Rally Report #2 | BMW RA 2023 National Rally News


News and highlights from Mr Wild and Ms Wonderful!

KICKSTANDS UP, friends! It’s nearing GO TIME for moto-fun in Canaan Valley, WV! September 14-17 will be here before we know it. Lots of plans are coming together, so hang on for info-packed editions of Rally Report now and the future.

Time’s a-wastin’ — nab your tickets before the discount ends on August 14

August 14 is the last day to take advantage of early online pricing—$60 members and $70 non-members. This saves you $10 off the standard price os each ticket. Don’t let the date sneak up on you!

Motorcycling in and around Canaan Valley

One of the biggest appeals for motorcyclists who attend rallies is exploring new roads alongside old and new riding buds, and—wow!—West Virginia delivers roads like nowhere else.

  • West Virginia: Almost Heaven – From author Ed Desimone: “I can tell you from experience that West Virginia, especially for us BMW riding types, is very much a magical place. While many states boast about their ‘motorcycle roads,’ just about every road in WV is one.”
  • Motorcycle Rides in the Mountain Highlands – Four epic paved routes that use Tucker County, WV, as home base.
  • Ride Ideas Beginning and Ending in Canaan Valley – Paved routes featured on the blog of a Tucker County cabin rental company, each with photos, possible pit stops, and directions via Google Maps.
  • Area Gravel and Dirt Routes – Pavement not your thing? This region of West Virginia will not disappoint. Here’s a handful of options.
  • Prizes and sponsors and training, oh my!

    Want highlights? We’ve got ’em.

    One lucky attendee will win a European tour!
    Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures has once again come through with our grand prize—rider’s choice of a 2024 or 2025 two-week motorcycle tour. Choose a destination such as the Mediterranean islands, central Italy, central or western Alps, and more. Truly epic!

    Rob & Gretchen Beach have been designing remarkable motorcycle riding adventures in countries throughout the world since 1972.

    Announcing co-hosts Shawn Thomas and Louise Coleen Powers
    These off-the-charts personalities will bring shenanigans to the rally, thanks to the generosity of Bob’s Motorcycles. Expect lots of laughs, fun, and edutainment via stage appearances, a live podcast, and seminars.

    Bonus: find Shawn or Louise at the rally to earn a free Bob’s RoadCrew cap!

    Shawn, BMW Motorrad brand ambassador, is well known for his larger-than-life presence in the ADV community. Louise is a BMW brand expert and moto world traveler. Together, they rock!

    Sponsors enable fun!
    Aside from the aforementioned Beach’s and Bob’s, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, SkyMed, and Kissell Motor Sports have thrown in generous support to enhance your rally experience.

    Hone your moto-skills onsite at the rally
    The BMW US Rider Academy‘s expert instructors will be available for hands-on training clinics. These sessions offer a peek at courses offered at the academy’s home at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, SC — PLUS you’ll get a discount on these courses if you sign up while attending the rally.

    Clinic details and schedule coming soon!

    Kick back, listen, and learn

    Every year at the National Rally, we curate a selection of presenters sure to entertain or inform—or maybe even both! Here are a few tasty appetizers for you while we prep the entire lineup.

  • David Woodburn – Author and renowned Airhead recounts adventures while traveling with his wife and 10-year-old daughter in a homemade sidecar from Europe to South Africa.
  • Ian Schmeisser – This rider/author has written for national publications about topics such as motorcycle camping, adventure touring, and moto-trends. He’s cooking up not one but TWO presentations for our group, one about the history of ADV and another about traveling in Europe.
  • Laura McCartney – This adventure artist and storyteller will demo her process of creating a moto-inspired painting as she weaves tales from own life.
  • Travis Leeman – How do you prepare for the unexpected? This SkyMed pro explains how normal insurance often fails adventurers. Raffling a $100-dollar Revzilla gift card!
  • Doug Eller and Richard Stearns – Moto-travel experts from Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures will talk about about riding in Europe and the pros and cons of doing it on your own versus with a touring company.
  • Volunteers needed!

    Ticket in hand? Please consider volunteering for a 3-hour volunteer role—there are all sorts of options, and you’ll meet new friends! If you’re a paramedic, firefighter, nurse, or doctor we could especially use your help on the medical team.  >>CLICK HERE

    Announcing rally vendors

    Want a peek at the vendors that have signed up so far? Visit them during the event!

    Art by Laura
    Smart Massage
    Marty’s Mobile Detailing

    Rok Staps
    Katdash
    GoodGuys Fire Arm Accessories

    Sponsors have the option to set up in vendor areas as well, so look for them too!

    Got any favorite moto-accessories manufacturers or service providers who may want to join this prestigious list? Point them to our new Vendor Marketplace page. It’s loaded with info!

    Want shirts?

    The last day to pre-order your preferred size and style is August 14—it’ll be easy to pick them up at the event. Buy them with your tickets (click “BUY TICKETS” below) or separately in our online rally shirts store. $20 shortsleeve / $25 longsleeve

    C’mon… commit to motofun this September 14-17

    Early registration prices are good through August 14—$60 members or $70 non-members. On August 15, prices increase by $10 per ticket. Visit bmwra.org/rally23 for comprehensive info. Check back frequently—updates will be made as details are confirmed.


    Share this post