BMW MOA

On July 15-18, 2010 BMW Riders from all the world rallied in Redmond, Oregon, to ride and relax with 6000 like-minded friends at the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (MOA) Rally. The MOA was formed in April of 1972 as an all-volunteer organization operating nationally with the goal of promoting camaraderie and friendship between members and other BMW motorcycle clubs, and the rally is an outcome of the association.

The BMW MOA has grown to be one of the largest independent (not owned and operated by the marque), brand-specific motorcycle club in the world, with approximately  40,000 members, and the BMW MOA International Rally is one of the largest all-volunteer events in the motorcycle community and includes seminars, rides, training and toys for the bike, the body and the beyond.
"We're a family of riders," stated rally chairperson Deb Lower.
Rally co-chair Stan Herman added, "People love getting together and pitching in to support the event: Volunteers are what makes our rally possible."
The event, which is hosted annually in varying regions throughout the country, is heavily centered upon riding.

"The central Oregon venue is an attractive destination," explained Ray Zimmerman, BMW MOA executive director. "Not only is the ride to and from the rally great, Redmond is in the center of everything, from high-desert byways to twisty forest roads. Our members and guests spent quality time enjoying them."

The BMW MOA also has a strong focus on training and safety. There were a number of the association's Rider Performance University skills classes offered, and its Ride Training Simulator ran throughout the entire event.

"Rider training is a key reason people choose to join us," said Greg Feeler, BMW MOA president. "There's an opinion in our world that we can always ride better, and the number of certified trainers in our membership shows our commitment to meeting that need."

U.S. Distributor BMW Motorrad was present in force – offering test rides on their entire model range and presenting seminars – celebrating the 30th anniversary of the GS motorcycle and the riders that are attracted to the popular adventure-touring bike. President of the U.S. Distributor Pieter de Waal and BMW Classics' vintage expert Fred Jakobs were also on hand at the rally.

The GS was indeed a keynote of the event, with a special base camp area for riders, off-road riding instruction, a GS Trials competition and adventure rides through the volcanic forests and high desert. A highlight was the "GS Anti-Concours" where an entrant's bike could get disqualified for being too clean.
BMW's recent announcement of a 1600cc über-touring missile garnered equal levels of interest from the riders more interested in paved adventures. De Waal's presentation about the future of BMW in the USA was heavily attended, with many questions focused on the upcoming inline six.
The 2011 BMW Motorcycle Owners of America International Rally is scheduled for July 21-24, at Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. More information can be found at www.bmwmoa.org.