Anyone ever get turned away from the Rally?

[truckerdave]

Just and idle question as i saw that somewhere it says "we reserve the right to deny entrance to individuals based on our discretion", or something like that. Now i wonder just how bad you have to be to get turned away. LOL I could see that maybe if i tried to enter with an AR 15 strapped over my back at a no firearms location like a fairground, i might be turned back. Perhaps showing up after drinking a Fifth of Jack Daniels might do the trick also. I can also understand the you couldn't let just anyone stroll in who was not a member. I was planning on coming to Springfield next year so i was wondering also what the policy on club colors was, and if any other club members ever attend. There are more than a few of us Harley only club members who have a BMW for longer trips. Just says i have to own a Harley, not ride one all the time(i own 3). I am a MOA member but the ol lady who will be coming on her Honda is not. She would be my guest so no problem there. Anyway, just wondering.

 

[PGlaves]

I strongly suspect it has happened at some time in the previous 49 rallies, but I can not say I ever directly saw it happen. I do recall an instance where a few young rally attendees were in town with a few local girls and some local boys took umbrage and drove to the rally to "get them." But other than these teenage highjinks I can't recall any specifics.

 

[gregfeeler]

Just and idle question as i saw that somewhere it says "we reserve the right to deny entrance to individuals based on our discretion", or something like that. Now i wonder just how bad you have to be to get turned away. LOL I could see that maybe if i tried to enter with an AR 15 strapped over my back at a no firearms location like a fairground, i might be turned back. Perhaps showing up after drinking a Fifth of Jack Daniels might do the trick also. I can also understand the you couldn't let just anyone stroll in who was not a member. I was planning on coming to Springfield next year so i was wondering also what the policy on club colors was, and if any other club members ever attend. There are more than a few of us Harley only club members who have a BMW for longer trips. Just says i have to own a Harley, not ride one all the time(i own 3). I am a MOA member but the ol lady who will be coming on her Honda is not. She would be my guest so no problem there. Anyway, just wondering.

If you cause problems and can't play nice with others, then you either can't come in, or you have to leave. It sounds like you've not yet been to a BMW MOA National Rally, but once you have I think you'll be able to answer your question yourself. We have fun, drink some beers, or Jack Daniels, or moonshine when we can get it. The are no club colors. And many carry something for self defense. But being a loud and noisy A-hole, or causing a big disturbance will get you un-invited. This happens very, very infrequently as it seems we are just too boring for those who's idea of fun is to cause problems.

 

[lee]

I can also understand the you couldn't let just anyone stroll in who was not a member.

I am a MOA member but the ol lady who will be coming on her Honda is not. She would be my guest so no problem there. Anyway, just wondering.

You don't have to be a MOA member or with a MOA member to attend the rally.

 

[flyhi2cfar]

I'll echo what GREGFEELER has stated.

The typical BMW enthusiast at our Rally will bend over backwards with couth for those in attendance.

Riders of the marque are treated as ladies and gentlemen, respectively.

The event is actually populated with quite a few families with their children;
awareness is therefore necessary regarding profanity and certain topics of discussion.

We sleep in very close quarters, so sometimes you have to vacate your immediate camp for the Beer Garden environment...
should you want to stay up and "socialize" later than than those around you. There again, awareness to surroundings.

Folks may occasionally need something pointed out to them, but a cordial discussion serves that purpose.
I've never observed a disagreement... turn argumentative or ugly.
Afterall, we're at this reunion together.

If there is a problem on the Rally grounds that requires one to be "un-invited"... the MOA doesn't use bouncers or the like.
When deemed necessary, Law Enforcement arrives for the escort and exit from the venue. Risk mitigation as they say.

Like the insurance quote: "We know a thing or two, because we've seen a thing or two"... but that's about all, as Greg mentioned.

Truth is, you accidentally trip over a fellow's tent stake and he will likely offer you a beer. (that may actually be a unwritten requirement)
And you could stand at the gate all day... and not spot a rider who you would deny entry.

We do some things differently than other Clubs.
As Lee stated; we host motorcyclist that are not MOA Members, no guest status required.

Come join us; hope to see you both at the Rally.

"travel'n" John Lang
Rally Safety/Security Committee

 

[skibum69]

Don't know if I'm going to make Springfield will potential work requirements and planning a trip down the Trans Taiga later in the summer.

 

[truckerdave]

I probably won't come there to cause trouble. I'm a 69 year old retired "senior citizen". My idea of a wild party is staying up past midnight. LOL

 

[gregfeeler]

I probably won't come there to cause trouble. I'm a 69 year old retired "senior citizen". My idea of a wild party is staying up past midnight. LOL

 

[1074]

I showed up at Bulow once on a harley and was told that it was a BMW event. I just told them that I owned a BMW but it was in the shop! We all had a good laugh and a great week!

 

[Omega Man]

I showed up at Bulow once on a harley and was told that it was a BMW event. I just told them that I owned a BMW but it was in the shop! We all had a good laugh and a great week!

 

[truckerdave]

I won't be riding a Harley to a BMW rally. I don't think that would really be in good taste. I have a K1300GT and sometimes when i am riding with my "Harley only" club, i know some regular people who don't know bikes very well must think, "poor guy he couldn't afford a Harley".

 

[gregfeeler]

I won't be riding a Harley to a BMW rally. I don't think that would really be in good taste. I have a K1300GT and sometimes when i am riding with my "Harley only" club, i know some regular people who don't know bikes very well must think, "poor guy he couldn't afford a Harley".

 

[MADDOG]

beer garden

as the long standing Beer Garden chair, I can attest that regardless of "colors" Which I have never seen, there have never been a major dust-up in the BG. Yes, a few "low level" issues. But, being TIPS trained, were handled without incident. I can also say that when I was in bars at Daytona during speed week that said "no colors" I did NOT wear my leather jacket with my 11 inch BMWMOA logo.
Respect gets respect.
BTW Greg... where do we stand as to the running of the BG?

MAD DOG

 

[gregfeeler]

as the long standing Beer Garden chair, I can attest that regardless of "colors" Which I have never seen, there have never been a major dust-up in the BG. Yes, a few "low level" issues. But, being TIPS trained, were handled without incident. I can also say that when I was in bars at Daytona during speed week that said "no colors" I did NOT wear my leather jacket with my 11 inch BMWMOA logo.
Respect gets respect.
BTW Greg... where do we stand as to the running of the BG?

MAD DOG

Mad Dog, I'll ping you privately.

 

[oldcamper]

I think “colors” or straight pipes are frowned upon at most BMW rallys. It’s just not that kind of crowd.

As far as other brands of bikes, that is generally not a problem any more. Everyone is welcome as long as they behave themselves. I do know of a few who have been kicked out for bad behavior. It’s always been for the better good, safety, and enjoyment of the majority of those in attendance.

 

[truckerdave]

I shudder at the thought of hearing a BMW with straight pipes. That would be almost as bad as the K1300GT i bought last year with accent lights all over it, you know the kind that change colors and strobe to the music. That was horrible and is stripped them off as soon as possible. Now i am a MC club member but i am also a retired senior citizen, a registered voter, landowner, concealed carry permit holder, with no criminal record. I think i'm a pretty good fellow but I do wear "colors" when i ride most of the time. I plan on locking them in the saddlebag when i get there. No reason to wear them around in the MOA rally even though i could, unless someone wants to pose for a picture or something. Same thing with my concealed weapon. No need to wear it in the Rally. I've seen rally videos and pictures. Most everyone looks like........me. Looking forward to going just once as it is only a 400 mile ride to get there.

 

[gregfeeler]

I shudder at the thought of hearing a BMW with straight pipes. That would be almost as bad as the K1300GT i bought last year with accent lights all over it, you know the kind that change colors and strobe to the music. That was horrible and is stripped them off as soon as possible. Now i am a MC club member but i am also a retired senior citizen, a registered voter, landowner, concealed carry permit holder, with no criminal record. I think i'm a pretty good fellow but I do wear "colors" when i ride most of the time. I plan on locking them in the saddlebag when i get there. No reason to wear them around in the MOA rally even though i could, unless someone wants to pose for a picture or something. Same thing with my concealed weapon. No need to wear it in the Rally. I've seen rally videos and pictures. Most everyone looks like........me. Looking forward to going just once as it is only a 400 mile ride to get there.

I suspect that after going this first time, you will want to go again. After all, what's the point of having a K1300GT - on of the best road burners BMW ever made - if not to ride it to a party?

 

[Omega Man]

I shudder at the thought of hearing a BMW with straight pipes. That would be almost as bad as the K1300GT i bought last year with accent lights all over it, you know the kind that change colors and strobe to the music. That was horrible and is stripped them off as soon as possible. Now i am a MC club member but i am also a retired senior citizen, a registered voter, landowner, concealed carry permit holder, with no criminal record. I think i'm a pretty good fellow but I do wear "colors" when i ride most of the time. I plan on locking them in the saddlebag when i get there. No reason to wear them around in the MOA rally even though i could, unless someone wants to pose for a picture or something. Same thing with my concealed weapon. No need to wear it in the Rally. I've seen rally videos and pictures. Most everyone looks like........me. Looking forward to going just once as it is only a 400 mile ride to get there.

Lots of groups have colors-

No worries

OM

 

[Visian]

Just and idle question as i saw that somewhere it says "we reserve the right to deny entrance to individuals based on our discretion", or something like that. Now i wonder just how bad you have to be to get turned away.

If you’re a bunch of young people having a ton of unconventional fun you’ll find that you’re made to feel unwelcome to the point that you simply go away and never return. It’s happened twice.

 

[gregfeeler]

If you’re a bunch of young people having a ton of unconventional fun you’ll find that you’re made to feel unwelcome to the point that you simply go away and never return. It’s happened twice.

Ian,
I think it would be better to put your comments into a more helpful context. No "young people" have been made to feel unwelcome BY THE RALLY STAFF at any rally that I know of. Rather, your reference is to a couple of incidents which have been reported through the grape vine that were "get off of my lawn" type generational conflicts. The point of bringing these things up here, in my opinion, is to point out that it's very un-cool to deputize yourself as the "MOA Culture Police" and rain on others who don't wear the gear you wear, or party the way you party. To take this up a notch, I think the whole world could use a massive dose of MYOB (Mind Your Own Business). If you must engage others outside your demographic, do it with an offered cold beer in one hand, and an open offer of a handshake in the other.