Mid-Atlantic Motorcycle Show
–Maryland State Fairgrounds, February 6-8, 2008

Don’t miss the region’s HOTTEST Bike Show: the Mid-Atlantic MOTORCYCLE SHOW at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. Every brand represented – Huge Custom and Antique show with competition for big cash prizes – See the latest products and design developments – Meet nationally known celebrity builders – Apparel and accessories for sale – Free Parking! And of course, Bob’s booth will be one of the finest displays of BMWs anywhere in the country. Come for the fascination. Stay for the fun.

GET YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE AT BOB’S! You’ll not only skip right past the long lines at the ticket booth waiting to get in, you’ll SAVE FIVE DOLLARS off the admission price!! Stop by Bob's or purchase on-line!

Getting to the Maryland State Fairgrounds is EASY. From I-83 north of Baltimore, take the first exit north of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) for Timonium and just follow the signs to the Fairgrounds.

Dear customers and all of you that participated in the incredible Ultimate Bike Raffle,

Hi everyone!

Well it took almost 6 weeks (one would think people would make this a priority) but I finally heard back from every one of our second place UBR prize winners except # 11 who despite numerous messages, emails and written attempts simply never contacted me for his prize so we did what we had to do and drew one more name and created a 25th spot for the 24 prizes. I would appear that everyone was quite pleased with their winnings including the two individuals that were over-the-top generous and gave back their items (REV'IT Shiracco jacket & BMW pro tire gauge) back so we can raise still more money. Almost everything has been shipped out with a few size exchange taking place right now to get them all done by the big holiday. Those items will be offered first at our Annual Holiday Cheer event Saturday, December 20th and then if unsold presented on eBay for a quite charitable auction. When the last shipping invoices come in and we are sure that we have no more exchanges or expenses we'll tally up the final results and share them with every one via the website and probably a special e-club. I still hope to receive more photos of our happy and very lucky winners; perhaps this website posting with other winners photos will service as a good reminder. When and if they arrive we'll share them.

And FWIW here's a small bit of info on our winners and where they came from: Including our Grande Prize winner Allen who hails from NY fourteen different states were represented plus two Canadian provinces! Next time around I'll see if we can track all the states that participated in the raffle, but I suspect that we did in fact have participants in all 50 states and probably every Canadian province. I know for a fact that several of our European customers purchased tickets so don't be surprised when out enjoying a ride just about anywhere and taking a break if you don't see one of those very cool (IMNSHO) and certainly very exclusive Ultimate Bike Raffle ROAD CREW t-shirts being worn proudly by a like minded motorcyclist.

For now, THANKS AGAIN to all that purchased the very exclusive t-shirts and individual tickets to help us raise a lot of money for an excellent cause that helps some very special kids. It's been successful beyond our original expectations so look for an exciting announcement sometime early next year telling you about the UBR2 for 2009 with even greater prizes and more fun!

Here's wishing all of you the best of the holidays for you, your families and all your friends be they motorcyclists or not.

Sincerely,

Bob@Bob's
Bob Henig

Here are the names and prizes we can release so far along with a few images, more of everything to come.

Please note the # 12 second place winners selection and decision!

1. Steve Firestone from Maryland selected the BMW Nav III set for his K1200R
2. Bob Ganser from Illinois selected a BMW Tourance Jacket in Blue
3. Debby Hobbs from British Columbia selected the BMW All Around Boots for her husband Martin
4. Brian Benton from Colorado selected the Olympia Air Glide II Vented Pants
5. Jerry Doherty from Maryland chose the AIRHAWK Seat Cushion his non-BMW Cruiser
6. Benoit Dulude from Ontario chose the PIAA Driving Light Set for his R100GS/PD
7. Mark Davies from Maryland selected the Olympia Air Glide II Jacket in Neon Yellow for his wife!
8. Kim Hardesty from West Virginia chose a Z-Technik Tall Screen for her F650CS
9. Jake Herzog from New York selected the Revit Mistral Pants
10. Stephen Neeley from Virginia has selected one of two Full Face Scorpion Helmets
11. Read above note.
12. Wayne Rozran from Maryland selected the Revit Scirocco Jacket AND then gave it back to Bob to be sold; he wanted all proceeds going to the PBTF and Ride for Kids!
13. Brian Dent from Washington took home one of the AIRHAWK seat cushions
14. Milt Russell from Michigan selected a Marsee Tank for his K1200LT
15. James Patton from Colorado chose the BMW one-piece Rain suit
16. Randon Tompkins from Missouri wanted a nice set of First Gear Riding pants instead of the BMW Tourance II, so we swapped them out
17. John Fallon from Massachusetts chose the very cool and highly detailed die cast 1940 BMW 328 Mile Miglia Roadster model (Bob's favorite item)
18. Max Buffington from Maryland took home A Marsee Tail bag for use on one of his two BMW's
19. Donald Wallace from Michigan wanted the Z-Technik Tail bag so we sent it to him
20. Michael Campeau from Missouri has become a functional fashinista in his new BMW tri-vision sunglasses
21. Sandy Gulick from Virginia took home one of the BMW Professional Tire Gauges
22. Elaine Checkley from Texas selected a beautiful Scorpion Full Face helmet
23. Thomas Mitchell from New Mexico chose the really cool BMW GS Adventure Style Hip bag kit
24. Jim Rostran Illinois chose to give his selection of a BMW Professional Tire Gauge back so we could raise more money for the Kids!
25. Larry Perino from Florida won the BMW Stormhood Balaclava and a BMW Compact Umbrella

–November 29, 2008
BMW Motorrad introduced the BCC, a new custom design study at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan on November 4th, 2008. This concept developed by BMW Motorrad design team lead by David Robb is a marriage of naked and muscle and is homage to the incredible 85-year history of BMW Motorcycles and a nod to the purest form of two-wheel design.

The BCC design study is conceived as a fully customizable ride. The rider can choose the exhaust system such as shotgun-low or scrambler; the type of seat such as aluminum perch seat, minimal modern saddle or simple 2-man seat. Even the headlight can be customized, whether it's projector lighting or classic circular headlamp. Add to that four fuel tank paint colors and three engine paint finishes as well as a range of other details. This design dream study is unlike any other concept bike. The BMW Custom Concept allows the rider to directly participate in shaping his or her custom motorcycle. With dozens of unique variations, no two BCCs will be the same.

The BCC design study is currently powered by a flat twin 'Boxer' engine with 105 hp, yet weighing at a very light 418 lbs. This concept features a trellis frame, 17-inch wheels, 6-piston brake calipers and corner carving upside down forks.

We'd love to know what you think of the new BCC. Click HERE to fill out BMW's questionaire.

Also, don't forget to select your favorite BCC from the 12 customized options shown. Are you a scrambler type, or do you prefer the exhaust down below? How about the seat, will you go for a single, double or café style? And on't forget the headlight; do you prefer it classic or modern?

Here's a video of a journey across Texas on a BMW motorcycle set to the tune of Johnny Cash and "I've been everywhere, man". The twist is, Texas singer/songwriter Brian Burns swapped out the towns in the original song for Texas towns, cities and communities.

The journey took 10,641 miles to complete and I had a ton of fun along the way. Some towns such as Spring Lake (formally knows as Clabbertown) ceased to exist 100 years or more ago, and others like Mill Creek and Val Verde were nothing but rural communities with no true city limit signs. In these instances, a post office, church or significant landmark was photographed as proof of visiting that location. Bartleville doesn't exist in the Roads of Texas, atlas, or any mapping programs and there have been lyric references to Bartonville which was secured by photograph.

The staff at Bob's enjoyed this YouTube video so hang on, because the ride is fast.....

AFTER Gerard Boisman had his 1992 BMW R100 GS motorcycle serviced at Bob’s BMW in Jessup, Md., he rode home only to watch in dismay as his newly changed oil pooled on his driveway. He called Bob’s, fully expecting to be told to truck the bike back to Jessup — a $250 expense to redo an $80 oil change.

Instead, the Bob’s mechanic who had changed his oil made the hourlong drive to Mr. Boisman’s house in Stevensville, Md., apologized profusely and fixed the oil filter. Then, for good measure, he synchronized the carburetors and cleaned the oil from the bike.

“He even wiped the driveway clean,” Mr. Boisman said. To top it off, Bob’s sent Mr. Boisman a T-shirt for his trouble. “It definitely makes me a loyal customer,” he said.

It’s not that Mr. Boisman is a hot prospect. That’s just the way Bob Henig — the Bob in Bob’s BMW — operates.

“You can’t pay for the advertising that is as good as doing it right,” Mr. Henig said.

In the not-so-distant past, that devotion to service, coupled with Mr. Henig’s voluble, sometimes volatile personality, might have resulted in a nice regional following for a flourishing dealership. Now, thanks to the Internet, a powerful reputation — good or bad — travels farther, faster.

Over nearly 20 years, with minimal advertising, Mr. Henig has become the largest BMW motorcycle parts dealer in the United States, as well as a leading dealership. Bob’s BMW is known among BMW riders the world over.

“I can be riding in the Alps, and someone on a BMW will come over to talk to me, and Bob’s name will come up,” said Fred Rau, a motorcycle journalist.

Mr. Henig has established Bob’s BMW as a brand with the kind of power some companies take generations to accrue. That is especially remarkable because a BMW dealership is a franchise business. With the same tools and opportunities as other shops, Mr. Henig’s dealership has become one of the few to gain international fame within the BMW community.

Mr. Henig did not set out to build a leading motorcycle shop, but he had always been a natural entrepreneur, he says. His succession of businesses — from a lawn service in high school to home improvement, and jobs as a freelance photographer, photo shop manager and industrial salesman — were linked in one way, he said: “I did a quality job.”

Meanwhile, he was becoming an ever more avid motorcyclist and even dabbled in a motorcycle-customizing business. His career choice was cemented in 1980 when Mr. Henig crashed his motorbike into a Buick driven by an 89-year-old man who ran a stop sign.

Besides putting Mr. Henig in a neck and back brace, the crash led him to marry his girlfriend, Suzanne, an administrative whiz who became his business partner. Doctors told him not to do jobs that involved climbing ladders or lugging camera equipment.

That winter he started Bob’s Used Parts. “There was no business plan,” he said. “It was, Let’s see where this goes.”

Mr. Henig quickly noticed a demand for small parts that most shops didn’t want to stock. But where other dealers saw bother, Mr. Henig saw opportunity.

“The shops didn’t see a profit selling a $3 part, which is true,” he said. “But when people need that $3 part, they usually buy something else.”

It was Business 101 — find a need and fill it. And Mr. Henig applied lessons learned from his other businesses. Be organized, and even $3 parts are profitable. “If you spend a half-hour looking for a $3 part, you’ve lost money,” he said. Focus on service, and sales will follow. “My prices weren’t cheaper,” he said. “My service was better.”

Bob’s BMW began to gain a reputation.

“He became legendary as the go-to guy if you needed a hard-to-find part,” Mr. Rau, the writer, said.

That legend was built online, with forum posts sending business his way by word of mouth.

Mr. Henig said he kept paid advertising to a minimum, raising his profile by appearing yearly at as many as 20 BMW rallies around the country, a strategy he still pursues but to a lesser degree, and doing charity work.

“When you’re at these rallies and there are thousands and thousands of people, you could call Bob a kind of a celebrity,” said Vince Winkel, editor of BMW Owners News magazine. “He takes time to talk to everyone, no matter who it is.”

The parts business outgrew the basement of his Cape Cod house in Wheaton, Md., then the addition of his parents’ garage, then a self-storage facility. By 1985, he was buying $100,000 to $120,000 in parts a year.

BMW soon noticed that his business was the largest parts customer in the United States, Mr. Henig said, but the company would sell parts only to a dealer. So, seeking the dealer discount and control over his inventory, he reluctantly joined the German company’s network in 1991.

They clashed from the outset. “He can be cantankerous,” said Laurence Kuykendall, a spokesman for BMW motorcycles. “Opinionated with a capital O is his middle name, but he always puts the customer first. If a customer has a problem, he will turn over every stone to find a solution for that customer, especially if he thinks someone else is to blame.”

In the used-parts business, Mr. Henig had faced limited competition. But as a dealer, he was up against two other BMW stores within driving distance. And unlike Bob’s, they offered discounted bikes. “One had taken out ads that said, ‘We will beat any price Bob puts on a bike,’ ” Mr. Henig said.

Bob’s salesmen nearly mutinied, wanting to match the discounts. But that would have cut into the profits that supported the high level of service, and Mr. Henig was not swayed.

“All we have to do is roll out the red carpet so thick that they don’t go back to the other dealer,” Mr. Henig told his staff. Prospects were told that the higher price would buy them extra services, like priority for repairs and use of a loaner bike. He sold 54 bikes in his first year, nearly double the sales goal set by BMW. In 2007 he sold 400 new and used bikes, he said.

Bob’s is more than just a shop to riders, many of whom congregate at a picnic table near the shop entrance to swap stories. Plans are under way to increase his store’s size by 50 percent, perhaps as soon as next spring. A new building would allow him to expand the in-house museum’s 40-bike display and offer a coffee shop that would be a sort of clubhouse and after-hours meeting place.

For all of his hail-fellow-well-met manner, Mr. Henig is also a formidable negotiator, which has made him a polarizing figure. While his service has attracted some customers, his pricing has alienated others. He can also be sensitive to a perceived slight, said Ron Orem, a longtime customer and friend.

“If Bob has a shadow, it’s he thinks if you shop somewhere else you are disloyal,” Mr. Orem said. Occasionally, that leads to suggestions that customers take their business elsewhere.

If he has infuriated a few customers, it hasn’t hurt the brand. One measure of the prestige of Bob’s brand is the demand for Bob’s BMW key rings, $2 plastic trinkets given only to people who have purchased a bike at Bob’s. “Staff have been offered $100 for them,” Mr. Henig says.

Part of the reason may be the perk that comes with them — a direct line to Mr. Henig. “Attached to that key fob,” he said, “is an offer to stop by my office any time.”

To see the NY Time article, click HERE.

–November 4-5, 2008

Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport news
Valencia tests, November 4, 5
Conditions: Dry, mostly sunny 13-20C

The two day test at Valencia was the first time that BMW Motorrad Motorrad Motorsport?s new riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus rode the new S1000RR and at the end both riders left in a very positive frame of mind. Both Troy and Ruben were immediately able to get right down to business and start working with the bike and start their new challenge. Fortunately the weather was good throughout the two days and the team were able to use the maximum amount of time on the track. Now the technicians will return to the workshops to analyse all the data and prepare the bikes for the next test, but the whole team is already looking forward to Troy and Ruben?s next track outing.

Troy
" I am a bit surprised really because I didn?t think I would feel as comfortable on the bike as I did. The base is very good and although there is a lot of work to be done, I feel very positive about our prospects. Even though I have had just two days on the bike, I feel it is my bike and I wasn?t expecting that so soon. I?m happy with the progress we made over the two days and now the team have now got a lot of info and telemetry data to work with for the next test. The communication is very good and there have been no problems except that I got hit by a bird towards the end of the test. It happened between turn one and two and it hit me just under the throat, above my chest protector, and it was a pretty heavy hit. It ruined my lap and it didn?t do the bird any good either! "

Ruben
" I am happier today than yesterday, but that?s normal because I have now had more time on the bike. What I can say is that I am very happy with the bike - how it handles, how it turns and its power. It is very stable at speed and it is not a physical bike to ride and already I?m pretty comfortable on it. Troy and I have different riding styles and that means we are giving our team a lot of info and data for them to analyse before the next test. Troy has experience of riding twins, three cylinder and four cylinder bikes, so was able to get dialled in faster than me, but that?s what I expected. Everybody in the team is working well together and I feel very positive and happy about our future. "

Berti Hauser - Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport
" I am very happy at the progress we have made these two days and I am delighted at the feedback that Troy and Ruben have given us. Their comments have been very clear and make us confident about our situation and what we are doing. Troy and Ruben have different riding styles and requirements, but we get more info this way. We know we still have a lot of work to do, but I am happy because our direction is very clear. We are much closer to competitive lap times then previous tests (we didn?t use any qualifiers and Troy got into the 1:35s on race rubber) and we know, from the riders, the things we have to do to improve. "

–November 5, 2008
BMW is well positioned for the Enduro competitions in 2009.
Munich.

BMW Motorrad will be entering the 2009 World Enduro Championship (WEC) with an impressive line-up of top riders: David Knight, Juha Salminen and Marko Tarkkala will strengthen the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory team.
In the 2008 season BMW Motorrad entered all eight rounds of the world's toughest off-road motorcycle championship for the first time with the G 450 X. The bar will be raised even further in 2009.

Three top riders will enrich the team with their vast experience, high level of motivation and a strong will to succeed:

The Briton David Knight, two-time World Enduro Champion as well as two-time US Grand National Cross Country title winner. Knight is also known as being "the king of extreme enduros" with victories at the Erzberg Rodeo, the Indoor Enduro World Cup, Last Man Standing, Hell's Gate and more.

And the two Flying Finns Juha Salminen - seventeen times WEC World Champion, multiple USA, German, Spanish, Australian and Finnish Enduro Champion as well as multiple Finnish and European motocross and trial champion title winner and Marko Tarkkala, runner-up in class E3 of the WEC 2008, double Finnish Enduro Champion.

The BMW Motorrad factory enduro team will be one of the strongest teams at the World Enduro Championship in 2009 - a force to be reckoned with.

The final decision who will represent the strengthened off-road-team with its current riders Anders Eriksson, Jeff Goblet and Simo Kirssi in certain classes and competitions will be announced later.

It is for sure, that BMW Motorrad will take part in the Enduro world championship WEC as well as in the XCC Europe. Additionally it is planned to enter some runs of the US GNCC series.

In 2009 Andreas Lettenbichler and Gerhard Forster will once again be in the line-up for a number of demanding Extreme Enduro races, including some genuine classics and off-road treats.

David Knight:
"Like any rider you have to truly believe in both your machinery and team to perform at your best, and I have absolute faith in BMW. It's an exciting time for everyone involved. Working with new people and developing and racing what will start out as a new bike to me is no small challenge. But I know that my commitment is matched by that of BMW. The fact that I will be racing for BMW on my return to the WEC is what really makes everything so exciting for me. My motivation to win is as strong as ever, and I know BMW are every bit as serious about winning as I am."

Juha Salminen:
"I think everyone can see just how committed and serious BMW are to their new G 450 X and the WEC. Personally, I am really looking forward to this new time in my career. The progress that the team and engineers have made in two years is amazing. What's great for me is the fact that although BMW is a huge and experienced company the enduro team is still young. I know they will listen to my ideas, and the ideas of all the team riders, which will help us all perform at our best. It is also a genuine factory team, which means we will be able to develop our bikes exactly as we want them. It's going to be an exciting season next year."

Marko Tarkkala:
"I am really looking forward to this new challenge. With a new bike, new team, and new people it's a very exciting time for me, and with hard work over the winter I'm looking forward to a great year in '09. The BMW bike has shown that it is extremely competitive so I can't wait to start racing it. It will also be good to be back working with Kari Tiainen. He's a good friend and has always helped me, so I'm looking forward to working with him again."

Peter Müller (Executive Vice President Development and Model Series):
"We learned a lot in the 2008 season and have continuously enhanced and improved the G 450 X. Our ambition was to reach the podium and we achieved this goal. Now, after the first complete season in the World Enduro Championship, the bike has reached a point where everything is possible. We are confident that we will cause a stir as we will have one of the strongest teams in the 2009 WEC series."

Berti Hauser (Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport):
"It really is a great honour to announce David, Juha and Marko as our new team riders. I think it is clear to see how serious BMW is about competing at the very highest level with our G 450 X. With such proven riders joining us we are looking forward to a successful and enjoyable '09 World Enduro Championship campaign. I have personally been fortunate enough to see all three of our new riders in action during both this season and last. I have witnessed David winning in the US GNCC series and all three riders competing in the World Enduro Championship, as well as at Erzberg. Each will bring something unique to the team, but all share the same common goal - that of wanting to win."

"Competition has never been higher in the WEC, which makes it increasingly challenging for both riders and teams to be successful.

Throughout '08 The BMW Motorrad Motorsport team gained valuable experience in many different areas. In '09 the WEC will present many challenges, but I am confident that BMW will be one of the strongest teams. These are exciting times for BMW."

2009 World Enduro Championship

Round 1 Portugal, Penafiel March 21-22
Round 2 Spain, Igualada March 28-29
Round 3 Italy, Iglesias April 18-19
Round 4 Finland, Riihimaki June 13-14
Round 5 Slovakia, Puchov June 20-21
Round 6 Mexico, Valle del Bravo July 18-19
Round 7 Greece, Serres August 29-30
Round 8 France, St Flour September 12-13

For further information about the BMW G 450 X see go to www.bmwrevolution.com.

Fun was had by all on the Bob and Fred's Excellent Rt. 66 Roadtrip. Fred Rau took these photographs from the week long trip.

This was our first sponsored off-road event at Rocket Raceway in Three Springs, Pennsylvania and we were very excited about it. Bob’s crew spent a full day riding on a choice of the 1.5 mile European style MX dirt track or the 6.5 mile Hare Scramble loop – or both!

Charlie Goss was on hand to document the day. Here are a few low res clips to see what you missed. Oh and by the way, the local pro rider on the video said (that the G450X) "the motor was fantastic with a very long and very strong band of torque, the rear shock was great out of the box, and the brakes were maybe the best I've ever felt...."

"...this thing has a horn?"

To see more photographs, click HERE.

–October 6, 2008

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, in front of a large crowd of onlookers attending our annual Oktoberfest, we drew the winners' names for the Ultimate Bike Raffle. After announcing all the prizes, reviewing the contest procedures, and thanking all the generous suppliers and vendors who donated merchandise or services toward the effort, it was time to begin drawing the winners from the 3,284 raffle tickets in a large basket.

To assist with the drawing, and to put a face on what the raffle is really all about, two of our special VIP STAR kids, brain tumor survivors Bobby Dietz and Ethan Gumaby, drew the 24 names for the second place prizes. Our lovely Bavarian bier maiden, Kandyce, had the honor of pulling the Grand Prize winner from the remaining tickets. And the winner is... Allen Blankenship from New York!

As his phone number was dialed the hushed crowd awaited hearing his response. Well, a bit of the high drama of the moment slipped away when it turned out he had left only his work number on the ticket. It was Saturday and so, of course, he was away from his office when we called. Nevertheless, on Monday morning he arrived at work to a great voice message that included at least a hundred well-wishers cheering for him in the background! We finally got to speak personally with Mr. Blankenship this morning. Needless to say, he was very excited.

Here's some more information about the raffle that may interest you: 3,509 raffle tickets were printed and 3,284 tickets got sold. Of those, 449 were sold as individual tickets, and amazingly, 2,829 went out as the Special $100 ROAD CREW T-shirt that included 3 tickets! And yes, since so many of you want to know, the Grand Prize winner bought his winning ticket as part of the $100 ROAD CREW T-shirt package. We hope that all of the 945 Ultimate Bike Raffle participants who purchased that package will wear those T-shirts as a true badge of honor in the years to come!

A final accounting cannot be completed at this time since there are still a few unknown expenses ahead involving the completion of the raffle and delivery of prizes. So watch here in the future for a final accounting. But we are very excited about the fact that we have already turned in over $72,000 in net proceeds to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF)!

Wondering if you’re a winner?
All 24 of our 2nd place winners in the Ultimate Bike Raffle have already been contacted. So… if you have not heard from us, sorry, your name was not picked in the raffle. Here's the list of winners we can release so far:

1 Steve Firestone from California selected the BMW Nav III set for his K1200R
2. Bob Ganser from Illinois selected a BMW Tourance Jacket in Blue
3. Debby Hobbs from British Columbia selected the BMW All Around Boots for her husband Martin
4. Brian Benton from Colorado selected the Olympia Air Glide II Vented Pants
5. Jerry Doherty from Maryland chose the AIRHAWK Seat Cushion his non-BMW Cruiser
6. Benoit Dulude from Ontario chose the PIAA Driving Light Set for his R100GS/PD
7. Mark Davies from Maryland selected the Olympia Air Glide II Jacket in Neon Yellow for his wife!
8. Kim Hardesty from West Virginia chose a Z-Technik Tall Screen for her F650CS
9. Jake Herzog from New York selected the Revit Mistral Boots
10. Stephen Neeley from Virginia has selected one of two Full Face Scorpion Helmets
11. Wayne Rozran from Maryland selected the Revit Shiracco Jacket AND then gave it back to Bob to be sold; he wanted all proceeds going to the PBTF and Ride for Kids!

Finally, to all those who participated in the Ultimate Bike Raffle, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for helping Bob's BMW raise a record amount of money for the PBTF. That money will be used not only to fund research and family support programs while a cure is being targeted, it will help some very special kids have a fuller, healthier and happier life!

Thanks once AGAIN!

Bob and his Entire Staff!

If you missed the days festivities or you want to see Kandyce again, boy do we have a video for you!!!

Simo Kirssi and his BMW 450 X dominated the European XCC final at Mattighofen, Austria. The Finn took a convincing start to finish victory against some of the world´s best cross country riders to claim the 2008 title. But the BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider had to step into the lion´s den, as Mattighofen is well known to be KTM territory - with the "orange" headquarters just a few kilometers down the road. There´s a healthy rivalry between the German and Austrian brand, yet this past weekend Kirssi held the upper hand. It wasn´t for a lack of competition, though.

KTM had brought multi-time World champ Samuli Aro and WEC front-runner Alessandro Belometti. Husaberg had entered former junior champ Joakim Ljunggren while Aprilia relied on Frenchman Antoine Lettelier. Kirssi still rode in a class of his own. The 29-year-old didn´t let the slippery terrain or variety of obstacles get in his way. Ruts, roots, up- or downhill. The recently crowned German champ was in full control. After three laps Kirssi led by almost a minute, and would never look back. The only competitor going at a similar pace was Ljunggren, but Simo´s win was never challenged, really. Credit also to his team for providing a perfect pit stop.

Bert Meyer, second rider on BMW Motorrad Motorsport´s cross country team, couldn´t participate due to an injury sustained at the WEC round in France. The young German, a likely podium contender, was replaced by Gerhard Forster. The extreme race specialist and second-place finisher at the Red Bull Romaniacs last month, rode a solid race to finish tenth.

Kirssi meanwhile won´t find a lot of time to rest. His next outing will be the Indoor Enduro at Milan, held on 7 November.

Simo Kirssi: "After taking the holeshot I simply rode my own race. I enjoyed the beautiful weather and the terrific track with all its Enduro sections. It somehow reminded me of the conditions back home in Finland; the ground being wet and littered with deep ruts. Somehow I felt extremely thirsty today and that´s why I struggled with my concentration towards the end. I even touched a tree at one point, but it only costed a few seconds.
I´d like to thank my team for their fantastic effort this season. An additional thanks goes to BMW for letting me ride this exceptional motorcycle."

XCC European finale Mattighofen, XCPro class
1. Simo Kirssi (FIN), BMW Motorrad Motorsport, 15 laps
2. Joakim Ljunggren (SWE), Husaberg, 15
3. Alessandro Belometti (ITA), KTM, 15
4. Antoine Letellier (FRA), Aprilia, 15
5. Bernhard Walzer (A), KTM, 14

–October 12, 2008
With the final round of the ’08 World Enduro Championship taking place this past weekend in Mende, France the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team brought to a close their first full season of WEC competition. Entering selected races in ’07 as they developed the then prototype version of the G 450 X, during the eight rounds of the ’08 enduro world championship the team has endured everything the world’s toughest off-road motorcycle championship has thrown at them as well as claiming an all important first podium result. Learning every step of the way the team is now ready to move into ’09 where they hope to become one of the strongest teams in the WEC.

Every bit as challenging as expected the GP of Europe proved to be a fitting final event to the ’08 WEC series. Frustratingly for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team injury and sickness prevented strong end-of-year results. Badly twisting his knee on day oneEnduro Junior class rider Bert Meyer was forced to retire. Determined to compete on day two Bert opted against re-starting after an early morning ride around the event’s training track proved simply too painful. Without question the biggest disappointment for the BMW team was the day two withdrawal of seven-time world champion Anders Eriksson. Impressively quick on day one, Anders arguably produced one of his best performances of the championship and finished sixth in the Enduro 3 class. One of the fastest riders in the E3 class on both the extreme and motocross test Anders missed a podium finish by just 15 seconds. On day two Anders was forced to retire after just one special test due to extreme sickness.

Bringing his season to a positive close by finishing in 10th position on both days in the Enduro 2 class was Jeff Goblet. In only his second race back after surgery to his left wrist Jeff, like Eriksson, also put in some of his best performances this season. Despite a lack of strength in his left arm, Jeff was one of the fastest E2 class riders on the extreme test. Backing that up with strong performances on the motocross test Jeff rode well on day two and put his injury firmly behind him.

Newly crowned German Cross Country Champion Simo Kirssi opted not to compete in Mende as he prepares himself for the European Cross Country Championship final on October 19.

Jeff Goblet – Enduro 2 class: “It’s been a really nice event, there’s been so many people in the tests and also in the forests cheering riders on. To finish both days of such a tough race without any problems is great. On the first day I rode really well on the extreme test. Finishing close to the top riders in the extreme test was great. I needed to be faster in the motocross and enduro tests but in the extreme test it was great to be so competitive. I lost a lot of time in the first enduro test on day two. I kept pushing hard and came back to 10th having been down in 17th at one point. Finishing the year with two 10th place results isn’t too bad, especially because I am still not completely over my injuries. No, it’s been a good event for me. I’m really looking forward to the coming events as well as training hard during the winter.”

Wolfgang Fischer – BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team Manager: “Now BMW’s first full season of World Enduro Championship competition is over it’s a great feeling knowing that as a team we have learned a lot through our ups and downs, as well as reaching our goal of finishing on the podium. Developing the bike in different kinds of terrain has been important for us this year and we have certainly learned from our experiences. Our goal for ’09 is simple – to be one of the strongest teams in the WEC. With everything we have learned this season we are hopeful of doing just that.”

2008 World Enduro Championship
Grand Prix of Europe – Day 1

Enduro 2 class

1. Juha Salminen (KTM) 51:07.80; 2. Jonny Aubert (Yamaha) 52:27.42; 3. Antoine Meo (Husqvarna) 52:50.95; 4. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 53:22.95; 5. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 53:33.34; 6. Nicolas Paganon (Aprilia); 53:58.97; 7. Rodrig Thain (TM) 54:08.13; 8. Nicolas Deparrois (Gas Gas) 54:24.94; 9. Fabrizio Dini (Yamaha) 54:32.12; 10. Jean – Francois Goblet (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 54:59.37; 11. Michael Metge (Husaberg) 56:09.29; 12. Rudy Cotton (Beta) 56:17.24; 13. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 56:25.98; 14. Fabio Mossini (Honda) 57:02.05; 15. Christophe Robert (KTM) 57:36.50; 16. Hans Vogel (Yamaha) 58:37.90; 17. Nicolas Joye (Husaberg) 59:46.45

Enduro 3 Class

1. Marko Tarkkala (KTM) 52:56.53; 2. Samuli Aro (KTM) 53:09.66; 3. Fabien Planet (KTM) 53:40.43; 4. Antoine Letellier (Aprilia) 53:46.43; 5. Markus Kehr (KTM) 53:53.01; 6. Anders Eriksson (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 53:57.27; 7. Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas) 54:01.27; 8. Xavier Galindo (KTM) 54:23.91; 9. Alessandro Botturi (Honda) 54:46.87; 10. Bjorne Carlsson (Husaberg) 55:09.89; 11. Alessio Paoli (Beta) 56:43.97; 12. Sebastien Guillaume (Husqvarna) 56:45.82; 13. Erwin Plekkenpol (Honda) 57:04.58; 14. Joan Jou (Honda) 57:09.82; 15. Juraj Dozsa (Gas Gas) 59:06.26; 16. Joan Pedrero (Yamaha) 1:01:15.36

2008 World Enduro Championship
Grand Prix of Europe – Day 2

Enduro 2 class

1. Juha Salminen (KTM) 50:31.82; 2. Antoine Meo (Husqvarna) 51:23.42; 3. Jonny Aubert (Yamaha) 51:33.36; 4. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 52:35.44; 5. Rodrig Thain (TM) 52:46.54; 6. Nicolas Paganon (Aprilia) 52:48.75; 7. Fabio Mossini (Honda) 53:15.09; 8. Fabrizio Dini (Yamaha) 53:43.85; 9. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 53:44.75; 10. Jean - Francois Goblet (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 54:59.93; 11. Nicolas Deparrois (Gas Gas) 55:06.58; 12. Michael Metge (Husaberg) 55:11.81; 13. Rudy Cotton (Beta) 56:35.59; 14. Hans Vogel (Yamaha) 56:49.47; 15. Robert Christophe (KTM) 57:21.75; 16. Nicolas Joye (Husaberg) 1:00:19.61

Just In from Intermot!
First Look: 2009 BMW K1300S, K1300R, K1300GT

AND Ruben Xaus on a S1000RR

Ron Orem on his Dakar and Elsie Smith on her F650GS on a road in Western Maryland. Yes, it's a real public road as designated by a wooden sign hanging from a tree.

–Sept. 22, 2008
The 17th annual Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Ride for Kids® earned $276,277, topping last year's total by 38 percent.

The chilly morning turned warm and sunny as 625 supporters gathered at The Mall in Columbia for the event. The motorcyclists were treated to a police-escorted tour of Maryland's rolling, twisting country roads before arriving at the Jack & Jill Distribution Center in Columbia for the Celebration of Life program.

The program honored 11 brain tumor survivors, including Ruxandra, 10, and Zachary, 15. Task Force Leader Marcy Rich, mother of survivor Danielle, said to the group: "If not for you, my daughter would not be in college today. Keep up the great work."
The featured medical speaker was Dr. Greg Riggins of the Brain Tumor Center at Johns Hopkins.

Bob Henig, owner of Bob's BMW in Jessup, Md., was top individual fundraiser with $87,826. His dealership was the top motorcycle business, with $106,437 in customer contributions. The top club/chapter was The Tribe, whose members raised $23,627. Jim Lerro of Arnold, Md., won the grand prize drawing for a Honda motorcycle.

Heartfelt thanks went to the hardworking event volunteers and task force members, led by Taryn Wilson-Wheatley, Joe Pruss and Marcy Rich.

Our special guest Jessica Prokup of Discover Today’s Motorcycling, a motorcycle industry trade group in California, gave an inspiring seminar called “Celebrating Women Riders.” She spoke of the great women in the history of motorcycling who paved the way for female inclusion in a sport that had traditionally been dominated solely by men. Along with a great slideshow that featured images of women on two wheels then and now, Jessica also shared new demographic statistics showing a very strong trend upward in the numbers of women taking up motorcycling. This in turn has, at last, compelled manufacturers to respond by increasing the products and services targeted to women riders — definitely good news for women who have felt left out of the picture for too long. Jessica’s warm personality and vibrant style make her a persuasive communicator and we look forward to having her back for future events.

Meanwhile, over in our service department, intrepid marathon rider Nancy Oswald demonstrated techniques for fixing a flat using the Stop-n-Go Tire Plugger to a throng of interested riders. By showing the ease and effectiveness of this roadside repair system, Nancy empowered riders — women and men alike — to confidently handle mishaps and emergencies.

The women who came to participate in our Women’s Day event got to express their genuine enthusiasm for riding and meet new friends who shared their passion. Women riders, no longer a nominal subculture, are justifiably emboldened by their growing numbers and marketplace clout. The optimism we could feel in the place was contagious!

Performance. Speed. Skill. Courage. Confidence. Adrenaline. These are all the things our lucky group of Bob’s Track Day riders came out to experience and savor at Summit Point Raceway with Roger Lyle’s Motorcycle X-citement event on July 3rd.

Why do I say lucky? Well, 1.) the day was bright and sunny – and HOT – all the better to increase tire traction; 2.) everyone had plenty of time to test their abilities on the track, as well as enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow BMW performance enthusiasts; 3.) there were no mishaps or spills among our group; and 4.) at the end of the day all our riders went home grinning and knowing that they were now able to ride at a higher skill level than when they came.

This was our third Track Day, each better organized and better attended than the one before. We know we’ll have more. When will it be YOUR turn to boost your riding skill to the next level — and have an incredible amount of FUN in the process?

Help Make Ride for Kids® in Columbia, MD a Huge Success!