Our 2025 Rally : The What, Where & Why... Lebanon Tennessee : June 19-21 2025

[PGlaves]

SWEET LOUISE!

Do you know how much work I just did to see which ones I could volunteer for? I had to make a spreadsheet and everything.

First was converting the seminars so I could see them by date and time. Then, mark which were duplicates. Next, account for rider training I'm already enrolled in and an excursion I am thinking of doing on Friday evening. Finally, I would like to do at least ONE ride while I'm there, and all the GPS routes are an easy 4-6 hours...which will be Saturday. I don't mind hitting the road at sunrise, so if I get back by 1 or 2 pm, I can have the bike loaded and strapped down for going home.

View attachment 101265

After much analysis and tab flipping on the volunteer site, I can do First Aid on Wednesday and Saturday and Coffee on Sunday morning as I can wait until 8 am to head home.

There has to be an easier way.

Everything can be as complicated as we choose to make it.

 

[zer0netgain]

We used to have a volunteer desk where you could roll up and see what operations needed help.

I'd still have to "do the math" to ensure I don't make a commitment I can't keep. I haven't done this much schedule juggling since I was in college.

 

[r0ckrat]

I'd still have to "do the math" to ensure I don't make a commitment I can't keep. I haven't done this much schedule juggling since I was in college.

Don't forget to pad your time for socializing. There will be a "rally first timer" event that really is worth attending if it's not already on your calendar...

 

[GTRider]

SWEET LOUISE!

Do you know how much work I just did to see which ones I could volunteer for? I had to make a spreadsheet and everything.

First was converting the seminars so I could see them by date and time. Then, mark which were duplicates. Next, account for rider training I'm already enrolled in and an excursion I am thinking of doing on Friday evening. Finally, I would like to do at least ONE ride while I'm there, and all the GPS routes are an easy 4-6 hours...which will be Saturday. I don't mind hitting the road at sunrise, so if I get back by 1 or 2 pm, I can have the bike loaded and strapped down for going home.

View attachment 101265

After much analysis and tab flipping on the volunteer site, I can do First Aid on Wednesday and Saturday and Coffee on Sunday morning as I can wait until 8 am to head home.

There has to be an easier way.

I think you should volunteer to publish the Rally Schedule pdf for the next rally, to be updated and emailed daily.

Best,
DeVern

 

[motorhead1977]

Well, a change of plans so we're out for this year. Next year is only a 3 hours ride from home. I just cancelled my hotel reservation at the Days Inn, Lebanon TN in case someone is interested.

 

[zer0netgain]

I think you should volunteer to publish the Rally Schedule pdf for the next rally, to be updated and emailed daily.

Best,
DeVern

I'd have to check, but would not Google Calendar kind of allow this...update in real time, print out a day's schedule if one wishes?

 

[paul_f]

SWEET LOUISE!

Do you know how much work I just did to see which ones I could volunteer for? I had to make a spreadsheet and everything.

First was converting the seminars so I could see them by date and time. Then, mark which were duplicates. Next, account for rider training I'm already enrolled in and an excursion I am thinking of doing on Friday evening. Finally, I would like to do at least ONE ride while I'm there, and all the GPS routes are an easy 4-6 hours...which will be Saturday. I don't mind hitting the road at sunrise, so if I get back by 1 or 2 pm, I can have the bike loaded and strapped down for going home.

View attachment 101265

After much analysis and tab flipping on the volunteer site, I can do First Aid on Wednesday and Saturday and Coffee on Sunday morning as I can wait until 8 am to head home.

There has to be an easier way.

For many National MOA Rallies I was the Volunteer Chair. My advice for for first time Rally Attendees was to NOT volunteer until after they arrived, got a feel for the layout of the Rally, took their time to read which seminars they were most interested in attending and to check the alternate times, then volunteer for two, maybe three committees. As well, allot time for checking out the items and deals the vendors were offering. At my first Rally, I gave my autograph to many (and happily paid my VISA bill the next month). You do not have to volunteer for every committee or attend every seminar; allow time to relax and absorb everything going on. As well, if possible, try to setup your tent where many others are already up; a good way of meeting and socializing with your new neighbours. Introduce yourself and let them know that this is your first MOA National Rally. On the whole, we are very welcoming group who wish to make your first Rally experience one that you will be eager to show up at the next year's.

As someone has already said, you do not have to make things complicated.

 

[GTRider]

I'd have to check, but would not Google Calendar kind of allow this...update in real time, print out a day's schedule if one wishes?

Google’s stuff is pretty kludgy, especially on a phone, and requires network connectivity that is often slow or in short supply at fairgrounds. And rallygoers are basically looking for something very close to the old and expensive to print rallybook, with no spreadsheet or app skills required but residing on the phone they are already carrying around. Open, view, plan, execute. PDF fills that bill perfectly.

Pre-rally the pdf is available for download by rally registrants on the rally website, or emailed out and can be printed as desired. The afternoon or evening before Rally Day 1 the latest update arrives via email. That repeats each day, with the package getting smaller each day as the boilerplate and previous day’s schedule are trimmed off. Any WP or layout tool like MS Office, Libre Office, Google Apps can be used to generate the docs and export the finished PDF ready for distribution.

No apps, no new account and authentication info to keep track of, no slow or erratic document displays due to overloaded cell towers or WiFi infrastructure. And, you have the current day’s updated schedule in front of you while having breakfast at your motel.

Heck, I’d even email the Day 1 version to all MOA members so non-attendees see what they are missing.

Best,
DeVern

 

[zer0netgain]

Google’s stuff is pretty kludgy, especially on a phone, and requires network connectivity that is often slow or in short supply at fairgrounds. And rallygoers are basically looking for something very close to the old and expensive to print rallybook, with no spreadsheet or app skills required but residing on the phone they are already carrying around. Open, view, plan, execute. PDF fills that bill perfectly.

Well, I was thinking more of using Google and posting a new PDF when changes are made...unless the software we're currently using would already let us do this.

Everything can be as complicated as we choose to make it.

You know how they say dogs resemble their owners? Mine is neurotic and balding.

 

[lee]

Anyone know the current state of lodging in the area (quality wise)? I booked a hotel, but the reviews overwhelmingly indicate the facility is dirty and infested with pests. I thought to maybe pick another place, but most everyplace near the fairgrounds had similar negative reviews of being dirty and infested. I don’t want much from a hotel but a clean bed and hot shower, but it’s looking rather sketchy.

Sometimes you can stay at a rat hole motel and still have a good time. Just move the party to the parking lot







Jasper Arkansas 2011

 

[motorhead1977]

Anyone know the current state of lodging in the area (quality wise)? I booked a hotel, but the reviews overwhelmingly indicate the facility is dirty and infested with pests. I thought to maybe pick another place, but most everyplace near the fairgrounds had similar negative reviews of being dirty and infested. I don’t want much from a hotel but a clean bed and hot shower, but it’s looking rather sketchy.

I just cancelled my hotel reservation at the Days Inn, Lebanon TN in case someone is interested. Give them a call. It might still be available.

 

[zer0netgain]

I just cancelled my hotel reservation at the Days Inn, Lebanon TN in case someone is interested. Give them a call. It might still be available.

That’s where my reservation already is.

 

[chiba]

MOA 2025 National Off Site Tours

Online registration for MOA 2025 National Off Site Tours starts on February 26th 2025. Online registration ends June 26th 2025.

bmwmoaf.regfox.com

Thanks - I can't personally edit that page, but I've sent a message on to the people who can.

 

[zer0netgain]

It also seemed to happen always with Safari. I don’t think Chrome had an issue.

Thanks - I can't personally edit that page, but I've sent a message on to the people who can.

 

[flyhi2cfar]

Rally Grounds Site Map

Click-On above Fairgrounds Map for large scale opportunity.

 

[zer0netgain]

I might as well ask how parking works. I’m trailering in and staying at a hotel. My plan is unload the bike when I arrive, but normally, I don’t disconnect the trailer from the truck. Using the bike to go back and forth raises the question of having to stay in gear all day and carry my helmet with me. If I use the truck, how hard will it be to park and depart as needed with a trailer attached? I’ve not been to a rally of this type before…normally they are smaller and simpler.

 

[tedzemlicka]

Looking at the map, I don't see any shower locations. Which buildings are they in and will there be a shower trailer?

 

[20774]

There's one Shower Trailer shown south of the Pop Smart Barn. Seems like there should be more though...

 

[paul_f]

At the last rally at the Lebanon Fairgrounds there was a bathroom building that had showers. Shower time, at least for me, was never an issue at that rally site. Of course early morning and late evening showers have few, if any folks waiting in line at most rallies.

 

[flyhi2cfar]

I might as well ask how parking works. I’m trailering in and staying at a hotel. My plan is unload the bike when I arrive, but normally, I don’t disconnect the trailer from the truck. Using the bike to go back and forth raises the question of having to stay in gear all day and carry my helmet with me. If I use the truck, how hard will it be to park and depart as needed with a trailer attached? I’ve not been to a rally of this type before…normally they are smaller and simpler.

IMO, you will simply be utilizing the day parking zone for the options you've identified.