Vintage BMW Rally - Advice Needed Please

[Beemer54]

The BMWAF (usually known as 'The Airhead Ezine') is planning a major rally in the U.K. next year and we desperately need people's input. The vintage BMW movement has been pretty dead in the U.K. for many years. There's just no tradition for this sort of thing. As an exaample of how dire things are, the BMW Club U.K. had a rally in Wales this year where there were only 4 people booked in two days before the event! That's the level of involvement we're starting from.

So.................. we're going to organise a Revival Rally, trying to rekindle some interest and get things moving again. We've invited all the major BMW clubs in the U.K. to take part and the whole idea is to put inter-club rivalries behind us and get ageing asses out of their armchair and onto their bikes.

Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, I want to turn to you guys and ask your advice. The States is the home of the rally and if you guys can't advise us then no-one can.

I want to know what elements are the most successful at pulling people in. Now I'm not talking Sturgis here - the local pharmacists would soon run out of little blue pills and the hospitals be filled with coronary victims. We're looking at a rally that all owners of beemers from 1923 through to 1998 can come to and enjoy. There will be Tech elements, ride-outs, vendors and socialising in the evening. But it's as vague as that. We want something for everyone - from the again Alpha males through to the grumpy old gits. If you've organised any rallies - or been to ones that have had elements that really appealled - I'd be grateful for your input. I've got a blank sheet here but if you could spare a few minutes to help fill it in - either by posting here or by emailing editor.theairhead@gmail.com - then that would be a huge help.

Thanks

[Jim D 5112]

These are some of the things at the AMCA National meets.
1- We have a featured model or time period as all R68s, pre-war bikes, all singles, sidecar bikes, military bikes ect. This is changed every year to something else and is always used as the focus on our t shirt and sweat shirt sales. We sell long sleeve, short sleeve, hoodies ect. in different colors, Good art work is the key to selling them. Put something on it they will want.
2- We have a bike corral to put bikes in for sale at a small fee.
3- We also have a road run that may go 30 miles or so pre mapped out and led and followed by some one who knows the route.
4- Tech. sessions on paint, electrical, wiring, charging, carburetors and others.
5- We also have vending spots but it is regulated at our meets for motorcycles, parts and related items for bikes 35 years and older. No one worries about a few new items but it is not for yard sale, flea market things and new items unrelated to our old bikes.

[Beemer54]

Thanks Jim,
I've only ever been to one rally in my life and was bored out of my life there. Yesterday I gatecrashed another ( non-BMW) event. There were about 500 bikers sitting talking, sunbathing or in the bar. Nothing else doing. I asked a couple if there were any events planned - 'Nah, we'll just just get pissed in the bar tonight' and then leave when the hangover's wearing off a bit tomorrow'

We've got to organise something better than that if we're to get reluctant, ageing non-rally-going Beemer riders to attend. So thanks for the suggestions.

Anyone else got any?