"A few questions regarding a long group trip to a large rally (neither of which I have done before):
1 - How hard is it to get a shower at the rally?
The shower facilities are usually pretty awesome. There may be some fixed shower facilities in the fairgrounds but they always bring in several commercial shower trailers. They are nice. Clean, plenty of hot water, quick and efficient. One tip: to avoid the sometimes long lines take a shower when everyone else is busy. Dinnertime, afternoon, late at night, or really early in the morning. Bring your own soap, shampoo, and towel.
2 - How would we do food on the trip and at the rally? Stop and eat? Food trucks at the rally? Or pack and cook?
On the trip you usually just stop along the way at wherever. My personal preference is to stop in small towns and find the local cafes, and try to avoid the large chains and franchises. At the rally there are many food vendors but be forewarned they are more expensive than outside the grounds. They are selling food AND convenience. I'm talking around $8-10 for a meal of a burger, hotdog, Mexican or Chinese plate, BBQ, etc.
3 - Jerry - what do you mean by "10 spots"? Is there a limited number of people allowed as the club group?
A few months ago I asked the rally club camping coordinator for 10 spots since I didn't know who was coming. I have since upped that to 15, but not everyone will stay with the group in the club camping area. That will give us a little more room. It's nice to have a way to stay together, otherwise with people arriving at different times it is hard to find each other and harder to find space together. You will see on Friday afternoon and Saturday when most of the people arrive it will be a sea of tents.
4 - Is there a need for cash outside of an emergency fund? Do the vendors take credit cards?
No, credit cards are ubiquitous. It's always smart to have some cash but you can live on a credit card almost exclusively.
5 - Are rally goers typically respectful of others' things? Can I leave my GPS etc., in my tent while walking the rally without too much concern?
Absolutely! You can leave everything and anything in your tent or on your bike. Common sense says keep valuables out of sight but I have never heard of anyone losing anything to theft. You will be surrounded by older, experienced motorcycle travelers who have been camping and traveling for many years. The camaraderie is one of the best aspects of coming to the rally every year!
6 - Are there laundry facilities? That could make it possible to pack less. If that is available, is it a hassle?
Probably but I'm not sure. Might have to go outside of the grounds somewhere. For a week-long trip you shouldn't have to do much laundry. Bring a small packet of liquid detergent or put some powder in a small baggie from home. I wear synthetic, quick dry types of clothes that I can wash in a sink somewhere and dry overnight.
7 - Will there be any kind of trip planning meeting beforehand? (route, reservations, etc.)
No. Everyone pretty much travels on their own. It's nice to keep in touch and know when people arrive but other than that not much coordination. Riding a motorcycle is inherently a solo sport. While it's nice to travel with a friend or two, groups are harder to manage along the way (gas stations, restaurants, camp spots). Generally, smaller is better. IMHO.