chichaz
New member
Hi,
I got back from the rally last eve and am still aflutter from my first experience. It was pretty special. Seeing motorcycles in every direction, along the streets of the fairgrounds where you'd expect to see them but also on sidewalks, next to tents, indoors, etc. gave me a good feeling. That they were 98% BMWs made it even better. Well then I found the Airheads Beemer Club tent. It's off in its own little world and what a world it is!
If you haven't been to a rally yet but intend to go (go if you can!), I would make this your first stop after registration. What I saw and experienced was the definition of community. First you ride up and a handful of people (well mostly guys) walk over and start inspecting your ride. They'll ask questions about it and engage you. If you have a specific issue with it, they'll give you advice on troubleshooting steps. If you're friendly about it (how many unfriendly Airhead riders have you met?) they'll give you hands-on advice, walking you through the steps while you get your hands dirty. They'll lend you tools, jump right in with you, answer questions, and teach you. They ask nothing in return as many enjoy the experience even though they're doing you a favor. While they don't ask anything, I felt strongly compelled to join (it's quite inexpensive) and to help where I could with anyone else who needed it. For instance this year's site was along a fairly steep hill and the soft pavement heated from hot weather made several side stands sink in so a few bikes dropped on their side. Every time it happened, a crew descended immediately and righted the bike, even when the owner wasn't around to witness it or help.
For someone who's had an Airhead for many years but with little time and no dedicated space to work on it, all this education, insight, and camaraderie is an overwhelming and beautiful experience. I'm already trying to determine how to make it to next years' event despite work conflicts. I don't know what the state of the Airheads Beemer Club site is at the moment - if it's down temporarily or longer. I hope it's back up soon either way. In the meantime I'm here to say these guys are special, and spending time with them provided me with a sense of ownership far beyond simply owning and riding a 40 year old bike full of character and personality. If you're one of the crew and met you there but didn't get your name or contact info, please feel free to reach out. Next time you're in Chicago, get in touch and enjoy a meal or a beverage on me!
Cheers,
-Charlie
I got back from the rally last eve and am still aflutter from my first experience. It was pretty special. Seeing motorcycles in every direction, along the streets of the fairgrounds where you'd expect to see them but also on sidewalks, next to tents, indoors, etc. gave me a good feeling. That they were 98% BMWs made it even better. Well then I found the Airheads Beemer Club tent. It's off in its own little world and what a world it is!
If you haven't been to a rally yet but intend to go (go if you can!), I would make this your first stop after registration. What I saw and experienced was the definition of community. First you ride up and a handful of people (well mostly guys) walk over and start inspecting your ride. They'll ask questions about it and engage you. If you have a specific issue with it, they'll give you advice on troubleshooting steps. If you're friendly about it (how many unfriendly Airhead riders have you met?) they'll give you hands-on advice, walking you through the steps while you get your hands dirty. They'll lend you tools, jump right in with you, answer questions, and teach you. They ask nothing in return as many enjoy the experience even though they're doing you a favor. While they don't ask anything, I felt strongly compelled to join (it's quite inexpensive) and to help where I could with anyone else who needed it. For instance this year's site was along a fairly steep hill and the soft pavement heated from hot weather made several side stands sink in so a few bikes dropped on their side. Every time it happened, a crew descended immediately and righted the bike, even when the owner wasn't around to witness it or help.
For someone who's had an Airhead for many years but with little time and no dedicated space to work on it, all this education, insight, and camaraderie is an overwhelming and beautiful experience. I'm already trying to determine how to make it to next years' event despite work conflicts. I don't know what the state of the Airheads Beemer Club site is at the moment - if it's down temporarily or longer. I hope it's back up soon either way. In the meantime I'm here to say these guys are special, and spending time with them provided me with a sense of ownership far beyond simply owning and riding a 40 year old bike full of character and personality. If you're one of the crew and met you there but didn't get your name or contact info, please feel free to reach out. Next time you're in Chicago, get in touch and enjoy a meal or a beverage on me!
Cheers,
-Charlie
)
