BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

There’s so much to see and do at BMW Motorrad Days 2011 that you need typically ‘German’ organisational skills to help you plan the perfect weekend. Fortunately, the kind folk at BMW Motorrad have created a downloadable event programme detailing all the events, activities, tours and shows that you can enjoy.

This is online now in English, German and Italian languages at www.bmw-motorrad.com/motorraddays and also available as a pocket-sized guide from every Information point on site at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, helping you make the most of your time at BMW Motorrad Days.

If you’ve been to BMW Motorrad Days before – and thousands of you have – then you know your way around the Hausbergplatz, where all the action takes place. If this will be your first time visiting, then here are a few suggestions from our side to ensure you have a BMW Motorrad Days to remember…

Friday

Get there early if you can, there are less visitors on Friday, giving you the opportunity to see all the exhibits at your leisure, watch a few shows and ease yourself into the weekend.

Win a classic!

The first thing to do is buy your raffle pin – it costs just five euros and is your chance to win a BMW R 1200 R Classic on Friday evening. Remember to buy another pin on Saturday, because there’s a G 650 GS on offer too. Just imagine, it could be you who wins big, but ‘if you’re not in it, you can’t win it’ so don’t forget your pins!

Take a test ride

All weekend from 0800 to 2100, test rides are available on a range of current BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna models. Save time and queues and book online in advance by clicking here and why not try some models you wouldn’t normally consider – you might just surprise yourself?

Let’s off-road!

Also taking part throughout the weekend (from 0900 to 1800) is off-road training in the Enduro Park AND test rides on the purpose-built Husqvarna Xtrack. If you’ve never experienced the thrill of off-road motorcycling, then this is the perfect opportunity. Bring some spare clothing though – you’ll need it. Also well worth a look is the opportunity to test some of BMW’s 4WD Xdrive models on a special off-road car track.

Relax and enjoy

Take your pick from a wide range of entertainment, laid on especially for visitors to BMW Motorrad Days. See amazing tricks on two wheels with world champion Igor Obu’s amazing mountain bike jump and trial show. Then watch the incredible streetbike freestyle rider Chris Pfeiffer do things no one else can do on a BMW F 800 R, S 1000 RR, and in fact just about any motorcycle. Then gather around the Husqvarna Xtrack and watch some of the best enduro riders in the world demonstrate just what is possible on a Husqvarna dirt bike with a factory racer at the controls. These may be show races, but these natural-born racers all want to win!

Blast from the past

Relax and turn back time and enjoy some of the best preserved BMW Motorrad models from yesteryear. These bikes are not kept in a museum; instead they have been lovingly restored and are there to be ridden by their proud owners. The ‘Classic Korso’ convoy leads at 1800 and you can check them out up close afterwards in the freestyle arena from 1830.

Party on!

On Friday evening, help get the entertainment started early and join thousands of other Motorrad fans for the Welcome Party in the huge tent from 2000. ‘Gerry and Garry’ will be on stage and DJs will be keeping you dancing until around 0100. For a more ‘chilled out’ evening, why not relax by the campfire with an acoustic set from ‘Byron’ (from 2100-2330) or for the real party animals, the US Lodge is open until 0300, with live music from ‘Dreirad’.

Day 2 – Saturday

Tour-tastic

If at all possible, start your day early with a Panorama Tour on your own bike, where you’ll be taken on the best roads to see the best views by local guides who know the area ‘like the back of their hand’. Benefit from their local knowledge and see the hidden delights of this wonderful region.

Short trips

If you don’t have the time for the in-depth Panorama Tour, then why not participate in shorter, guided tours of the region, also leaving from the Tour Tent. There are six times to choose from, allowing you plenty of opportunity to fit one in around all the other activities.

Come together, ride now

Don’t miss the chance to participate in the motorcycle convoy, which leaves at 1430 and lasts for about 90 minutes. Join hundreds of BMW motorcyclists from all over the world for this special parade around the region. See the streets of Garmisch-Partenkirchen lined with cheering spectators and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with riding in convoy with your fellow BMW enthusiasts.

And there’s more…

Grab an autograph from the World Superbike and Superstock riders in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport hospitality before seeing the GS Trophy 2012 hopefuls battle it out in the Freestyle Arena for the chance to compete in a national qualifying selection for this prestigious off-road event.

Party on again!

If you’ve energy left – and we hope you have – then Saturday evening is THE party night at BMW Motorrad Days. The fun starts early and if you’ve never experienced top German band ‘Blechblos’n’ in action, then you’re in for a treat. There are also special guests that will be revealed on the night, as well as BMW Motorrad Days regulars Tommy and the Moondogs playing in the US Lodge.

Music too loud? Fancy a rest from dancing on the tables? Then why not catch a midnight movie, as ‘GS Trophy – adventure in South Africa’ will be playing at an outdoor cinema in the Freestyle Arena from 2400 – 0100.

Day 3 – Sunday

Sunday is the day to catch up on all the things you haven’t had time to experience so far, starting with a traditional Bavarian brunch, outside in the Biergarten. Don’t forget to visit all the BMW partners and exhibitors who are in a special trade area and will be offering everything from parts, accessories, clothing, equipment, tyre services, adventure tours all over the world, and much more.

Make sure you visit the BMW Motorrad special exhibitions, such as the ‘Milestones’ display where all the important touring models of the past four decades can be seen together. And why not participate in the bikers’ Sunday church service at the Biergarten and then if you’re brave enough (and have a head for heights) try a tandem flight above the Alps on a paraglider, overlooking the BMW Motorrad Days site. Hopefully God will be watching over you…

This is just a taster of a few of the many things on offer at this year’s BMW Motorrad Day. Enjoy planning your event and be sure keep checking www.bmw-motorrad.com/motorraddays for all the latest updates, as well as following the build-up to the event on Facebook, where there will be live news, photo uploads round the clock and live chats with stars from the motorcycle scene.