Four of us SABMWRA members ventured to the Vermont Vibes Rally, the BMW national rally held in Essex Junction, Vermont from June 11 to June 14 ,2026. Our president, John Sires, made the 2,000-mile ride on his 2018 RS. His journey is chronicled in another article. The Club’s Vice President and MOA Ambassador, Randy Logan flew to the event while my wife, Pam, and I towed our new R 1300 GSA behind our camper.
First stop, and first time visit for me was Houston. The highlight us was a visit to the San Jacinto Monument and battlefield museum. We spent several hours learning monumental story of Texas independence from Mexico then rode the elevator to the top of the Monument, which is taller than DC’s Washington Monument The sights from atop the monument were magnificent views of battlefield. Just then the common theme of our trip arrived in a torrential downpour.
The morning of day two brought more rain and beautiful sites of the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge while driving the 18.5 miles of bridge in Iberville Parish, Louisiana. It’s by far the longest bridge we have ever driven. The afternoon presented trouble, a flat trailer tire. Prepared, we changed it and were soon on our way. That evening, we stayed at the HGTV famous “Home Town” in Laurel, Mississippi. The Sleepy Hollow RV Park, also featured in an HGTV “Home Town” episode, provided the nicest, cleanest restrooms we’ve ever seen, aside from Buc-ees.
Day three replaced trailer tires and yes, my wife reminded me we should have replaced them before leaving home. The remainder of the day brought us trees, mountains, traffic, and Tennessee, and of course more rain.
Day four, five states. Tennessee, Virgina, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The views of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah Valley were incredible. The day brought rain as well as traffic, road construction delays, and pavement that was in desperate need of new construction.
Day five, hooray we finally arrived.
The MOA National Rally chair and staff did not disappoint. As always, it’s a first-class production. The rally app was comprehensive with maps and schedules and designed so you would not miss events. The app directed us to the appropriate gate for our RV. We were greeted by our camp hosts who checked us in and escorted us to our site. Entertainment was scheduled for that evening, but mother nature had other plans. Yep, more rain!
Each day was filled with interesting activities and seminars from Do-It-Yourself services How Too’s to touring presentations. There were opportunities to buy apparel as well as new tires, auxiliary lights, a custom seat, and other accessories, and having them installed while relaxing in airconditioned vendor exhibit halls. There was plenty to keep you busy, but we were there to ride, and ride we did.
Vermont was made for motorcycle riding in summertime. There were planned routes available, both on and off road. We spent three days riding covering most of what Vermont had to offer, although it was at 50 MPH, the top speed in the Green Mountain State. The evenings were spent dinning and gathering around Rally Central visiting with friends, new and old, and listening to local musical talent.
Volunteerism was a large part of the event, most noticeably Sunday morning. As we packed for our departure, volunteers were busy disassembling road courses, taking down flags and banners, and before you knew it the place went from 4,600 registered guests to near empty.
It was well worth the trip to the National Rally. See you next year in Great Falls, Montana for the next MOA National Rally.
