49er Rally Update from Greg Hutchinson and Mark Rodda
That ancient proverb, “May you live in interesting times” has come to roost around the world.
My motorcycle world seemed to compress it all into one day. First thing Wednesday morning was the email that the Quail Lodge Motorcycle Gathering scheduled the first of May was cancelled - I had 4 bikes entered. An hour later the Hillsborough Concourse D’elegance in June was cancelled - 3 bikes entered. Then an email that the campgrounds at Death Valley closed so this month’s Club meeting was canceled Finally, a conversation with the MOA National people who are still on the fence about the status of the Rally in June.
Nobody likes uncertainty but the way this is going, after discussing the current situation with the Board, we made the hard decision to cancel the 49er. I wanted to wait until May 1 to make the decision but world and California events forced that decision a lot sooner.
On the positive side, since registration opened, we were averaging around 10 registrations a day from all over the country and a high percentage was first timers. But after the first virus announcement, it went to 0 registrations. It’s possible if the weather was good, the 49er might have touched almost 600. Let’s build on that for the 49th 49er in 2021
Refunds and a Donation opportunity to help our Community
Every year we enjoy the outstanding service provided by the Golden Sierra Grappler's a youth wrestling club in the foothills. The profits made on sales in the Redbud room plus our donation we make to the Grapplers each year provides a substantial portion of their annual operating costs. With the cancellation of the 49er, their finances will be heaviy impacted. They provide a great outlet for many disadvantaged youth in the local area and we'd like to be able to make a similar dotation this year.
So before we process refunds for your 49er registration fee, we'd like you to consider making a donation of your $65 registration fee with all proceeds being donated to the Golden Sierra Grapplers. Our goal is to raise at least $3,000 so we need approximately 50 people to donate. This is completely optional and if we don’t hear from you we will process a refund. Fees for T-Shirts, dinner and RV parking will be refunded regardless. Please send an email to president@bmwnorcal.org if you want to make the donation.
We will be planning a club ride out to the foothills to drop the donation off to the Golden Grapplers when the SiP is finally lifted and we can hold the event in line with health regulations so stay tuned for more info on this. Thanks for considering this support of a great partner of the 49er
Greg Hutchinson and Mark Rodda
49er Co-Chairs.
It's time again for the best BMW motorcycle rally this side of the Mississippi!
The 49er Rally is the BMW Motorcycle Club of Northern California's annual Memorial Day Weekend rally, with 48 years of tradition that predates the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America's (MOA) National Rally. (In fact, the first MOA Rally was held at our 2nd 49er Rally!) This is one of the West's premier BMW Rallies!
As always, Rally goers can expect 4 nights of grassy tent camping, optional RV camping with water and electrical hook-ups (limited spaces available), hot showers, cold drinks, great food, clinics, speakers, vendor displays, prize giveaways, and the camaraderie of lot of fantastic people from all over! Attendees will also have great local riding opportunities including a Poker Run, a self guided Historical Ride, and self guided GS and road rides. 49er attendees can also sign up for optional GS adventure riding clinics with Pat Jacques leading a fantastic Ladies Clinic and trail ride or Black Swan Moto bringing their team to teach a GS clinic with a trail ride open to all. Space for the GS clinics is limited and fill up fast. Click here for all the details.
This year we've thrown in a little something fun. This year's "early bird" registrants get a free commemorative 2020 49er belt buckle so be sure to sign up early and to receive this cool gift. Early Bird registration ends April 15th!
And of course we are offering our great Saturday Night BBQ dinner, but this year we've upgraded the menu by BB's Catering. And for returning 49er attendees, you know this dinner sells out to a packed house so make sure you get registered early! This year the dinner includes these great choices:
- Pork Tenderloin with a bone dust dry rub, topped with pecan whiskey sauce
- Jerked Chicken with a mango salsa
- Portabella Mushroom Ravioli with a cream spinach sauce (vegetarian)
- Spring Mix & Romaine Blend Salad with tomato, cucumber & shredded carrots- with a choice of strawberry vinaigrette or buttermilk ranch
- Roasted Red Creamer Herb Potatoes
- Individual Blueberry & Peach Cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream
Ride an Airhead? This year look for a beefed up Airhead presence as the Airheads Beemer Club will be moving in to Airhead Central. Bring your airhead or just questions, there's always some sort of unofficial airhead clinic or repair going on...
If you are a vendor or speaker (or would like to be) and have questions about the 49er Rally, please click here to email Greg Hutchinson, the 49er Chair.
