Maintainer: Tom Childers
Branson Towers, Branson, Missouri, USA
April 25-27, 2008
The official location of this year's Branson Blitz will be The Branson Towers - just off the RED route in Branson, Missouri, USA (map available here). Don't know what the B2B is? Keep reading!
MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATIONS at: 1-800-683-1122 Tell them you're with the Internet BMW Riders or they'll tell you they're full. They kind of like us and give us special rates!
If Branson Towers is full of Blitzers, there may be more room at: The Barrington - right across the street at 1-800-760-8866
Point your BMW towards (N 36 40.011 W 93 15.153). If you plan to come please let Voni know so she can add you to our officially registered updated almost daily list.
Planning on camping?
Most Scenic Camping is at Table Rock Lake State Park - 10.3 miles from the Barrington. Located on Table Rock Lake - 90 camp sites. No need to reserve a site due to early season. Showers are available. To get to the State Park exit Hwy 65 approx. 4 miles south of Branson on Hwy 165. Go WEST approximately 6 miles and the State Park is on your left.
A Brief History
1996
The East and West Coast contingents of the IBMWR - not to mention the South Coast contingent - had been riding and writing all winter long and it was definitely time for a No Coast rally, so we organized one and named it "The Blitz to Branson" (since political correctness was not valued by me or my friends). Jim and Sherryl Hair found the site and after frequent intense road explorations shared the secret with us all. You don't need a coast to have really twisted roads.
1997
It was so much fun and we met so many great people that we tried again in 1997. The Blitzard to Branson was the result. :-( Ice storms, closed roads, yuck! Cars, vans and some brave two wheelers showed up anyway.
You guessed it. We had another fantastic time!
1998
Not at all discouraged, we planned a redeux, without the snow. The result in '98 was one of the best Blitzes ever. Even the police protection never got official. (See picture on the rules page of ratrun.com on the wayback machine)
1999
1999 was a blur to me since I spent a lot of time riding - and Branson was opening day for the MOA Mileage Contest - for which I had a few plans. But we did have the largest and most fun group ever. And the best food ever! And Cadbury eggs. And the debut of the Virgin Blitz Band. And fantabulous weather. And adventure. And intrigue.
2000 - 2005
The next two years, 2000 and 2001 just got bigger and better. The riding, the shenanigans (YB), the secret handshakes! What fun! In 2002 the Bunny was back - with more pins! 2003 with the Fashion Smackdown drew out the creativity of the Presidents. A pink negligee?!?! 2004 - The Year of the Woman Rider! 2005 X and the notorious smackdown, where we won the RED ribbon.
2006
2006 Blitz XI was the year of the Speedo, the H2W and Voni Striptease, the monsoon winds timed before our arrival, tshirts and mugs by Rozarkie, wine, ceegars, funds for Tony, Harley loading, and dress for dinner. Pictures
2007
We celebrated birthdays: Bullit, Tom EA, Lee Freedman, Norm Grills, BungeeBob, and Geoff Adams. And almost 200 intrepid riders braved the cold, rain, and even snow to arrive at the Towers bursting with young singers and dancers and worried chaperones. There was very little dancing on sunshine paved roads and lots more spending time with each other. Not a Blitzard but close! Ending with a photo shoot of Ardys in the entryway in front of the grand piano. And sunny rides home. Pictures at: http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a326/VoniGlaves/B2B%20Twelve/?albumview=slideshow
AGAIN this year we'll headquarter at the Branson Towers - and most of the activity of the group variety will center there. You can camp (see more info below), but the weather has been cooool overnight.
Make your plans now. Year I-XII are all in the history books. Time to add your chapter.
Happenings
Informality is the key. This is one rally who no one works and we all play. What organization there is is done by people who want organization. Mostly we just want twisty roads free of traffic and time to talk to riders - friends old and new.
The usual agenda is meeting and greeting on Friday afternoon and evening in the hospitality room or anywhere in front of Branson Towers. (Some even come Thursday for the Bunny's doings.)
Saturday there's a continental breakfast in the hospitality room or you can order off the menu at Branson Towers' dining room or walk or ride to nearby cafes or restaurants.
This year your miles to and from Branson all count in the MOA Mileage Contest. If you haven't gotten your forms signed by then, the Blitz is the place. It's not too late.
A do it yourself lunch ride leaves at 9 AM Saturday and returns about 3 - directions will be available in the hospitality room. Or form your own smaller group and ride like the wind. And Dale Oliver might be prevailed upon to lead another adventure ride! Lunch has been at a picturesque trout farm on the route (where we aren't the only ones who dress funny) - or you can pick your own place.
Supper can be purchased at the Towers about 6 PM Saturday evening followed by our incredibly cool awards - usually around 7:30 - including door prizes donated by fellow presidents. Do you have some to share? Please bring them. One year there was even a bike! And every year Engle Motors of Kansas City has given us cool door prizes. And Bones! And . . .
The banner picture wii be staged in the foyer following the awards and during the ice cream social.
You may DRESS FOR SATURDAY DINNER in your best - or worst - to be considered for Fashion Police awards.
We're looking for a leader for our fellow Presidents in the no longer Virgin Blitz Band. We've added 4 and 8 PM on Saturday as official musical times, but I expect there could be practice on Friday too. So if you've got instruments, bring 'em. There are even awards!
Sunday morning - more continental breakfast in the hospitality room, or arrange your own gathering. Any other questions? You might check past events pages on the IBMWR site,
or write to me: voni@bigbend.net.
Awards likely to be awarded include:
Most Protected Rider, Highest Tech Bike, Highest Odometer, Oldest BMW, Most Colorful Rider, Oldest Rider, Lowest Odometer, Youngest Rider, Largest Instrument, Most Musical, Long Distance Two Up, Long Distance Lady Rider, Long Distance Gentleman Rider WEST, Long Distance Gentleman Rider EAST, Hard Luck, BMW MOA Contest Leader for Day, Fashion Police Before, and After, as well as breaking news awards.
Awards are decided by the assembled Presidents. A good story is always valued more than the literal truth.
Any President in good standing can provide more awards as seems appropriate. Or not.
Voni , sMiling, plotting and planning in RED
and Jim Hair - the original Blitz idea man!
