The Bloomsburg Fountain (Photo: George Thomas)

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Closing Ceremony Video Production from REVZILLA

Until Next Year

By Mark Austin, 2011 Rally Chair

The 2011 MOA Rally is now history, but continues to exist in memories and photographs. Those attending the rally were able to participate in a wide variety of events ranging from a tour of Gettysburg to talking with World War II re-enactors while examining their vintage collections of motorcycles and other equipment. Local residents were given the opportunity to meet riders and look at their bikes as a variety of groups met on Saturday in the downtown area around the historic fountain. The usual array of vendors, food, live music, seminars, and other activities were just some of the activities available on the Rally grounds. Those staying in the dorms or wanting to dine downtown were able to hop a shuttle bus to commute to and from the Rally. Those wanting to ride their motorcycles had a selection of great roads and scenery in the area.

We don't know if this was the hottest annual Rally on record, but the heat presented many challengers for those on the Rally grounds. Rally goers, volunteers, and the MOA staff demonstrated their spunk and energy as they adapted to the situation with creative responses. For example, before the Rally began, ad-hoc groups of volunteers began spending countless hours supplying water to help all of us avoid dehydration. During the heat other folks found relief in a nearby swimming hole or soaking in a small wading pool. The heat put extra pressure on other volunteers such as the First-Aid crew. Pat Carrol, the First Aid co-chair, summed up the spirit of these volunteers the best. At one point someone inquired as to why he "put up" with all that was on his plate, his response was "I am taking care of my family." The appropriateness of our rally slogan was punctuated by Pat's comment as "friends are family."

Our experiences as chairs were both gratifying and humbling. We are still in awe at the thousands of volunteer hours that individuals and MOA chartered clubs contributed to the planning, operation, and clean-up responsibilities of this Rally. A short phone call or email from the Rally chairs would result in a simple response of yes that represented many hours of work and giving up precious vacation time to volunteer for Rally duties. Many of those attending the Rally stepped up to contribute their volunteer effort to work in the heat with the only reward consisting of an occasional thanks, handshake from a committee chair, or a smile from another MOA member.  

The talents and energy of the MOA members and staff provide a wonderful asset to the organization and to anyone fortunate enough to serve as the chair of a Rally. Thanks to all the volunteers, MOA staff, Bloomsburg community members, BMW Motorrad and others attending the Rally for all the support. If possible, start planning to join us in Missouri for our 40^th Annual Rally as the new rally chairs, Chuck Manley, Julie Manley, and Bob Aldridge, are already preparing for our arrival. Sedalia, Missouri, July 19 - 22, 2012.