Start the Rally in style!

We have some treasure to share. Treasures that are too good to pass up. Some of the BEST off-pavement riding in the world. The beauty seen from the logging roads of the Cascade Mountain Range will take your breath away.

To make seeing the Oregon backcountry easier, there will be a two-day GS Ride just before the BMW MOA Rally: July 13 & 14, 2010.Throw in some deer, elk, bear and few wild turkeys and you willhave a true adventure in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Although all the details have not been fully worked out yet, here are the basics of what will be waiting for you.

The cost?  Make a $100 donation to the BMW MOA Foundation and receive a two-day Adventure Ride as your thank-you gift. A $50 donation and you can choose either day as your gift. All proceeds will be used in support of safety training.

Happy Trails Products (http://www.happy-trail.com) manufactures and sells luggage and protection systems for adventure motorcycles and caters to the adventure touring motorcycle market. Owner Tim Bernard said, "It is a privilege to be the title sponsor for this BMW MOA event. Happy Trails is committed to motorcycle safety in the products we sell and the example we set. We are delighted to have the chance to directly support nation-wide safety training."

Group coaching sessions will be available at the base camp. Riders new to off-pavement will get tips on what to do to make it easier on gravels road. Useful information for construction zones and unpaved detours. Intermediate riders will learn about standing longer and stronger with a relaxed upper body. Advanced riders will get tips on managing traction in the rough.

Camping and RV parking will be available. Hotels will be nearby too. Although some food will be at the base camp, restaurants and cafes are close.

Routes will be based on skill levels.  The AMA/BMW Adventure Ride Series model will be used for this event.  Loops will be about three hours long returning to the base camp. Riders must wear full protective gear and be on street-legal motorcycles. It is NOT a race, but rather an off-pavement tour.

EASY Routes:

Mostly hard-pack gravel roads.  Some soft dirt or gravel. Passable by large twin cylinder bikes, two-up, sidecars or most any 4-wheel drive.  Regular dual sport tires are acceptable. Requires limited off-pavement skill and the physical challenge is similar to on-pavement riding. Elevation gain or loss is gradual. Streams are crossed at bridges.

MODERATE Routes:

Roads may be may be single lane through trees. Expect ruts, washboards or potholes. Elevation changes get steeper. Larger single-cylinder bikes should easily traverse these sections. Riders of heavier twin cylinder bikes, or those riding two-up, may require additional training and experience.  Sections may require physical effort and/or endurance. Generally passable by an advanced 4x4 driver. Regular dual sport tires are acceptable.  Streams may require fording.

DIFFICULT Routes:

Challenging single-track trail that requires advanced trail techniques and experience. Minimal  clearing of trees, limbs, and other vegetation.  Rocks, roots and tree obstacles across trails. Elevation gain or loss is usually severe. Drop-offs and step-ups are possible. Streams are crossed by fording and are sometimes difficult.  Aggressive knobby tires highly suggested. Requires a high degree of skill and provides a lot of physical challenge. Heavy twin cylinder bikes will be a handful. Riders must be able to walkout if necessary.

WHEN YOU REGISTER, PLEASE NOTE IF YOU PREFER THE EASY, MODERATE, OR DIFFICULT ROUTE.

So if you are interested, sign-up on-line quickly.

http://stl.bmwmoa.org/core/events/eventdetails.aspx?meeting=GSADVRD

Space is limited to the first 250 riders.

(Photos: Coach Stroud)