A TASTE OF TASSIE

For this ride, I chose a set of gear that had already proven its durability and suitability on previous rides, made up of the following:-

• Klim Krios Pro helmet
• Klim Badlands Pro A3 waterproof jacket and matching pants
• SIDI Crossfire 2 offroad boots
• Held Score KTC waterproof gloves

Having never ridden in Tasmania before this year, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been to the Apple Isle twice now - and it’s only June! My first trip was with a group of mates, traversing a fairly loose route and being self-sufficient. The second trip was on this year’s BMW GS Safari, joining more than 200 other BMW GS riders.

This was the first time a BMW GS Safari had visited Tasmania since 2014, so it was no surprise that all available places were filled within 30 minutes of bookings opening.

Anticipating the popularity of this long-awaited Tassie return, the BMW Safari team split the 2022 event over two blocks, with five days of riding in each block. At the invitation of BMW Motorrad Australia, I was fortunate enough to join the first group of 220 BMW GS riders, which ran from 1 to 6 May. Following us, a second group of 100 rode the same routes from 8 to 13 May.

TASSIE ADVENTURE

Covering the Apple Isle from east to west and north to south, the opening of international borders post-COVID meant this GS Tassie trek attracted riders from all over Australia and all around the world, which certainly added to the experience.

If you’re familiar with the BMW GS Safari, you’ll know it’s a very professionally-run event, with a full support team that includes lead and sweep riders, a medical crew to deal with accidents, a tech team for mechanical back-up, luggage handlers, a recovery truck and everything else you can think of.

Each day’s route is well marked, with more difficult alternate routes included for riders seeking a challenge. If you missed a route marker, the marshals, that include BMW Safari manager, Chris Urquhart, and former BMW Motorrad Australia Marketing Manager Miles Davis, are on hand to get you back on track.

Being a GS Safari, bitumen roads made up only part of this year’s five-day, 1,700+km adventure, with the dirt roads and off-road trails being genuinely challenging in places, meaning you were glad to get your head down at the end of each day.

The Safari organisers take care of all the accommodation, along with breakfast and dinner, the aforementioned support crew and plenty more.

TASSIE TREPIDATION

I’d never ridden in Tasmania before this year and had only travelled to the state once before, so I really