POKER RUN: Many riders put the Poker Run at the top of their "must do" Rally list, as it gives them a chance to see and experience scenery and history from California's gold mining past. Maps and route sheets are provided, and you can play to win a One-Ounce Gold Coin, a One-half-Ounce Gold Coin, or one of 5 uncirculated Silver Dollars. The route will take you down gold country roads that you would probably never find on your own. Entries are $5/hand, play as many as you want.

GS CLASS: A '49er first! Ever heard of the Rubicon? It's probably impassable on a GS, but there's a whole bunch of Rubicon-like country right around Sonora, and we will try to get you in shape to ride it. Show up for the class and get tips and techniques for pushing that big pig through the bush, then tag along on a leisurely tour and exercise your new found skills. Attendance is limited, so be on time to assure yourself a spot. Don't care for formal schooling? The route will be available for self guided riding. We'll even have a sweep rider on Sunday. He'll be leaving the fairgrounds promptly at noon, so leave earlier if you want to take advantage of this safety net. If you're really daring, ride on Saturday, but plan on spending the night on the trail if you break down out side of cell range. ;^)

ENGLISH TRIALS: One of the largest crowd-pleasers of the Rally. Lars Swartz and his wrecking crew have brewed up a devilish blend of challenges for aspiring trials riders. Come join the fun and ride your Beemer over hill and dale, dodging trees, rocks, and flags on your way to victory. But watch out, dab your foot and the other riders will leave you in the dust! Awards go to First, Second, and Third Place winners.

CONCOURS d'EVERYBODY: Tired of seeing just a handful of bikes in the Concours? Want to enter, but you'd rather be riding it than washing? Our highly qualified team of judges will be roaming the grounds on Saturday looking at everybody's bike. The categories range from best bike pre-1970 to best Rat Bike. CHECK YOUR HEADLIGHT! If you have a colored sticker on it, you are in the finals! By 5:00 p.m Saturday night, bring your bike to the color-code designated area in front of the Bier Garten, and park it with the other bikes that have the same color sticker as yours. There will be a People's Choice vote at 9:00 p.m., and the final judging will take place during the evening. Winners in all categories will be announced at the Awards Banquet.

RALLY SHIRTS: California Casuals will once again be on site to print the official '49er Rally shirt. Colorful artwork, classic (or soon to be classic) bikes, and quality materials; what more could a rider ask for? The theme this year is the S bike: BMW's new K1200S screamer paired with the world's first superbike, the R90S in Daytona Orange. The bikes grace the back of the shirt, with the K1200S pin art over the left breast on the front. T-shirts are $15, with long sleeves and sweatshirts slightly more.

GUEST SPEAKERS & TECH SEMINARS: There's something for everyone in this year's agenda. Jim Thurber starts us off with tips on beating tickets, the Rauseos share their 2005 Paris Dakar experiences, Mr. Kuykendall gives us insights into BMW's marketing strategies (and maybe new model launches (nah!)), Davis Bales takes us to Brazil for more international flavor, Amy Holland explores trends in riding, Tony Westlake gets our heads into the right riding space, Snowbum schools us on Airhead maintenance, and Dave Barr shares inspirational moments from his many around the world record setting trips. Best of all, these early morning and evening presentations won't cut into your riding time!

VENDORS: Every year the '49er hosts the cream of the crop of vendors. At Sonora they are housed inside a clean, well-lit building adjacent to the main stage and Bier Garten. Be sure to pack your saddlebags loosely so you have room to take a little extra home with you. Your chance to pick up books by Dave Barr and grab Brazil touring info!

AWARDS: We will have awards for those of you who attend and qualify under these categories: Oldest Rider - Male, Oldest Rider - Female, Oldest BMW Motorcycle, Youngest Rider, Long Distance Male, Long Distance Female, Long Distance Two Up, Long Distance Sidecar, Largest Club, Long Distance Club, and Most Club Miles. Additional awards will be presented for the Poker Run, English Trials, Concours d'Everybody and other events.

FIELD EVENTS: Ever tried chasing around a grass field after a weenie? Linda Satterfield, NorCal's resident fun expert, will host a suite of games designed to improve your riding proficiency and your attitude. A mix of games and traditional field events. the competition will have awards for top places. Linda guarantees you'll leave with a grin on your face (and maybe some mustard).

AREA TOURS: There’s something for everyone on this 125 mile self-guided tour. Quiet back roads, sweeping turns, and scenic vistas. Visit a railroad museum, walk a covered bridge, take a stage coach ride, or cool off in a cave. Enjoy fine dining or wine tasting. Departures on Friday and Saturday from nine a.m. until noon. Details posted at Rally Headquarters. The No-Frills Sport Tour is your opportunity to do what you like most- RIDE. Experience the best roads the area has to offer. Run what you brung, leave when you like, eat when you can, and do as many miles as you can stand. A basic, easy-read set of directions is available on the tour board at Rally Headquarters.

SELF GUIDED GS TOUR: Adventurers seeking a taste of dirt can take this easy fire road tour and see some of the local off road sites. Ride anytime you like, but Dirt Dog Richard Burton will be leaving the fairgrounds on Sunday at noon to clear the wreckage. If you want to be found before the end of the Rally, leave before Richard does. Pick up your map at Rally Headquarters...

SCHEDULE: The first full day of the Rally is Saturday, but there will be activities happening as the crews finish their set up work on Friday. Check the schedules posted around the Rally site and at Rally HQ for the latest info.

MOTORCYCLE PARKING: In order to maximize the space available for tent camping, we are strongly encouraging everyone to park their bikes off the grass. We've also reserved the area immediately in front of the Bier Garten for the Concours d'Everybody on Saturday night, so please refrain from parking in this area as well. Wherever you park, please be considerate of others and avoid blocking traffic flow or others parked around you.

CAMPING: You can camp anywhere you like within the fairgrounds (a few exceptions are noted on the map). All of the livestock buildings are open for camping, as are the meadows and grassy spots around them. Feel free to explore the entire grounds before you settle in, especially as the main camping areas fill up. Please respect fairgrounds property, and use the trash barrels you'll find liberally sprinkled throughout the grounds. Camp away from the Bier Garten if late night noise bothers you, and please be quiet while those around you are sleeping.

MOTORHOMES AND 4 WHEEL VEHICLES: In order to maximize the space available for tent camping we require you to site RV campers in the RV camping area. Our Rally Staff will assist you in locating electric and water hookups. Ample room is available in the upper Motorhome Parking lot. As in past years, RV parking is offered on a "first come, first served" basis, and availability is not guaranteed. Those arriving with a "support staff" in 4 wheeled vehicles are permitted to enter the fairgrounds long enough to unload, then must park the non-motorcycle in the lot outside Registration or in the Motorhome parking areas.

SHOWERS: The fire season starts early in Northern California, and our portable showers may be supporting the smoke jumpers. There are showers on site; just look for the shower signs. Should you experience problems with these services please let one of the Rally staff know so that we can set things straight as quickly as possible.

FOOD: Food is an event at the '49er, and Jack Rabbit BBQ will be hosting the meals at this year's Rally. Service will be provided adjacent to the Vendor Building in what we've dubbed The Rabbit Hole. Jack Rabbit will cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meal times are outlined on the schedule. Saturday dinner, a delicious feast of Pearwood Grilled Beef Tri-Tip, is the meal you may have purchased with your pre-registration. Tickets for all other meals are available from Rally HQ.Rally coffee is free to all attendees, and can be found from approximately 6 am to 10 pm in the Rabbit Hole. The Bier Garten is offering micro brewed beer (Fat Tire Ale, Redtail Ale, Blackhawk Stout), wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Feel free to enjoy your repast in the Rabbit Hole or the Bier Garten. For those of you that like to start your day with a jolt, The Movable Bean espresso cart will be on site with exotic coffees and treats.

We look forward to seeing you at this year's '49er!

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