BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

Every July in the scenic alpine surroundings of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the hills are alive to the sound of motorcycles, as the annual celebration of the World of BMW Motorrad takes place.

If you’ve never been to BMW Motorrad Days, don’t miss out another year. This is the biggest gathering of BMW bikes and bikers anywhere in the world and there’s nothing else to compare to the unique, friendly atmosphere found when 30,000 motorcycle fans from around the world take over the picturesque town for a weekend party of gigantic proportions, BMW Motorrad style!

All motorcyclists are invited of course; this is a free festival that does not discriminate between brands. Whatever you ride, you will receive the warmest of welcomes, as this is the best opportunity to see what the BMW Motorrad lifestyle has to offer. Many riders have come away from BMW Motorrad Days determined to join the ever expanding international community of BMW riders, having witnessed just how much the brand has to offer owners.

For 2011, the event takes place from 1 to 3 July and as well as the fans who return year after year, many new visitors are expected in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the first time. The S 1000 RR Superbike has brought new many sports riders to the brand in its first full year on sale, and the BMW Group’s recent acquisition of Husqvarna Motorcycles has brought an added dimension of racing heritage and success, with many fans of enduro, motocross, rally and supermoto keen to be part of this event and of course to try the latest sports models onsite at the purpose-built Husqvarna X-track in Garmisch.

Whatever your reason for visiting, one thing is certain: you’ll need more than one weekend to explore everything BMW Motorrad Days has to offer. That’s why visitors come back year after year and often make their journey part of a longer holiday so that they can explore the surroundings of this alpine resort nestled near the German and Austrian border, with fantastic roads and amazing scenery that is perfect for a motorcycling holiday.

If you’re looking for an active weekend, then there is a massive choice of things to do. You can plan ahead and book test rides of most BMW models online. Furthermore, you can even reserve places on scenic tours of the area so you can be shown the best roads by local guides. If you are visiting with somebody who doesn’t ride, then why not persuade them to try a motorcycle in the safety of an enclosed training area? If you ride a road bike, why not experience the wonders of off-road riding, either in the BMW Enduro Park or on the Husqvarna X-track, with expert tuition available to help you explore this new, rewarding challenge.

If you want to just relax and be entertained, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. See the world’s best streetbike freestyle rider Chris Pfeiffer attempt the impossible on an F 800 R, S 1000 RR or just about any motorcycle; watch BMW mountain bike specialist Igor Obu stunt and jump his way around the freestyle arena; listen to and be inspired by many special guests, all of whom are BMW motorcyclists who have made adventure travel a way of living; meet double Superbike World Champion Troy Corser and see the works RR machines up close; enjoy displays of not only the latest motorcycle line-ups from BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna, but also some of the most important machines in the brand’s history, thanks to the BMW Classic collection.

Did we mention the legendary parties on the Friday and Saturday evenings? Forget the Olympics, World Cup or Eurovision Song Contest; BMW Motorrad Days does so much more for world solidarity. Imagine the Munich Oktoberfest combined with a rock festival, and you’re getting close… Share your table space with fellow motorcyclists from Asia, Africa, America and all over Europe, and party until the early hours with some of the best bands and DJs on the circuit. We guarantee that you’ll be dancing on those same tables before the night is through, along with many new friends made from across the globe. Among the thousands of revellers each evening will be a very, very lucky visitor, who will be holding the winning raffle ticket for a brand new BMW G 650 GS (Friday) or R 1200 R (Saturday). It could be you…

With so much more to see and do over the weekend of 1-3 July, this article has only ‘scratched the surface’ of all the events and activities available to visitors. Our advice is to visit www.bmw-motorrad.com/motorraddays and find out exactly what appeals to you. Then, email bmw-motorrad@gapa.de to arrange your hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation as soon as possible, as rooms are being booked up faster than an RR. Of course, for those who prefer to sleep ‘under the stars’, camping is also available.

Watch this space for a series of BMW Motorrad Days-themed articles, with more information about the event, and how to get involved. Coming soon…