BMW GS motorcycles have had a dedicated following for well over 25 years and have become the most successful BMW motorcycle model series of all time. The ever-expanding enduro line-up continues to find new converts, eager for the opportunity to put their skills and their bikes to the test on the kind of terrain that GS models were designed for.
With inspiration from GS customer activities all over the world, the owner of Montreal-based Moto Internationale Motorrad dealership, Charles Gref - a BMW-certified motorcycle instructor and long-time competitor in both on and off-road events - decided that the time was right for a GS Challenge in Canada. And what better backdrop than the rolling hills and forests in the beautiful province of Québec?
Charles and his enthusiastic team worked for months to organize the very first GS Challenge in Québec, which took place at the Pouvoirie du Lac Beauregard in the heart of the Hautes-Laurentides. With more than 150 square kilometres of terrain, the Pourvoirie is the ideal venue for this type of event, with a combination of sand and gravel trails threading through the spectacular forests and hills, and offering the kind of riding to challenge GS owners of every skill level.
The debut event attracted over 40 keen BMW owners, some from as far away as Ireland and Germany! All arrived on their own bikes, spanning the complete GS range from an R 80 GS through R 1100 GS, R 1150 and 1200 GS, and F 650 GS and Dakar models. BMW Motorrad Canada provided new G 650 Xchallenge, Xcountry and HP2 Enduro models to give the enthusiastic participants a chance to experience the very latest BMW off-road technology.
The first day's itinerary was devoted to a 60 km forest course with two skill sections, and the group split into teams of three to ensure safe riding space and to promote team support.
The second day featured a slow-speed race on a mud course with tight curves and sandy hills. This was followed by a trials session in the forest on a 65-km course where riders had to deal with water crossings, mud, holes and sand. A points system was in place, with scores awarded for specific tests on a variety of terrain. Second-day skill levels were noticeably improved and camaraderie in great evidence as the riders cheered each other on in the rougher sections. The day culminated with a special awards dinner with both teams and individuals being recognised for their performances in some of the more gruelling stages.
After a fairly exacting two days, the third and final day was 'open', giving riders the option of taking test rides and excursions in the woods on the new G 650 Xchallenge and Xcountry models, as well as the formidable HP2 Enduro.
On hand for the GS Challenge in Québec was special guest Tomm Wolf, head instructor of the BMW Motorrad Enduro Park in Hechlingen, Germany. With extensive experience at other GS Challenge events, Tomm was duly impressed by the beauty of the location and by the professionalism with which the GS Challenge was organized.
"This site presents so much diversity that I can easily see an international GS Challenge taking place here," he said. Tomm's presence at the event certainly raised the bar a few notches and gave credibility to the concept of a much larger-scale event in the future.
The effort that Charles Gref and his team put into the first GS Challenge in Québec delivered results that spoke for themselves. Every person who took part in the event agreed that it was an extraordinary weekend, and local print and TV journalists commented favourably. Therefore, the intention is to promote the 2008 Québec GS Challenge in both North America and Europe with the hope of attracting up to 500 participants in the medium term.
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