I joined the MOA in the autumn of 1976 after I bought my brand-new 1976 BMW R 90 S. This was after I “retired” at 22 years old from working offshore a couple years with Taylor Diving & Salvage. With a wad of cash in my pocket, I paid about $3,500, rode the R 90 S home and immediately started planning a trip west from Louisiana.

In 1977, MOA rally landed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I rode solo to the rally from Louisiana, visiting friends in San Antonio, Big Bend National Park and Ruidoso, New Mexico, along the way.

The rally was in what I recall simply as a big open field among a sea of tents. I’ve since learned from Facebook it was called the Flying W Ranch. I recall chuck-wagon style grub and coffee from my Sterno stove. I met so many folks, but I really cherish John Jefferson of Tucson, Arizona, a life-long friend I gained at the rally. I remember my first group ride with hundreds of other bikes, an organized ride to Royal Gorge.

I recently scanned a box of stored photos and slides and thought some MOA members might enjoy these. Heck, you might even recognize some people or bikes if you’re old enough.

Life happens and the 1977 rally was my last for a long time. In 2021, I made it to the Great Falls rally on my R 1200 RT. I haven’t missed one since then. I’ll be in Vermont this year and God willing, I plan to be back in Great Falls in 2027.