After 10+ years and 150,000+miles of enjoying, riding and traveling on bikes, I'm prepared to say this is the most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle.
The BMW Off-road Academy is a must-do for anyone wanting to take their GS Experience to the next level. This opportunity takes basic riding skills and sharpens them into useful tools that help you navigate safely to special, out of the way places. Staying on pavement really limits your possibilities when looking for new places to experience.
Day 1 is a complete shake down of proper techniques and ending bad 'street habits'. The bikes are set up with proper tire pressures and bar adjustments that encourage ideal balance while standing. The guess work has already been figured out. I had the same thoughts and emotions similar to those from back when I first learned to ride. You get a chance to get out
of your head and just live the moment that's happening. Every exercise left me feeling like a better, more proficient rider.
Day 2 and 3 saw our tour head into the Mojave Desert to explore the vast and open country that few travelers ever see. The trip was well fed and watered, like any BMW experience, and was led by a well prepared crew of GS gurus. I'm already preparing for my return, anyone want to go with me? Call me at 301.497.8949 x257 or email charlie.goss@bobsbmw.com.
More information about the Rawhide program with BMW is available at www.rawhyde-offroad.com and www.bmwoffroadacademy.com.
Here is a collection of photographs from Charlie's trip to the Mojave desert. |