Questions From a Rally Newbie

[Chili]

Never been to a Motorcycle rally but the wife and I have decided to make this one our first. I've checked the info thread but didn't find much other than what hotel and group rates. Is there any cost for the rally/registration required or simply book our hotel and show up? I'd assume most people will be arriving the evening of the 16th to be ready for the ride on the 17th?

Now I just have to figure out where the heck we are going to ride the previous two weeks I'm off work prior to the rally!

[cactusjack]

A rookie? Well I'm guessing nobody told you the rookie brings the beer?

[leadbelly]

Well I can't tell you how a rally works, never been to one either. But if I had two weeks off to do nothing but ride. I'd checkout the Deadwod/Custer area of South Dakota, maybe swing down to Southren Utah to check out Monument Valley or the Arches then work my up to the Creston, Kaslo, Slocan area of British Columbia before heading to the rally.
Whatever you do ride safe have a great time and see you at the rally!

[Top Cat]

If you don't have a way to carry the beer you can buy it after you arrive.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by Chili

Never been to a Motorcycle rally but the wife and I have decided to make this one our first. I've checked the info thread but didn't find much other than what hotel and group rates. Is there any cost for the rally/registration required or simply book our hotel and show up? I'd assume most people will be arriving the evening of the 16th to be ready for the ride on the 17th?

Now I just have to figure out where the heck we are going to ride the previous two weeks I'm off work prior to the rally!

Basically book your room....bring a filled out Waiver form and an ICE form stuffed in your right side saddlebag pouch and be ready to have a good time.... Some of us like to have a better time than others......but everyone will enjoy things at their own pace. You can join the group rides...or do your own thing while there, it's all up to you. The evenings are the time for the real socializing and getting to meet the folks from the forum. I've been to four (former KawaNOW) rallies...with two more VBA rallies coming right up. I've had a great time at each and can't really figure out why every member doesn't try to attend. You and your wife will have a great time. Take tons of pictures...and enjoy !!

Lastly, let the rally organizers (in this case Rickyboy or I), know of your plans to attend...it helps with their overall rally planning to have a decent head count. So...can we count you and your wife as attending...???

[blowndodge]

so Kris, your bringing Nabisco waivers and then have cold beer on ice in your saddlebag? Sound about right??

[Kawhead]

They's different level of rallies. Ours are a nice get together, share stories and maybe consume a few adult beverages, eat a nice meal and organized rides. Then theys the ultimate rallies like they Harley folks go to. Theres a little more excitement there.

So I'm told.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

so Kris, your bringing Nabisco waivers and then have cold beer on ice in your saddlebag? Sound about right??

Indeed it does...!

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by Kawhead

They's different level of rallies. Ours are a nice get together, share stories and maybe consume a few adult beverages, eat a nice meal and organized rides. Then theys the ultimate rallies like they Harley folks go to. Theres a little more excitement there.

So I'm told.

Mike is right....I should have been more clear about that myself. I was speaking only for OUR rallies...not the kind where mayhem and debauchery abound. I've...ahem...read about those kinds of rallies....!

[schoeney]

If you feel like paying some type of registration fee just pay me when you get there!

Our rallies are so much smaller than most (20+ people versus thousands for Gold Wings / HD's ). I like these small ones much better. No lines, you actually know a few members and get to know others. Makes gathering around the fire at the end of the day much more relaxing.

[Chili]

Cool thanks for the replies, I've been to similar type events for an Motocross board I helped moderate and they ranged from 80-300 riders. Looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying the event.

Kris, my wife Char and I are in, I will get on booking the hotel in the next day or so, just trying to figure out how many nights etc as I have family in both Calgary and Canmore who want to see us as well.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by Chili

Cool thanks for the replies, I've been to similar type events for an Motocross board I helped moderate and they ranged from 80-300 riders. Looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying the event.

Kris, my wife Char and I are in, I will get on booking the hotel in the next day or so, just trying to figure out how many nights etc as I have family in both Calgary and Canmore who want to see us as well.

Very good! Looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your epic road-trip from last year! Like Greg said, (so far) our Regional Rallies are usually 20-30 people....events where you really get a chance to meet and talk with everyone. I would expect those numbers to grow each year as our membership grows, but for now they are still relatively intimate affairs.

Next Year's National Rally in Colorado will be a whole different animal. I would expect several hundred people for that event...two of whom will be my wife and I...!

[Chili]

Room is booked, now to start trip planning!

[waterman]

Chili,

One bit of advice nobody has said. Don't be shy. Not always will someone come up to you and introduce yourself. If there is a group talking, go up and introduce yourself. No one will care and then you can join in the conversation. This was the best advice given to me at my first rally.

Second is have fun. These rallies (VBA and VROC) have been some of the best times that my wife and I have had on trips. Meet new people and make new friends. We have gone on trips without the motorcycle and let our new friends that we will be in the neighborhood and generally get together for a good meal and conversation.