The IOC is the result of a suggestion Dr. Robert Hellman made to Steve Coburn in May of 1993. The New Boxer (R1100RS) had just been released in North America, and it had already been receiving rave reviews from the motorcycle press world wide. Many of the motojournalists praising the new R1100RS had rarely, if ever, written complimentary reports about BMWs. Clearly, this was something special.

To make a long story short, the idea planted by Robert spent roughly nine months in the gestation process, and in January of 1994 the IOC was born. After a dozen "Oilheads" had joined, applications for BMW MOA and BMW RA charters were sent off to the respective club coordinators. Through the good will of those individuals, we managed to be chartered as Club #259 in both the 'MOA and the 'RA! We plan to maintain strong ties with both of these international BMW associations, holding official Oilheads gatherings at their rallies, and we may become affiliated with others in the future. During 1995, we held Oilheads meetings at the Space Coasters' Bike Week Camp out at Bulowville, the 'MOA rally in Durango, the 'RA rally in Angels Camp, and the Finger Lakes rally in Watkins Glen. These gatherings provided Oilheads with opportunities to compare their varied experiences with their R1100s, and to give us the helpful ideas that have guided the course taken by this club. We did more of the same at many rallies in 1996.

Since its beginning, the purpose of the International Oilheads Club has been to inform, entertain, and enlighten all Oilheads and prospective Oilheads. If you already own a New Boxer, or if you are thinking about getting one, this is the club for you! Our official publication, The Oil Rag, is published as a source of useful information about the New Boxers, their strengths and weaknesses, owners' impressions, technical tips, product reviews, etc. It serves as a vehicle for owners, dealers, after market suppliers, and all other interested enthusiasts to provide helpful hints, modification suggestions, recall information, etc. It is our policy that The Oil Rag not be used as a forum for Oilheads who wish to gripe about any other clubs or individuals. The Editor has no intention of writing The Oil Rag himself, but will assemble all contributions from club members and anyone else wishing to communicate with fellow Oilheads. The Editor will not take advantage of his position to take pot shots at anyone. Years of newsletter experience have shown that very few true enthusiasts are interested in reading such diatribes.

Oilheads are invited to send in brief articles as a way of introducing themselves to the membership. Photographs are particularly welcome, but all input is appreciated! When you join the IOC, it becomes YOUR CLUB, and its publications and activities will be only as good as you are willing to make them. The Editor will do his best to provide an entertaining and useful Oil Rag in return for your dues, but ultimately the responsibility rests with the members.

1995 marked the inaugural year of what has become an annual tradition for the Oilheads. We organized a "Rolling Rally" across the US, from the AMA Vintage Days at Mid-Ohio to the BMW MOA rally in Durango, and then on to the BMW RA in Angels Camp. About 50 Oilheads rode interesting and scenic back roads, avoiding the super-slabs and large cities, and making every effort to maximize the "fun factor" all the way. Our inaugural Rolling Rally was an unqualified success, and other enjoyable Rolling Rallies have been held every summer since then.

Club dues are $15 for full membership ($20 U.S. for Canadians, and $25 U.S. for all others to cover the added cost of air mail postage), which includes a subscription to The Oil Rag, and $5 for associate membership. We do not want membership dues to be a deterrent for anyone, so we'll try to keep IOC membership as inexpensive as possible. Therefore, we welcome paid commercial ads, and would appreciate calls from anyone interested in placing a paid ad in The Oil Rag. If you, or someone you know, may be interested, please call us.

Finally, if you've read this far, I'd like to ask you to make copies of this page and the membership application form to pass on to prospective members (friends, local club members, dealers, etc.). Anyone who recruits ten new Oilheads will receive a complimentary year's membership. Please be sure to write your own name and IOC membership number at the top of the form (e.g. "Referred by_____________") before you make copies. Thanks!

International Oilheads Club #259

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