities throughout the Rally.

 

Will there be "Friends of Bill W" meetings on site?

Yes, times and location will be published in the Rally Program.

 

WORKING ON MY BIKE?

Can I change my oil at the Rally?

There will be a Do-it-Yourself area available between the High Desert Activity Center and the Dairy Barn. Oil, filters and crush washers will be available from Vendor(s) on  a first come basis.

 

Will there be repair services at the Rally should I need them?

At this time the vendor list is incomplete. Please check your Rally manual for a list of vendors on arrival at the Rally. For Airhead Riders, stop by Airhead Central in Chartered Club Camping area for assistance.

 

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. Installation will be available.

 

SHIP TO AND FROM THE RALLY

How do I ship my gear to the Rally?

Please do not ship packages for arrival before July 12th to avoid confusion. Upon arrival on site, please visit the Receiving area located in the Vendor Area to claim your shipments. Clearly mark all packages as follows:

 

Your Name & Contact Number

C/O BMW MOA Rally

Deschutes Fair and Expo Center

3800 SW Airport Way

Redmond, OR 97756

 

Will there be a way to ship items home?

Arranging for UPS shipping.

 

(revised 2/2/2010)

 

 


 
Contact the Editor

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

 
Copyright © 1996-2010 BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Inc. and respective authors and contributors. All rights reserved.

Advertise with Us | Privacy and Terms of Service | Contact Us

 
Site Last Updated Mar 19, 2010