FAQs
General Questions
| Question | Answer |
| How many rides does the club do? | We average about 40 rides a year. That is pretty much every weekend except in the coldest time of year. |
| What is a ride put on by the club? | Most rides are on Sunday, some are on Saturday. Check the events page for details. A designate ride leader has planned a route to an interesting location. They select a starting point and tell you what time to be there. Be prepared to ride for several hours to the destination, usually arriving by lunch time. Also be prepared to find your way home, as the group often splinters into smaller groups for the ride home. |
Club Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Who are the Gateway Riders? | We are a social club of motorcyle riders that have an affinity for the BMW marque. |
| What does the club do? | We organize rides, have social events, and put on a weekend rally in the Fall. |
| What social events does the club do? | Typically, a New Year's Eve party, a Super Bowl party, a Valentine or St. Pat's party, a Summer Solstice Swim Party, thee might be a hayride in the Fall, and a holiday party. Some years we do a swap meet. |
| When are general meetings? | General meetings are, generally, the third Wednesday of the month, in the evening. Check the Events page for the location. Exceptions are: no meeting in July as most members are on a long ride to somwhere or attending the National Rallye; the June meeting is at the swim party, and the December meeting is at the holiday party. |
Membership Questions
| Question | Answer |
| What are the advantages of joining the club? | If you like us, join us, and keep the traditions going. We will share what we know about maintenance, equipment, camping, and touring. The dues are reasonable, and go towards donations and social events, which provide you more value than the cost of the dues. |
| How do I join the club? | Ride a motorcycle on a ride listed in the Events page of the website. Enter your information in the Join the club page. Contact the Membership Director on the Officers and Directors page of the website. And come to a meeting on the third Wednesday. Meetings are listed with the Events. If two thirds of the members at the meeting vote yes, you are in! |
| Do I have to own or ride a BMW motorcycle to join the club. | No, owning a BMW is not required to be a member. Owning a BMW is required to be an elected officer of the club. |
| Do I have to own a motorcycle to join the club? | No, our by-laws don't require that. |
| What does it cost to join the club? | The annual dues are $14.00 for an active membership and $9.00 for an associate membership. When you join the club there is a $5.00 fee for your nametag, club patch, and club sticker. |
| What is required to remain an active member? | You have to pay your annual dues before the February general meeting. Thats all! |
| What is an associate member? | An associate member is sponsored by an active member. They do not have to fulfill the requirement to ride a motorcycle in a club event. They are voted in just as an active member would be. Associates are usually an active member significant other or some relation. The annual cost of the associate membership is less than the cost of attending the holiday party! |
Motorcycle Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Can I get help maintaining or repairing my motorcyle? | If someone in the club has knowledge about what you are trying to do, they will offer advice, and may offer assistance. See Tech Days in the FAQ page. |
| What other brands of motorcyle do club members have? | Too many to list, and the list would be changing constantly. Members like BMWs, but also appreciate the virtue of other brands. |