Bulkley Valley Museum

June 29, 2011

The BMW Vintage and Classic Car Club of America Rally is Coming to Smithers

The BMW Vintage and Classic Car Club of America Rally Expedition through Alberta and British Columbia Celebrates “Gasoline Valley” with the Bulkley Valley Museum, July 14-15, 2011 in Smithers.

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The BMW Vintage and Classic Car Club of America will be rolling into Smithers, British Columbia on July 14-15, 2011 as part of their car rally across British Columbia and Alberta.  The Town of Smithers, the fifth overnight stop of the 15 day adventure, and the Bulkley Valley Museum welcomes this wonderful collection of vintage and classic BMW cars and motorcycles in celebration of the multi-dimensional exhibition, Gasoline Valley: The Story of the Automobile in the Bulkley Valley 1911-2011.  Gasoline Valley commemorates the hundredth anniversary of the first car to travel overland to the Bulkley Valley from the U.S. and the significant impact automobiles have made in the valley ever since.  During their time in Smithers the tour group will participate in several activities organized by the Bulkley Valley Museum.  Starting at 8:00am on the morning of Friday, July 15, the members of the BMW Club will park their vintage and classic cars along Main Street, allowing for members of the community to view these exotic and rare road warriors.  Between 11:30 am and noon, the cars will proceed up and down Main Street, joined by Smithers’ Mayor Cress Farrow and members of the Town Council. 

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The BMW Vintage and Classic Car Club of America’s Expedition is comprised of BMW cars and motorcycles ranging in models from 1937 to 1986.  The club begins its adventure in Vancouver on July 9, 2011 and boards the ferry to Vancouver Island.  After exploring the Island for several days, they will enjoy the spectacular views of the inside passage when they sail on the ferry to Prince Rupert.  As the caravan works its way inland from the coast, it will make overnight stops in Smithers and Prince George before encountering the magnificent Rocky Mountains.  The journey continues down the Rockies by way of the Glacier Highway with spectacular views of the Icefield Parkway and visits to Jasper and Banff National Parks.  Returning to B.C., they will drive through the Kootenays and the Okanogan, the expedition members conclude their adventure with a visit to the twin hosts of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler and Vancouver.

If any car, motorcycle, bicycle, RV, or aviation club is considering a rally through B.C., be sure to contact the Bulkley Valley Museum if your group would like a true northern, pioneer style, welcoming parade on Main St., Smithers.

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