One correction to the last eNewsletter, the bridge connecting Houghton and Hancock is not a drawbridge, but a lift bridge. Thanks to a subscriber in Houghton for the correct terminology!

The rally is just over a week away and it has a life of its own. There will be something for everyone, spending your hard earned money at the vendors, visiting the Keweenaw Brewing Company in downtown Houghton, taking self-guided tours, pavement and dual sport. Visit Lake Superior, ride the Tunnel of Trees, or enjoy the Keweenaw Peninsula and its lighthouses.

You have the opportunity to sample some of the great food, beverage and entertainment of this area. Make it easy on yourself and sign up for the buffet breakfasts and dinners, no fuss no muss. MTU Catering plans to provide some truly delectable food for rally goers. Sign up now and save yourself some bucks: bmwra.org/rally/food.html

And then there's da Yoopers. This is a group like no other and will give you a taste of life in the UP. They will be entertaining folks at the Rozsa Center on Friday night and I urge you to reserve your tickets. Not only do they give you a glance into the life of a Yooper, they write their own material, are accomplished musicians and make you laugh so hard, your sides will hurt for hours. I warn you, you will have fun and come away entertained. I purchased a Yooper CD on one of my trips, which was a compilation of fart songs. I laughed so hard, I about drove off the road (yes, yes it was winter and I was on four wheels). Deer hunting, saunas and anything else that makes life bearable in the UP is put into song and laughter and done well. See the Yoopers on Friday night, you won't be sorry! Sign UP at: bmwra.org/rally/entertai nment.html

For you GS'ers, we will have one self-guided ride, easy to moderate skill level and then there is the guided ride on Saturday. Two hundred miles in length and not for the faint of heart. Moderate skill level with some spots that will push your buttons. Plan to join our guides for a taste of the off road in the UP on Saturday of the rally.

The RA is pleased to have a local micro brewer showcased in the Beer Garden. Brews from the Keweenaw Brewing Company will be in the garden every night of the rally. And there will be one special brew, a Heffe Weizen in the garden every night. The Rally Committee is pleased to have named this brew "Hellman's Heffe Weizen" in honor of the OTL's long time Chefredakteur (Chief Editor) Dr. Robert Hellman, who passed away in March of this year. In addition, the RA has commissioned a commemorative 18.5 ounce Berlin Pilsner Glass with the RA's Black Eagle etched on the front and "Hellman Heffe Weizen, RA n da UP, 2008" etched on the back. Quantities are limited so get to the Black Eagle Shop early to snatch yours up. If the demand outweighs our supply we have arranged for the craftsman to run a limited number of these glasses after the rally.

Speaking of the Black Eagle Shop, the RA will be premiering some new merchandise at this years rally. Our core "Riders Wear with the Right Attitude" regalia will remain: the White Club Shirt, Red Club Shirt, Black Eagle Hats, pins, patches, etc., but we will roll out some all new clothing and accessories for both men and women. So, make it a point to stop by the Black Eagle Shop during the rally to ogle over these new offerings.

We will also honor Dr. Hellman at the Closing Ceremony. You may have read in the April OTL, Robert was wearing his beloved Red Club Shirt when he passed away. So, if you have a Red Club Shirt, wear it to the closing ceremony.

Knock on wood, the weather should be wonderful this time of year and the riding superb!

Make your plans to ride,

Debbi Harbour