You know, hitting up a riding school is not going to magically turn you into an off-road superstar, but I swear, a few days of training can work wonders.
Personally, I’ve gotten schooled by both Jean-Pierre Goy over in France and at the BMW Center out in Hechlingen, Germany, and went there before and after our off-road trips.
At Hechlingen, it’s all about BMWs.
You got options for a one-day or two-day course, and that is what I have done a few times. They sort you into groups by skill level, slap you on a GS, and off you ride. The instructor lays out the drills, demonstrates how it’s done, then it’s your turn to give it your best shot… I gotta say, these courses really hit the spot.
And not having to worry about scratching up your own bike takes a load off your mind, ’cause let’s face it, those bikes are built to take a tumble !
And you know how it is with BMW, everything’s top-notch: killer instructors, outstanding facilities, and their fleet is always in tip-top shape.
It’s that good old Deutsche Qualität at its finest!
Now, Jean-Pierre Goy? That guy is a straight-up legend in trials and stunt riding.
He’s got this private spot that’s like three hectares of pure riding heaven, with all kinds of terrain and challenges.
Not only is he a masterful teacher (but don’t even dream of reaching his level ! ), he’s also just a cool dude to hang with – always a blast.
You can roll up with your own bike or rent one of his BMWs or Teneres. His courses run for one, two, or even three days, and he tailors them to fit your goals, whether you’re aiming to crush it in a competition or just want to up your game on the streets.
No matter which route you take, even if you’re not gunning for the Paris Dakar, off-road training is a game-changer. Most importantly, you’ll learn to let loose and roll with the punches, which sets you up to handle the asphalt with a whole lot more confidence.