Ever-shrinking list of Guzzi rallies

[Moparnut72]

The New Mexico Rally is listed on the MGNOC site as taking place from Aug 14 to the 16th. There was doubt that it was going to continue but it is going  to continue. It is one I need to go to especially since NM is one state I would like to see more of. I have only been to Taos.
kk

[johnwesley]

The New Mexico Rally is listed on the MGNOC site as taking place from Aug 14 to the 16th. There was doubt that it was going to continue but it is going  to continue. It is one I need to go to especially since NM is one state I would like to see more of. I have only been to Taos.
kk

This year that’s on my list too. It will be my first NM rally. I’m sure my wife will come along as well. The question is will she drive a Guzzi that far or take her Yamaha.

[Vagrant]

The "Guzzis in the Blue Ridge" rally moved a few years ago.

This was last year:
Guzzis in the Blue Ridge– August 1–3, 2025
High Country Motorcycle Camp, Ferguson, NC

Cabins on site. Other lodging isn't close...

I know but when the BR campground didn't reopen I permanently locked in that week for Canadian fishing trips with a friend.

[red stripeguz]

The BMWMOA is the last big event for owner groups. I enjoy that event. Seems some state events are still going on. Arkansas has the Guzzi camp out again this year. It will be the first one I have been able to attend. My job kept me out of most of them. Some events don't make the calander such as the MoKan guzzi rally. Still alot out there, you just may have to dig on FB and here to find them.

Info on the Arkansas rally? That might be one I could make

[johnwesley]

Info on the Arkansas rally? That might be one I could make

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=124524.0

Rally date is April 10 & 11 @ Petit Jean Ar. State Park, camp spot 55.

[bad Chad]

Technology has significantly improved camping over the last several years.  Tent's can now be had with an instant up set up, and they work.  Yes you still may need to stake it down, and they don't take themselves down, yet, but the whole process can be much easier than you likely remember it.   There is no need to sleep on the ground either, air mattress have come a LONG way and now can be found to be as comfortable as an actual bed.  Not to mention nifty portable cots that you can sleep on or put your air mattress on , and get your self as far off the ground as you like.  They pack up small too!  In fact, every aspect of camping that your remember, has been significantly improved and or made easier.  I know many riders personally in their 70s & 80s who camp, and are dam happy to be doing so.   Don't limit yourself unnecessarily, go camping!

[SemperVee]

  The reason attending stopped for me - M E D I C A L

 As long as I can wrench I ride, but not far. Anymore.  Rows of  noisy snoring tents problematic also.

[bobrebos1]

OK You got me started!!!!

I put on a traveling Moto Guzzi enthusiasts meet and greet monthly luncheons.  I put on annual campouts at my place in the country (7 acres with two creeks, firepits, etc etc), ive tried to put together a holiday (Christmas party) for four years straight with no luck.  I get two-three attendees at most of the traveling monthly lunches.  They cover a four state (Alabama Georgia, Tennessee and sometimes North Carolina) area.

Nobody comes!  Nobody wants a Christmas party.  Nobody wants to come campout at my place (RV's allowed for all the no tent people) Heck i even have an extra bedroom and other interior sleeping space.

NOBODY COMES!

February traveling meet and greet lunch is scheduled for tomorrow 7 Feb 26.  I expect three people counting myself.  Marchs is in Loudon Tennessee and I expect two people.  April is in Waynesville NC and i expect three people.  May is a campout (NOT A RALLY)  in Suches Ga, at TWO motorcycle campground and i expect two-three people.

I have not scheduled a summer campout at my place for 2026 or a Christmas party in Dec of 2026 because of no interest.  I have a facebook group of Moto Guzzi enthusiasts that i manage and there are 269 members of which maybe 8-10 are active or post anything in it.  Its called "Southeastern U.S. Moto Guzzi Lunch Riders" if any of you would like to join.  The same three or four people show interest in things but THATS ALL!

All of my events (Other than the monthly traveling lunches) are completely free.  Donations are accepted if you want but not expected. 

Now why dont other Guzzi riders partake?  I have no idea but they just dont.  I will continue to put on my events until I start eating/camping and having christmas parties by myself at which time i will stop organizing them. 

I live outside of Cleveland Tn (Out in the country).  Im just a short ways from excellent riding roads, the Ocoee river, etc etc.  Its frustrating. 

It seems to me even participation on this wildguzzi webpage is down but that just might be me mistaken!

Lets see..........who here would come to a traveling lunch held in either Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, or Tennessee?  Who wants to come to my place for a Guzzi campout and sit by the fire telling stories, eat a lot of food and ride the local roads?  Who would come to a Moto Guzzi Christmas party?  Lets see who or how many from this board are interested in any events?  Very few i bet.

I will continue to organize moto Guzzi enthusiasts' events and i still hold out hope that attendance will pick up.  Hope to see some of you come out to my events.  Yep sometimes its cold, sometimes its wet, sometimes its a long ride, but you can always take your car!  Heck i met a bunch of BMW riders last year at a local restaurant who traveled all the way from the east coast just for a lunch meetup one day.  Granted some of them were staying a few days to check out the area but they showed true commitment to get togethers!

I wish Guzzi riders were like that!  LOL.  All the best.   Bob 
 

[bobrebos1]

Suches GA campout mid May.

That is not a rally!  That is the monthly traveling meet and greet get together for May that i put together for Moto Guzzi enthusiasts.  The official Georgia Moto Guzzi rally is September 18-20, 2026 managed by Mr. Wayne Orwig.

[blu guzz]

Bob:

Thanks for trying to keep the flame alive.
I did something for the very first time in 2025.  My son and I trailered our bikes to a meet up that was about 350 miles from my home.  For nearly 20 years, I had always ridden that route and considered it a great distance for a day and very good roads in eastern Ohio and WVa.
My boy, now 37 suggested we hook his trailer to his Volvo Station Wagon and tow.  I reluctantly agreed, real men don't trailer, right?
I have to say that we drove through some serious heat and serious storms to get to the cabin.  Now, in years past, i would have just considered that part of the adventure having pretty good rain gear. But, on the other hand, we were relaxed and fresh when we arrived.
So, I reluctantly conclude that this is a very viable way to travel and expand riding horizons. 
Bob, I will check your scheduled rides and we will attempt to come to something down your way.

[bronzestar1]

I've owned seven Guzzis over the last 40+ years of riding, have gone to one Guzzi rally in the San Diego area way back when.  I had three Guzzis at the time ('74 Eldo LAPD, '78 V50, '95 Sport 1100), so I trailered them down there (about a 4-hour drive).  Found where the facilities were, set up my tent, and all was good, until that first night.  Apparently, some people's concept of "quiet hours" was different from mine, and I thought I exercised incredible restraint by not walking out to the fire, ripping the guitar from the knucklehead who was playing it past midnight, and smashing it to bits.  That was my first and last Guzzi rally (any motorcycle rally come to think of it). 

I'm in my mid-60s now, have no desire to ride a motorcycle for anything more than a couple of hours, so contemplating going anywhere that's several hours away to ride will involve a trailer for me.  I'm planning on retiring for good at the end of the year, and something I want to do next year is ride the Back of the Dragon in Tazewell (VA).  That's a 5-hour drive from where I'll be in NC, so the plan is to trailer a bike there on Day 1, ride on Day 2, then go home on Day 3.  So 2 nights lodging, trailer rental, gas, food, etc. all adds up to scratch that itch of riding that road.  And of course it will be weather-dependent, so have to add that into scheduling as well.

I've just never been a social rider, prefer to ride by myself, don't really participate in anything that's group-related, etc.  I would imagine attending a rally or some kind of meet-up involves a more social type of rider, and depending on the distance, definitely an iron-butt rider as well!       

[cliffrod]

OK You got me started!!!!

I put on a traveling Moto Guzzi enthusiasts meet and greet monthly luncheons.  I put on annual campouts at my place in the country (7 acres with two creeks, firepits, etc etc), ive tried to put together a holiday (Christmas party) for four years straight with no luck.  I get two-three attendees at most of the traveling monthly lunches.  They cover a four state (Alabama Georgia, Tennessee and sometimes North Carolina) area.

Nobody comes!  Nobody wants a Christmas party.  Nobody wants to come campout at my place (RV's allowed for all the no tent people) Heck i even have an extra bedroom and other interior sleeping space.

NOBODY COMES!

February traveling meet and greet lunch is scheduled for tomorrow 7 Feb 26.  I expect three people counting myself.  Marchs is in Loudon Tennessee and I expect two people.  April is in Waynesville NC and i expect three people.  May is a campout (NOT A RALLY)  in Suches Ga, at TWO motorcycle campground and i expect two-three people.

I have not scheduled a summer campout at my place for 2026 or a Christmas party in Dec of 2026 because of no interest.  I have a facebook group of Moto Guzzi enthusiasts that i manage and there are 269 members of which maybe 8-10 are active or post anything in it.  Its called "Southeastern U.S. Moto Guzzi Lunch Riders" if any of you would like to join.  The same three or four people show interest in things but THATS ALL!

All of my events (Other than the monthly traveling lunches) are completely free.  Donations are accepted if you want but not expected. 

Now why dont other Guzzi riders partake?  I have no idea but they just dont.  I will continue to put on my events until I start eating/camping and having christmas parties by myself at which time i will stop organizing them. 

I live outside of Cleveland Tn (Out in the country).  Im just a short ways from excellent riding roads, the Ocoee river, etc etc.  Its frustrating. 

It seems to me even participation on this wildguzzi webpage is down but that just might be me mistaken!

Lets see..........who here would come to a traveling lunch held in either Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, or Tennessee?  Who wants to come to my place for a Guzzi campout and sit by the fire telling stories, eat a lot of food and ride the local roads?  Who would come to a Moto Guzzi Christmas party?  Lets see who or how many from this board are interested in any events?  Very few i bet.

I will continue to organize moto Guzzi enthusiasts' events and i still hold out hope that attendance will pick up.  Hope to see some of you come out to my events.  Yep sometimes its cold, sometimes its wet, sometimes its a long ride, but you can always take your car!  Heck i met a bunch of BMW riders last year at a local restaurant who traveled all the way from the east coast just for a lunch meetup one day.  Granted some of them were staying a few days to check out the area but they showed true commitment to get togethers!

I wish Guzzi riders were like that!  LOL.  All the best.   Bob 
 

I have a lot a of respect for what you do to have events, Bob because I get it.  No matter how much work/time/$$$ it requires, It’s basically impossible to control who participates.   Wish I could attend more of your events because there is such great riding between here in Spartanburg and basically all of the venues you choose.  I lived not far from your place for several years and miss the awesome riding over the entire region.  riding over the mountain and back for the fun of it on my Guzzi is still one of my all time favorite things to do.

But my life is now heavily obligated with eldercare.  being away for more than a couple of hours to do nearly anything often means lots of arrangements, if not having to hire someone to be here when I’m not.   Not much time anymore, especially for a day riding.  At least we got to connect for one of your events-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CudLRlNUQhs

[bobrebos1]

I have a lot a of respect for what you do to have events, Bob because I get it.  No matter how much work/time/$$$ it requires, It’s basically impossible to control who participates.   Wish I could attend more of your events because there is such great riding between here in Spartanburg and basically all of the venues you choose.  I lived not far from your place for several years and miss the awesome riding over the entire region.  riding over the mountain and back for the fun of it on my Guzzi is still one of my all time favorite things to do.

But my life is now heavily obligated with eldercare.  being away for more than a couple of hours to do nearly anything often means lots of arrangements, if not having to hire someone to be here when I’m not.   Not much time anymore, especially for a day riding.  At least we got to connect for one of your events-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CudLRlNUQhs

Thanks for posting that video and your nice comments! 

[bobrebos1]

EXAMPLE:  myself and one other Guzzi rider showed up for the monthly traveling Moto Guzzi lunch in Cherokee North Carolina today!

One!!!!    That’s PATHETIC!  The other rider made the comment.  BMW Riders and Gold Wingvriders ride their bikes and attend functions.  Guzzi riders like to look at their bikes in the garage!  Boy….im starting to get a bad attitude!!!

[Tkelly]

Looking forward to the May camping weekend in Suches.We have a local group that meets for breakfast or lunch rides here in the WI Driftless  whenever the weather looks good I send out emails and anyone who wants to come along is welcome,even if it is one other guy it is great.Maybe you should try something like that.

[johnwesley]

I think this thread really shows what’s going on. Some folks have one bad experience and give up riding with others. Some just stop riding altogether and talk about what used to be. And honestly, a lot have simply aged out and don’t do much of anything anymore.

I made the National in Oregon—about a 5,000-mile round trip. This year I’m doing at least two Guzzi rallies plus the Arkansas campout. I just wish there were more lunch rides and local stuff in this area. The era of the hardened Guzzi touring group feels like it’s gone.

Like you said, BMWMOA still has riders who love riding and aren’t afraid to stack miles. They also put on some genuinely impressive events. It might be worth checking out what they have going on in your area.

I imagine it’s hard to still carry the passion that used to be a trademark of the MGNOC when there’s no one to share it with. I’m honestly surprised you keep it going. I remember when people would ride their Guzzis from all over just to be at Fools on the Hill. Worst weather imaginable, steep twisty road to the top—and people did it purely for the challenge. Those were hardened riders who showed up just for the joy of survival.

I hope things pick up for you with the lunch rides. I’m on the Facebook page, but since I’m on the other side of the Mississippi I didn’t feel it was good etiquette to post on the Southeast page. Mostly I’m there in hopes of connecting someday—maybe catching a lunch ride when I’m out

[PJPR01]

I usually get to 1 or 2 Guzzi rallies a year, 1 Goldwing rally and 1 Grand Tour of Texas Flag pickup...not exactly a rally per se, but 200 to 300 riders show up, have dinner and then pick up flags in the morning and start out picking up stops.

Some years it's harder to balance work obligations, but if you schedule fun first, you can make it work.

I've learned to bring soft earplugs for the night time when some folks like to stay up way late, or put the tent far away from the center of the action.  What's even funnier are the old folks who wake up at 5 am for their first cup of coffee in the common area and forget that others of us like to sleep to 7, and they're yakking away at full volume...either they don't care or don't realize they are annoying others.

There are some specialty rallies that take place each year, for organized Guzzi rallies...definitel y try to get to the Wisconsin one...this one is fantastic.

Even local riders are sometimes hard to get together...i've got 7 or 8 riders in a chat, and occasionally 2 others can make it...the others always say...next time!

[Dirk_S]

If there were a Guzzi meet around me, I’d be going for sure. But uh, here in Maine, it seems like cold crickets.

[johnwesley]

There are some specialty rallies that take place each year, for organized Guzzi rallies...definitel y try to get to the Wisconsin one...this one is fantastic.

I’m hitting rallies I’ve not been to before. I’ve read some about the Wisconsin event, you think that is one of the premier events? I have Nm and the MoKan on the list this year. The MoKan is a must for me, told Ace I would be there last year and ended up out of the country for work. This year I will be there. The Datil NM I’ve heard about and like the location but not sure what it is like other than that. Anyone on here been to that event?

[bronzestar1]

EXAMPLE:  myself and one other Guzzi rider showed up for the monthly traveling Moto Guzzi lunch in Cherokee North Carolina today!  One!!!!  That’s PATHETIC!  The other rider made the comment.  BMW Riders and Gold Wingvriders ride their bikes and attend functions.  Guzzi riders like to look at their bikes in the garage!  Boy….im starting to get a bad attitude!!!

The writing's on the wall.  You should just give up on doing these traveling lunch things, there's obviously no interest from other Guzzi riders in attending them.  You'd be doing yourself a favor, and keeping that blood pressure from spiking. 

[bobrebos1]

The writing's on the wall.  You should just give up on doing these traveling lunch things, there's obviously no interest from other Guzzi riders in attending them.  You'd be doing yourself a favor, and keeping that blood pressure from spiking.

You are 100% correct!

[blu guzz]

"I've learned to bring soft earplugs for the night time when some folks like to stay up way late, or put the tent far away from the center of the action.  What's even funnier are the old folks who wake up at 5 am for their first cup of coffee in the common area and forget that others of us like to sleep to 7, and they're yakking away at full volume...either they don't care or don't realize they are annoying others."

A lot of this can be attributed to the fact that many have lost a good chunk of their hearing. Those that have often find that as soon as there is any background noise like another conversation, it becomes much harder to pick out what the other person is saying to you, so volume goes up.

[Bigtime]

  Kentucky Rally still going. Just saying.

[Pescatore]

If there were a Guzzi meet around me, I’d be going for sure. But uh, here in Maine, it seems like cold crickets.

You are tucked into a corner.
Perhaps the Keene NH rally is doable. I try to make it every year. About 20-40 riders and Hamlin usually comes.
I have to not think about the escape effort to reach fun roads from my location.

[PJPR01]

I’m hitting rallies I’ve not been to before. I’ve read some about the Wisconsin event, you think that is one of the premier events? I have Nm and the MoKan on the list this year. The MoKan is a must for me, told Ace I would be there last year and ended up out of the country for work. This year I will be there. The Datil NM I’ve heard about and like the location but not sure what it is like other than that. Anyone on here been to that event?

Free beer all during the rally, some good brats, wonderful riding roads in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, a nice pine forest to camp out in and a great turnout.  Makes for a nice combination indeed!  I hope to do it again in August if I'm up visiting family again...but well worth the ride from anywhere nearby.

[21SC]

The WV, WNY and Maine Rallies were must go events for me, miss them very much but carry great memories. Timing issues prevented my attending a couple last year, hope to remedy this year.  If Keith has his rally this year, will do the ADK / NY rally. Hope to make the OH rally Labor day, and if possible, PA. I'm getting older and the next stop is an urn on a mantle, gotta keep pedaling!

[Moparnut72]

The Nevada is an enjoyable event. It has always been my favorite and the food is outstanding. Not a full blown rally just a nice fun time, not a big doing usually 20 to 30 bikes. Dan does an incredible event. I was at the local grocery store when a guy came up to me in the parking lot to comment on my bike. He said there were two Guzzis parked in front of one of the watering holes a couple of days prior. I thought that was strange as I only know about a couple of Loops in town which are probably only drug out a couple of times a year. Another guy once told me he has a Convert but he doesn't ride it.
kk

[elrealistico]

I would do more, but since I live in Florida, it's a haul to get anywhere. NC, N Georgia, Tennessee are too far to ride in the winter cold for a lunch or weekend. In summer its better but still 8-10 hours on non-slab roads to get anywhere. So I usually do one or 2. If I manage to find a house/townhouse in NE GA, such that I can spend a few weeks there at a time, that can change.
NM or Kansas would be nice, but riding across the south in August, especially Texas would take several days to get there in the heat, and the folks I ride with on occasion here are not LD riders.
There were some folks that would get together at Daytona during bike week/biketoberfest, but that seems to have petered out. AFAIK, there's not any Guzzi specific anything in Florida. The MGNOC list is out of date as far as that goes.
On local rides I am usually one of if not the oldest, and 80% of the riders are on sportbikes, the rest on HD or standards or metric cruisers, with a BMW or two thrown in, me with the only Guzzi.

[johnwesley]

I would do more, but since I live in Florida, it's a haul to get anywhere. NC, N Georgia, Tennessee are too far to ride in the winter cold for a lunch or weekend. In summer its better but still 8-10 hours on non-slab roads to get anywhere. So I usually do one or 2. If I manage to find a house/townhouse in NE GA, such that I can spend a few weeks there at a time, that can change.
NM or Kansas would be nice, but riding across the south in August, especially Texas would take several days to get there in the heat, and the folks I ride with on occasion here are not LD riders.
There were some folks that would get together at Daytona during bike week/biketoberfest, but that seems to have petered out. AFAIK, there's not any Guzzi specific anything in Florida. The MGNOC list is out of date as far as that goes.
On local rides I am usually one of if not the oldest, and 80% of the riders are on sportbikes, the rest on HD or standards or metric cruisers, with a BMW or two thrown in, me with the only Guzzi.

I’m miss this years Daytona even, but there has been a Guzzi meet up ever year I have been, even last year.about 20-30 bikes show up for pizza.

[MerleLowe]

I'd attend more events but with only 11 days off a year multiple rally type events are definitely off the table and what's left of weekends gets split up between things I can't do during the week and multiple hobbies. 

If I survive to 2043 to retire, I might get to do some rallies then.