Springfield, Missouri - Meeting up with my brother-in-law at the BMWMOA rally on the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. |
|
In June through September 2022 I drove my motorcycle, quite frankly, a lot throughout the whole summer... This was going to be an interesting trip in that this is just one part of a multi-segmented motorcycle trip for the summer.
Long story short:
This story covers the drive from home to the BMWMOA (BMW Motorcycle Owners of America) National Rally in Springfield, Missouri in June 2022. Every year the BMWMOA holds a National Rally in different areas of the country. This year, the 49th annual, was going to be in Springfield, Missouri at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. They need lots of room to accommodate the number of people and motorcycles that show up. Additionally, there has to be space for individuals to camp while there. Consequently, a fairground usually fits the bill. There's usually around 5,000 people that attend this event every year, this year was 4,621. One of those was my brother-in-law that I met down there. The rally has lots of vendors, some are inside the large fairground buildings, while others are outside. They also provide food vendors selling a variety of food options, there's a lot of people they have to feed. They always have designated camping areas throughout the fairgrounds. Usually, the different BMW clubs have special areas setup where their members can camp. The BMW Airhead camp is usually buzzing and brimming over with people. They also have the ability to work on and service the Airheads, with a motorcycle lift, parts, tools, knowledge, and a willingness to help. I did have to take advantage of this technical assistance. I felt like something was off with my motorcycle while driving down to the rally. I determined the swingarm lock nuts had loosened and it was no longer centered between the frame. I spoke to one of the experts there and he got the tools needed and helped me center the swingarm, and got everything torqued down. Job done! Because BMW motorcycles have been around a long time (since 1923), they always have a vintage display. It's amazing how many parts are still available for these classic bikes. My bike this year is only 34 years old, so it's got a long life ahead of it. One day it might be old enough to get in the vintage display. They also hold seminars throughout the weekend, several of these specific to the old Airheads. Other seminars include motorcycle topics about riding gear, tires, travels, and so forth. I really enjoy walking around and seeing all the motorcycles, especially when I find an Airhead. There are a lot of Airheads still on the road, but the rally is the best chance to see a bunch of them. Usually, when I start looking at an Airhead a conversation is struck up with the owner. The great thing is that every conversation is new, and I get to tell my BMW history story over again. Not to mention the history about my current bike. Fascinating... After the rally ended, I was onto my next segment of this trip, driving from the rally across the U.S. to Canmore, Alberta. You can see the pictures and read that story in that segment.
|
|---|
Springfield, Missouri - Meeting up with my brother-in-law at the BMWMOA rally on the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. |
Springfield, Missouri - This year the MOA rally was honoring the /5 as it turned 50 years old, lots of examples on display (most driven here by their owners). My bike has 26 more years to get to 50. |
Springfield, Missouri - While the rally had lots of seminars, the Airheads had some specialty seminars I attended. |
Springfield, Missouri - I made it to the Airhead tent, mecca of the Airheads at a rally. |
Springfield, Missouri - The Airheads come prepared to service these bikes, including having a lift, tools, parts, and lots of service expertise. |
Springfield, Missouri - I took advantage of this assistance. I had to have my swingarm re-centered. |
Springfield, Missouri - Not really sure how to caption a motorcycle pulling a camper trailer, but I knew I had to put it on my website. |
Springfield, Missouri - Without fail, a great collection of vintage BMW motorcycles is on display at the rally. |
Springfield, Missouri - I'm always on the lookout for interesting specialty license plates. |
Springfield, Missouri - I'm too tired to even think of a funny caption for this photo... |
top