Photos from BMW RA rally in Waynesville, NC
Check out our photo album here! Approximately 15 club members made their way to the BMW Riders Association "Game of Roads" national rally at the Smoky Mountain Event Center (fairgrounds) in Waynesville, North Carolina which is 30 minutes west of Asheville in the heart of some of the best riding in the country. The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Tail of the Dragon, The Rattler, Moonshiners, Cherohala Skyway, Wheels Through Time museum and more were all within striking distance of the rally. In fact, due to the ideal location, it was announced that the RA national rally will be held the same place next year in late September 2022.
A few moteled but most camped in our 4 Winds chartered club reserved area and entertained a steady stream of visitors under the much-appreciated tent Denny had the forethought to arrange. The Wunderlich headquarters in Henderson NC hosted an open house with an authentic German food truck provided by nearby Haus Heidelberg restaurant which we promptly found to sit inside. Another gem was Haywood Smokehouse - a very popular BBQ in Waynesville. Sat. night's entertainment was fellow rider and comedian Alonzo Bodden who worked the crowd like the pro he is - what a hoot! The BMW US Rider Academy worked hard all weekend staffing their booth and providing rider training as well as leading free tour rides on both pavement and off-road. This area is their home turf and they know the best roads. Tim and Diane got a private tour led by chief instructor Aaron culminating on a road more intense than The Dragon! David D., one of our Florida members, took their GS training. Syphoon, Jay and Vince found a couple local guys who generously spent two days wearing them out on the twisties.
A rainy, wet and interesting trip it was. Fortunately, most attendees departed just before the flooding. Denny and his friend Dennis stayed Sun. night at the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in Canton, NC, 12 miles from the rally site. The next day the campground and buildings were destroyed including the entrance bridge. Many friends are making donations and offering to help re-build.