BMWNEF

4^th Quarter Social Dinner

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Salt Life Food Shack

Fernandina Beach, Florida

We had a wonderful turnout for the 4^th Quarter Social Dinner. 25-30 members and guests gathered at the Salt Life Food Shack on the north end of Amelia Island.

Members arrived around 5PM and were seated, upstairs on the patio deck for Happy Hours and conversation. Around 6 the staff began taking dinner orders.

Our large crowd required several tables pushed together with additional  “satellite” tables to accommodate our group. All were eventually seated with no one left out of the evening.

The weather cooperated with clear skies, gentle ocean breezes and comfortable temperatures.

Our large table had one waiter who provided prompt and courteous service. As we have experienced before, the Salt Life’ food was excellent. No complaints were expressed during the meal service.

Thank you to all who took the time to drive up and enjoy our evening together.

Special thanks to Cai Mei Dengler for her photos of the evening.

November has several events and rides on the calendar. Please stay in touch through the BMWNEF.org website.

Bill Botkin

Yalaha Bakery Ride

The weather couldn’t have been any more perfect for the two riding groups totalling 15 bikes winding their way off the beaten track to the heart of the lake district. The ride started with riders congregating with coffees in hand at Weedman’s where Lenny “O’ Florida”, the ride leader, delivered a detailed safety briefing.

An abundance of V Twin biker groups was observed along the way, and why of course, coincidentally it just happened to be Biketoberfest in Daytona.  As we rode further south large amounts of piled up tree and yard debris along the sides of the roads were observed, all as a result of recent Hurricane Milton. 

Four hours after departure our BMW crew arrived at a bustling Yalaha Bakery. It was a long ride, appetites had built up, and some of the group went straight for the baked German cakes and other goodies. Others opted for a the more traditional sequence of Bauernwurst or Wienerschnitzel or other specialties first, to be then followed by desert. The meals and conversation were enjoyed at picnic tables in the Biergarten accompanied by traditional live Bavarian Oktoberfest music. A great day was had by all.    

Iron Horse Camping and Riding Weekend

19 members and friends made it to Iron Horse and enjoyed perfect weather all weekend.  The early mornings were nice and cool in the low to mid 60s which made a great start to our riding days.  After a hearty breakfast and allowing the fog to lift, we grouped off into various sized groups and headed out for the day.  Popular destinations were the “Tail of the Dragon”, Chilhowee, Tellico Plains Bakery, Cherohala Skyway, and many more.  Everyone made it back to Iron Horse before dinner. 

With the exception of “The Dragon” on Saturday, the roads were not very busy.  The leaves on the trees were just starting to change colors the closer you rode to the mountain tops.  Sleeping was excellent after a hard day of riding as the temperatures dipped down in the low 50s.

Iron Horse made for an excellent base camp for the weekend.  They renewed their support of BMWNEF by providing an award certificate to be given out at the 2025 Winter Rally.

No bikes or riders were harmed during our shenanigans. 😛

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The 2024 - 41^st Winter Rally was a huge success.

The forecast for rain held off to be just a little more than a humid day in Florida. 

There was a wide variety of events and activities to choose from including;

-  Led Rides and solo rides that could be downloaded from the Rally Program

-  Seminars by riders from a variety of backgrounds and experiences

-  Tire Repair on the Road and bike maintenance

-  BMW Academy Training

This year we also had the pleasure of a National Airhead Meeting and Event taking

place at the campground location.  This included a Tech Day, Bike Show and

General Meeting.

Some other hits this year was Charlie’s Chuck Wagon and the Camp Weed Dinners.

Of course we can't forget the Bonfires each night.  There was no shortage of split wood.

We gave away close to 30 Door Prizes and the Grand Prize winners were:

-  BMW Bike Performance Kit won by Chris Terajewicz

-  Helite Air Vest won by Michael Salvemini

-  Performance Training Grand Prize was Billy Luper

The Rally Program this year was over the top.  Steve Wishard did an excellent

job putting this together for our use including QR codes for the rides, articles,

list of vendors and a “Who’s Talking” section.  Unfortunately, Steve was unable

to attend, but he has our heartfelt thanks.

The surveys received to date have been very positive with excellent feedback.

Of course, none of this could have happened without all of the volunteers that worked

hard prior to, during, and after the Rally to ensure its success. Without their dedication,

there would be no Rally. Many, many thanks.

Can't wait until 2025 !!!

2024 Winter Rally Vendors and Sponsors