Oportunidades excelentes para os GS Adventure Men.
01/08/2006
Are you up for a Great African GS Challenge?
Ever since the first R 80 GS rolled off the factory floor in Berlin more than a quarter of a century ago, people from all over the world have headed to the African continent to explore the far horizons and incredible landscapes, and to experience the wildlife, the diverse cultures and the magnificent people. BMW Motorrad South Africa launched its Great African GS Challenge (GAGSC) in 2004, much to the delight of BMW motorcycle aficionados the continent over. With the emphasis on skill, rather than speed, the event became an instant success and is now attracting participants from many countries.
Described as 'the most fun you will ever have on a GS in three days' the GAGSC is first and foremost about bringing people together who are passionate about adventure motorcycling. Secondly, it is about riding some of South Africa's most beautiful off-road routes. Thirdly, it is about challenging yourself in a climate that offers perfect biking weather all year round.
The versatile, semi-desert region of the Great Karoo has been chosen as this year's location for the four-day GS Challenge, which takes place from 20-24 September 2006. All kinds of terrain for all levels of rider mean that the Challenge is one of the most exciting and adventurous competitions ever devised.The format is simple: participants who elect to enter the Challenge have to complete three routes of their choice to qualify for a GAGSC certificate. In addition, a voluntary Skills Challenge offers the opportunity for riders to compete in a daily series of off-road tests. All start with 500 points and points are deducted for every mistake. The rider with the most points left after the Skills Challenge is crowned the winner. It's simple in concept but fiendishly difficult in practice.
The GS Challenge is not a race, and in the general routes category, there is no competition whatsoever. The main objective is getting GS riders together to have fun. The Skills Challenge - a separate, voluntary event - has riders (and perhaps teams) competing, but you do not have to participate to receive a GAGSC recognition.
The GS Challenge is open to BMW GS owners all over the world, who can ship their bike to the event, or rent one in South Africa. For those who wish to extend their South African GS experience, a specially devised tour runs in conjunction with (and includes) the GAGSC. The 12-day adventure will simply expand on the type of riding generated by the four-day Challenge but will give a far more comprehensive view of South Africa and the Great Karoo. All accommodation will be in top quality hotels - apart from the four days of the GS Challenge, which will be under canvas.03/08/2006
On Safari
Riding a BMW motorcycle symbolises freedom, a sense of adventure, independence and a desire for the finer things in life. As BMW Motorrad's model range becomes ever more comprehensive, customer activity programmes have also grown to meet the increasing demand for tours, riding courses and adventure travel opportunities. One of the longest established and most successful of these is BMW Motorrad Australia's Safari events programme that is exclusively for BMW owners and their partners. Since its inception in 1994 the BMW Safari has played host to over 3,500 BMW riders and their pillion partners, and taken them thousands of kilometres around almost every region of Australia. Of the last nine BMW Safaris, three have been held in Queensland, two in South Australia, two in Tasmania, one in Victoria and one in New South Wales. A professional and friendly crew provides logistical, technical and tyre support, and the event is hosted by the management and staff of BMW Motorrad Australia.
In 2005 BMW Motorrad expanded the BMW Safari programme by introducing a special off-road event solely for GS riders. The GS Safari is an off-road adventure for BMW motorcycles (solo riders) with recognized off-road capability, while the BMW Tourensport Safari is the ultimate road journey open to all BMW owners, whether riding solo or accompanied by a pillion partner.
The 2006 BMW GS Safari will be going from Cairns to the tip of Cape York and back from 19 to 26 August . The Safari events begin with a casual 'Welcome Party' and finish with a more formal 'Farewell Dinner'. During the Safari, various evening social events are organised so that participants get further opportunities to meet and make friends with their fellow riders and partners. Routes are all carefully researched and mapped and GPS waypoints are also provided to those with BMW Navigator GPS units. Daily route maps, with comprehensive directions, are normally handed out each night to maintain an element of surprise and adventure.
And while registration for this year's Safari has already closed, BMW Group Australia's Motorrad Manager, Mac McMath believes that overseas riders should consider adding a BMW Safari to their 'must do' wish list for 2007.
"In 2005 we decided to separate the GS activities from the road-based tour and cater for the more adventurous out there with a harder core, more earthy event. The success of the GS Safari in April 2005 has led to us staging our biggest logistical Safari ever with the Cairns to Cape York GS event scheduled for mid to late August. More than 100 bikes will attempt to head up to the country's northernmost tip - an arduous route that earns respect from diehard riders across the land."2007 should see us broaden our horizons once again as we are planning to host a Safari in New Zealand. Our organisers would welcome interest from BMW riders from other countries for future Safaris. Watch out for details before the end of the year including the opportunity to hire BMW motorcycles from established local firms catering for foreign riders."
