The 43 annual BMW NorCAl ‘49er Rally was held at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds on Memorial Day weekend of 2015. With the exception of the threat of thunder showers one day, the weather was clear with temperatures in the 70’s. Turnout was good with over 400 in attendance, to include 57 who had not previously attended a ‘49er Rally.
Everyone ate quite well, with all the rally food being provided by Mariposa's local eateries, caterers and chefs. The Golden Grappler’s wrestling team supporters again sold bacon, eggs, and pancakes for breakfast; burgers for lunch and dinner. Sal’s Taco’s also provided lunch and dinner. New this year, provided by River Rock Inn, was a breakfast option for the vegetarians. Saturday evening was a catered BBQ dinner also provided by River Rock Inn. One participant of the BBQ dinner stated that it was a dinner that would never be forgotten.
ALAN HUNTZINGER SHOWS OFF HIS CLASSIC OZZIE BMW TEE, MAKING CAROL SMILE, AT THE 43RD 2015 '49ER
Again this year, the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce, provided a complimentary trolley that shuttled rally participants from the fairgrounds into town. Friday and Saturday evening live music was provided by Mariposa's own “The Soul Galaxy”, and was so good that non-drinkers were visiting the Bier Garten just to enjoy the music.
On Friday morning we offered a GS riding clinic that was so popular that we held a second clinic on Saturday. On Friday and Saturday evening, a retired CHP Motorcycle officer gave a well-attended presentation on motorcycle safety. Other seminars included GPS programing; photos, editing, and posting with smart phone; motorcycle luggage/packing; and a presentation on Yosemite celebrating the 125th anniversary of the park.
New this year was a segment for ladies only; on Saturday morning was a GS riding clinic which was very well received by the large number of ladies who attended. There was a guided GS ride for ladies only. And Saturday evening, a ladies happy hour at the Bier Garten, where the ladies got to meet each other while enjoying wine and hors-d'œuvre.
Many enjoyed our rides, and tours. The Poker Run was very popular—more than one participant stated it was the best in years. The intermediate GS tour was also very popular. We had more spectators for the challenges this year than we have in several years. The fairgrounds provided shaded bleachers for the Asphalt trials. The English trials were held in front of the grand stands (where spectators could sit in comfort), the fairgrounds personnel had dug-up the track, per our direction, to provide the challenges.
I was honored to have been selected as rally chairperson for this years ‘49er Rally. I wish to thank the Mariposa Fairgrounds, for providing a venue that suits our budget and the needs of the rally, and the staff that go above and beyond to provide the services. Thank you to the people of Mariposa, who gladly welcome us to their town and celebrate the ‘49er Rally with us. Thanks to Rex Hosea, for recording the event in pictures. And a big thanks to all those who volunteered to work at the rally, (you know who you are) you made it happen.
Andy Anderson, 2015 ‘49er Rally Chair