Since 1972

About the 49er Rally

54 years of adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable rides in the heart of California's Gold Country.

Our Story

54 Years of Tradition

The 49er Rally was born in 1972, when a group of passionate BMW motorcycle enthusiasts from Northern California decided to create an annual gathering that would celebrate their shared love of riding.

Named after the California Gold Rush 'forty-niners' who came seeking fortune, our rally captures that same spirit of adventure and discovery. Every Memorial Day Weekend, riders from across the nation converge on the Sierra foothills to share stories, learn new skills, and explore some of California's most spectacular roads.

What started as a small gathering has grown into one of the premier BMW motorcycle rallies in the western United States, while maintaining the intimate, welcoming atmosphere that has defined us for over five decades.

Years Running

500+

Riders Annually

Days of Adventure

Amazing Community

BMW Club of Northern California

The BMW Club of Northern California has been bringing riders together since 1966. Our club organizes year-round rides through some of the best roads in the western United States, hosts monthly tech sessions where members share knowledge and wrench together, and fosters a welcoming community for BMW motorcycle enthusiasts of all experience levels. The 49er Rally is our flagship event, but the friendships and adventures last all year long.

Visit BMW NorCal

The Team

Your 2026 Rally Committee

The dedicated volunteers who make the 49er Rally happen every year.

Russ Drake

RV Parking Coordinator

I've been a member of BMW NorCal for nearly 40 years and have attended the 49er for most of that time. As RV Parking Coordinator, I run a tight ship with the RVs — packing them in efficiently while keeping the lanes clear for campers and ensuring easy access for everyone. If you have any questions about RV parking, don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing everyone at the rally!

Nick Dutton

VP and Board Member

Nick Dutton serves as Vice President and a board member of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Northern California. He helps guide club operations, supports events, and contributes to member communications and magazine content. A lifelong rider, Nick splits his garage time across multiple bikes. He enjoys helping members ride farther, safer, and with more fun together.

Delf Hedde

Training Coordinator

As Safety Director for the club, providing opportunities for our members to get access to quality training is something very close to my heart. Our 49er Rally has always been a great place to improve skills and have fun doing so. I am proud that we have once more been able to secure some great trainers, offering clinics for all riding styles and skill levels.

Darren Holloway

Competitions

Darren has been addicted to motorcycles for more than 50 years. From early dirt bike days to raising his son on weekend rides, motorcycling has always been central to his life. Continued education and practice keep his skills sharp. Today he enjoys touring and off-road adventures on his BMW GS and sharpening his skills at track days on his Ducati. As club Historian, Darren preserves the stories and traditions that keep our riding community strong.

Tresha Holloway

Chief Chow Organizer

If you've camped with the Nor Cal BMW Club, you know Tresha Holloway — Club President and affectionately the club 'MOM.' Food just tastes better over an open flame, and she proves it every trip. With precision planning, meals prepped at home, and kitchen setups scaled for two to twelve, she rolls into camp with everything but the sink. When someone asks, 'You brought that on your bike?' — the answer is always yes.

Leighland Hooks

Co-Chair

Leigh started riding with BMW NorCal in 2024. Relatively new to riding. Relatively bad at off roading. More than relatively passionate about giving back to the community and the club. Looking forward to another amazing 49'er, great trips and great fun.

Michelle Lodwick

Volunteer Manager

It takes a village to run the 49er, and as Volunteer Manager, I'm the one doing the corralling! I've been riding motorcycles for 7 years and the 49er was my very first motorcycle campout back in 2021. I loved the event, especially my time volunteering at the hospitality tent. If you want to meet other riders and make some new friends, volunteering your time at the 49er is the best way to do that. Just reach out to me and I'll put you to work!

Steve Stein

Rally HQ/Treasurer

Rally HQ is usually the first stop for attendees. Rally HQ is where you'll get any questions answered. It's also where you'll find all the 49'er merchandise and swag. The gear swap is also inside Rally HQ and worth a look. You never know what you'll find.

The Venue

Mariposa County Fairgrounds

Our home for over 30 years, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Yosemite National Park.

5007 Fairgrounds Road

Mariposa, CA 95338

Venue Amenities

Tent Camping

Lush green grass camping areas

RV Sites

Water & electrical hookups available

Hot Showers

Clean facilities on-site

Free Parking

Secure motorcycle parking

Event Dates

May 21-25, 2026

Memorial Day Weekend

Frequently Asked Questions

The 49er Rally is the BMW Club of Northern California's annual Memorial Day Weekend motorcycle rally, held at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds near Yosemite National Park. It's a four-day celebration of riding, camping, and community that has been running since 1972. The rally features training programs, seminars, field events, live entertainment, great food, and some of the best motorcycle roads in the country right outside the gates.

While the rally is organized by the BMW Club of Northern California, riders on all brands of motorcycles are welcome to attend. We believe the love of riding transcends any particular brand, and many of our attendees ride a variety of motorcycles. Everyone is welcome!

Your registration includes camping for all four nights, access to all training programs and seminars, field event participation, live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, cold beverages, Saturday night dinner (for early bird registrations), the poker run, and challenges throughout the weekend.

Absolutely! Families are welcome at the 49er Rally. Children 15 and under can register for just $25, making it an affordable family-friendly adventure. The fairgrounds offer plenty of space for kids to explore, and the surrounding area near Yosemite provides endless outdoor activities.

While camping is the traditional 49er experience, there are hotels and lodges in Mariposa just minutes from the fairgrounds. Many riders choose to camp for the camaraderie and full rally experience, but nearby accommodations are available if you prefer a roof over your head.

Bring camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.), appropriate riding gear for training programs, layers for variable mountain weather, sunscreen, and a great attitude. The fairgrounds have hot showers and restroom facilities. Food vendors will be on-site, and beverages are included with registration. If you're participating in off-road training, make sure your bike and gear are trail-ready.

The Mariposa County Fairgrounds is located at 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338. It's about a 3-hour ride from San Francisco via some of California's best motorcycle roads. Take Highway 140 east from Merced for a scenic route through the foothills, or come via Highway 49 for the full Gold Country experience. The ride in is half the fun!

Still Have Questions?

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to the rally committee or go ahead and secure your spot for Memorial Day Weekend 2026.