1974 January

When I first joined BMWMOA back in December last year., I thought of the many advantages the Anonymous Booklet had to offer to BMW folks touring the States, and how great it would be to use it here in Europe as well. However, I soon discovered that more information was needed that just the location and telephone number. First of all, names had to be included to facilitate contacting members in military installations, instructions were needed on the use of the different telephone systems, both military and civilian, as they differed from country to country, and more frequent updates were required to keep up with the ever constant shifting of military members. Thus was born the idea of a separate European Listing. Two announcements were placed in the BMW News asking European members to contact me through Frank Diederich, if they desired to have their name placed on the European Listing.

This brought little response, but we still managed to publish the first listing seven names, and a little later, the second one with eight names. Through our Secretary, Jean Rihl, I received the names and addresses of those European members whom she had a record of. Letters were then sent to these members, asking them: for them ideas and support. The response has been encouraging and the third listing, to be published in December, should contain many more names.

Then came the need to find a way of communicating with one another as a group and also of letting our BMW friends stateside know what we are doing to keep the spirit of BMWMOA alive. Thus, the birth of this column, the European Comer.

I will try to make timely announcements, of rallies, tours, events, and other happenings hare in Europe that may be of interest to all. For example, the Elephanten Rally is to be held on 5 and 6 January 1974 at the Nuerburgring in the Eiffel Mountains, located on route 258, due west of Koblenz, and due south of Bonn on route 257. This 1s Germany's biggest rally of the year

At the last rally, there were over 16,000 bikes, a large number of sidecars and vintage machines and over twice as many people in attendance. It's an experience just to get there, battling the elements, especially the cold. It’s worth it though, rapping with the other bikers, visiting the various motorcycle dealers and exhibitors in the pit area, and to ride around the racetrack. Hope to see you there. For more Information on the rally, Just drop me a line.

If you are planning a European trip, we may be of some service to you. We'll give you some advice as to places to go and see that would be of special interest to cyclists, the best places to go for repairs or help, and of course, we would be happy just to KK with you. However, if you desire some Information for that European trip, or a copy of our European Listing, just drop me a line (or: just contact Frank Diederich who will forward your request to we.) We will also try to bring you articles of interest from time to time. Remember though, that this is your column, and it requires your support to make it worthwhile. So submit your suggestions, Ideas, or queries to the address listed below.

Our European group now consists of 23 known members residing in England, West Germany, Greece, Spain, and Turkey, and I am sure there are more of you out there. Let me know where you are, so that I can send you a copy of our European Listing.

Auf Wiedersehen

Pat Thomas DCSCOMPT, HQ TASCOMEUR APO NY 09058