Right in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, near Mammoth, California, is one of the best ski resorts in the United States. And this is exactly where the Northern California BDR starts. This region has made headlines in recent years, especially with its breath-taking snow depths. Great for the skiers, but not for the planners of the Northern California  BDR, who had to wait for what felt like an eternity for the white splendour to melt at high altitudes. Now, however, the route is complete and officially open. High time to take on the full length of the route with our adventure bikes.

STRONG START

Just a few minutes’ drive outside of Mammoth, we already have flowing trails under our lugs on our way into the Inyo National Forest. Given the mountainous terrain, the trails are surprisingly sandy, taking some of us aback at first. The winding routes through sparse pine forests put a smile on our faces – while the occasional challenges significantly raise our adrenaline levels. Some sections have long hairpin bends that we would have expected to find on a motocross track rather than a forest road. Part of our group is Richie Few, an instructor from the BMW Performance Centre. I try to follow in his footsteps and use my helmet camera to capture the light-footed way he sweeps over the trails. Richie is a magician on his BMW R 1250 GS, and it looks so playful how he moves his 300-kilo load over the challenging terrain.

THE CONQUEST OF MT. PATTERSON

Adventure riders looking for riding challenges will get their money’s worth on the Northern California BDR. One particularly exciting section is the ride up Mt Patterson. Rugged would be an understatement for this section. The track is interspersed with rocks and deeply rutted by erosion gullies. There are also tight hairpin bends, enormous gradients – and thin air. We have already reached our limits several times with the large motorbikes during our summit assault when we finally pass the tree line. One last steep climb lies between us and the 3,558 metre summit, the highest point in the Sweetwater Mountains. We tackle the ascent individually and are finally able to park our bikes on the summit plateau. We enjoy the view in all directions and are a little amazed that we have conquered this summit on our adventure bikes. Not without envy, Ritchie says: “That’s not possible in South Carolina”.

“I’M GLAD IT WASN’T EVEN HARDER.”

The timely localisation of a forest fire has always been a crucial step in firefighting. Before the advent of satellite imagery and other technologies, this was done by placing a person in a small hut on a mountain who could determine the location of the fire based on a map and estimated distance. Some of these outposts are still manned in the summer months, but most are not. Nevertheless, many fire towers are well preserved and provide a great opportunity to survey the surrounding area in all directions. We visited most of the nearly a dozen towers along the route – and some of them offer the most difficult climbs I’ve ever tackled. When I get to the top of the Sierra Buttes, completely out of breath and surprised that I made it, I look at Ritchie and say, “Man, that was tough”. He grins and says, “I’m glad it wasn’t any harder.” I take this as a small token of appreciation for our driving performance.

UNCLE TOM’S CABIN

The weather changes and we find ourselves in cold rain and thick snow flurries north of Bear Valley. It’s a long, gruelling day and I’m grateful to have heated grips on my GS. Fortunately, this miserable day has a warm surprise in store. A nondescript, muddy road takes us a short distance off the main track before we set our sights on an ageing rural homestead with a few dilapidated outbuildings on a grassy wilderness. After parking the bikes, we find a place to sleep in the primitive wooden huts. Ritchie points to one of the buildings and says, “Look at that”. I seem to look confused, so he adds: “There’s a bar in there.” I say, “Yeah, right,” my voice dripping with sarcasm. Richie insists I come with him. When I open the door, I can’t believe my eyes. It’s a tiny saloon, heated by a wood-burning stove, with a ceiling littered with dollar notes that leave not a square inch uncovered.

Half a dozen people are drinking cold drinks in this warm oasis and two guys are playing music. As I struggle to comprehend this scene, I recognise the faces of the musicians. I mumble, “Holy shit, that’s Owen Balduf and Chris Wilson”. Many know Owen from his work at Long Beach BMW Motorcycles and Rawhyde Adventures, or from having serenaded many motorbike events with his electric violin. Chris is an accomplished musician and composer known for scoring Hollywood films such as Clueless and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He has also written the soundtrack to recent BDR documentaries. Both have strapped their musical instruments to their adventure bikes and travelled here to surprise us. We hug and drink and dance as we enjoy this get-together.

The bartenders work on a voluntary basis to maintain the tradition of this special place. They tell us about the history and we learn that the name has nothing to do with the anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. They even teach us the regulars’ dice game, which I play until I run out of one-dollar notes and head for my sleeping bag. What a night!

JOURNEY INTO THE PAST

Backcountry Discovery Routes provide deep insights into the state you are travelling through, and the Northern California BDR is no exception. This route is characterised by California’s mining history, which we experience impressively during our visit to the gold mining town of Bodie. Nestled between rolling hills of yellow grass lies a ghost town with 200 buildings left to decay. In the brief period from 1877 to 1882, Bodie was a bustling town with a population of almost 8,000. A local historian guides us through the site and tells us stories about life in this town. The walk through the remains of the Standard Gold Mill is particularly sobering and shows us the miserable conditions under which people here chased the dream of wealth.

ABOUT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BDR

The Northern California BDR leads from Mammoth Lakes, CA to the Oregon border. It is divided into nine stages, is around 1,500 kilometres long and can be completed in six to ten days. The longest distance without refuelling is around 200 kilometres. There are motels and hotels in the towns along the route, some of which have a long and exciting history. Designated public campgrounds are located in the national forests and other towns along the route. In terms of riding, the Northern California BDR is in the mid-range of BDRs, but offers some ‘ALT Harder’ and three optional ‘ALT Expert’ sections, providing alternative routes for particularly experienced riders.

Gear up for your next adventure with Touratech USA

As I spend time getting to know Charley, he recalls being inspired by the Touratech catalogs in the early 2000’s. Inspiration that fueled his dreams of motorcycle adventure. It was not surprising that he and Ewan ended up partnering with Touratech for luggage and protection solutions for their BMW’s during their first Long Way TV show a few years later.

While nothing I’ve done can compare to the global impact that Charlie and Ewan’s TV shows have made, or had the effect that the Touratech catalog and subsequent, films and Travel Time magazines have made, I do feel good about my own efforts at Touratech-USA. For a decade and a half, we have built the Touratech Rally into the largest gathering of adventure motorcycles in the US. It features incredible riding, knowledge-sharing, and moto-centric entertainment. I’m also proud to have co-founded Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), which has made a big impact on inspiring people to ride adventure motorcycles in the vast public wildlands of America.

This year, BDR celebrates its 15-year anniversary. In that time, the non-profit organization has created 18 documentary films of route expeditions. With a staff of 4 employees, 9-person volunteer board and some 40 ambassadors, the organization currently provides the community with 20,000 miles curated adventure riding tracks that are available for free. The organization also offers planning resources on RideBDR.com and vigorously advocates for the interest of adventure riders.

So, it was a dream come true when Touratech brought me and Charley together to explore the Azores by motorcycles. Although, I have met Charley briefly at motorcycle shows over the years, as thousands of people have, he didn’t really know me. I also didn’t really know him other than from his TV shows that I have enjoyed over the years.

It’s completely surreal, a near out-of-body experience, when I first hear his voice crackle to life in my headset. It sounds so familiar, a voice I have heard hundreds of times over the last 20 years watching his TV shows, but in this moment, it was reality for me. We are just chatting away as I followed him on narrow urban streets leaving the city of Ponta Delgada, headed toward the North Coast. I feel like I’m Ewan, having a chat with Charley, in the headsets as we ride our BMWs to discover a new place for the first time. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be on a real-life adventure with Charley Boorman.

They call it the ‘Hawaii of Europe’, but in reality, it’s more temperate than Hawaii with an average high temperature ranging from the low 60’s in winter to the high 70’s in the summer. It does have similar precipitation and a lush green landscape reminiscent of Hawaii. Also, no shortage of wind!

We are early in the season, taking this trip in the second week of March, which mother nature reminds us, can be on the cold side. Fortunately for us, we are also doing a photo shoot for the new Touratech riding gear which are perfectly suited for a wild ride with unpredictable and extreme weather. Charlie is wearing the Companero World 2 suit, and I am wearing the Companero Rambler 2. Both feature multiple layers for cold weather which we experienced with temperatures as low a 4-degrees celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit). We also stay dry with our waterproof Gore-Tex Pro Shell outer layers in the deluge of rain that douses us every day. The heavily armored suits featuring CE level 2 protection would prove to keep us both safe as we hit the ground when the challenging terrain and extreme weather exceeded our riding talent on a few occasions.

The roads are a perfect combination of twisty lanes through breathtaking lush green landscapes punctuated by blue sea and foaming white waves crashing into black volcanic rock formations. Away from the coast, we slip onto remote dirt and two-track lanes which wind endlessly through forest preserves and towering mountain-top lookouts. Saõ Miguel is an active volcano, and the terrain is a direct result of that. The black and reddish gravel is of volcanic origin and typically provides confidence-inspiring traction. However, in places, the gravel has large stones, the size of golf balls, which are a hazard to keeping the front wheel under the bike. Charley’s R1300GSA loses an argument with a set of marble-like stones and low-sides in a corner. The crashbars do their job and we are able to keep riding.

The island also features smooth dirt tracks that are comprised of volcanic ash which is fun to ride until it gets wet. When a squall comes out of nowhere, which it often does here, the smooth dirt turns to slippery clay in an instant. It feels like riding on a greased pan. I was caught out by a shallow rut that I never even saw. My front tire begins to wash out, then my back tire hits the same slippery rut and slides out to the left, putting me on a collision course with a rock wall. My F900GS and helmet come to an abrupt stop against black volcanic rock. My Aventuro Carbon Pro helmet keeps me safe. I am not injured, but I have broken the tower that supports the windscreen and instrument cluster. We get out the CruzTOOLS RoadTech kit and use the zip ties and mechanic’s to wire to stabilize the loose tower before continuing the ride.

We are treated to iconic views as we ride the rugged dirt road that follows a ridge circumnavigating Sete Cidades, the most famous caldera on the island. To our right, we see breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean with its stormy white-cap waves and wind-driven foam. To our left is an impossibly-steep slope that has short green vegetation with a corrugated texture that almost looks like that of a ruffles potato chip. At the bottom of the green wall are the emerald waters of Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). This is the place you see on the travel web sites and we can understand why. It’s a dramatic landscape that is breathtaking to experience in person. This caldera is the result of land collapsing into a void left by a retired magna chamber from a past volcanic cycle. There are several on the island and this one is magnificent because of its vast size and being perfectly framed by the ocean on 3 sides as it takes up nearly the entire west end of the island.

We meet with a local geologist who has been studying the volcanos of the Azores for nearly 40 years. As we stand with him, high on a look-out at Pico do Ferro, he points out several calderas as he explains how the landscapes and geothermal features have been formed by volcanic activity over the years. He explains that the earthquake we woke up to the other morning was a 5.2 in magnitude and located about 30 kilometers from where we are standing. Earthquakes are taken very seriously here because of past tragedies, the most notable of which, occurred in the year 1522, when an earthquake and resulting mudslide buried and killed an estimated 5,000 residents. We part ways on an ominous note, as the geologist reminds us that this place is an active volcano that could erupt at any time.

Saõ Miguel features scores of sleepy sea-side villages with clusters of buildings constructed with white walls and terracotta roofs. As we roll through them, we can just sense the calm. Time seems to stand still here. Island life at its finest. The locals are laid back and have a gentle vibe. Much like the dairy cows they care for. Even in the capital city of Ponta Delgada things feel mellow. The people we interact with are pleasant and friendly. It feels very safe and welcoming. The most distinguishing of palates will be delighted with the culinary gifts of the Azores. With a very active fishery, the seafood is as fresh as it gets, the cheese is award winning, and the 500-year tradition of the Azores native Ramo Grande beef, are a highlight of our dining experience.

We see more dairy cows than people as we explore the island. Outside of the main city of Ponta Delgada, most men are wearing knee-high rubber boots. A clear indication that they work in the wet and muddy pastures of a dairy farm. Most of the farms are small family-owned operations with 20 to 100 Holstien-Friesian dairy cows. We don’t see large barns because most of the milking is done with mobile machines which allow the cows stay out in the fields. The cows are almost entirely pasture fed which is not standard in most parts of the world. The quality of life for the cows is considered quite good by dairy farming standards. Grazing pastures make up approximately 40% of Saõ Miguel by area. We see stunning seaside plots of land with million-dollar views, where a person might ordinarily expect to see luxury homes or golf courses in another part of the world. Here, the most gorgeous ocean-view landscapes are not for the rich and famous. They are reserved for the black-and-white-spotted dairy cows. These gentle giants live in idyllic cow paradise and are the heart and soul of Saõ Miguel.

The Island is completely exposed to the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean, and this week a storm is raging. We ride through intermittent rain showers driven by gale-force winds. The island has many incredible vantage points which they call miradouros. We battle the wind as we ride a narrow dirt two-track road up to the miradoura at Pico da Cruz. We park the bikes and stagger toward the windward edge. Standing on the precipice, with our arms out, we lean into the wind while the gusts support the weight of our bodies. We lean forward at nearly 45-degree angles to the ground floating on the wind like a base jumper with a squirrel suit. Upon return to our bikes, we are shocked to see they have been blown flat to the ground. A short time later, I ride around a corner to find another motorcyclist in distress. He’s waiving furiously to get my attention as he lays on the ground with his bike. I squat down, grab the rear wheel with both hands, and lift the back of his bike up to release his right leg that was pinned under the swing arm. He tells me that he was blown over by a wind gust and has been laying there, trapped, for several minutes. This place is wild!

 While I expected warm weather and more sunshine, the reality ended up being much cooler. A few of the summit lookouts had temperatures of 40 degrees with piercing wind. Then 30 minutes later we’d be eating lunch in the sunshine in a quaint seaside village shedding our layers and enjoying the pleasant weather. Charley jokes about how we’ve experienced 4 seasons in the same hour in the Azores. Although we didn’t get the typical mild weather, we did get to fully experience the power of the Atlantic Ocean and see the wild side of the Azores. We felt alive out there and have stories that we’ll not soon forget. As for riding with Charley, he is exactly the same guy in-person that he is on tv. I enjoyed his quick wit, British humor, and zest for exploring on 2-wheels.

General Information:

Often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ the Azores are a 9-island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, which are an autonomous territory of Portugal. Located 870 miles west of Lisbon and about 1,200 miles southeast of Newfoundland, the climate of the islands is mild year-round. Daytime high temperatures normally fluctuate between 16° and 25°C (61° and 77°F) depending on season. The main industries are agriculture, dairy farming, livestock, fishing, and tourism. The islands have volcanic origins and are located at the intersection of three of the world’s major tectonic plates. The islands boast dramatic coastal landscapes as well as stunning geological wonders, many of which continue to be active volcanos. The vegetation is lush and green with weather that tends to be wet and cloudy. When the sun does emerge from the clouds, the colors of the island and its waters are breathtaking.

Getting there:

Major European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Amsterdam offer direct flights to Azores. From the USA, direct flights are available from Boston, New York, and Oakland. While each island does have an airport for inter-island travel the only ones that connect to the outside world are João Paulo II (on São Miguel Island), followed by Lajes Airport (Terceira Island) and Horta Airport (Faial Island). Seasonal ferry service runs between some of the islands but not all. We stayed on Saõ Miguel for our adventure.

Getting around:

Both cars and motorcycles are available for rent on Saõ Miguel. Personal motorcycles can be shipped to the Saõ Miguel with freight forwarders. Touratech Portugal organizes ADV Rallye events on the island which include both accommodations and bike shipping (from Lisbon) in addition to organized rides, and incredible island cuisine.

Life on the Islands:

You will be hard pressed to find a place with seafood that is more fresh and delectable. Bounty of the sea dominates most restaurant menus here. The thriving dairy industry produces award winning cheese and incredible steaks from the native Ramo Grande cattle lineage which is a delicacy. The region is also known for producing pineapple, orange, banana, taro, and sweet potato. Bars, restaurants, and coffee shops are plentiful. The locals tend to be quiet and seem accepting of visitors.

You can see the Azores Untamed Film in its entirety here.

Are you planning an adventure on two wheels? Whether it’s a weekend trip with friends or a ride through the Azores, Touratech USA has all of the accessories, luggage and gear you need. 

1. Pamir Highway (M41) – Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan (above)

The Pamir Highway, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is one of the most remote and challenging roads in the world. Stretching from Dushanbe in Tajikistan to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, it takes riders through the high-altitude landscapes of the Pamirs, crossing the towering Ak-Baital Pass at over 4,650 meters. The ride features a mix of broken pavement, rocky gravel, and long stretches with little to no fuel stops or cell coverage. Despite the hardships, riders are rewarded with jaw-dropping views, encounters with nomadic communities, and a rare feeling of pure solitude.

• Distance:~1,250 km (777 mi)
• Route:Dushanbe → Khorog → Murghab → Sary-Tash
• Elevation:Peaks at 4,655 m (Ak-Baital Pass)
• Terrain:Mostly paved but rough; expect potholes, gravel, and landslides.
• Best Time to Go:June–September
• Challenges:High altitude, fuel scarcity, cold nights.
• Highlights:Wakhan Valley, Soviet outposts, mountain deserts.

2. Ruta 40 – Argentina (above)

Ruta 40 is a legendary ride that slices down the spine of Argentina, skirting the Andes for over 5,000 kilometers. It’s one of the longest roads in the world and offers a wild variety of landscapes—from the high-altitude deserts of the north to the glacial expanses of Patagonia in the south. Riders traverse barren steppe, ancient Incan ruins, wine valleys, and remote outposts where guanacos and condors are your only companions. It’s a dream ride for those craving adventure, isolation, and a sense of endless horizon.

• Distance:~5,200 km (3,230 mi)
• Route:La Quiaca → Mendoza → Bariloche → El Calafate → Rio Gallegos
• Terrain:Mix of tarmac, gravel, and remote stretches
• Best Time to Go:October–April
• Highlights:Andes views, Patagonian steppe, glaciers, Gaucho culture
• Tips:Wind can be brutal in Patagonia—pack accordingly.

3. Transfăgărășan Highway – Romania (above)

Winding its way through the Făgăraș Mountains, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania’s crown jewel of tarmac. Famously dubbed “the best driving road in the world” by Top Gear, this 90 km stretch is packed with serpentine curves, steep inclines, and alpine switchbacks. Carved into the mountains by dictator Ceaușescu in the 1970s, it cuts through tunnels and passes shimmering lakes. It’s a short but intense ride, perfect for thrill-seekers with a taste for dramatic scenery and buttery-smooth bends.

• Distance:~90 km (56 mi)
• Route:Bascov → Căpățânenii Ungureni → Bâlea Lake → Cârțișoara
• Best Time to Go:July–October
• Highlights:Bâlea Lake, tunnels, sheer drops, and Dracula’s Castle nearby
• Notes:It’s a summer-only route—closed due to snow in winter.

Phot0 by : Helge Pedersen

4 – The Silk Road – Central Asia (above)

Riding the ancient Silk Road is like motorcycling through a living history book. Spanning thousands of kilometers across Central Asia, this route threads together the cultural riches of China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond. Riders pass through the blue domes of Samarkand, the rugged Tian Shan mountains, and windswept desert roads dotted with camel caravans and ancient caravanserais. The terrain varies from well-paved highways to rugged backroads, making it a true transcontinental adventure.

• Distance:Variable (~4,000+ km)
• Sample Route:Xi’an (China) → Kashgar → Samarkand → Bukhara → Tehran
• Best Time to Go:April–October
• Highlights:Ancient cities, mountain passes, deserts, caravanserais
• Challenges:Border bureaucracy, fuel access, extreme climates

Photo by Lee Klancher

5. Dalton Highway – Alaska, USA (above)

The Dalton Highway is one of the most remote and exhilarating roads in North America. Originally built to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, it stretches from Fairbanks to Deadhorse on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Gravel dominates the route, which winds through vast forests, tundra, and arctic plains. It’s notorious for its isolation, unpredictable weather, and slippery surfaces. Reaching Prudhoe Bay feels like conquering the end of the Earth—an adventure motorcyclist’s rite of passage.

• Distance:~666 km (414 mi)
• Route:Fairbanks → Coldfoot → Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay)
• Best Time to Go:June–August
• Highlights:Arctic Circle, pipeline, Alaskan wilderness
• Warnings:Slippery when wet; services are few and far between

6. Karakoram Highway – Pakistan to China (above)

Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan and China via the Khunjerab Pass, one of the highest paved international border crossings in the world. The road takes riders through the spectacular Hunza Valley, past ancient fortresses and glaciers that pour off the Karakoram Range. It’s a dramatic clash of nature and civilization where avalanches, landslides, and high-altitude roads keep adrenaline levels high.

• Distance:~1,300 km (810 mi)
• Route:Islamabad → Gilgit → Hunza Valley → Khunjerab Pass → Kashgar
• Elevation:Peaks at 4,693 m at Khunjerab Pass
• Best Time to Go:May–October
• Highlights:Baltit Fort, glaciers, the Indus River canyon
• Safety Note:Road conditions and landslides can be hazardous.

7. Garden Route – South Africa (above)

The Garden Route is a lush, ocean-hugging journey along South Africa’s southern coast. Known for its striking scenery, this relatively short ride from Mossel Bay to Storms River offers dense forests, mountain passes, golden beaches, and the chance to spot elephants, whales, and ostriches along the way. With smooth roads and abundant accommodation options, it’s ideal for riders who want nature and comfort in equal measure.

• Distance:~300 km (190 mi)
• Route:Mossel Bay → Knysna → Plettenberg Bay → Tsitsikamma
• Best Time to Go:September–April
• Highlights:Wildlife, coastlines, forests, ostrich farms

8. Mae Hong Son Loop – Thailand (above)

Twisting through the jungled hills of northern Thailand, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a motorcyclist’s playground, boasting over 1,800 curves in just 600 kilometers. Starting and ending in Chiang Mai, this route passes through Pai, Mae Hong Son, and peaceful countryside peppered with waterfalls, temples, and hot springs. It’s a rider-friendly loop, especially popular with lightweight dual-sport or touring bikes, and offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort.

• Distance:~600 km (373 mi)
• Route:Chiang Mai → Pai → Mae Hong Son → Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai
• Best Time to Go:November–February (cool season)
• Highlights:1,864 curves, rice fields, hot springs, Thai hill tribes
• Tips:Great for mid-level riders and 250cc+ bikes

9. Great Ocean Road – Australia (above)

One of the most iconic coastal drives in the world, Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a thrilling stretch of tarmac along cliffs that plunge into the Southern Ocean. This ride is a sensory overload with every turn—thundering surf, eucalyptus forests, koalas overhead, and the towering Twelve Apostles rock formations. Though it’s only 240 km long, its sweeping bends, clean pavement, and countless viewpoints make it ideal for a relaxed, scenic motorcycle journey.

• Distance:~240 km (150 mi)
• Route:Torquay → Lorne → Apollo Bay → Port Campbell
• Best Time to Go:November–April
• Highlights:Twelve Apostles, ocean cliffs, rainforest detours
• Road Quality:Excellent tarmac; watch for tourists and wildlife.

Photo by Vargis Khan

10. Manali to Leh Highway – India (above)

The ride from Manali to Leh is one of the most breathtaking and challenging journeys in the Himalayas. At nearly 5,300 meters at its highest pass, the route traverses some of the harshest conditions on earth: freezing river crossings, loose scree, snow-melt torrents, and thin oxygen levels. But the reward is immense—moonlike landscapes, Tibetan monasteries, and soul-stirring views that feel otherworldly. This is a pilgrimage route for any serious adventure motorcyclist.

• Distance:~490 km (300 mi)
• Route:Manali → Sarchu → Pang → Leh
• Elevation:Peaks at 5,328 m (Tanglang La Pass)
• Best Time to Go:June–September
• Highlights:Monasteries, passes, high-altitude lakes
• Challenges:Altitude sickness, river crossings, landslides

Gear up for all of your adventures great and small with parts, gear and accessories from Touratech. 

Muddy single trails, dilapidated bridges, hair-raising river crossings – the Touratech Test Team embarks on a spectacular journey through the jungles of northern Thailand towards the border with Myanmar. Also on board: Touratech brand ambassador Charley Boorman, who together with the team takes on the challenge of testing the fully equipped BMW R1300GS on the extreme routes of the adventurous terrain.

Decades of experience and the most modern manufacturing processes guarantee products that withstand even the toughest tests. With its dense rainforest and challenging terrain, the north of Thailand offers the perfect conditions to put the latest Touratech products through their paces. Amidst heat, mud and difficult track conditions, you can see what Touratech equipment can really do. Supported by Peera, the Thai Touratech importer, and the legendary off-road tour guide Pruchayar Chaiyasotthi, better known as “Mr. Art”, the test team embarks on an unforgettable expedition. Watch how the BMW R1300GS and Touratech accessories shine on the adventurous route through the jungles of Thailand and get exciting insights into the testing process that is essential for real adventure riders. this film is a lot of fun!

The GTTSW is a fantastic opportunity for riders to hit the trail and hone their skills as riding season kicks in. Attendees will ride routes created by pros, shop moto-vendors, register for rider training, enjoy regional cuisine, and share stories around the campfire while local bands set the tone.

“Austin Moto Adventures is extremely excited to partner with Touratech on GTTSW.  The combination of Touratech’s  quality of products and industry reach along with our pursuit of excellence and extreme hospitality for all of our guests is going to be a powerful force for this and many future events.  We are proud to partner with Touratech, especially so early in the life of the Austin Moto Adventures.” – Rosson Richardson, CEO, Austin Moto Adventures

The Great TouraTexas Spring Warm-Up from Touratech USA and Austin Moto Adventures is going to be a Texas-Sized kickoff to spring and summer 2024. The ranch has a limited number of cabins available to rent and plenty of space for tent camping, RVs, and trailers. There are also a lot of volunteer positions available.

Register for The Great TouraTexas Warm-Up Here!

The Touratech Rally began in 2012 as a small customer-appreciation weekend that involved riding, camping and sharing good times around the campfire. With this simple formula, and a whole lot of fun, it’s grown into the largest gathering of Adventure Motorcycle enthusiasts in the country.

It happens the last full weekend in June every year. Full weekend means that if the weekend starts in June and ends in July, we rallied the week before.

While the core of the event has stayed the same, each year we find new ways to pack in even more fun activities & experiences:

• Enjoy rides where you will explore twisty mountain dirt roads with breathtaking vistas in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. We’ll offer at least eight different route options on Friday and Saturday. The routes are designed to have something for everyone. ​

•Factory DEMO Rides are available!

• Learn tips and tricks from adventure experts during onsite clinics and classes or take inspiration from presentations by fascinating motorcycle travelers. • Improve your off-road skills with a rider-training course taught by world-class instructors. Four different riding schools will be offering on-site training classes for an extra fee. • Test-ride the latest models of adventure motorcycles from factory demo trucks.

• Meet moto-venders with goods and services geared towards you and win raffle prizes from Touratech and other companies.

• Enjoy evening campfires and hang out with Touratech staff and friends on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. • Show off your mad bike-handling skills and take home the coveted trophy in our annual Slow Race or ADV Challenge competitions. The most fun might just be spectating the competition with friends.

• Park your bike and pitch a tent in the grassy camping area onsite, or reserve space in the RV lot, rent a nearby cabin with friends, or book a room in Leavenworth.

• Most people ride to the event, but there is no shame in hauling out the toys on a trailer, you’ll just have to park it in the RV lot. Well, perhaps there is a little shame.

• We won’t feed you, but the on-site food trucks and restaurant across the street will… and their food is delicious. You can also grab cold beverages, ice, and basic provisions at the grocery or hardware store located right there.

• You can gas up your motorcycle just a stone’s throw from the event. Plan to do it before 8 pm when they close so you are ready to ride the routes in the morning.

www.touratechrally.com

The BMW R1300GS has a more powerful motor and upgraded electronics, all in a package that weighs 26 pounds less than its predecessor, making this legendary adventure bike even better. By using a shorter stroke, bigger bore and increased liquid cooling, the engineers at BMW added power right where you want it.

Touratech USA is the firs company in the USA with a full product line available for the R1300GS. What else would you expect from the world leader in adventure motorcycle parts and accessories. Here is a look at Touratech equipped motorcycle. Our product line will begin shipping to customers the day the motorcycles hit store but you should pre-order now to insure that you get your Touratech upgrades when you get your motorcycle!

See the product line here

The long anticipated and game-changing BMW R1300GS is going to be in the USA soon and Touratech USA has a full line of parts made for adventure in production.