Rally e-newsletter 7.01
January 23, 2007

35th International BMW Riders Association International Rally
June 7-10, 2007

Biltmore Estate
Asheville, NC
N35° 31.9'W82° 33.5'

Time to kick off this rally! I think by now you all have heard about the incredible site for the rally this year. For the first time they will let a group stay on the estate. Folks, this is a big deal! Biltmore often hosts car, cycle and other rallies, but they are considered day events and these rally goers leave the estate at 5pm go back to their hotels, only to do it again the next day. We will be the first group that will camp on the estate for three days. We will share the estate with the general public during the day, but when the gates close to the public at 5pm, we remain.

The rally site sits along an open span of field following the French Broad River and we will be bringing up Rally Central from the ground, much like traveling fairs did in the 1800's. Our rally will celebrate the essence of this place, the history of a time when life moved at a much slower pace. You can sense this when you drive through the stone entrance gate. Your rally fee will give you access to the estate for three days and includes tent camping. You can tour the house, winery or farm in addition to the rally fare you normally find: vendors, seminars, entertainment and food. Didn't see enough of the house on your first tour? Go again and again. If you've got the time, tour the house as many times as you can during the rally. You can also tour the winery and take part in sampling of the estate wines more than once. And we will be including estate wines for sale in the Beer Tent. You beer purists will have to share some space in the Beer Tent!

You will almost have too much to do during your time at this rally. The house, winery, seminars, and vendors: when will you find time to ride? Western North Carolina has some of the best roads, paved and dirt in the U.S. We will have self-guided tours available and don't worry GSers. We plan to have at least one guided GS ride, maybe more in addition to self-guided tours. The rally forum on the RA website has already had some interesting ride/route discussions. Join the rally forum and post your favorite rides.

Are your feet feeling tired just thinking about the distances over this 8,000-acre estate? We will have shuttles running Friday and Saturday to allow you to rest your feet between the house, winery and rally central.

Debbi Harbour
Rally Liaison

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