This document is subject to frequent updates, so be sure to refer to it regularly. You can download a PDF copy of this FAQ (PDF reader required). (FAQ updated April 2, 2026)

1. Do I have to ride a BMW motorcycle to participate in this contest?

Not at all. You can ride any motorcycle brand or model of your choice, or any combination of motorcycles. This is about riding and having fun!

2. Do I have to ride the same motorcycle through the event?

Not at all. You can ride any combination of motorcycles you like. However, we can’t be responsible if you get caught stealing one.

3. Where is my flag? How long until I get it? Why is it taking so long?

Flags are sent out when the BMW MOA office can send them out. Also, the USPS has been averaging approximately 14 to 21 days to deliver the envelopes once they get them. Be patient, as the volunteer staff of The Grand Coddiwomple do not really know when your flag was mailed or when it will arrive.

4. If I don’t have my flag when the contest starts on April 1, can I still take photos?

Yes, just follow Rule 5a about substituting your face for your flag in your photos. Since some objects are a little difficult to get close to with a motorcycle, you’ll need to do those later after your flag arrives.

5. How do I submit my photos to claim points in a challenge?

All Challenge photos must be submitted as specified by the Grand Coddiwomple Photo Submission Instructions and in accordance with Grand Coddiwomple Rules located on the Grand Coddiwomple web page. If you have any issues with submitting your photo entries via the Coddiwomple Riders Portal, please contact the Coddiwomple Inbox at coddiwomple@bmwmoa.org.

6. What if I have problems registering with the Coddiwomple Riders website?

If you have problems registering with the Coddiwomple Riders website, send an email to the Coddiwomple Inbox at coddiwomple@bmwmoa.org.

7. Are submissions accepted via email?

No. Photos must be submitted through the Grand Coddiwomple Rider’s Portal. We don’t have the ability to score submissions via email.

8. Can I submit more than one link if the links are for the same challenge?

No, with one exception: Supplemental links can be put in the submission comments field.

9. I just submitted a photo and got the email saying it has been received. Why does the dashboard not show that the submission is ready to be scored?

There is a 15-minute lag between the two parts of the scoring system. Even though the submission status is updated a few seconds after it is recorded, data sync only happens every 15 minutes and not in time for the dashboard to see after your submission. It will change eventually.

10. Can a photo be used by more than one contestant?

Yes, provided it meets the qualifications for each participant (bike, thing, flag) and is used only once by each individual participant.

EXAMPLE: You and your significant other or riding buddy (or buddies) are all participating in the Grand Coddiwomple and photograph your bikes and flags with a Challenge target. Each participant may use that photo once for themselves.

11. How can I make sure my photos meet the requirements?

There are two ways to get a photo accepted. First, it must show the required elements, so read each Challenge definition of the photo requirements and make sure all elements are clearly visible—especially any signs and your flag number.

Just as important: These elements must be clearly visible. Our poor judges are going blind looking at photos already, so give ’em a break by checking the photo on your camera or phone before you ride away. Many cell phone cameras default to a wide-angle view, which reduces the size of things in the photo and makes them harder to see clearly. Get in as close as possible while still including your motorcycle, flag, and the Challenge target. You can do this by zooming in with your camera/phone or physically moving closer. As insurance, take several shots so you can use the best for your submission.

12. Will I receive a notice when my photos are scored?

Yes. You will receive an email with the submission ID and the status of your submission through the entire scoring process.

13. Will there be Challenges in my area?

There should be! We try to make the types of Challenges widespread enough in geographic location—and varied in type—to give riders in most areas a good shot at participating.

14. Can I participate even if I volunteer?

Absolutely! If you are participating in the Coddiwomple, you may volunteer as a photo judge, you just can’t judge your own submissions. Email coddiwomple@bmwmoa.org to volunteer. Operators are standing by!

15. Can I use a mirror to show my bike or my face in a photo?

Yes, if there is no other way to get your bike and/or face, flag, and target in a photo, we will accept the use of a mirror to show the missing element(s). The photo must still contain all the elements required to claim the challenge, even if one or more of those elements is presented in the mirror. It is preferred to have all the required elements presented directly in the photo.

16. How much must my motorcycle be visible in the photo?

Enough to show that it is a motorcycle. For example, parts of the handlebars, body work, windshield, wheels, exhaust, etc., are distinctive enough to show that it’s a motorcycle in your photo.

17. Does the District of Columbia count as a state?

Yes.

18. What counts as a “state” or “province”? (My country does not have states or provinces.)

While States and Provinces do refer to the U.S. and Canada respectively, other countries also have states, provinces or other similar local political jurisdictions such as territories, districts, divisions, departments, and so on. So, we are using “state” or “province” literally where they apply, but we will accept whatever such local jurisdictions are present in the country or countries where you capture Challenges. Please include that information with any submission for a Challenge with a “State” or “Province” requirement so we can follow along. Thanks!

19. Can I use the same photo if it meets the requirements for two different Challenges?

Yes. For example, if you have a photograph of your bike and flag adjacent to a large bell placed in front of a bodacious beaver mural, you may submit the link to that photo for consideration for both the “My Ding-A-Ling” and “It’s All About the Beaver!!!” challenges.

You might also run into a situation where the object photographed qualifies for two different challenges. A real twofer! This was the case in 2022 with the Golden Driller, one of the finds in the Route 66 Challenge that also qualified for the Muffler Men challenge.

20. What if I have a photo that includes two items for the same challenge? Why do I need to submit two different photos?

Because we want you to get full credit for both items in your twofer photo while making scoring bearable for our judges. To get your twofer you can either snap a second photo to submit or make a copy of your photo, give it a unique link and submit that. But the photos must have unique links or one will be rejected as a duplicate during the final review of submissions at the end of the Coddiwomple.

21. Can I change the color of the typeface on the Grand Coddiwomple flag?

No, the flag that is issued is the official flag of the Grand Coddiwomple and may not be altered in any way except for size to allow for mounting on the interior of a motorcycle windshield. The size-modified flag cannot have different typeface, typeface color, background or icon.