Rally 2007
The Rally is Over
The rally is over for 2007, and a good time was had by all. As far as we know, not one single rally goer had a Final Drive failure, and not one single drop of rain fell during the rally, but two days later we are finally getting the long awaited rain we've been needing for so long. The final count of registrations was 114, just shy of a record set many years ago. A burning ban in two counties canceled the Friday night campfire, but the Madison Fire Department supplied a large charcoal grill, so hot dogs were still available.
New Vendors
19 September 2007 We had two new vendors. Jack and Tom, of Racer Parts Wholesale were at the rally, and brought a stack of Tee shirts for door prizes. Jack rides a '99 RT, and Tom rides a Light Truck, so their move from automobile parts into motorcycle parts is a natural progression for them.
Rich, of Signs by Rich, was there with his full trailer workshop, including laser engraver.
This 
world renowned author, Doug Grosjean, donated one copy of his book "Wheels" as a doorprize, and spoke at 7 PM and will conduct a book signing afterwards. Doug brought the prototype of the wireless heated vest he produced several years ago, and a sample of the carbon fibre cloth which he used as a heating element. Production of the vest was curtailed early, as the fabric manufacturer could not reliably produce and deliver the fabric. Doug was kind enough to write a ride report outlining the highlights of his trip.
Rally 2007
Hoosier Beemers hosted our 2007 Rally at Muscatatuck County Park, in Vernon, Indiana, on 21, 22, and 23 September. This year marks our 21th annual rally.
Finding the park. Vernon is located on highways 3 and 7. North Vernon is located on highways 3, 7, and US 50. From Vernon, procede north on 7 and 3 and look for the park entrance at the top of the hill on the left, between Vernon and North Vernon. From North Vernon, there are two entrances. The main park entrance is located on highways 3 and 7, south of North Vernon, on the right side of the highway, just past the rescue squad and sheriff's office. To find the other entrance, proceed west on US 50 about two blocks to the traffic signal at the top of the hill and turn left. Look for the sign. For more information, see the rally map.
The rally site is at picnic shelter #2. There are restrooms on the left as you near the shelter. Past the shelter, at the far end of the park, is a bath house with lots of hot showers.
As Bill Hanley has been aging, he elected to not serve our meals last year. A new mess sergeant was located last year, and did a fantastic job last year and this year.
Also, this rally marks the second year in this century that our longest vendor, Tri-State BMW, will not be with us. Bill closed down the shop early last year. We will long miss Bill, both as a vendor, as a person, and as a shop proprietor. And Bill, if you're reading this, you are still welcome at the rally.
Motels: Don't know how many people in the past have motel-camped, but the last motel in North Vernon closed last year, and was replaced by a Walgreens drug store. However, it has been replaced by a new Comfort Inn nearby. From Walgreens, go north on IN 7 and IN 3 and look for the city park on the right. The motel is on the north side of the park, on FDR drive. (812) 352-9999. The Walgreens is at the main traffic signal in North Vernon, at the intersection of Highways 3, 7, and 50.
If you have any comments about the rally, contact the webmaster at tom@wade.name.