As your BMW MOA Rally 2018 Chair, one thing keeps popping into my head as I write this: experience.
I think about what a wonderful organization the BMW MOA is and about the many member benefits included in our membership. In a world where clubs claim “membership has its benefits,” I’m compelled to ponder what I consider to be the main benefit of the MOA. I truly believe that the primary asset of the MOA is its members.
Now don’t get me wrong, the corporate benefits included in our membership are outstanding. The discounts on rider training, roadside assistance with tire replacement, discounts at campgrounds across America, life-saving medical services, all on top of the travel, lifestyle, and leisure savings we receive are substantial.
As a motorcycle enthusiast and MOA member, I think about the growth of the organization and about the collective experience of our membership. Do you remember what it was like the first time you rode a motorcycle? Do you carry that enthusiasm every time you throw your leg over the saddle?
Can you remember when all you wanted to talk about was motorcycles and what roads you were going to ride, trying to get your friends to ride with you? Do you recall the excitement as you rode to your first rally?
As life progresses and we get older, we tend to settle into routine. We grow up, start families and settle down. We worry about our careers and only later in life begin doing the things that we’ve dreamed of. In our world today, technology has advanced the way people communicate. We are now an instant society where information is at our fingertips and only a few seconds away.
Left to Right: Rally Co-Chairs Lee Harrelson and Deb Gasque, and Rally Chair Brian Hinton.
It is my goal to highly encourage all BMW MOA members to take a moment and share your experience of motorcycling with others. Maybe even someone you wouldn’t normally speak to. Maybe someone from the younger generation. Your inspiration could be the difference in our motorcycling world.
Young riders today are very passionate about style, imagery and the emotional connection they have with their machines. When you break it down to the simplest way of thinking, young riders today are not all that different than the young riders of yesterday. The excitement of getting on your motorcycle, the feeling of freedom while riding, the experience of being in the picture, not just looking at the picture, those are all things that are synonymous with being on two wheels.
I encourage you to talk with your friends and your fellow motorcycle companions about your experience at a rally, be it the International MOA Rally, a charter club rally, or any motorcycle gathering that you’ve been to. Spread the word that motorcycling is good for the soul and being with like-minded friends takes our experiences to a higher level. I also strongly encourage you to mark your calendars for July 12-15, 2018, for the BMW MOA International Rally in Des Moines, Iowa. I promise it will be an epic experience you will long remember.
