BMW Rally - Part II More Motorcycles, Venders and Tents
In order to beat the traffic, we started out early. This is almost always our practice, because riding in stop and go highway traffic sucks. No two ways about it.
We also like to check out all the vendors before the crowds arrive, especially if it is hot outside. This year, we were blessed with wonderful weather.
This year, there were vendors scattered outside amidst the campers and food tents, and there were a number of vendors at booths inside the main pavilion. Also in the main pavilion was the BMW Country Store, where you could purchase the 2007 T-shirts and sweatshirts, and pick up your patch, pin and complimentary travel mug. It's always a good idea to hit the Country Store early on, to make sure you get a good pick of the T-shirts.
The patch from the 2007 Rally was amazingly intricate and rich with detail. You will often see people at rallies who wear vests or jackets filled with patches from the various rallies they have attended. Rally pins are often used to festoon hats and vests as well.
There is even a "Sewing Booth" at each BMW rally, where you can have your new patch sewn on your jacket, shirt, hat or vest. Leave it to the owners of these motorcycles to think of everything. (i.e.- Beer tent)
All About the Vendors: My Favorites
Finding new stuff for motorcycling is much favored shopping for me, and for a lot of motorcyclists, male and female. Newer, smaller companies may not have much of a web-presence, and thus, may not be known to the motorcycling public. But having a booth at a rally, and having your product right there for testing, touching and smelling is certainly a great way to market to motorcyclists.
I have seen smaller vendors come and go - particularly those who are "attempting" to reach the female motorcyclist market. If I see really beautiful motorcycle jackets, but I know that the jacket isn't going to work for women who really ride, I can bet that I am not going to see that company succeed.
I did purchase a new jacket, and in the process of trying it on, and testing it out, I learned that it had been designed by a woman - a woman who rides. My new jacket was made in the UK, by Belstaff and sold by British Motorcycle Gear. The price was great, the fit perfect, and the jacket has all the features that I need in a jacket. Plus, it matches my motorcycle - an added benefit.
My new jacket is comfortable, flexible, waterproof, lightweight, wind resistant and not bad to look at. I am rather short-waisted, so having a shorter jacket is just fine. The jacket does have some flexible armor at the elbows, and the back, which hits me exactly where it should hit -(this is an absolute first).
It also has many buttons, velcro, and other ways to change the way the jacket fits, for different types of weather. The lining can be taken out completely and stashed at the lumbar area of the back, and there is a place for a hydration pack in the back so I can hook up a hydration backpack and hose.
I also thought the price was extremely reasonable, given how much I paid for my last jacket.
I liked the British Motorcycle Gear booth so much - I even found pants that fit my long legs and are easy to get on and off. Again, the armor hits where it should. This are the lightweight pants, but I may go back for some heavier ones. Also, the price was right!
Helen2Wheels Motorcycle Luggage Systems
Another favorite vendor is Helen2Wheels - a woman-owned business who specializes in a luggage system for motorcycles. I first bought some straps and luggage when I went to my first rally in 1999. Due to the quality of the luggage I bought then, I haven't had to buy anymore, but I do visit her booth each time I visit a rally, and do highly recommend her products.
Helen's system is ingenious, and if you are planning a BIG motorcycle trip and need room for packing, this stuff is perfect. Read her packing tips, too - they make sense and are the product of someone who has done her fair share of traveling by motorcycle.
Sadly, Helen was in a 4-wheel wheelchair for this rally, having been pushed off a road by a semi. She is recovering, and I hope she is soon back on her motorcycle.
For years, or what seems like years, I have struggled with different types of ear buds for my IPOD that will work with my motorcycle helmet. Some are too big and hurt when I put my helmet on; others just don't stay in my ears. So, while at the rally, I started investigating the various vendors that custom make ear plugs that can be used with various electronic systems. I spent some time actually listening to the various methods by which these ear plugs are made, and I decided to go with the folks at BigEar.
I like the plugs so much that I safely and wholeheartedly recommend them, either for sound reduction inside your helmet, bluetooth technology, or for your IPOD use while motorcycling.
Check back for a link to BigEar and a form for more information
The patch from the 2007 Rally was amazingly intricate and rich with detail. You will often see people at rallies who wear vests or jackets filled with patches from the various rallies they have attended. Rally pins are often used to festoon hats and vests as well.
My new jacket is comfortable, flexible, waterproof, lightweight, wind resistant and not bad to look at. I am rather short-waisted, so having a shorter jacket is just fine. The jacket does have some flexible armor at the elbows, and the back, which hits me exactly where it should hit -(this is an absolute first).
I liked the British Motorcycle Gear booth so much - I even found pants that fit my long legs and are easy to get on and off. Again, the armor hits where it should. This are the lightweight pants, but I may go back for some heavier ones. Also, the price was right!
