Get ready for a big increase in motorcycle riders in town this week.  The BMW Motorcycle Owners of America are holding their 40th International Rally this weekend, July 19 – 22, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.  The fairgrounds will be hosting an estimated 8500 bikers this weekend, so drive carefully and prepare to see A LOT of bikes around Sedalia throughout the weekend.

Event organizers began setting up for the event at the fairgrounds today (July 16).  Over 500 volunteers will assist with the rally, as thousands of bikers visit the fairgrounds to attend riding classes, workshops and seminars.  Over 100 vendors will be on hand as well.

Aside from vendors and workshops, the BMW MOA Rally will be bringing some great entertainment to Sedalia.  John McEuen will be performing on Thursday, July 19, and classic country rockers The Outlaws will close out the rally that night.  John Michael Montgomery will be performing on Saturday with The Fabulous Thunderbirds.  Sh-Boom and Stacy Mitchhar will share the stage on the final night of the rally.

Many attendees plan on camping on site at the rally.  In fact, an estimated 65% of rally-goers are planning on camping through the rally.  Although the rally is not open to the public, you do not need to be a BMW bike owner or a member of the BMW MOA to attend.

For more information including registration info, visit the BMW MOA website.  We’ll be posting photos from the rally this weekend.

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