BMW Performance Center - Adventure Bike Enduro Skills

[ozarksrider]

I took this course earlier in the week and wanted to post up a review while it's still fresh in my mind.

Overall:

This course is for anyone with a skill level beyond the basics, who has at least some riding experience. Folks new to riding off road are going to learn some skills and those who are more experienced will find ways to improve. The instruction is given to the entire class, then is broken up into smaller groups for the actual drills. Nice thing about this is there is no pressure to try to "keep up". Everyone around dropped their bikes as often as I did!

There is plenty of one-on-one time with the instructors and they are very helpful in their observations. They will tell you, and I agree, mastering the skills taught isn't gonna happen in the two days on site. Rather, I left with knowledge, and drills to practice, that will make me better rider.

Day 1:

This includes much of the same stuff you'll find in the MSF dirt training course. Balance, body position, control, and drills that include slow riding (clutch and balance) and turns. Next up are techniques for ruts, washboards, and small hills. In between drills we were off into the woods to practice what we learned.

Finishing the day we got to practice hard braking, exploring what happens when the front and rear lock. I really enjoyed stomping the rear brake and riding it to a stop!

Day 2:

First thing we did some turns that became figure eights. Higher speed riding on a flat, dirt course was great for practicing body position. Recovering from a hill climb gone bad, whether you drop the bike or not, was one of the hardest things for me. Something about stopping at the top of a hill on purpose, and backing down was unnerving at first.

Next are some hill climbs, then a ride through the woods to review what I learned the day before, along with some hills. Loose surface techniques were next. It was fun to plow through the gravel on the gravel pad. Sand was actually even more fun, with the the bike moving around and me actually feeling in control!

The day finished with a longer ride through the park, practicing a little of everything we learned from the previous two days.

Summary:

This is a great place to practice what you are learning. Dropping someone else's bike, and having them help you pick it up is nice. I'd recommend this to anyone.

[ozarksrider]

I neglected to mention that there were 3 other folks from KC. One of which was the GS Giant (ajayhawkfan), who was an alumni, and was recognized by the instructors.

I don't envy their ride home in the rain.....