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Editor's note: All photo/video throughout this article was captured during the 2026 BMW MOA National Rally in Essex Junction, Vermont.
Why I Went to the BMW MOA Rally
Back in April, I was out in California at Indie Ridge HQ taking photos of Quinn Redeker, as he wore our boots while riding through the mountains. At the end of the day, Quinn mentioned he'd be in Vermont for the BMW MOA National Rally in June and told me I should come since I live in Vermont.
When an Indie Ridge brand ambassador flies across the country to attend an event in your home state, obviously you GO.
So I bought my rally ticket, packed my camping gear (yes—it's one of those rallies where thousands of people camp together in a big field), and headed to Essex Junction.
A full tank, a fully loaded Himalayan, and ready for the ride to the BMW MOA Rally.
It turned out to be the HOTTEST weekend we've had all season. Ninety-five degrees, humid, and sticky. I rolled in on my little Royal Enfield Himalayan feeling slightly self-conscious about not being on a BMW, already parched, wondering how I was going to survive setting up a tent in the heat, and hoping I hadn't underestimated the crowds.
I made it just in time for Quinn's 2 p.m. Police Rodeo demonstration, and within five minutes of arriving I realized this wasn't going to be the experience I expected. The parking lot near the registration tent was full of BMWs, of course, but I also spotted plenty of Triumphs, Hondas, Harleys, Moto Guzzis, Yamahas, and other brands. It quickly became clear that while this was a BMW rally, you certainly didn't need to own a BMW to feel welcome.
Registration was quick and easy. Volunteers greeted me with genuine enthusiasm, handed me a wristband, a map, and pointed me in the direction of where I could locate Quinn.
It was the first of many moments during the weekend that made me realize this rally was exceptionally well organized.
The Rally Started to Feel Like a Community
I hung out with Quinn and his fellow BMW Rider Academy instructors for the rest of the afternoon, watching their Police Rodeo Demonstrations and taking photos and video. They were super welcoming and friendly and didn’t mind me parking my Himalayan right next to their tent, which I appreciated, as it allowed me to keep my gear nearby. The cold water supply was also greatly appreciated.
At the beginning of each demonstration, Quinn would start the show and within minutes, people started gathering to watch and see what was going on with general fascination and enthusiasm for his obvious skill level, as well as that of the other instructors.
Toward the end of the final rodeo, we thought some storm clouds might be rolling in. Much to my surprise, a loud voice boomed over the fairgrounds that they anticipated a storm and advised everyone to seek shelter. Quinn was done for the day, so I did the obvious thing and headed over to the BMW Demo Truck tent to inquire about demo rides the following morning and seek shelter. I got there just in time for it to DUMP rain, as a rather intense thunderstorm rolled through. Within thirty minutes, the sun was back out and everything was soaked.
A line up of BMW bikes and tents in the fairground camping field.
While in the Demo tent, I chatted with the demo truck crew and we talked about what bikes I should try the following day and they inquired about this Motorcycle Boot brand I work for. I told them I would bring by some pairs the following day for them to look at.
I finally went to go get my tent set up after the storm. I felt a bit odd parking my tent around people I did not know, but everyone was very friendly. A man noticed my bike had fallen over while I was setting up my tent and ran over to help me pick it up. The kickstand had just sunk right into the soggy ground, and kerplunk. I hadn't even heard it fall.
My stomach growling, I went to find food and was amazed by the number of food truck options available! Not only that - in true German style, there was a proper Beer Garden by the nightly entertainment.
While eating my dinner, I struck up a conversation with two very nice couples who shared their riding stories with me, and I also shared my rather large BBQ chicken plate, as we all listened to the live music entertainment. This was the kind of rally that felt like you could bring your kids and dogs to - and I definitely saw both while I was there.
By 9 p.m., I ran into one of my BMW-riding friends and decided to move my tent so I could camp with him and a few other people I knew. It had been a long, eventful day, and I was more than ready to call it a night.
The campground stayed lively until around 11 p.m., but then everything settled down. The music faded, conversations quieted, and riders turned in for the night, ready for another full day at the rally.
It wasn't what I'd expected from a motorcycle rally—and I mean that in the best possible way.
One Pair of Boots Started a Lot of Conversations
Saturday was my day to photograph Quinn again. He had four rodeos scheduled that day and I made plans to be at three of them.
After a morning demo ride on a BMW R 12 G/S, I headed back to the BMW Rider Academy tent for the 11 a.m. Police Rodeo demonstration. Quinn and I had a plan. After the show, he'd switch into a fresh pair of Indie Ridge Mohawk boots so we could grab a few photos with his police bike before he wore them for the afternoon demonstrations.
While Quinn was changing boots, a rider named Mike wandered over and started asking about them.
"What are those?" he asked. "They look great."
Quinn (left) taking a break between rodeos in his Black Comanche boots. Not far from my campsite, I ran into another rider (right) wearing a well-loved pair of Comanche boots.
Quinn told him about his Indie Ridge boots while I sat back and watched the conversation unfold. Before I knew it, Mike was trying on Quinn's boots and asking if we had a vendor booth at the rally.
"We do not," I said. "It's just me with a couple pairs for Quinn to wear during his rodeo and for photos."
"Can you bring them over to our campsite later?" he asked. "I'd love for my friends to check them out."
So I did.
After our photo session, I stopped by Mike's campsite, where a few of his friends tried on both the Black Comanche waterproof boots and the Armstrong ventilated boots I had with me and passed them around, while we talked riding, gear, and motorcycles. It wasn't something I'd planned on doing that weekend, but I always love sharing our product with riders. Seeing them excited about our boots made me smile.
Before long it was time for the 2 p.m. rodeo, and I was back behind the camera. By then I knew exactly where Quinn would enter the course, where the afternoon light was best, and which corners showed off the new Mohawk waterproof boots the best.
The rodeo consisted of several demonstrations: Quinn's introduction explaining what the BMW Rider Academy does, a semi-fast course, the fast course, the slow "race," and finally a synchronized team ride through the obstacles. It was so impressive to watch, and there was a great sense of humor throughout the whole commentary.
BMW Police Motorcycle Rodeo (80% vs 90% Speed):
Counterbalance Demonstration:
The Community Was the Real Surprise
At the end of Saturday’s festivities, I made one last trip to the BMW Demo Truck Tent for a final demo ride and to bring the boots for the crew to try on, then headed over to the Vintage Bike Show. While there, I met a fellow Vermonter I’ve been following for years on Instagram. I always love meeting people I’ve followed in real life! It’s probably my favorite part about the motorcycle community on social media.
I'd admired @air_cooled's vintage BMW on Instagram for years, so finally seeing it in person at the BMW MOA Rally was wicked cool.
I headed back to hang out with my local friends for the rest of the evening while we waited for the highlight of the Rally nights - the anticipated BMW giveaway. Seriously - they give away a new BMW bike every night of the rally! Sadly, none of us won, but we enjoyed a great evening together around the camp anyhow, talking about the rides we'd been on that day, bikes, summer plans, and how we had all liked this event.
The following morning, I woke up early to go get coffee - did I mention they provide free coffee every morning? And I wanted to hit the showers before they got crazy busy.
Then when I was back at our tented area, I made plans to ride back home with another friend, Stephen, who was going in the same direction. He suggested we take the long fun route down Route 100 through the mountains. While I was anxious to get home, I can never refuse a good ride through the mountains. That always wins.
Along the way, Stephen stopped and offered me the opportunity to ride his newer BMW R 1300 RT over the Appalachian Gap - one of Vermont’s fun little “twisties” routes. He thought it would be fun to swap bikes and film the experience on our 360 camera's. Until this event, I had only ever ridden a BMW G 310 GS that I borrowed once from another friend. This R1300 was the third BMW bike I rode this weekend and with each time I tried a new BMW I was like, “I Get It.” I absolutely get the beauty of these bikes.
Getting ready for my demo ride on BMW's M 1000 R. The bike was incredible, and I think the Indie Ridge boots looked great with it. Thanks for the Photo, Mike!
So yeah - I guess you could say that I went to this event to work and get content, and I came away from it wanting to own a BMW. In part because the bikes are incredible, but mostly because the BMW community is really something special. I have been riding long enough to know that every motorcycle brand has its own community, and they all have something unique to offer. I was just really blown away by the BMW community.
I have a feeling I'll be seeing everyone again in Montana next year….