New BMW West Coast training center

[mountainpete]

New BMW training love for the left side of North America

BMW MOTORRAD PARTNERS WITH RAWHYDE ADVENTURES TO PROVIDE WEST COAST OFF-ROAD TRAINING CENTER
12/09/2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 9, 2008... BMW Motorrad has selected RawHyde Adventures, of Castaic, CA to serve as one of nine factory-authorized off-road training centers worldwide. In the United States, RawHyde Adventures, located on 500 acres in the mountains above Los Angeles, will serve as the West Coast BMW off-road training facility. An East Coast off-road training facility is at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC.

“We are delighted to welcome RawHyde Adventures into our international family of off-road training centers,” said Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “They are joining an elite group of factory-authorized training schools worldwide that have the quality and commitment to meet BMW’s high standards.”

“BMW’s off-road training centers are important allies in growing our GS market segment by helping riders gain the confidence and skills to enjoy their enduro motorcycles more fully,” added Todd Anderson, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.

According to the three-year agreement between BMW Motorrad and RawHyde, BMW will initially provide 12 GS-model motorcycles (F 650 GS, F 800 GS and R 1200 GS models) for the training center. RawHyde will supply instructors for the two-and-a-half day courses.

Sessions begin on Fridays with an orientation, followed by a gourmet dinner. Rider training is held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, followed by a graduation celebration. Breakfasts, lunches and dinner are prepared by Cordon Bleu-trained chefs. Trail rides are offered Mondays and Tuesdays immediately after training to help graduates put their skills to immediate use while still under the supervision of RawHyde instructors. Beginning January 1, 2009, RawHyde will offer the option of a two-day overnight adventure ride, following graduation, to a destination called Base Camp Alpha, in the Mojave Desert.

BMW’s off-road training course is open to BMW GS owners and other licensed motorcyclists who want to explore the road where the pavement ends. The cost for the two-and-a-half day course is $1,295. The course, including the Base Camp Alpha Adventure, will cost $1,890. Gift certificates for the thrill-seeker on your holiday shopping list are available through RawHyde Adventures (www.rawhyde-offroad.com). For details about the training school, visit www.bmwoffroadacademy.com.

“Ninety five percent of the world’s roads are unpaved,” commented Jim Hyde, a veteran adventure ride instructor and owner of RawHyde Adventures. “Yet, many motorcyclists are timid when it comes to off-road riding on heavy bikes like the GS. The BMW GS model line sets the standard for on/off-road riding. This program is designed to give GS owners and others the confidence and skills to navigate the roads less traveled.”

The GS traces its roots back to the early 1980s when BMW won the grueling Paris-Dakar rally four times with its trailblazing dual-purpose R 80 GS. Today, BMW Motorrad’s GS model line includes the upgraded R 1200 GS and GS Adventure and the recently introduced F 800 GS and F 650 GS. Since their debut in 2004, the versatile R 1200 GS and its rugged companion, the R 1200 GS Adventure, have earned praise from motorcycle enthusiasts and the press for their exceptional performance both on and off the road.

The R 1200 GS has earned award after award, including Cycle World’s Best Open Class Street Bike and the International Journalist’s Panel “Best Bike in the World.” The R 1200 GS Adventure was named “Best Adventure Bike” three years in a row by editors of Motorcyclist Magazine.

With its wide range of enduro motorcycles and increasing numbers of riders who enjoy the “adventure sport” lifestyle, BMW Motorrad is celebrating 2008 as the “Year of the Enduro.”

 

[Hltoppr]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Rawhide courses. I think Goodtimes took one a while back....

-H-

 

[goodtimes]

I'm glad to hear this finally went through. Jim was talking about this when I was out there earlier this year.

It really is a great group he has out there...I can't say enough good things about both Jim and his operation.

 

[underdog]

I've heard very good things about this school but it's a wee bit rich for my wallet. An alternative is the Jimmy Lewis Offroad Course. I took it a year ago and it was excellent. My skills improved exponentially and it was about half the cost. Unfortunately he usually only does one or two classes a year so you've gotta be patient and flexible with your schedule. I feel his class was the best money I've spent on anything related to my bike.

Good offroad training (and continued practice) and a bike with stock suspension will get you a lot farther than no training and a bike with Ohlins suspension.

http://www.jimmylewisoffroad.com/

 

[goodtimes]

What were the accomidations at the Jimmy Lewis school, and was it geared towards "dirt bikes" or the larger "adventure bikes"?

The Rawhyde school is geared towards the big bikes, and includes a place to sleep (bunkhouse), hot showers, 9 top notch meals (seriously good food), coffee / water / beer / wine / soda, etc. Basically, it is an "all inclusive" trip...just bring your bike and a full tank of gas (or rent a bike from them for an additional cost).

Still pricey . . . but oh so much fun. :bike_rider: