Iowa Rally, June 2003

The Pure Stodge Touring Association hosts this rally every year in a wooded, park-like setting near Iowa City. It typically occurs during the 3rd week of June or thereabouts. The rally site is on the northwest side of Iowa City and not difficult to find. This rally is near and dear to my heart as it was the first BMW rally I ever attended back in 1996 or 1997. It is infamous for the heat or the rain that often afflicts the event and participants. Still, it’s fun in a kind of funky, church picnic designed by the Adam’s family kind of way. You are expected to camp out at this rally, although many find themselves a nearby motel room. You can get there quickly by scooting west on I-74 and then continuing on I-80. Although relatively fast, I like to get there by taking whatever country roads will get me to Oquawka on the Mississippi river and then spending as much time as I can near the river. If you cross at Muscatine, IA (rt. 92 on the Illinois side and 22 on the Iowa side), you will find some gentle curves and soothing Midwestern country on the Iowa side of the river. You can then head north on IA 70 and then take Rt. 6 into Iowa City. Gina’s BMW isn’t hard to find and it’s an interesting dealership with an excellent showroom full of riding gear and other desirable stuff. Ned’s Guzzi dealer isn’t too far away, a bit south in Riverside. Also, you don’t want to miss breakfast at the Mechanic’s Shed on the west side of Bettendorf (I think that's where it is). They serve some of the best Midwestern breakfasts I’ve ever ingested. Lots and lots of food with potatoes that cover whole counties and eggs that must come from sumo-sized chickens.

It takes about 5 to 6 hours to get there from the twin cities of east central Illinois and probably 8 to 9 hours if you take back roads. There are some pleasant roads near Iowa City but nothing extraordinary. If you need to spend some extended time in the saddle and you enjoy zigzagging across farmland to avoid thunderstorms, you’ll enjoy this rally. The Amana colonies are nearby and make a nice side trip for the Saturday that you attend the rally. Lots of riders head over to Gina’s and Ned’s while they are in the area. Ned’s dealership is an experience every BMW and Guzzi rider should take in at least once during their riding lives. He serves hot dogs, popcorn and free soda during the rally but the food is just an added benefit. The dealership looks like several old tool sheds that have been spot welded together. The whole complex is stuffed full of …er, junk, that looks as though it’s taken decades to assemble. Still, I hear he’s the go-to guy if you want to buy a Guzzi. I haven’t been to this rally in quite a while but I don’t miss the chance when I can make it. Think about it and I hope I see you there.