CCR or BMWMOA Rally

[living_free]

Okay, it is early, but I will need to start planning (read - saving) now. Which one to go to next year? There are pros and cons to both. BMWMOA I could run Deals Gap, CCR I could go through the black hills. I could also leave a couple days earlier and try to do a 50CC. Time isn't as much of an issue as finances, so I can't do both.

Anyone that has been to both care to give their opinions?

[DavidTaylor]

Do you like a big event with tons of people (a few thousand) and more camping oriented facilities? Go to the MOA rally. Do you like smaller, more intimate events (4-500 people) with a clean bed and your own shower? Then go to CCR. IMHO - CCR is the way to go. You really get a chance to get to know the folks who are there since it is a smaller event. The reception, dinners, seminars, charity auction, etc., are all a lot of fun. I come away every year with new friends that I end up establishing long term relationships with.

And I'm not just saying this because I'm on the CCR Board; I felt this way about it well before I got involved at this level.

[JATownsend]

Opinions will vary...

The BMWMOA Rally is a rather huge event, populated by a lot of people you have never talked to or met. Yes, they ride BMWs for the most part, but the event is a MUCH different animal than CCR.

At CCR, their is a closeness, a real feeling of family. It is of course smaller, but it is also so much tighter. CCR's are also 'Upscale' events. The CCR Team picks great locations, with wonderful amenities and terrific seminars aimed at a much wider audience than a mere rally would consider.

I don't know if you are planning this event with your SO or not, but if you are, she will be much happier at CCR, for a lot of reasons.

I'm sure you will get a ton of responses to your query. This is a special group of people, and those that make the effort to attend to the annual CCR's are the most special of them all!

I have luckily been to two. :dance: Good luck!

[Lonewuff]

For the reasons stated above...CCR without a doubt.

[sanjaun2]

Dave summed it up pretty well. The Moa is a lot of fun, Its camping on the ground and partying with about 5k people. I was not to impressed with the events last year. I would only go to it again if it were in a prime riding area. CCR is nice and comfy, Lots of great people that you know. The great riding nearby is a plus! Been to both and I would pick CCR for sure!

[Dick]

And if you really wanna have an outstanding, memorable, beneficial, rewarding, can't-wait-to-do-it-again, experience - volunteer for a few hours at the registration table. You'll come away from there with - "dang, it's like I've known those folks forever, and this is the first time we've met!!!"

And marking your schedule with attendance at the tech session is a must; there you'll see DIY professionals conducting a show-n-tell of the inner workings, and service needs, of the LT. Whether you consider doing your own maintenance or not, it's pretty eye-opening to know what dealership mechanics do during certain service intervals.

Oh yeah, and you for sure don't wanna miss meeting up with Grif - if he can find time to tear himself away from his Mary Kay seminar!! He'll be the one in the tinfoil hat, walking around asking everybody "have you seen my friend ET!!!" :alien: :D

[wilbar00c]

Tony, It's a no brainer!! Go to CCR, your friends will be there. As always, it will be another class act event in a great riding area. At BMWMOA this year, you will feel like you haven't left NH!!

[hschisler]

David and Averill said it very, very well. I've been to both events. Given a choice of going to just one of these two events, CCR would win hands down.

The BMWMOA national rally was neat to see, with plenty of vendors, interesting seminars, and interesting attendees (and their bikes). CCR is so much more personal - like one very large, friendly family... with the usual assortment of cousins you pretend not to know. :rolleyes:

[NOGILLS2]

Which one haven't you attended? Chose that one!

[grifscoots]

What is CCR?

[rkimmel2]

If finances are more of an issue than time, hold up a convenience store enroute and attend both.

[grifscoots]

Liquor stores are better as you can snag a gallon of Jack Black on the way out.

[kk610lt]

What is CCR?
Creedence Clearwater Revival????

[sprdoorman]

For all the reasons listed, go for CCR, but beyond the event, is all the great riding in the Black Hills. Went to the Sturgis rally four years ago with some Harley buddies and really enjoyed the area. Have always wanted to go back with the wife so she could see all the sights out there and this is the perfect opportunity without all of the Sturgis crowd.


Deals Gap is pretty neat and there is alot of nice riding in Tennesee, but there is nothing there like the sights you'll see in the Black Hills. I'd definately go for CCR. (And will!!)

[living_free]

Seems unanimous, CCR it is then. SO will not be going with me, but she told me to go ahead and start planning.

Gives me a chance to meet you folks, and I get a couple thousand extra miles on the LT!!

[sorchilla]

Have done only two CCRs and one MOA, last year, and there is definitely no contest - CCR is much better. To give you some idea of how much better - my bride had been planning our vacation for next year to somewhere I had no desire to go. After attending last year's CCR, her first, she told me she wants to cancel the previous vacation plans so we can go to CCR and make a two week trip out of it via the Canadian Rockies. Lief can't get any better then that!!! If you enjoy camping with several thousand like minded riders, porta pottys, and catching a shuttle to take a shower over 5 Star accommodations and great fellowship then MOA may be the way to go. Other then some great seminars at MOA, I was not impressed.

[pkpr1998]

CCR-Chamagne and Caviar

BMMOA-Never been to one, but it's beer and pork skins!!!!

[Patric]

However , this years BMWMOA will almost be like a two-fore . The BMWRA Rally will be in Canaan Valley, WV on July 23 to July 26, 2009 . It was picked for this date in conjunction with BMW MOA. The rallies will be on consecutive weekends, and the RA will give some sort of recognition to those that attend both. See:> http://www.bmwra.org/rally/ <:

[tnk12lt]

I prefer the MOA. I like the camping, the large crowd of BMWs and vendors.
Only been to CCR when it was nearby. I had a good time at CCR but for whatever reason I still prefer the MOA.

[pkpr1998]

I prefer the MOA. I like the camping, the large crowd of BMWs and vendors.
Only been to CCR when it was nearby. I had a good time at CCR but for whatever reason I still prefer the MOA.

Doug, now that you are married, you may need to get used to the CCR :p

[tnk12lt]

nope.....ccr is at the wrong time of year for educators.
If it ever comes this way again.......it'll be possible.

[hschisler]

nope.....ccr is at the wrong time of year for educators.
If it ever comes this way again.......it'll be possible.(emphasis added)

Yes, that's our dilemma as well. My wife - a teacher - will never be able to attend because her school is already in session. Having just had much of the summer off, the district doesn't grant leaves during that time. I don't expect CCR's traditional schedule to change, so it will be somewhere around 2017 before my wife will be able to attend. :(

[Tallyho]

I think everyone needs to go to at least one MOA or RA National rally especially if it's in a popular, well attended place with a full spread of vendors. This year will probably be a "great" year for MOA being a few hundred miles from the east which seems to dominate the MOA anyway. By the way, you don't "have" to camp either. We "camped" at the Double Tree Hotel a few nationals back and they were happy to shuttle us back and forth for the evening events. Now, I am not advocating one over another or either over CCR just saying it should be on everyone's list at least once and if only to appreciate the quality of the CCR experience that much more. ;)