2024 BMW GS Trophy Coverage
A “once in a lifetime experience”
The 2024 BMW GS Trophy will take place in southern Africa in Namibia. Here, 22 teams – 16 men’s, and 6 women’s – will compete in numerous challenges over the course of six days to see whose region will come out on top and, of course, to demonstrate what the BMW R 1300 GS is capable of in the hands of “normal” riders. Challenges will range from technical slow speed maneuvers, to off-bike trials designed to test the team’s cohesiveness and communication.
Three riders from the USA have managed to make it through the qualifying events to come out on top as our three contenders for 2024: Floridian Scott Acheson, Texan via South Africa Billy De Wet, and South Carolinian Kirk Graydon. Unfortunately, the women’s USA qualifiers didn’t make it through the semi-final this year, so our female adventure-biking contingency won’t be represented this year in Africa.
As I hurdle over the Earth at 600 mph to Namibia to be embedded with Team USA, I can’t help but to be excited about what’s in store for the competitors. It will certainly be an adventure for all those included and as the guys have said, it’ll be a “once in a lifetime experience.”
For daily coverage of what’s going down at the 2024 BMW GS Trophy, check back here for a running list of how Team USA is doing, and how the days pan out.
Day 2: A Taste Test of Sand
The real challenge of the day though didn’t exist within timed and scored special tests. With Namibia experiencing an even drier season than normal, sand was on offer in every variety. From silty two-trackers to bottomless dry riverbeds, the only reprieve was the odd rocky section to gain a moment of traction before getting back to focusing on navigating these big machines through every type of sand.
Day 1: Welcome to Namibia
Paired up with Team China for the day, Team USA was led out to the Namibian countryside by our Brazilian ride leader Aloisio alongside team China’s men’s team. After a quick rocky jeep trail, the teams were welcomed to their first challenge.
Day 0: Preparing to Welcome the Regions
BMW saw it fit to invite the world’s media to Namibia ahead of the competitors to get setup, settled, and vetted. As I looked out the window while our plane descended toward Windhoek, I couldn’t help but to notice the similarity in terrain to the American west. In the shuttle toward camp, the sentiment was the same as we made our way north. We spent the afternoon getting medical checks, receiving on-site gear, and setting up the tents we would be living out of for the duration of the event.
Gearing up for the 2024 GS Trophy
Being that this is a fully supported event from BMW Motorrad Global, obviously BMW wants to curate and present this special challenge in a specific way. With various sponsors coming on board to be a part, I received a massive luggage bag with gear specific to this year’s Trophy – which is pretty cool. So cool in fact, I thought I’d give you all a glimpse into that bag to see what all of the competitors and journalists were sent in order to be prepared for Namibia.
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Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.
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Although I own 3 BMW boxer GSes from a 1986 R80 G/S PD to a 2016 R1200 GSA LC, these are not motorcycles I would ride where I take a dedicated 300-or-less pound motorcycle. Maybe on a gravel road where any motorcycle could be used, but not buried in mud to the axles - been there, done that. But the GS is the best all around tourer with great range and that is why I own them.
Rather stupid to take one of these heavy weights off road. Other than a smooth trail for a picnic excursion, they have need to stay on the pavement.