Most BMW GS riders are familiar with the GS Trophy competition. It’s an event (competition, not a race) celebrating the spirit of the BMW GS models, with off-road enthusiasts competing against each other in various special tests. Not all of these involve motorcycling, as skills and teamwork are essential too. The most successful teams are ultimately those demonstrating solid preparation, excellent teamwork and riding ability, while at the same time having a lot of fun and experiencing wonderful international camaraderie.
The international final is held every two years, followed by national qualifier events the year before. So, if you fancy your chances of reaching the next final in Namibia in 2024, you need to start with the UK qualifiers this year.
And if you fancy yourself as a bit of a GS hero, it’s worth checking out, because the event in Namibia sounds amazing. Dr Ralf Rodepeter, Head of Brand Management BMW Motorrad, explains: “After Tunisia, South Africa, Patagonia, Canada, Thailand, Mongolia, New Zealand and most recently Albania, BMW Motorrad was again on the look-out for perfect GS terrain – and found it in the beautiful country of Namibia. Countless off-road kilometres with challenging route profiles passing through marvellous landscapes with fascinating flora and fauna once again ensure an exciting GS Trophy.”
The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024 Namibia is the ninth edition of the event. Previous editions were held in South Eastern Europe (Albania) in 2022, Oceania (New Zealand) in 2020, Central Asia (Mongolia) in 2018, Southeast Asia (Thailand) in 2016, North America (Canada) in 2014, South America (Chile, Argentina) in 2012, South Africa (South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique) in 2010 and North Africa (Tunisia) in 2008. The current event will involve 22 teams from all over the world with a total of 60 riders.
For details of event and teams, see the dedicated website gstrophy.com.
Don’t fancy competing, but like the sound of riding in Namibia? Well, immediately following the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024 Namibia, BMW will be offering “Follow the Trails” tours: these allow customers to follow in the footsteps of the competition on the original GS Trophy motorbikes.
