Caravan from the West

A big part of Bimmerfest is it's caravans. There's really nothing like rolling down the highway with 20-30 BMWs in a line.

As much as I would like to help organize the caravans I will have to be at the venue a day or two early to help set up and organize the final details.


If anyone else would like to organize the caravan please feel free.

I cannot stress anymore that safe driving is key. Please do not ruin a spectacular event with unsafe antics on the highway. We would like everyone to arrive safely and ticket free to enjoy the days proceedings.

A number of 7 Series owners from the Seattle 7s are seriously looking at this. I'm sure that there will be others as well. I've signed up, but I still need to confirm my vacation dates. I figure that we'll head up from the Seattle area and cross over a the Sumas/Abbotsford border crossing, then start heading east on Trans-Canada Hwy 1, which takes you all of the way there.

This totally bypasses Vancouver, which is about 50 miles (80 KM) to the northwest. Perhaps we could meet up with everyone from Vancouver at a pre appointed time in Abbotsford and head east together from there.

Here is a map from MSN Maps that you should be able to zoom in on.
MSN Maps, Seattle to Calgary

My family went on vacation in Kelowna/Lake Okanogan a number of years ago. We followed part of the same route. From what I remember, the scenery was very beautiful.

Originally Posted by DaveClement

My family went on vacation in Kelowna/Lake Okanogan a number of years ago. We followed part of the same route. From what I remember, the scenery was very beautiful.

It's really nice on that route once you pass Kamloops and are into the rockies! Remember to bring your camera for sure. I'm catching that route from west of kamloops into Banff where i'll be staying. Maybe i'll see you guys

I don't think I can make BF-Santa Barbara, but count me in as be part of Dave Clement's group headed over to Calgary!

Looking forward to meeting everyone. If you are interested in a very scenic route. Please post and I'll provide details. It will add considerable distance to your trip, but the scenery and the winding road will be worth it. It will take you by Whistler BC and take you through Kamloops. I'll hook up with you there. The rest of the drive is through the Rockies, including Lake Louise & Banff, AB. Be sure to bring your cameras and plenty of film as there is usually lots of wildlife at the roadside.

Look forward to hearing from everyone!

I was going to go to Santa Barbara, but things fell through. I'll make these plans stick though. I'll be driving up with Dave and Mark. There should be a few more from the Seattle7s/Seattle5s as well.

Come on everyone... I'm not seeing much interest so far. This is a nice drive and Calgary is a beautiful City.

Lets show get cookin'

Originally Posted by slk2c230k

Come on everyone... I'm not seeing much interest so far. This is a nice drive and Calgary is a beautiful City.

Lets show get cookin'

What day are the BC people planning on leaving???

I'd really to be a part of a western caravan. What's everyone waiting for? Let's make this happen!

Originally Posted by eurospec#19

I'd really to be a part of a western caravan. What's everyone waiting for? Let's make this happen!

Good to hear eurospec, get those B.C. boys geared up and ready to rock!!!

Rob

A few of us from Seattle have reservations at the Holiday Inn at 4206 Macleod Trail South. According to the sticky post above, "you can see the event from this hotel."

If you make an "advance purchase" now, it is $86.43 (CAD) per room per night plus a 12% tax. A little less 'Ritz' sounding than what Senad selected (see Hotel Options thread) but it looks clean and is situated close to the event.

Holiday Inn "CALGARY-MACLEOD TRAIL SOUTH"

Originally Posted by eurospec#19

I'd really to be a part of a western caravan. What's everyone waiting for? Let's make this happen!

I'd like to see this happen, a caravan would be nuts all the way there! When is everyone going to head out or what date would a caravan be the best?

Originally Posted by ggm

I'd like to see this happen, a caravan would be nuts all the way there! When is everyone going to head out or what date would a caravan be the best?

I'd like to break this up into a two day drive, but if everyone wants to make it a marathon I could handle that too. I rode motorcycle via a circuitous route many years ago to Banff in 2 days, so I figure I could make it from Seattle to Calgary in about 15 hours, including gas/food stops. I am concerned about the lack of information regarding accomodations.

Originally Posted by M.Wong

Still hoping to get some hotel suggestions... Maybe a list in order of hotel class and proximity to the event?

I sent you and Dave Clement an e-mail with my hotel booking for Calgary. Unfortunately my mail to Dave bounced. Anyway, I'm staying at the Holiday Inn across the street from the event site on June 25-26. Hope to get a caravan plan as soon as you get it firmed up.

[QUOTE=DaveClement]A number of 7 Series owners from the Seattle 7s are seriously looking at this. I'm sure that there will be others as well. I've signed up, but I still need to confirm my vacation dates. I figure that we'll head up from the Seattle area and cross over a the Sumas/Abbotsford border crossing, then start heading east on Trans-Canada Hwy 1, which takes you all of the way there.

I've got my reservation booked for the Holiday Inn (approx $90/night). The other choices Tuner Works noted are about the same price unless you go to the Sheraton, Hyatt, etc. Let me know when you guys get a caravan plan firmed up. I'm flexible for the route and number of days you want to take to get there.

I did get your e-mail and I will check with Steven Larimer who is making some plans... Thanks!

BimmerFest is almost here!

The Seattle7s and Seattle5s plan to leave on Friday the 25th and drive to Calgary in one day. (657 miles, 12h 11m according to MapQuest.) We will meet at a Starbucks north of the I-5/I-405 junction next to WalMart at about 5:30 AM. Gas and coffee, then be on the road at 6:00 AM.

Starbucks - 164th Street Crossing
1330 164th St SW
Lynnwood, Washington 98037
Exit 183 from northbound I-5, one block to the east of the freeway. Shell and Arco gas stations are in the same block.

We are thinking we will be in Salmon Arm, BC. around lunch time. (308 miles, 6h 18m according to MapQuest.) We would love to meet up with some coming from the west!

Any questions about our drive can be directed to stevenlarimer@hotmail.com






Things to Bring
Passport or Birth Certificate for all drivers & all passengers.
Proof of automobile liability insurance.
No felony or DUI convictions. Entry to Canada may be denied.
Full Tank of gasoline.
Promptness for our early Friday morning start time.
Canadian currency & Credit Cards.
FRS radios & Cell phones w/extra batteries & chargers.
Maps & AAA Tour books.
Cameras, Memory cards, Film, & Binoculars.
Food & Water.
Laptop/PDA with mapping software.
Alberta, British Columbia, & Calgary road & street maps.
No firearms.


Things to bring back from Canada
No more than $800 per person of goods w/o duty. May be combined for families.
Receipts for purchases including hotel stay.
Canadian 7% GST rebate form to be used with the receipts if you qualify.
Happy memories of a good time!

M.Wong, we are looking forward to seeing all the out of town visitors at the show and I hope you have a great drive. I have driven Calgary to Vancouver, Seattle, Spokane and even Portland in a day so you should be fine.

In your list of things to bring you forgot the most important thing...a Valentine 1

See you soon,

Rob

Originally Posted by Tunerworks

In your list of things to bring you forgot the most important thing...a Valentine 1

I don't use one , but a couple guys have them hardwired in the car. Is what we read correct, that BC and AB have no restrictions for them?

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Originally Posted by M.Wong

BimmerFest is almost here!

The Seattle7s and Seattle5s plan to leave on Friday the 25th and drive to Calgary in one day. (657 miles, 12h 11m according to MapQuest.) We will meet at a Starbucks north of the I-5/I-405 junction next to WalMart at about 5:30 AM. Gas and coffee, then be on the road at 6:00 AM.

Starbucks - 164th Street Crossing
1330 164th St SW
Lynnwood, Washington 98037
Exit 183 from northbound I-5, one block to the east of the freeway. Shell and Arco gas stations are in the same block.

We are thinking we will be in Salmon Arm, BC. around lunch time. (308 miles, 6h 18m according to MapQuest.) We would love to meet up with some coming from the west!

Any questions about our drive can be directed to stevenlarimer@hotmail.com








Things to Bring
Passport or Birth Certificate for all drivers & all passengers.
Proof of automobile liability insurance.
No felony or DUI convictions. Entry to Canada may be denied.
Full Tank of gasoline.
Promptness for our early Friday morning start time.
Canadian currency & Credit Cards.
FRS radios & Cell phones w/extra batteries & chargers.
Maps & AAA Tour books.
Cameras, Memory cards, Film, & Binoculars.
Food & Water.
Laptop/PDA with mapping software.
Alberta, British Columbia, & Calgary road & street maps.
No firearms.


Things to bring back from Canada
No more than $800 per person of goods w/o duty. May be combined for families.
Receipts for purchases including hotel stay.
Canadian 7% GST rebate form to be used with the receipts if you qualify.
Happy memories of a good time!

Count me in! I'll meet up with you folks at Starbucks.

Excellent! Are you the same as the E46 "Larry" I have on my list as coming? e-mail or PM me if you get a moment...



Also FYI, Steve Larimer just e-mailed me and said "I just discovered that Hwy 5 in Canada between Hope & Kamloops is a toll road. If we end up going this way, everyone should have a little Canadian Currency with them."

Goodluck and Godspeed (the v-1 should help with that!)

I'd just like to get this out early so that if anyone shows up late and we've already left they can try to communicate with us as they catch up. Lets use one FRS frequency to communicate with a backup (just in case someone else is using it too)

Just out of the air, lets use channel 3 privacy code 6 as the primary and channel 5 privacy code 12 as the backup.

Sound good to everyone?

Originally Posted by Mattkins

Just out of the air, lets use channel 3 privacy code 6 as the primary and channel 5 privacy code 12 as the backup.

Good thinking!

Originally Posted by Mattkins

I'd just like to get this out early so that if anyone shows up late and we've already left they can try to communicate with us as they catch up. Lets use one FRS frequency to communicate with a backup (just in case someone else is using it too)

Just out of the air, lets use channel 3 privacy code 6 as the primary and channel 5 privacy code 12 as the backup.

Sound good to everyone?

10-4, Roger, and copy that!