37th BMWMOA Meet July 16-19, 2009

[WildBil]

As some of us know, the next BMW MOA International Rally will be held at the Appalation Fairgrounds just north of Johnson City, TN. next July. I found out today that some of the hotels are taking reservations already. For those who like to plan ahead at least these three are currently accepting reservations, and some give discounts for three night stay.

Best Western
Doubletree
Ramada

Here is a link (http://www.metrotravelguide.com/hotels/johnson_city/tn/usa/#trafficLogID=532188584&visited=true)to a long list of area motels.

Here is a partial list of area motels if anyone is interested.

A.Doubletree Hotel Johnson City (http://www.doubletree.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=TRIDTDT)

- www.doubletree.com - (423) 929-2000 - 34 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=18013473756247865759&dtab=2&reviews=1&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=result)
B.Quality Inn-Johnson City (http://www.qualityinn.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=TN544&promo=gglocal)

- www.qualityinn.com - (423) 282-3335 - 40 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=9473153931271740987&dtab=2&reviews=1&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=2&ct=result)
C.Red Roof Inn Johnson City, TN (http://www.redroof.com/)

- www.redroof.com - (423) 282-3040 - 14 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=13729521157227574451&dtab=2&reviews=1&pcsi=13729521157227574451,2&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=3&ct=result)
D.Hampton Inn Johnson City (http://www.hamptoninnjohnsoncity.com/)

- www.hamptoninnjohnsoncity.com - (423) 929-8000 - 14 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=950616128675354443&dtab=2&reviews=1&pcsi=950616128675354443,2&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=4&ct=result)
E.Carnegie Hotel (http://www.carnegiehotel.com/)

- www.carnegiehotel.com - (423) 979-6400 - 21 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=14307453520334500176&dtab=2&reviews=1&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=5&ct=result)
F.Comfort Inn-Johnson City (http://www.comfortinn.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=TN444&promo=gglocal)

- www.comfortinn.com - (423) 928-9600 - 15 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=14754715746154848540&dtab=2&reviews=1&pcsi=14754715746154848540,2&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=6&ct=result)
G.Holiday Inn-Johnson City (http://www.holidayinn.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=hi&hotelCode=jncws&_IATAno=99616580&cm_mmc=mdpr-_-googlemaps-_-hi-_-jncws&dp=true)

- www.holidayinn.com - (423) 282-4611 - 15 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=2395702180011595372&dtab=2&reviews=1&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=7&ct=result)
H.Days Inn-Johnson City (http://www.johnsoncitydaysinn.com/)

- www.johnsoncitydaysinn.com - (423) 282-2211 - 22 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=2819163767736598010&dtab=2&reviews=1&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=8&ct=result)
I.Best Western Johnson City Hotel & Conference Center (http://www.bestwesterntennessee.com/hotels/best-western-hotel-and-conference-center/)

- www.bestwesterntennessee.com - (423) 282-2161 - 12 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=10136414580317337094&dtab=2&reviews=1&pcsi=10136414580317337094,2&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=9&ct=result)
J.Jameson Inn (http://www.jamesoninns.com/)

- www.jamesoninns.com - (423) 282-0488 - 7 reviews (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=johnson+city,+tn+hotels&fb=1&view=text&latlng=252821695688436008&dtab=2&reviews=1&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=10&ct=result)

[nplenzick]

My prediction is this will be the biggest MOA national ever. If your moteling it I would book early.

[BMWphreak]

My prediction is this will be the biggest MOA national ever. If your moteling it I would book early.


I agree; already booked it!

[hallzee]

I'm disappointed. It's clear that for some reason the MOA has no plans for a West Coast rally.
:rant:

[nplenzick]

We were in Wyoming this year.....a lot closer to you then where I'm at in SE PA. I don't know how true it is but I've heard that it's going to the west cost in 2010 or 11. It may head to the Northeast in 2010 is another rumor I heard. I would think the MOA took a beating at Gillette this year, the lowest attendance in more then ten years, half the amount of vendors also....still had a great time though. I expect around 12,000 people this year in Tenn, and if they have it the following year in the NE it'll be more.
For what ever reason the west cost doesn't get the attendance figures like the east coast. Since Vermont the last two years attendance has gone down.

[eljeffe]

For what ever reason the west cost doesn't get the attendance figures like the east coast.

We've seen the opposite with CCR. Even when it's held in the east, the westcoasters still provide more attendance than the east.

For the CCRs in Gatlinburg, Braselton, Tan-Tar-A, Hot Springs (all east of the geographic center of the US), the California contingent has traditionally been the largest group outside the Texas group, with more attendees than most of the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, and Southeastern states combined. Granted, we have some hardcores from the east that have come EVERY year, regardless of location (:wave Hi Doc and Robin, Jay and Gilda, etc.!!!)

[eljeffe]

I'm disappointed. It's clear that for some reason the MOA has no plans for a West Coast rally.
:rant:

WTF? MOA was in Bend, OR just a few years ago. They can't be on the west coast EVERY year. D'oh!

[nplenzick]

We've seen the opposite with CCR. Even when it's held in the east, the westcoasters still provide more attendance than the east.

For the CCRs in Gatlinburg, Braselton, Tan-Tar-A, Hot Springs (all east of the geographic center of the US), the California contingent has traditionally been the largest group outside the Texas group, with more attendees than most of the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, and Southeastern states combined. (:wave Hi Doc and Robin, Jay and Gilda, etc.!!!)

Some day I hope you guys try it in the Northeast........I think you would be surprised at the attendance you'd receive.

[eljeffe]

Some day I hope you guys try it in the Northeast........I think you would be surprised at the attendance you'd receive.

We'd love to. Please help find us a location that has 350 rooms, banquet facilities for 600+, has great roads nearby, and is not an Indian Casino. I'm sure our site selection committee would love to review it. We ask every year, and having asked for a venue in the Northeast that meets those requirements for over 4 years now, I don't believe one exists. Please, tell me I'm wrong and point us in the right direction. Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Upstate NY (especially around the Adirondacks) would be awesome.

Every time we ask, we get a bunch of responses of "go here" or "go there", but none meet the minimum requirements of 350+ rooms, banquet facilities to handle 600 guests, has great roads, and isn't a casino.

[nplenzick]

I'll do my best. I'm headed to Watkins Glen, NY in ten days for the Finger Lakes Rally. They were building a new high end resort right on the lake overlooking the harbor. Great roads, great vineyards, beautiful area. I'll check it out and see if it'll meet your requirements. I saw earlier in the year there was talk of Lake Placid, NY. Has anyone checked it out? Maybe a member who lives in the area can do a little research. It's another great area, they hosted the Olympics so I wouldn't think CCR would be that big of a deal. I'm sure I'll see Brian Rathjen and Shira Kamil editors of Backroads magazine ( one of the best touring magazines in the country)in the next few weeks. I'll run it by them and pick their brain......I'm sure they'll have lots of suggestions.

[BMWphreak]

Do the 350 rooms have to be under one establishment? I think the CCR requirements might be tougher than the MOAs! :)

[tnk12lt]

I'm disappointed. It's clear that for some reason the MOA has no plans for a West Coast rally.
:rant:

2004 Spokane, Washington
2001 Redmond, Oregon
1998 Missoula, Montana
1991 Flastaff, Arizona
1986 Laguna Seca, California

Some of these are not west coast, but close.

guess they need to keep closer to the population center and vendors.
West coast rallies have been few.

[nplenzick]

Here's the place I was thinking about www.watkinsglenharborhotel.com
According to their web site the banquet room only holds 300 but maybe there are alternatives to that part. I'll check it out next week.

[eljeffe]

Here's the place I was thinking about www.watkinsglenharborhotel.com (http://www.watkinsglenharborhotel.com)
According to their web site the banquet room only holds 300 but maybe there are alternatives to that part. I'll check it out next week.

They only have 104 rooms. It's a non-starter

[eljeffe]

Do the 350 rooms have to be under one establishment? I think the CCR requirements might be tougher than the MOAs! :)

I believe we would prefer that all the rooms be at the same hotel. In the years where we have had more than one facility, the sense of community has felt "broken".

Even at some spread out facilities like Breckenridge and Tan Tar A, there were some people who felt left out being so far away from the action.

And just to complicate it further, the room rates need to be "reasonable". We had a perfect location a couple times, but couldn't get the properties to budge on their $250-$300/night rates.

[eljeffe]

Here is a thread that Randy posted for site selection for 2009.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15274

There are some parameters which must be met.

* The property must have at least 10,000 square feet in a single banquet hall, in order to accommodate a minimum of 600 people for the closing banquet.
* The property must be configured to support outside and inside vendors and have meeting space sufficient to support meetings and seminars.
* There must be a minimum of 300 sleeping rooms available. We would prefer that they be in the host hotel, but can be split with a very closely proximate property.
* The property should not be in a densely populated city surrounding.
* The property must be close to areas known for scenic motorcycle riding.
* The property must have room, banquet and meeting space available for the dates August 28th through August 31st, 2009.
* The maximum altitude to be considered will be 7000 feet.

There are many other requirements which will affect the suitability of any property wishing to host our reunion, but the above are the beginning requirements for consideration. While price is a consideration, the main requirement is that the property offer value relative to the location and time of the year. We would also prefer to stay out of excessively hot, cold or humid environments, if possible.

We would especially like to consider locations in the northern half of the United States as we have yet to pick a location north of Grand Teton National Park. While some have suggested choices in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada and while those locations are especially appealing to me, I think it might prove to be logistically difficult. We will, however, certainly consider any suggestions which come our way.

Some of you have suggested that you have properties in mind that would be ideal for our reunion. If any of you would like to suggest a suitable venue for the 2009 Reunion, please end the information by email to randy@bmwlt.com Please do not post your suggestions in this forum. Please provide me with the name and location of the property, web address, if possible and any contact names and numbers. If the location does not meet the minimum requirements for space and rooms, please do not offer it as a suggestion.

We will be sending out the RFP packages by the end of the year this year and begin the vetting process prior to next spring, so please get me your suggestions ASAP.

[nplenzick]

I think the CCR requirements are a little on the restrictive side. I would think your missing out on some great parts of the country. Even the GWRRA regional rallies rarely meet those requirements for one location and they only have their rallies in metropolitan areas. Watkins Glen as an example hosts 150,000 people for a NASCAR race in a pretty small area with many staying at the motels and hotels in the area. Yet there is not one single location that can meet CCR's requirements. I'm sure the same can be said for Lake Placid. . Maybe you guys do so well out west because there just aren't as many rallies west of the big river as there are east. I'll still keep my eyes out for something and I'll pass it through in the appropriate channels.

[milestoneinternet]

http://www.ramadabluegrass.com/Our-Hotel/hotels_tennessee.aspx

[bemmerbiker]

Of the rallies held by BMWMOA, the following states had rallies.
CA 2
SC 1
MO 1
WI 3 (IN OSHKOSH)
CO 2
VT 2
MN 1
OR 2
TN 2(inc 09)
OH 2
NY 2
MT 2 (BOTH IN MISSOULA)
MI 2
IN 1
PA 1
SD 1
AR 1
IL 1
CT 1
NC 1
TX 1
CAN 1
WV 1
FL 1
WA 1
WY 1
This how it looks for west -19 /east - 19. So where are we going in2010 to brake the tie????? As for CCR I have no record where the all have been.

[rkimmel2]

By reserving early and in Church Hill, TN I got a room for $39 a night. There are a number of small towns within ten to twenty minutes of Johnson City with lots of cheap hotels.

[Mag]

I'm new to riding and would like to attend the BMWMOA Meet next year. I'm just wondering if anyone could fill me in on the happenings. I know a lot of these events have "couples" attending. Anything for the singles????

[rkimmel2]

I'm new to riding and would like to attend the BMWMOA Meet next year. I'm just wondering if anyone could fill me in on the happenings. I know a lot of these events have "couples" attending. Anything for the singles????


Plenty of wives/sig. others stay home. There is plenty to do and the area has great roads to ride. In fact, the dumps I stay in when my wife stays home saves enough money to pay for my gas. As far as partying when the sun goes down, its easy to hook up.

[living_free]

Is anyone familiar with the are? My wife has a friend that lives in Bean Station, mapquest says about 65 miles away, would that be too far?

[Steve_R]

That depends on you and the roads in between. Fastest time on Mapsource shows right at 75 miles and most of that on Interstate. I think I'd look for a more direct route between the two, as the riding ought to be excellent.

[dfinazzo]

By reserving early and in Church Hill, TN I got a room for $39 a night.
There are a number of small towns within ten to twenty minutes of Johnson City with lots of cheap hotels.

Google says that place is 40 minutes away from the site - great price but . . .

[rkimmel2]

Google says that place is 40 minutes away from the site - great price but . . .


Maybe, but 31 miles of beautiful roads and neat stuff in between. Point is, instead of using Hotel.com or travelocity for Johnson City, put in several small towns within shooting distance and you may get a pleasant surprise. I got my room by using the "significant organization rate" at Choice Hotels website.

[saddle-man]

Is there camping at the fairgrounds

[WildBil]

As always, there will be camping on-site. Its included in the price of attending the meet. You can bet on two things. Shade, unlike this year's trip to Wyoming, which is a rather tree averse state. The other is that the showers will be (better be) closer than they were in Gillette.

The BMWMOA site (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally2009.htm) does not have much yet, but it will grow as time goes on.

Three things are standard for the BMWMOA meets for campers:

1 night of rain

Sherpa service (http://www.sherpamayberry.com/) - they usually offer a service where an outside company will set up and stock a tent for your and break it down afterward, so if you are riding two-up or don't want to drag a trailer, you can leave the tent and bag at home.

Shipping service starts accepting packages a couple of days before the meet, so you can UPS clean clothes and food to the site to further cut down on the travel load, and you can ship home the laundry and things you buy at the meet.

-------------------------------

Hopefully they will have more vendor support, especially from BMW itself next year. This wasn't the only forum which had complaints about the lack of food, clothing and helmet vendors in Gillette. Dipping Dots only go so far, you know. I m sure that BMWMOA did well for the area, but almost every aspect had less that previous years.

[Mag]

I've been on the BMWMOA site looking at the materials from 2008 and it seems like this forum has a lot more information. Again, being a newbie to all of this I take it that there is no lack of activities.

What's the opinion on camping vs hotel except for the obvious..... I'm just tryingto get a feel for what to expect.

[rkimmel2]

I've been on the BMWMOA site looking at the materials from 2008 and it seems like this forum has a lot more information. Again, being a newbie to all of this I take it that there is no lack of activities.

What's the opinion on camping vs hotel except for the obvious..... I'm just tryingto get a feel for what to expect.


Unless you enjoy camping, do not be too sure that it is less expensive than hotels. The area is beautiful and very cheap lodgings can be found within what I consider a reasonable ride to the rally.

[pickerbiker]

I've been on the BMWMOA site looking at the materials from 2008 and it seems like this forum has a lot more information. Again, being a newbie to all of this I take it that there is no lack of activities.

What's the opinion on camping vs hotel except for the obvious..... I'm just tryingto get a feel for what to expect.

I enjoy camping and frequently camp on our motorcycle adventures. But, my idea of camping is a nice, reasonably private site with plenty of shade and few neighbors. The challenge with camping at large events is you typically end up in a field or camp area with 1000 of your closest new friends. I'm not being critical for those that enjoy that, but it's just not my cup o' tea. I usually hotel it when attending large events.

[razman10]

For the non-rider, what is there to do around Johnson City? I expressed interest to my wife about going to which she mentioned taking our son (6yo in 09) & MIL. They're driving, I'm riding.

Is it worth the trip for them? If they don't come, I'm afraid SWMBO will nix the trip. (One good thing is that MIL will serve as babysitter!)

[Matt]

I realize this is not in the Northeast....But, if you're looking to return to the north central region check out www.grandtraverseresort.com. I believe it meets all the requirements. It's not an Indian Casino but there is a very nice casino nearby. The roads are good (not great, but good), the scenery fantastic, the golf is world class (for those of you who have figured out how to tie down your clubs to the LT), wine is superb, beer very very good. All of Northern Michigan and Eastern UP is accessable on a day ride. Lotsa nice shopping in Traverse City area and Mackinaw City. Water parks for the kids, etc.

Anyway, food for thought.

[Vffr1]

San Jose, California meets most of the requirements and is the "Safest Big City in the Country" (9th Largest US City).

You could hold activities/meetings/banquets at the San Jose Convention Center or adjacent hotels. There are two hotels attached to the Convention Center (Marriot and Hilton) they have 860 rooms between the 2 of them (506 + 354). Summer room rates should be in the $150ish range. There are over 100 restaurants and 5 parks just in the downtown.

San Jose is located in a valley surrounded by hills and we have great local motorcycling roads, such as Hwy 9, Hwy 35, Hwy 84, Hwy 130, Hwy 17 etc. There are many more great places within striking distance such as Pacific Coast Hwy (Hwy 1), San Francisco, Napa, Carmel, Monterey and Yosemite.

Lots to do in and around San Jose as well, our Tech Museum of Innovation has a "Domed" Imax Big Screen one of the few in the Country, we have numerous Amusement Parks (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Great America & Gilroy Gardens). Here is a link of nearby attractions:
Stuff to do Link (http://sanjose.org/visitors/thingstodo/things.php)

There is also a BMW Dealership conveniently located on the same street as the Convention Center for those needing parts, repairs etc.

Michael