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Thrukon is a 2500 mile sub-arctic glacial survey on two motorcycles through sections of British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Alaska. The survey team hopes to observe and document important glaciers along the route north, while attempting to capture the spirit of exploration. The general approach for the trip will be part travel documentary and part research survey, which will involve riding motorcycles equipped with the necessary gear for field research, camping and video/photo documentation; as well as limited spares for any unforeseen events. This blog is the repository for all of the information gathered in preparation for and during the journey.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Ride Training with RawHyde: Intro to Adv- Part 1 Day 1

Base Camp Alpha Ride Leader Shawn Thomas assesses the lesser of of two evils

Intro to Adventure
Day 1- Friday

 January was a busy month for planning, as most of our support request letters were sent out to various brands we'd like to work with. We'll announce more partners as we hear back from them.

For now, I would personally like to extend a HUGE "Thank you!" to Klim (Mark Kinkart and team) and Rawhyde (Jim Hyde and team) for their generosity in providing exceptional gear and ride training.

As a follow-up to the  post on 11/26 regarding the Badlands giveaway, below is a report of the recently completed Intro and Base Camp Alpha (BCA) courses, provided by Rawhyde, which took place over January 23-27 in Castiac and Mojave, California. Below is a description of what one can expect the Intro weekend may look like.

Camp and camera drill down for five days on a R1200GS through Mojave

Intro to Adventure
Day 1- Friday
Arrived at LAX and walked off the plane. Got the rental car and drove to Rawhyde for a 1700 arrival time, as specified in the registration materials. As soon as I got off the main road and onto the dirt and gravel "driveway" that led up to the ranch, the front right tire of the car blew out. Off to a good start. Stopped the car and got out to inspect the tire, sadly the rim was resting on the ground. "Well that's fucked" I thought to myself. So instead of wasting my time with the flat I looked up to take in the surroundings. The property on which RawHyde resides is a crowd of thirsty scrub brush covered rolling hills shaded by native sycamore, California bay laurel, walnut and oak trees.

Entrance and "driveway" to Rawhyde Ranch

As I surveyed the landscape I spotted a dune buggy looking thing, and not far off was gentleman with a head of snow white hair chalking a white serpentine line in the dry, dusty clay. Obviously it was Jim. He was out there putting in some hours getting the courses prepped for the weekend ahead. I threw a wave and turned my attention back to the crippled rental car. It was getting to be about the time I was supposed to arrive at the Ranch, so I slowly Cruz'd the crippled Chevy all the way up to the parking area. The flat was left for another day and instead, I unloaded the car and prepared to settle in for the next five days.

 Jim Hyde chalks the serpentine in preparation for the weekends activities

Section of the BMW Academy/Rawhyde Ranch training facility

Audrey, a member of the Rawhyde team, met with me for sign in and gave me a quick tour of the facility. Mess hall, bar, bunk, outdoor showers, the all-important kitchen and finally, dual-sport checkout.


The rental BMW 1200GS I was issued for the 5 says of training

The evening consisted of an orientation to our quarters, dinner, and a meet-n-greet in the Dakar Bar. Then some camp fire conversation to get warm and learn about our classmates. Finally off to bed in the Bedouin tent

Debriefing in the Dakar Bar with Jim Hyde and his team

Participants converse with ride coaches and each other around the fire


The overnight accommodations were both utilitarian and comfortable

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1 comment:

  1. Monty's EraDecember 9, 2015 at 3:53 AM

    This is a great venue. I was here for a party and there was so much food and it was all done so well! The decor and food, at Chicago event space both were amazing. Personally, I think the space is laid out really well and the size of the venue keeps pulling great parties.

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