2008 Rally

[mbwillis]

Got a location selected yet?

[4N6guy]

I'd like to know as well. Can't make the 07 but I'd like to plan for the 08

[jeremell]

Due to my job, family, and motorcycle schedule, I too like to get rallies on my calendar as far in advance as possible. When does the RA usually announce the next year's rally location?

[MarkF]

Usually anywhere from 6-9 months before. But sometimes rumors slip out for the state or region and month a year before. I just hope they return to Sept/Oct. I will forever regret not making Barber and Biltmore.

[osbornk]

Usually anywhere from 6-9 months before. But sometimes rumors slip out for the state or region and month a year before. I just hope they return to Sept/Oct. I will forever regret not making Barber and Biltmore.

They were the two best I have been to. Barber had the best weather and Biltmore had the best roads.

[hogmolly]

Does the RA only have one rally per year?

[Dan Wright]

Does the RA only have one rally per year?
There is one BMWRA International Rally per year.

[jeremell]

Still no word on the location for '08?

[Beemer-me-up]

Isn't the rally going to be in Gillette, Wyoming next year??? :p

[rcbernhardt]

That is the BMWMOA rally not the BMWRA

[MarkF]

Can someone who knows somebody confirm Spring, Summer or Fall. I think I'm gonna put all my eggs in one backet next year. I hope the RA rally is in the middle of that basket.

[BeemerArp]

I've heard rumors about the Ozarks, MO/AR ... but don't quote me on this :)

[jeremell]

Missouri would be great! A new part of the country that I have never ridden in.

[Beemer-me-up]

That is the BMWMOA rally not the BMWRA

I know, I was only kidding. :)

[CTYankee]

Can someone who knows somebody confirm Spring, Summer or Fall. I think I'm gonna put all my eggs in one backet next year. I hope the RA rally is in the middle of that basket.

By the looks of your hometown (and mine) maybe we can head out together! I hope it is an early Summer date...we'll see.

IMO...Major bummer on the Wyoming location for the MOA.

[BMWPhreak]

Another Yankee here... Wyoming looks interesting to me. Not sure if I can get that much time off from work, but if so, I'll be there with a smile on!

[CTYankee]

Would love to hi WY - but it just isnt going to work. Would need a couple of weeks off for that one, and I'm just not going to take that kind of time off without the wife and kids (and they don't fit in the panniers) :D

[MarkF]

I'm kinda limited to east of the Mississippi by time. I also can't do July/Aug.

[Wood]

The Moto Club Nacional BMW México announces the upcoming year's Convención at the final night of the current year's Convención (which was 20 Oct '07). The BMW MOA announced their 2008 Rally before the 2007 Rally had even taken place. Does the BMW RA announce the upcoming year's rally at any specific time?

Wood

[osbornk]

I'm kinda limited to east of the Mississippi by time. I also can't do July/Aug.

I'm in the same boat. That's why my favorites have been Birmingham, Shelbyville and Asheville.

[CTYankee]

I'm in the same boat. That's why my favorites have been Birmingham, Shelbyville and Asheville.

+1

I hope that the RA Rally is East of the Mississippi. Rumors are indicating that Ozarks are a possibility. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

[MarkF]

I'm in the same boat. That's why my favorites have been Birmingham, Shelbyville and Asheville.

I loved Shelbyville but RA in WV woulda been my fav if it weren't for the Hurricane!

[MarkF]

Does the BMW RA announce the upcoming year's rally at any specific time?

Wood


NO, it's announced when the ink is dry. I would like region and month announced when the ink is still wet. Don't think that's too much to ask.

[osbornk]

I loved Shelbyville but RA in WV woulda been my fav if it weren't for the Hurricane!

The rally I went to in WV was an MOA Rally. The weather did ruin it for me. I think the complaints would have been far less if the weather had been better and there had been fewer tents floating down the river.

I think the RA should always try to do the opposite of what the MOA does. With the smaller size and less restrictions, the RA rallies are almost always in better locations and more enjoyable to me than the MOA rallies.

[wackettrw]

I have my summers off and plan to do a lot of traveling out West this upcoming 2008 summer. I plan to be in Colorado early June 2008 (COG Nat'l Rally), In Utah in mid-June 2008 (Red Rock Redezvour Club Rally sponsored by Beehive Beemers), and in Gillette Wyoming in mid-July 2008 (BMWMOA Nat'l Rally). Can anyone give me an idea of WHERE & WHEN the BMWRA Nat'l Rally will be held? I hope it is in the southwestern States (CO, UT, NV, WY, NM, AZ, etc) and fits in with my general travel schedule outlined above. I enjoyed the BMWRA Biltmore Estates Nat'l Rally in NC last summer!
Richard

[osbornk]

I have my summers off and plan to do a lot of traveling out West this upcoming 2008 summer. I plan to be in Colorado early June 2008 (COG Nat'l Rally), In Utah in mid-June 2008 (Red Rock Redezvour Club Rally sponsored by Beehive Beemers), and in Gillette Wyoming in mid-July 2008 (BMWMOA Nat'l Rally). Can anyone give me an idea of WHERE & WHEN the BMWRA Nat'l Rally will be held? I hope it is in the southwestern States (CO, UT, NV, WY, NM, AZ, etc) and fits in with my general travel schedule outlined above. I enjoyed the BMWRA Biltmore Estates Nat'l Rally in NC last summer!
Richard

I am hoping for a location south of the Mason Dixon line and east of the Mississippi River. This would balance the MOA Rally and give many of us a workable option.

[MarkF]

I am hoping for a location south of the Mason Dixon line and east of the Mississippi River. This would balance the MOA Rally and give many of us a workable option.


Kentucky would be nice!

[osbornk]

Kentucky would be nice!


I think it would be neat since I live about 80 miles from the Kentucky border. I have never attended a rally in Kentucky. The Chromeheads are planning a rally next August at Breaks Interstate Park which is on the Virginia-Kentucky border with the park in both states.

[BeemerArp]

I've heard rumors about the Ozarks, MO/AR ... but don't quote me on this :)

Well ... I was wrong ... it will not be in the Ozarks for 2008. But, the ink is dry, and the site will be announced next week. Hint ... East of the Mississippi River, North of the Mason/Dixon and in June ... stay tuned for details :)

[Radar41]

Great, I have my plans for next year on hold awaiting the time and place.

[CTYankee]

...the ink is dry, and the site will be announced next week. Hint ... East of the Mississippi River, North of the Mason/Dixon and in June ... sta...

EXCELLENT. My first BMW Rally...here I come.:D

[osbornk]

Well ... I was wrong ... it will not be in the Ozarks for 2008. But, the ink is dry, and the site will be announced next week. Hint ... East of the Mississippi River, North of the Mason/Dixon and in June ... stay tuned for details :)

Two out of my 3 wishes wouldn't be bad.

[Dan Wright]

Well ... I was wrong ... it will not be in the Ozarks for 2008. But, the ink is dry, and the site will be announced next week. Hint ... East of the Mississippi River, North of the Mason/Dixon and in June ... stay tuned for details :)
Guess I won't have too far of a ride....

[AntonLargiader]

The RA really does try to announce rallies a year in advance, but that hasn't happened since Shelbyville, where we announced Boise. We had a couple of things fall apart on the interim plans that put us behind.

Debbi is working on the 2009 rally so that we can announce that at the 2008 rally this summer.

And the 2008 rally will be announced Real Soon Now, as in maybe today.

[beemerphile1]

...the 2008 rally will be announced Real Soon Now, as in maybe today.

I am surprised that it hasn't been officially announced yet. I just logged on to get the official dates and location. I heard a rumor two months ago that we were nearing signing on the dotted line and that the location was somewhere in the upper penisula of Michigan. I guess that rumor may have been false or else negotiations may have fallen apart. :)

[*SHAG*]

And the 2008 rally will be announced Real Soon Now, as in maybe today.

Where is the announcement?:confused:

[jeremell]

The anticipation is killing me! Or maybe its the excitement of planning a motorcycle trip while I'm stuck inside for the winter.

[Beemerguy]

Tell me about it! I have to do my annual leave request for work. If I don't get it in soon, I might not get to go!!! I really don't care where at this point, but the when is critical.:confused:

[AntonLargiader]

Houghton, MI
June 19-22, 2008

The 2008 BMW RA International Rally will be held on the Michigan Technical University campus.

Here's a campus map:
http://admissions.mtu.edu/visiting_campus/campus_map/CampusMap_2007.pdf

We'll be in the lower part, using buildings 24 and 50 as well as the surrounding fields.

Now I have a lot of web page updates to make!!

[rockers]

RA Website has been updated. June 19-22; Houghton, Michigan; Copper Country; da U.P. - Your Rally Chair

[John Brase]

Houghton, Michigan - yep, that's north of the Mason-Dixon line, way north. This is going to be cool. That far north and over the Summer Solstice, it might stay light all night long. And everybody east of about Chicago will get to ride over the big steel grated Mackinac Bridge on their way to Houghton - or back.

It is pronounced Ho-tun, though Dave Hough might take some issue with that version.

See you there,
John

[BeemerArp]

Yep ... just a little north ... bet it will be a bit cooler than the Biltmore :) . I've toured the U.P. on bike and snowmobile and am very much looking forward to getting back up there. In fact, I have all ready decieded on my Rally route. Coming out of Cleveland I'll go to Detroit and cross over into Canada then head up the east side of Lake Huron to Sault Sainte Marie. From there I'll do a counterclockwise Lake Superior Circle Tour to the Rally. That will bump the direct route of 723 miles to around 1600 miles :)

[osbornk]

After checking out the location of the "other" Rally, I was really glad to see the location of this Rally. It is the exact opposite of Gillette and that is a really good thing. The temperature should be great. Or course the weather at the Biltmore should have been perfect but unseasonable heat and the drought made it less than perfect. It was still far superior to what normal weather will be at the "other" Rally.

[rockers]

Da Creation of Da Upper Peninsula

In the beginning dere was nuttin'.
Den...

On da FIRST day, God created da UP.
On da SECOND day, He created da partridge, da deer, da bear, da fish, and da ducks.

On da THIRD day, He said "Let dere be Yoopers to roam da Upper Peninsula."

On da FOURTH day, God created da udder world down below.

On da FIFTH day, He said "Let dere be trolls to live in da udder world down below."

On da SIXTH day, He created da bridge, so da trolls would have a way to get to heaven.

God saw it was good and on da SEVENTH day, He went huntin'.

[Beemer-me-up]

After checking out the location of the "other" Rally, I was really glad to see the location of this Rally. It is the exact opposite of Gillette and that is a really good thing. The temperature should be great. Or course the weather at the Biltmore should have been perfect but unseasonable heat and the drought made it less than perfect. It was still far superior to what normal weather will be at the "other" Rally.

+1,:D Only 6 months to Rally time. Can't wait as this will be my first time to UP. I didn,t think it was that hot at the Biltmore.

[MarkF]

Thats two June rallies in a row. I hope the fall RA rally is not a thing of the past. Gotta decide between the RA in MI or the European Rally in KY. Decisions, decisions!

P.S. Thanks to the team for putting it together and getting the info out.

[osbornk]

Thats two June rallies in a row. I hope the fall RA rally is not a thing of the past. Gotta decide between the RA in MI or the European Rally in KY. Decisions, decisions!

P.S. Thanks to the team for putting it together and getting the info out.

Didn't we have 2 October rallies in a row? I like it on either end of the summer.

[CTYankee]

...Gotta decide between the RA in MI or the European Rally in KY. ...

tell me more about this European Rally in KY. Never heard of it - and would like to know more. Is it a local rally? Whats the story? Is it exclusive for the euro-crowd or are all makes represented?

[BeemerArp]

here is a link to the rally. It's in the middle of May ... you could go to both.
I was there this past May and it was very nice ... beautiful area!

http://www.bmwmcon.org/rally.html

[MarkF]

here is a link to the rally. It's in the middle of May ... you could go to both.


Not with my schedule. More like neither. That's why I prefer Sept/Oct.

[OU812]

Newbie here. Got this club site from another member on a different board, and I would like to attend this one. The UP is beautiful and the roads are great. I have only done the roads with a pickup and snowmobile. This would be a great place to put some killer miles on the bike. Hope to meet you all there!
Steve

[Jeff Popa]

Hey,

Well, I have been to a couple of the MOA rally's and they are quite fun. Never been to an RA, but from what I hear, everyone has a good time. Planning on making the UP this year. Gonna be camping with the 'GS...

Take care and will surely see ya there.....

Jeff

[CTYankee]

Dunno... I am still thinking this one through. Not sure I am going to make it to the U.P.

Still noodling this one though - but that is going to a take a chunk of time out of my vacation schedule. Gotta think about the kids and wife, at least once in a while! ;-)

The Euro rally in KY sounds interesting though. Shorter ride for me from CT...

[osbornk]

Jeff,

I've been to both several times and I enjoy the RA Rallies more. There are far fewer vendors but the locations are better and the lines are much shorter. I usually limit my Rallies to about 500 miles one way but this one may be an exception at a little over 1,000. I would love to go to the UP and enjoy the area.

The MOA Rallies I attended in Lima, OH and Charleston, WV do not compare with the RA Rallies at Barber's race track in Birmingham,AL, Shelbyville, TN and the Rally at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.

[Jeff Popa]

Yeah, I went to the Charleston Rally and while I had a nice time, it was kind of a pain to drive across town each morning to attend the rally... of course, the weather kept it interesting. Decided, at the last minute, to stay in a dorm room instead of the tent..... awfully glad I did... quite a sight seeing all those tents flying through the air during the storm..... Jeff

[indycubes]

The Biltmore was tremedous! I was considering riding to the Torrey, UT Rally but the UP may just be the answer...if....I can find a way of including the family. Does anyone have information about renting a cabin or summer place near by where the familia can gather? I am looking leads on a reasonably priced 2 to 3 bedroom with sofa. Any leads would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[rockers]

Jose

I did send a reply to your request. For anyone else use this link below...

http://keweenaw.org/index.php?page=cabins_cottages_vacation_rentals

Look for places in Houghton, Hancock, Chassell, South Range which will all be within about 7 miles of the Rally Site. The Chassell area has lots of options with most on the lakeshore.

Bob Alexander

[Fritzc]

I emailed the director of Housing at MTU about housing and dorm rentals.
Here is the correspondence I received.

Director of Campus Housing.
The BMW (motorcycle) Rider's Association is using the MTU campus for their annual rally on June, 21 through June 22 of 2008. Their will be a lot of tent camping but there have been queries about other places to stay. There are quite a few families that attend these rallies and there have been some have inquired about staying for a week or more to see the sights.
I was wondering if any housing, dorms or married housing units, would be available for renting on a short term basis. Some University Campuses do allow that so not an unusual request.
I'm asking not for myself but for others that have inquired. Perhaps it is covered on our web site. Attendees would number 2,000 to probably as many as 4,000.
Thanks for any information you can give me.
Fritz in Owosso, Michigan


Hello Fritz,

Thank you for your email inquiring about summer housing options at
Michigan Technological University. We do have apartments and regular
residence hall rooms available for rent during this time. The cost
associated is as follows:

RESIDENCE HALL ROOM
Internet access is available to guests with a valid drivers license or
passport at the time of check-in. Michigan Tech residence halls are
smoke-free facilities.

Regular Room
single room - rate per night : $28.00
double room - rate per person per night : $18.50

Room w/ Private Bath
single room - rate per night : $36.00
double room - rate per person per night : $23.00

Meals are also available in the residence halls.
$5.95 breakfast
$6.95 lunch
$7.95 dinner


MICHIGAN TECH APARTMENTS
Availability and accommodations vary, please contact my staff at
906-487-2727.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Travis

--

Travis L. Pierce, MPA
Director, Residential Life
Michigan Technological University
906-487-2687

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most
intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change."
-Charles Darwin (1809 - 1882)

[flat_twin]

Hi everyone!!,
I just called Travis at Michigan Tech about the dorm rooms there on campus.
Travis said he can't take reservations for the rally until late May. He also said there would not be a problem getting a room as there are over 2200 available! Once his summer staff is in place, he'll be able to take reservations.

Mark

[OU812]

Can't beat those rates!:D

[dancogan]

I emailed the director of Housing at MTU about housing and dorm rentals.
Here is the correspondence I received.

...

Fritz, didn't you ask about places that accept pets???:p

[Fritzc]

Fritz, didn't you ask about places that accept pets???:p

My cousin lives in Houghton. He will board your puppies for you for a nominal fee!:D :D

[osbornk]

Fritz, didn't you ask about places that accept pets???:p

Isn't that what pup tents are for?

[Beemer-me-up]

Hi everyone!!,
I just called Travis at Michigan Tech about the dorm rooms there on campus.
Travis said he can't take reservations for the rally until late May. He also said there would not be a problem getting a room as there are over 2200 available! Once his summer staff is in place, he'll be able to take reservations.

Mark

This is good to know thanks for the tip

[Beemer-me-up]

By the looks of your hometown (and mine) maybe we can head out together! I hope it is an early Summer date...we'll see.

IMO...Major bummer on the Wyoming location for the MOA.

Hi ctyankee, I few of us Ocean State BMW riders will be going and if you want to meet up with us I'm sure we can work something out.

[Trailing Jack]

I see the dates for the rally are Thursday 6/19 thru Sunday 6/22.
Does the rally actually begin Thursday (can we arrive?) or is that volunteers only like the MOA?

[AntonLargiader]

I'll let the rally staff have the final word on that, but it usually means that the rally is open for attendees on that day. For the RA, Wednesday has typically been the setup day unless I'm totally misremembering things.

[Bob]

Any idea as to when pre - registration page will be posted?

[rockers]

We are in the process of getting registration info finalized. Hopefully it will be on the RA Website in early March. We are getting a couple optional items (Pasty Feed, Dinner Cruise) added to pre-registration before we "go live". There will also be buffet breakfasts/dinners and a "Yoopers" concert available thru Michigan Tech's website, but details are being worked out.

Official Registration for the Rally will open Thursday morning. There will be earlier availability for those willing to Volunteer and help out with set-up. Details later.

Rally Chair

[Trailing Jack]

We are in the process of getting registration info finalized. Hopefully it will be on the RA Website in early March. We are getting a couple optional items (Pasty Feed, Dinner Cruise) added to pre-registration before we "go live". There will also be buffet breakfasts/dinners and a "Yoopers" concert available thru Michigan Tech's website, but details are being worked out.

Official Registration for the Rally will open Thursday morning. There will be earlier availability for those willing to Volunteer and help out with set-up. Details later.

Rally Chair

Thanks. I'm hoping to be there so I'm trying to figure out the logistics.

[MarkF]

Just volunteer for registration on Thursday and you can arrive Wed and be first in line at registration!

[R80Guy]

I am GREATLY looking forward to riding to Houghton for the Rally, particularly since I'm an alumni of Michigan Tech, and think that it is really cool to have the rally on my campus! :)

My question, can I bring friends that would be riding non-BMWs? They will be mounted on Axis machines (non-American), no loud pipes.

Thanks,
Guy

[AntonLargiader]

Open to all brands, always!

[osbornk]

The more the merrier.

[R80Guy]

Thanks everyone! We promise to not drink ALL the beer!

[AntonLargiader]

At the Barber rally you could have tried. We ran into a problem with the beer license and decided to make it free (to get around the sales aspect).

[osbornk]

At the Barber rally you could have tried. We ran into a problem with the beer license and decided to make it free (to get around the sales aspect).

I don't drink beer and I still think the Barber Rally is the best one I have ever been to. It was new, fresh and clean with good weather. We stayed in my travel trailer that was parked on the hill overlooking the track. My second favorite was at the Biltmore but it was somewhat spoiled by the drought and unseasonably hot weather. Also, I live about 2 1/2 hours away, I had been there several times before and I had ridden the good nearby roads several times.

I expect to have a good time this year as I stay in one of the dorm rooms.