In the early 1980’s BMW introduced what some have called the first adventure motorcycle, the R80GS. At first, many riders couldn’t get their head around what they were supposed to do with this large adventure motorcycle, but between the R80GS and BMW’s sponsoring of Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor in Long Way Round, BMW was launched in to the adventure motorcycle market, the only continually growing segment in the industry. In 2008 BMW introduced the GS Trophy, an international competition where riders from around the world take part in competing on some of the most challenging terrains in exotic locations, and they’ve since continued the competition with qualifier and final event sequels. But, why all the hype about the GS Trophy and what does it mean for adventure motorcycle culture? We talk to BMW Ambassador, Shawn Thomas to find out.

About Shawn Thomas

Shawn Thomas has been a long time motorcycle rider, he’s a BMW Brand Ambassador and a certified BMW Instructor. He’s spent many years teaching off-road riding skills, as well as travelling the world riding and leading tours, and he also works behind the scenes with BMW assisting in designing and testing new products.

Website: http://www.stromoto.com