BMWMOA Rally: Last-Minute Decision To Go

[hschisler]

We decided about an hour ago to leave after work today to attend the BMWMOA event in Essex Junction, VT. We are driving only -- no bike, not even on a trailer -- so before I get the various replies like "Trailers are for Harleys", and "National rally, without a bike?), cut me some slack. There are several reasons we aren't taking the bike.

My questions for you all:
1. I've read through the list of seminars. They cover TONS of topics. Can you recommend any? Dis-recommend any? (for example: are the sessions sponsored by tour companies worth attending?)
2. Any general advice for "taking it all in" -- things to see? Things to not bother with?
3. The list of vendors is impressive. How much of our children's inheritance should I plan on spending there?
4. Will some of those vendors actually be installing products on bikes?

I may have one last chance before leaving today at 4:00 to check back for replies. Any other last-minute advice is welcome. (Yes, I have a hotel reservation. Yes, it's in Vermont... :D )

[FredR]

Good for you Howard, Hopefully I will see you there, it is a big place and lots of folks.

[KYchris02]

Hey Howard.... you'll be in heaven. Good people and all the equipment you don't need. I have been to 1 other national event... felt like christmas morning. The touring excursion companies are worth a visit but i got the "buy a timeshare" feel from one of them.

My best advice is bring a pen and have a pocket full of cards because you'll meet some real great contacts. Have fun. see you there maybe.

[messenger13]

We decided about an hour ago to leave after work today to attend the BMWMOA event in Essex Junction, VT. We are driving only -- no bike, not even on a trailer -- so before I get the various replies like "Trailers are for Harleys", and "National rally, without a bike?), cut me some slack. There are several reasons we aren't taking the bike.Trailers aren't just for Harleys . . . there for BOATS too! :D And just cuz you say, "cut me some slack" doesn't mean I have to listen. I'm simply not that nice of a guy! :D
My questions for you all:


1. I've read through the list of seminars. They cover TONS of topics. Can you recommend any? Dis-recommend any? (for example: are the sessions sponsored by tour companies worth attending?)Tour companies? I hear there's a pretty nice tour up to Vermont that leaves today around 6pm from Columbus. But that requires actually riding your LT. :rolleyes:
2. Any general advice for "taking it all in" -- things to see? Things to not bother with?Don't bother going if you're not riding a BMW. :D Especially if you own one.
3. The list of vendors is impressive. How much of our children's inheritance should I plan on spending there? You won't have to worry. Most of the stuff they will be selling is associated with motorcycle riding. You can just visit the local WalMart or AutoZone for all of your cager needs.



4. Will some of those vendors actually be installing products on bikes?Yes. But typically you need to bring your bike with you. :D



I may have one last chance before leaving today at 4:00 to check back for replies. Any other last-minute advice is welcome.Leave the cage at home and ride that LT. Or...am I just being silly?:confused:

[hschisler]

Trailers aren't just for Harleys . . . there for BOATS too! :D And just cuz you say, "cut me some slack" doesn't mean I have to listen. I'm simply not that nice of a guy! :D


Tour companies? I hear there's a pretty nice tour up to Vermont that leaves today around 6pm from Columbus. But that requires actually riding your LT. :rolleyes:


Don't bother going if you're not riding a BMW. :D Especially if you own one.


You won't have to worry. Most of the stuff they will be selling is associated with motorcycle riding. You can just visit the local WalMart or AutoZone for all of your cager needs.





Yes. But typically you need to bring your bike with you. :D





Leave the cage at home and ride that LT. Or...am I just being silly?:confused: Dayam. Zinged several times. Ouch. :rolleyes:

Thanks to all for the quick responses. Thanks to those that were actually useful.

[messenger13]

Thanks to those that were actually useful.My advise was the most "useful" you will ever receive. Sometimes the toughest pill to swallow, provides the best cure.

[hschisler]

Made it from Columbus, OH to Erie, PA before stopping for the night. Ran into 3 gents from Louisville, KY at a rest stop near Cleveland. (we hurried around that city to avoid you-know-who, who rumor has it circles the outerbelt late at night looking for other bikes to race :D ) 2 of these guys were on older RTs, 3rd guy was on a Harley. All seemed like nice fellows. We chatted a bit before we uh.... got back in the uh... car and drove off. :o

[glenhinegardner]

Hey Howard

Just got back from camping at Hocking Hills park today and my wife and I are leaving for Vermont Thurs morning at 6 am, on our LT. We will stop in NY thur and We are staying in Shelby at the countryside motel Fri and Sat. We should be at the rally Fri evening and most of the day Sat.

Would like to have lunch with you and Lisa, Dont know if you will get this? I"ll keep an eye out for you.

Glen
05klt

[hschisler]

Hey Howard

Just got back from camping at Hocking Hills park today and my wife and I are leaving for Vermont Thurs morning at 6 am, on our LT. We will stop in NY thur and We are staying in Shelby at the countryside motel Fri and Sat. We should be at the rally Fri evening and most of the day Sat.

Would like to have lunch with you and Lisa, Dont know if you will get this? I"ll keep an eye out for you.

Glen
05kltHi Glen,
Yep, I got it. I'm here, chomping at the bit to hit the expo center tomorrow morning. We're staying at the University Inn and Suites, about 8 minutes from the rally site.

Call my cell when you're at the rally; we'll meet up somewhere. Lisa is doing her own touring while I'm at the rally so she won't be available for lunch, but I'd be happy to meet up with you and your wife.
740.974.3524