The 2018 Falling Leaf Rally has come and gone and so has the rain that soaked the rally grounds during the 43rd annual event in Potosi, Missouri.
For the hardy riders that braved the weather, there was camaraderie, friendship and lots of rain gear to observe. The rally grounds is blessed with a warm and cozy Lions Club Den for everyone to sit and have a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate. It became the focal point during the rally and a place to dry off.
While the rain wasn’t a steady event during the rally weekend, it seemed to show up at the most inopportune times. Our awards ceremony had to be squeezed into the Lions Club Den because of the rain with little room to spare.
Our two Anvil Shoots were held under an increasing drizzle and the anvils landed with a big splat in the water-soaked grass. Each was buried deeply from their 100 ft plus descent.
The shock wave rattled the inside walls of the Lions Club Den, a truly unique experience for those who decided to stay indoors during the anvil shoot.
On Saturday, Gateway Rider Lynne Ginalick won the bike show contest with her pristine, bright orange Ural sidecar rig. It was a tough contest to win, because all the bikes were unique examples of motorcycling passion with lots of character.
“Ray from Springfield” won the lion’s share of the 50/50 drawing and left a happy, and richer man.
Rally coordinator, Bill Haugen, was a first-timer running the rally and offered, “it takes a huge effort to make the rally happen and I can tell you there wasn’t a whole lot of sittn’ and doing nothing time. I walked over 12,000 steps (6 miles) each day fetching and checking on things.”
“Due to the weather our rally attendance was 200 less than last year, reflected Haugen, “But we’ll call it a wash and reboot in 2019.” Haugen extended a hearty thanks everyone who attended and volunteered to help with setup and running the rally.
“I would like to thank the Gateway Riders who attended this years Falling Leaf Rally. Everyone pitched in and helped out even if health-wise it was tough 
on them,” said Haugen.
We’re pleased that our vendors braved the weather to support our rally. Every year Gateway BMW, one of the country’s premiere BMW motorcycle dealers and MotoTire USA, The Motorcycle Tire Specialists, have supported the Falling Leaf Rally.
Join us in 2019 for the 44th annual Falling Leaf Rally. We’ve got plans for an even better rally experience next year.
Photos: Glenn Anderson, Facebook