Where/how can someone ride in a motorcycle sidecar?

May 18, 2011 6:21 PM

My sister would like to ride in a motorcycle sidecar before her 30th birthday (this December). I would like to make this happen! We live in the "tri-state area" (i.e. whatever's in easy reach of NYC) but will also be traveling a lot over the summer and fall, so several states seem to be an option, even if the NYC-area is not, for some reason.

Between now and December, we will be driving from Chicago through WI and MN, to Fargo, ND, and we will also be driving from NYC to Dayton, OH. Other destinations include Anchorage and Las Vegas. Given our timeline and geographic restrictions, what's the best way to go about this?

posted by unknowncommand to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (7 answers total)

Mr. blacktsirtandjeans suggests looking for a BMW or Harley motorcycle rally and you might find someone at one of these events that could help you out. Or you could contact the event sponsor and maybe they could hook you with someone that they know who is attending the rally that has a sidecar.
posted by blacktshirtandjeans at 7:46 PM on May 18, 2011

Were it me, I'd ask over on the ADV Hacks forum. Ask nicely and maybe you'll find someone local to give you a whirl. They're a nice bunch and suckers for a good story, especially if it comes with pics of the happy result.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 7:56 PM on May 18, 2011 [3 favorites]

I was going to suggest the exact same thing as 1f2rfbf. There are probably other sidecar-specific forums where you could ask as well, if the first doesn't pan out.
posted by Forktine at 8:58 PM on May 18, 2011

Definitely contact rally organizers or clubs. It really should be pretty easy!
posted by vespabelle at 9:50 PM on May 18, 2011

I would contact your local Ural dealer. Tell them what you want. I bet they'd be willing to make this happen.
posted by piedmont at 7:37 AM on May 19, 2011

If you plan to visit the Smoky Mountains anytime soon, I volunteer to carry her in my 1988 BMW R100GS with Sputnik sidecar rig. PM me here if you're interested. That's me on the bike and my husband in the car, BTW.
posted by workerant at 8:17 AM on May 19, 2011 [2 favorites]

Heywaitaminute, you said Dayton? The United Sidecar Association is holding its national rally in Dayton July 28-31, 2011. Maybe that would work for you?
posted by workerant at 8:28 AM on May 19, 2011 [1 favorite]