(All photos by Greg Beadle)

Nestled in the Magaliesburg Mountains, west of Pretoria, on the banks of a tranquil river, lies Konka. This splendid game farm stretches over a huge area, and with its abundant wildlife, birdlife, and hiking trails, Konka is a haven for nature-lovers.

But between August 12 and 15, this tranquility was transformed as 35 of South Africa's best GS riders competed for a place to represent their country in the forthcoming BMW International GS Trophy, which will be taking place in November.

Over a period of four days the participants tacked a series of demanding tasks involving riding skills, physical tests, and technical prowess. On the fourth day, the top 10 riders competed for a coveted place in the final three-man team.

 

Among the competitors were Hein Kumm and Roger Kane-Berrman, both past winners of the legendary BMW GS Challenge. Only 11 per cent of South Africa is developed, making the other 89 per cent perfect 'GS country'- and that country felt like a second home to the 35 challengers in this qualifying event.

 

The requirements for entering the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2010 'African Heroes' event at Konka were that competitors had to be purely recreational GS riders (no racing licences). Also, any GS owners could enter, but not owners of Xchallenges or G 450 X machines. The instructors at the BMW Off-road Academy were the judges and had engineered a specially designed course for the event.

The rules were that riders would initially compete on their own bikes but the finalists would all compete on F 800 GS machines supplied by BMW Motorrad. Spectators and other BMW owners were encouraged to come along for a fun- fuelled few days at the Konka Game Farm and support the riders in their quest for national selection at the BMW Motorrad Xplorer Academy.

Knowing that a place in the forthcoming International GS Trophy in South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique was at stake, the 35 BMW owners were taken to their physical and mental limits in this unique off-road adventure. Participants had to display strong individual skills, including navigation, technical motorcycle maintenance, fitness and riding skills.

Team work played a key part in the selections too, with the 34 men and one lady being challenged with mental and physical team exercises over the three days, as temperatures ranged from -3 to 28 degrees. As expected, it was tough, dirty, highly challenging and fiercely competitive, but only three would make it through to represent their country in southern Africa later this year. The successful three-member team are Roger Kane-Berman, Gerber Strydom and Warren Strong, with Shane Levey as reserve rider.

All who competed knew that to be successful required dedication, endurance, skill and a little bit of luck along the way too. Now the countdown continues to the 'Main Event' - the 2010 International GS Trophy - which takes place from 13-21 November. Local BMW riders all believe that the GS was built with their country in mind, and they are determined that the Trophy will stay in South Africa, where they think it belongs.