Following a rally /campout in the summer of 1997 (the then fifth year of the rally) Gerda and I had volunteered as Rally Masters. The Northern Illinois BMW Riders Club was founded by a small group of BMW riding friends with big ideas. We all had chipped in for food and drinks to keep the campout in Galena going and by the time it was all over we had  $65 left over in a coffee can and someone suggested to start a new BMW Club.

BMW Motorrad Club of Northern Illinois came to life!

The Club was first registered as Northern Illinois BMW Riders.  Later we worked with BMW and MOA and the name was changed to BMW Motorrad Club of Northern Illinois in order to meet the new BMW standards.

Our first club meeting was held in October of 1997 at the Holiday Inn in Carol Steam and was later relocated to the Hilton Garden Inn, St Charles IL.  Most months now we meet at Jimmy's Charhouse in Elgin, IL for our meetings.

In 2011, now 15 years after it began, our logo was also redesigned and revised in order to comply with the new BMW standards.

The club has now more than 70 friendly and helpful members from all walks of life with one common thread linking us to our heritage and our love for Motorcycles and BMW Motorcycles in particular.

We hope that you will consider joining us, either as members or just on a ride or two!

See you soon;

Gerhard (I am happy) Pilz