BMW offers some excellent riding events called XPLOR events. I attended the XPLOR the Pine Barrens event held in New Jersey last April and had an amazing time and met so many wonderful people.
I learned that BMW is holding another XPLOR event in Charlottesville, Virginia called XPLOR Blue Ridge. The event will be split into an off-road event and tarmac event and is being held June 13th, 14th, and 15th. The off-road event requires knobby tires which I don’t have on my bike so I opted for the tarmac event. These events fill up quickly so I contacted the event organizer and asked to be put on a waiting list. On Friday I found that some people dropped out and I was confirmed as a participant.
The event will be be staged from the Best Western Charlottesville Airport Inn & Suites. After some searching I found someone who had reserved a room for the event. A phone call later and I have someone to share a room with. So I’ll only be paying for one night.
More details on the event:
Join BMW XPLOR for a unique double ride event to discover the best of the Blue Ridge. It’s another of our famous off-road GS rides, but with a twist – we can now accommodate tarmac riders too. There is no charge for participation, as this is a way for BMW Motorcycles to say “thank you” to our fellow BMW devotees for all of their support.
Roam the Tarmac with Nate Kern
For our on-road participants on any of our BMW motorcycles, you will be given a route sheet for self-guided tours of the beautiful Virginia Piedmont region, featuring historic sites, horse farms, wineries and some of the best unknown two lane roads you’ll ever see. Well-known BMW Moto-ST racer Nate Kern will take out his personal bike to join up for one of the tarmac routes and he’ll show you how the track really can make you a safer street rider. You will link up with the off-road riders for dinner at the end of the day Saturday and of course, swap stories to argue about who had the most fun. You set your own pace: just remember, you are on public roads in a state not well-known for the tolerance of its police force or the laxity of its speeding fines, so be careful out there!
All participants will receive swag bags, a dinner banquet on Saturday night and much more, all FREE! You pay for your transportation to and from the event, hotel accommodations, and a meal or two — the rest is on us! Off-Road participants will receive training, maps and GPS routes (BMW Navigator/Garmin format).
I can’t wait!
