Motorcycle.com

The German manufacturer reached a three-year agreement with RawHyde Adventures to run the new West Coast BMW training center on a 500-acre facility in the mountains near Los Angeles, Calif. BMW will provide 12 GS-model motorcycles (F650GS, F800GS and R1200GS) and RawHyde instructors will lead two-and-a-half day courses.

Ninety five percent of the worlds roads are unpaved, says 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 centers sessions typically begin on Fridays with an orientation session followed by dinner. Rider training runs 9-5 on Saturdays and Sundays, followed by a graduation ceremony. On Mondays and Tuesdays, participants can practice their skills on trail rides supervised by RawHyde instructors. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, RawHyde will offer a two-day overnight adventure ride option to its Base Camp Alpha located in the Mojave Desert.

The training program costs $1,295 and is open to BMW GS owners and other licensed motorcyclists. The Base Camp Alpha Adventure will cost $1,890. The costs include breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

The West Coast facility is one of nine BMW off-road training centers located worldwide. Another facility is located at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC.

We are delighted to welcome RawHyde Adventures into our international family of off-road training centers, says 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 BMWs high standards.

Related Reading
2009 BMW F650GS Review
2009 BMW F800GS Review
2008 BMW R1200GS and Adventure Review