On reflection I may well have viewed it as a wonderful experience, something I was really glad to have been involved with. But no doubt, taking part in the 2020 BMWGS Trophy Qualifier was punctuated by low points when my overriding emotions included embarrassment, inadequacy, despondency and exhaustion. A couple of times I even felt ashamed. Calling it a roller coaster of highs and lows just about covers it.
SHOULD I GO?
When editor Mikko asked me if I fancied going with the Media team, thoughts turned to memories of trying one of the previous events. I can’t be sure of the exact year, but I do know my recollections weren’t positive. I’d not done well at all, struggling with several of the challenges, coming away thinking once would be more than enough. I really wasn’t sure if I should run the risk of repeat disappointment. Deliberation followed, then further deliberation, and after flipping a metaphorical coin, I decided to chance it.
HERE WE GO!
Two weeks later, Margam Country Park, near Port Talbot, South Wales, would be my base for two days of ‘competition’, involving a total of nearly 160 riders of differing ages, abilities and nationalities. I’m sure the majority like me were there to enjoy it and have as much fun as circumstances and weather permitted. Some though, were taking everything far more seriously. For them, there was a chance of doing well and getting the opportunity to represent the UK in the world finals of the GS Trophy to be held in New Zealand later this year.
GREAT TO BE AMONGST FRIENDS
Arrival boosted my mood considerably. There was a great atmosphere around the place with loads of GSs and their riders parked up, prepping for the event. I love the feeling of big bike events at this stage, with the palpable excitement and anticipation of great times ahead being at the max.
Denne historien er fra October 2019-utgaven av Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
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Denne historien er fra October 2019-utgaven av Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Honda CRF1100L ES Africa Twin
Without panniers he was adventuring nowhere - so at least Bertie's got something sorted now
BMW R 12 nineT
Chad gets a track day surprise when BMW's R 12 nineT turns out to be surprisingly fun on track
Test fleet: VOGE 525 DSX
After testing the Voge's abilities on a long ride, it was time to take it to the Cotswolds and see how it would manage on the rougher stuff
Portuguese Perambulations
Nearly over before it had begun, a brief workshop stint allows Spain and Portugal to be explored
Highway to Heaven
Three friends take on the challenge of riding the length of Canada, from Vancouver in the southwest to Inuvik in the north. The road is long, the conditions merciless, and wildfires are tearing through the country. To top it all off, the final leg of the journey is the ultimate test of gravel riding skills, nerves, and courage - it's the legendary Dempster Highway...
Battlaxes at the ready!
We tend to take tyres for granted, never really looking at them in any detail, or at how they work, just hoping that they keep us shiny side up at all times. Even in the wet
Ducati Riding Experience
When I rode the Ducati DesertX to France last year, I did have a bit of an explore on some easy fire roads and gentle green lanes in the wilds of the Médoc area, but was left with the feeling that, had I the experience, the DesertX would have been capable of taking me along some more extreme trails to some even more exciting places. If only there was a way of finding out just how well the Italian adventure bike could cope with some more extreme terrain...
Four pot flyer
Many said that sports bikes, and particularly bikes in the traditional Supersports class that was populated by 600cc inline fours, were dead. Maybe they spoke too soon?...
Eastern adventurer
With an increasing interest in smaller capacity adventure bikes, the market expands with a new entry
First Time Lucky?
It's ironic that the first all-new MV Agusta model to hit the marketplace right after Italy's No.1 trophy brand was acquired by Austrian giant Pierer Mobility, owner of off-road titans KTM, should be the company's first dual-purpose model of the modern era, powered by MV's all-new 931cc three-cylinder engine that's destined to form the basis of a whole series of new models in coming months and years.
