Prez Sez - June 2025
Jeff Ricker | Published on 6/10/2025
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Hello BMW Club of Minnesota, here is the latest news about our club.
Hiawatha Rally
Our 48th annual rally was a big success and we had gorgeous riding weather:
-- We had almost 180 attendees (the most in four years).
-- The longest distance ridden was a guy named (wait for it) John Beamer - 1416 miles from North Carolina.
-- Our youngest rider was 19 (Max Vandorslear) and our oldest rider was 86 (Wally Heinrich).
--Michael Anderson won the pre-registration prize drawing - two free passes to the 2026 rally.
-- Charlie Coons won the volunteer prize drawing - one free pass to the 2026 rally.
Here is Charlie wearing a vintage Hiawatha Rally shirt from the late 1970s:
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| Thanks to Leo's South for sponsoring the demo rides.This is their 30th year of doing demo rides at our rally!This photo shows club members Jeff Oden (left) and Nancee Musto (right) helping Wayne and Butch load their trailer. |
Important note:We need a rally co-chair to assist Owen Applequist, who is our 2026 rally chair. The co-chair will then be the rally chair for the landmark 50th Hiawatha Rally in 2027.
MOA Rally in Tennessee
The annual MOA rally is in Lebanon, Tennessee and runs June 19-21. We have reserved a chartered club campsite with a nice tent, tables, and chairs for our club to congregate.
We are organizing a "rolling rally" in which people ride on their own or in small groups, but camp overnight in the same place. Beth Forristall and her family are hosting a campout Tuesday June 17 near Princeton, Illinois. We can camp overnight and then take a day or two to ride the rest of the way to Lebanon.
Camping spots for June 17 are still available, but you need to sign up by June 10.
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Lane Filtering
The new Lane Filtering law takes effect July 1. Phil Stalboerger and Daniel Degallier provided the following updates.
There could be some tweaks to the law that further clarify where lane filtering/splitting can and cannot be done. For example, roundabouts, school zones, or single lane construction traffic may be areas that could be restricted. While this may be common sense for those of us who ride, some legislators feel those clarifications are needed.
Don’t forget to say “thank you” to your local legislators for supporting this law and that you as a motorcyclist support it. They are or will be hearing from those that may not like it. If your voice isn’t heard, they could take action based only on what they are hearing. And we all know as riders that the best defense is a good offense!
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July Club Meeting
Chuck and Julie Bushnell are graciously hosting our July 10club meeting at their home in Maple Grove. The club will provide burgers and brats to grill, and each member can bring a side dish or dessert to share. Stay tuned for an email with a signup sheet so we can get a headcount.
August Club Picnic
Our annual club picnic is Sunday August 17. Tom and Renee Toland are hosting the event at their home in Welch MN. Stay tuned for an email with details and a signup sheet.
At the club picnic, we traditionally vote on whether to hold the Hiawatha Rally next year. We respectfully ask that you only vote if you are planning to attend and volunteer at the 2027 rally.
Other Club News
Our June 7rider training course is full. Thanks to the seven club members who signed up for this course.
Tuesday June 10 is national Ride to Work Day, as promoted by Aerostich. Even if you are retired or work at home, it might be a fun reason to take a ride.
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We are not holding a monthly club meeting onJune 12because we just wrapped up the Hiawatha Rally and many of us are heading soon to the MOA Rally.
Sunday June 15is Father's Day. Does anyone want to organize brunch and a ride to the Blind Lizard Rally on Nicollet Island? Let me know if you want to lead this event.
Have a great summer of riding!
Jeff Ricker
BMW Minnesota Club President
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