Gateway Riders BMW Motorcycle Club

Events Director: Jeff Ackerman       314-838-2161  

    Email: m_j_ackerman@sbcglobal.net

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Ride Starting Points

Note:  To make it easier to meet and fill up, all the rides start at gas stations & convenience stores. The ride starting points depend on the direction we are going. See the list below:

NORTH: The east side of the Home Depot parking lot between New Halls Ferry & Old Halls Ferry, south side of I-270 in North County.

SOUTH: The McStop at Pevely (Exit 180 off I-55 at Z) OR the Dierbergs grocery on Hwy 21, just south of I-270 (on the L/H side at the first light).

WEST: The QuikTrip off I-70 by I-370 at Mid Rivers Mall (on the north side in St. Peters) OR the BP/McDonald's just south of Hwy. 40 (I-64) on Long Rd., OR the MotoMart, on Hwy. 141, just north of I-44.

EAST: The SOUTH Dierbergs or NORTH Home Depot – See above.

NOTE: Forever Endeavor has shop rides every 3rd Saturday of the month, followed by a hearty breakfast. Meet at 21 East 5th Street, Eureka, MO. 63025. Phone 636-938-7336.

Gateway BMW has shop rides the third Sunday of the month. Stop by for donuts and coffee at 8:30. The ride starts at 9:ish. For info, call 314-427-9090.

* Jan 16:Wednesday General Meeting at Culpepper’s, 12316 Olive Street Rd., just west of I-270 on the south side of Olive (east end of the strip mall). Arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp.

* Jan. 26/27: : Blue Nose Campout at Pierre Marquette park (get reservations early if you want a cabin or to stay in the Lodge; 618-786-3323). Jim Shaw, 314-521-0341. Feb. 16/17 is the alternate date if the weather is really bad (not just a little cold).

* Feb. 3: Super Bowl Party with Smitty; he has a new HDTV. Ignore the dust; he is working on the house. Bring snacks and your favorite beverage (beer and soda will be provided). The game starts in the late afternoon (5 p.m.??), show up 1 hr. before game time for pre-game festivities. 27 Donald Ct. off Hwy. P, north of O’Fallon; see map. 636-240-5995.

* Feb. 9: Valentine’s Day party with Rich and Helen Race. Show up after 2 p.m. Bring a snack & your favorite photos. Beer and soda provided. 816 Hollyridge Dr., Ballwin, MO. See map.Please RSVP at 636-207-9830.

* Feb. 20: Wednesday General Meeting at Spazio's, 12031 Lackland Road (map). Arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp.

* Feb. 24: “Woo’s Folly” ride to Diamond Mineral Springs. Meet on the east side of the Home Depot between New Halls Ferry & Old Halls Ferry on the south side of I-270 in North County at 9:45 a.m./leave 10:15 a.m. We’ll take cars if the weather is bad. Jeff Ackerman, 314-838-2161.

* February 29 - March 9: Daytona Bike Week – See www.officialbikeweek.com or check www.amadirectlink.com for tickets and info.

* March 2: Ride Hwy. W to Clarksville for lunch at Clarksville Station (on the south edge of town on Hwy. 79) or Rider’s Choice. Meet at the QuikTrip off I-70 by I-370 (see above) at 10:00 a.m./leave at 10:30. Ride leader needed.

March 8: Open House at most BMW dealers, including Gateway BMW and Grass Roots BMW.

* March 9: Annual spring ride to St. John’s Gildehaus for the chicken dinner. Meet at the Amoco station on Long Rd. (see above) at 9:00 a.m./leave at 9:30. Jeff Ackerman, 314- 838-2161.

* March 16: Ride to Pioneer’s Cabin family style restaurant in Willisville, IL (northeast of Chester). This is a neat place Susan found. Meet at the Dierbergs grocery at 9:00 a.m./leave at 9:30. Bill Haugen, 314-831-7363.

* March 19: Wednesday General Meeting at the NEW PLACE: Spazio’s at 12031 Lackland Rd.(map) It is located in the Comfort Inn, which is located directly across Page Ave. from Westport Plaza in the southwest quadrant of Page and Westport Plaza Dr. Exit Page Ave. at Lackland Rd.  Arrive around 6:30 if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp. 

* March 29: (Saturday) Wurstfest in Hermann – Get you fill of sausages and other goodies, maybe bring home some wine. Meet at Amoco station on Long Rd. (see above) at 9:30 a.m./leave at 10:00. Ride leader needed.

* April 6: Spring Dinner (chicken and beef) at St. Joseph’s in Meppen, IL. Meet on the east side of the Home Depot between New Halls Ferry & Old Halls Ferry, on the south side of I-270 in North County, at 9:30 a.m./leave at 10:00. Jeff Ackerman, 314-838-2161.

* April 12: Saturday BBQ ride. Take the scenic route down to Farmington. Meet at the Amoco station on Long Rd. (see above) at 10:00 a.m./leave at 10:30. Dave Mattis, 314-968-1186.

April 16: Wednesday General Meeting at the NEW PLACE: Spazio’s at 12031 Lackland Rd.(map) It is located in the Comfort Inn, which is located directly across Page Ave. from Westport Plaza in the southwest quadrant of Page and Westport Plaza Dr. Exit Page Ave. at Lackland Rd.  Arrive around 6:30 if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp. 

* April 20: Ride the backroads to Kampsville; take any bike you don’t mind getting dirty (~ 10 mi of good gravel). Meet at the Home Depot (see above) at 9:30 a.m./leave at 10:00. Jeff Ackerman, 314- 838-2161.

* April 27: Progressive Dinner – Our most popular ride! See maps and info in the next newsletter. Breakfast (8 a.m.) – Judie Northcutt and Art Mester; Soup – Margo Bode; Salad – Rich and Helen Race; Main Dish – Al and Jill Schroer; Dessert – Ava and Harvey Small.

* April 27: 23rd BMW Flea Market and MotoExpo. Huge indoor flea market, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL, 10 miles west of Rockford and 1 mile north of US 20.

* May 4: Missouri Hick’s BBQ in Cuba or Riders’ Choice. Meet at the BP on Long Rd. at 9:00/leave at 9:30. Ride leader needed.

* May 2 - 4: 18th Georgia Mountain Rally at Bald Mountain Park Campground Resort just outside Hiawassee, GA. http://www.baldmountainpark.com/ The club has a group going. See the Who's Going page.

* May 03/04: Bed and Breakfast ride to somewhere interesting (let Art know where you would like to go). RSVP with Art Mester ASAP. We will leave early Saturday morning. Art Mester, 314-304-5051.

* May 17 (Sat.): Gateway BMW is sponsoring a “swap meet” for the club. Meet at the shop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the flea market and BBQ. Bring your goodies to sell, a good appetite, and plenty of cash to buy.

* May 18: Strawberry and Chicken Festival in Ruma Il. Meet at the Dierbergs on highway 21 just south of I270 at 9:00/leave at 9:30 (NOTE – The GS group will leave at 9:15). We may split into two groups with the GS group taking the lesser traveled “levee” roads (with gravel in varying amounts). The road group can take the Bluff Road. Jeff Ackerman, 314-838-2161.

* May 21: Wednesday General Meeting at the NEW PLACE: Spazio’s in the Comfort Inn at 12031 Lackland Rd. (across Page Ave. from Westport Plaza in the SW corner of Page and Westport Plaza Dr.).  Exit Page at Lackland Rd. Arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 sharp.

* May 24 (Sat.): Ride to Braussard’s for Cajun food in Cape Girardeau. Meet at the McStop at Peveley (I-55 and Z) at 8:30/leave at 9:00. Phil Sulfstede, 314-838-9179.

* May 22-25: 20th Rocket City Rally. Located on Ditto Landing, Huntsville, AL. Info at www.bmwmoal.org.

* May 31 – June 1: 29th Land of OZ Rally - LaCynge KS, Linn County Park – US 69 at K152 (south of KC). Updates and info: www.kcbmwmc.com.

* June 1: Arthritis Ride: Register 11 to 1 at Show Me’s on Laclede’s Landing . www.rideforarthritis.com.

* June 8: Ride to Lambert’s in Sikeston. Catch a hot roll and fill up on goodies. Meet at the McStop at Peveley (I-55 and Z) at 8:00/leave at 8:30. Ride leader needed.

* June 14 (Sat.): Riders’ Choice: maybe try Cowboy Bob’s BBQ in Emminence or lunch in Hermann. Meet at the BP on Long Rd. at 9:00/leave at 9:30. Ride leader needed.

* June 12-15: 32nd Iowa Rally at the Iowa County Fairgrounds located in Marengo, IA. (same as the last few years). We had great weather last year. rally@purestodge.org.

No General Meeting on the third Wednesday of June. The meeting is the following Saturday at the pool party (next item).

* June 21: Summer Solstice Swim Party/Barbecue/June General Meeting at the Ackerman’s. Bring a covered dish, swim trunks, and a towel (plus a chair if you can). Meet at the Ackerman’s at 1 p.m. Please RSVP by June 18 so we can get drinks, pork steaks, bratwurst, or sazizza’s for everyone. The Club IS BUYING! No hotdogs unless you want them. Jeff/Mary, 314-838-2161. See a Yahoo Map

* June 20-22: Missouri State Rally. Located in the city park in Crane, MO (approx. 30 mi. SW of Springfield, MO on state Hwy. 413).

* June 28: Tech Session for brake inspection/fluid bleeding at Dave Leligdon’s home, 2 Autumn Peak Court in Summit Heights subdivision, just off Hwy. 141 and Hwy. 30 in Fenton, MO, at 8:00 a.m. 314-575-9454.

* June 29: Rider’s Choice, maybe check out Giant City Park in southern Illinois for a great chicken dinner or lead your favorite ride. Meet at the Dierbergs grocery at 9:00 a.m./leave 9:30. Ride leader needed.

* July 12: Tech Session for general inspections and oil changes before the National Rally. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Dave Leligdon’s home, 2 Autumn Peak Court in Summit Heights subdivision, just off Hwy. 141 and Hwy. 30 in Fenton, MO. 314-575-9454.

* July 13: Ride to Arcadia Academy at 200 South College St., off Hwy. 72 in Arcadia, MO (about 20 miles south of Potosi) or Rider’s Choice. Ex-President Jay says that this is a neat place to go for lunch and the roads are great in the area. Meet at Dierbergs at 9:00 a.m./leave 9:30. Ride leader needed.

* July 17-20: 36th BMW MOA International Rally. This year's rally will be held at the CAM-PLEX, 1635 Reata Dr., Gillette, WY. See the BMW Owners News or www.bmwmoa.org for details.

NOTE: No meeting in July.

* July 20: Today is National Ice Cream Day, time for a Sunday Ice Cream Ride. Meet at the Dierbergs and wander down to Sara’s Ice Cream at 124 Merchant St. in Ste. Genevieve (across from the hotel in downtown) or the spot of your choice. Meet at 10:00 a.m./leave 10:30. Ride leader needed.

* July 25-27: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Triumph is the “Featured Marque” at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2008 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH. (Remember, we are an AMA club, too). For info, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

* July 26: Saturday evening ride to the Dar-E Cream, a neat old diner off Hwy. 30 and BB for burgers, malts, and ice cream. Meet at the Long Road BP gas station at 6:30 p.m./leave at 7:00. Dave Mattis, 314-968-1186.

* August 3: River road ride to Zeke’s in Atlas, IL (US 54 & IL 96, east of Louisiana, MO.) for lunch and ice cream. Meet at Home Depot at 8:30 a.m./leave at 9:00. Jeff Ackerman, 314-838-2161.

* Aug. 9: Saturday BBQ ride to Farmington or Missouri Hick’s or ?? Meet at the Long Road BP gas station at 8:30 a.m./leave at 9:00. Dave Mattis, 314-968-1186.

* Aug. 16-17: Still Humble Rally, the Dinks are back! 4-H Park in Pontiac, IL (Same as before). Public contact: Cathy Whitwood, 1220 West College Ave., Normal, IL 61761, 309-846-0042.

* Aug 17: Ride to the TT dirt track races at Peoria or Rider’s Choice. Meet on the east side of Home Depot, at 8:00 a.m./leave 8:30. Qualifying heats start at noon. Racing starts at 2 p.m. See www.amaflattrack.com or www.peoriatt.net. Ride leader needed.

* August 20: Wednesday General Meeting at Spazio’s in the Comfort Inn at 12031 Lackland Rd. (across Page Ave. from Westport Plaza in the SW corner of Page and Westport Plaza Dr.). Exit Page at Lackland Rd. Arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 sharp.

* August 23: Saturday Breakfast ride to Cowan’s in Washington (maybe take a scenic ride afterwards). Meet at the Long Road BP gas station at 8:00 a.m./leave at 8:30. Dave Mattis, 314-968-1186.

* Sept. 7: Take a nice, day long ride to the Caveman BBQ by the Gasconade River near Richland, MO or “rider’s choice.” Meet at the BP on Long Rd. (see above) at 8:00 a.m./leave 8:30. Ride leader needed.

* Sept 5-7: 38th Wisconsin Dells Rally - Chula Vista Resort, just 3 mi. north of downtown Wisconsin Dells; lots of tent space & a lodge. LOTS more! Bob Reitberger, 414-321-3212; http://www.wiscbmwclub.com.

* Sept. 13: (Saturday): SUPPORT THE LOCAL USO –Motorcycle Ride and Washer Tournament. Meet at Shady Jack’s Bar & Grill, 1432 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO, 314-241-4644.  $20 per bike, $25 with passenger. Registration at 9:00 a.m. Ride begins at noon. Breakfast Plate $6.00. Ride goes to 1811 Grand Army Road, Labadie, MO with food, entertainment, freebies, and a raffle. Cathy Bissell, 636-274-4741.

* Sept. 17: Wednesday General Meeting at Spazio’s in the Comfort Inn at 12031 Lackland Rd. (across Page Ave. from Westport Plaza in the SW corner of Page and Westport Plaza Dr.) Exit Page at Lackland Rd. Arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 sharp.

* Sept. 20 (Saturday): Open House at the BMW MOA headquarters at 509A Old State Road, Ellisville, MO 63021. Great food, friends, and door prizes. For more info: www.bmwmoa.org, or call 636-394-7277.

* Sept. 21: Ride to the Midway Restaurant in Weingarten, MO. (on Hwy. 32 west of Ste. Genevieve), or the Anvil Inn in Ste. Genevieve, or Rider’s Choice. Meet at the Dierberg’s parking lot on Hwy 21, (see above) at 9:30 a.m./leave 10:00. Ride leader needed.

* Sept. 27: Saturday rescheduled (the day they are open) ride to Arcadia Academy at 200 S. College St., off Hwy. 72 in Arcadia, MO (about 20 miles south of Potosi) or Rider’s Choice. Ex-President Jay says that this is a neat place to go for lunch and the roads are great in the area. Meet at the Dierberg’s parking lot off Hwy. 21 at 9:00 a.m./leave 9:30. Ride leader needed.

Oct. 4: Tech Session for brake inspection/fluid bleeding at Dave Leligdon’s home, 2 Autumn Peak Court in Summit Heights subdivision, just off Hwy. 141 and Hwy. 30 in Fenton, MO, at 8:00 a.m. 314-575-9454.

* Oct. 5: Rider’s Choice, it’s fall festival time; there are Octoberfest’s in New Haven, Hermann, and other towns, there are county fairs, or maybe head into Calhoun County, IL for apples, plus there are lots of other choices. Meet at the BP on Long Rd. (see above) at 8:30 a.m./leave 9:30. Ride leader needed.

* Oct. 3-5; 34th Return to Shiloh Rally - "Best Rally by a Dam Site." On the east bank of the Tennessee River at Pickwick Dam, take Hwy 128, 13 miles south of Savannah, TN. For info check the website at www.bmwrams.com or contact Charlie Parsons at 870-933-7038 or bmw143@suddenlink.net for info.

* Oct. 10-12: Our 33rd Falling Leaf Rally at Potosi, MO, 60 mi. from St. Louis. Take Hwy 21 south to Hwy. 8, turn west through Potosi to Hwy 185, bear right to the Lion’s Club grounds. Larry Floyd, 314-892-7012.

* Oct. 15: Wednesday General Meeting at Spazio’s in the Comfort Inn at 12031 Lackland Rd. Exit Page at Lackland Rd. Arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. if you plan on eating. Meeting starts at 7:30 sharp.

* Oct. 18 or 19: We are looking at a hayride and a hot dog roast the week after the rally. More info at the September meeting and in the next events listing.

* Oct. 26: St. John’s Gildehaus Sausage Dinner. Take the scenic route down to the church. Leave early to beat the crowd. Meet at the BP on Long Rd. (see above) at 9:00 a.m./leave 9:30. Jeff Ackerman.

* Events that are starred are point events. BMW rallies greater than 200 miles away are point rides, even if not listed. Note: See the MOA magazine or website, www.bmwmoa.org, for more rally information.

* Events that are starred are point events. BMW rallies greater than 200 miles away are point rides, even if not listed. Note: See the BMW Owners News or website at www.bmwmoa.org for more rally information.

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