Just got back yesterday from the Rally in West Bend, WI. This was my first BMW National Rally,
first motorcycle camping trip and my intrepid wife came along riding pillion. First of all, packing
the bike for a 2-up multi-day camping trip proved to be interesting but doable thanks to a
Grand Touring XL U-Pack from MagsBags.com.
Here is the rig:
We left Detroit on Wednesday morning after breakfast:
Rode across Michigan: (Mrs. Newcamus became a pretty capable mobile camera mount;)
The packing setup proved to be solid as a rock, but for the first hundred miles or so I was so
tense worrying that it was gonna pop off on the interstate that I needed a little r&r at the gas station:
We were pressed for time on this trip so we took the LakeExpress Ferry from Muskegon, MI
to Milwaukee, WI. Straight across Lake Michigan in 2.5 hours. Ideally we would have gone up and
"over the top" but I just couldnt get the extra 3-4 days off to do it.
Stock Photo:
The line of BMW's waiting to get on the Ferry: (we got a group rate and this sailing time was set aside just for Rallygoers)
100 Beemers strapped down and ready to sail:
Once across the lake we rode enmasse to the rally site, about 40 mins north of Milwaukee,
arriving at about 8pm. Then we setup camp: (you can watch more and more tents popup in
each pic, LOL)
On Thursday I worked the Registration Tent, which was very cool, but real work. A 4 hours shift
of nonstop talking isnt my idea of a dream job but I met a lot of folks.
On Friday we got a full play day. At registration they give you a booklet with all kinds of
info on the rally site, the surrounding area, seminars and local route maps. We did the first one,
the Local Towns South Loop.
Church on Holy Hill:
Morning Coffee and some Wisconsin wildlife, look how fierce:
Gracie the coffeehouse kitten:
Cedarburg (this town is beautiful):
COvered bridge park:
Port Washington for late lunch:
Sitting on the seawall:
A few riding pics:
Back at the rally some pics of the old bones:
Notice the reclaimed chain guard:
I think this is a '43 "SS" bike, gave the Mrs. the creeps:
The gratuitous food shot for DJ:
The Mrs. having a horrible time obviously:
We had Saturday morning to ride before needing to pack up to catch the Ferry home, so we took off
on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive North. It was a whole lot of this:
Then race back to the Rally site, packup and head back to Milwaukee to catch the Ferry:
(Twin 3000 HP Engines)
We spent the night in Muskegon before blasting home on Sunday:
All considered this was among the best vacations I have taken. Mainly because of the people.
If you havent been to a National Rally, get to one. I am a shy person and the environment
is so conducive to making new friends and having random conversations that I was totally
comfortable. I'm told that one of the ideas behind picking rally locations is to get MOA
members to visit places they otherwise wouldnt. Wisconsin is one of those places that will
surprise you. With the roads, with the hospitality of the locals and with the natural beauty.
The rally was extremely well organized. Plenty of clean port-o-johns and showers, lots of vendors,
several food options. Oh and perfect weather:)
It was also cool to meet Herb and Tony from the board, we kept bumping into each other, I think
they got some pics of the r1150r.net contingent.
Then theres our neighbors and new friends Paul and Stan from New Hampshire, sucks I didnt get
a picture of you guys, but it was a pleasure meeting you both and I hope to see you again on the road.
..(hope you don't mind me saying).. 
..looks like you had a great trip. 
), but on the Hot Dog comment. Thats a Bratwurst. 
