At 08.30 local time on Sunday 28 February, the Rim Doi resort in
Chiang Doi came alive to the welcome rumble of over 100 BMW R 1200 GS
engines starting up, as 19 multi-national teams of riders, journalists
and marshals were waved off in the traditional Trophy way to signify
that the 2016 event had well and truly begun.
They had travelled in from across the globe for this unique
amateur motorcycling competition, but on this first morning the
competitors were all riding ‘as one’, united as a community by a
passion for GS motorcycles and adventure travel. Their first taste
of Thailand on two wheels was, for many, the first time that they
had ridden on the left side of the road, but in truth that was the
least of their worries, as heavy overnight rain had rendered the
first off-road section of the Trophy impassable.
Therefore, after a short spell on tarmac the riders were
directed along an undulating 4×4 track that led for 50 kilometres to
the location for the first special test. Along the way the
competitors rode past rice fields and tiny villages, with the
occasional glimpses of elephants and water buffaloes, before
arriving at the Special Stage, known as ‘Broken Bridge’. Here, the
task looked simple, yet was anything but… Teams had to walk two
bikes (with the engines running) down a track leading to the remains
of a bridge, then push the bikes up and over an angled bridge
section before lowering them over a metre to the ground below.
What was fantastic to witness was the huge level of support for
all the teams, by all the teams. This was especially evident for the
trio of female riders (and their female embedded journalist)
competing in their first GS Trophy, who were overwhelmed by how much
cheering and encouragement they received from all the guys
representing the ‘rest of the world’.
This Special Stage was timed against the clock and the clear
victors were Team Germany, displaying ruthless efficiency. There was
another Special Stage in store for the teams later in the day, but
first they were able to enjoy a 57km section of trail that had for
the most part dried out nicely despite the unseasonable rainfall,
with only a few tricky wet clay sections to overcome or enjoy,
depending on your perspective.
The second Special consisted of a ‘slow race’, battled out on a
sandy roadside layby, with each team lining up three abreast to
literally take the longest time to ride from point A to point B,
with penalties for feet down or stalling the engine. All three
riders’ times were then added together to determine the result,
which saw a comprehensive victory for Team South Africa, who were
considerably ‘slower’ than their nearest challengers.
On completion of the slow race, the final 63 kilometres liaison
treated the participants to some spectacular views, with mountain
passes, village markets and the aromas of Thai street food almost as
enticing as the wonderful section of twisting, winding asphalt that
transported the Trophy competitors into a beautiful valley, bordered
by forested mountains, towards their overnight stop at Pai, with big
smiles on their faces.
After a delicious dinner catered for by the travelling kitchens
of the Shangri-La Chiang Mai, there was a country presentation by
the teams themselves before the all-important ‘results of the day’
were announced. Despite not having won either of the day’s two
Specials, it is Team Argentina who lead the standings after the
first day of competition, with their pair of top-three finishes
clearly showing that consistency might well be the key to GS Trophy
success.
Gaston Quiroga, Team Argentina: “This was a good day for us, we
really enjoyed the ride in the morning, seeing the elephants was
special, and the 4×4 track took us deep into the countryside, this
was amazing rural Thailand, far from the tourist trail. We had two
good tests too, on Broken Bridge it was important to manage the
progress of the bikes logically, we copied the technique Germany
used and that was a great help. We were delighted to do so well in
the slow race although I was fearing for my bike by the end, with
the engine racing and slipping the clutch it’s hard on a bike. To be
leading is a wonderful surprise. We’re going to our sleeping bags
tonight with big smiles!”
Tomorrow is another day of course; anything could happen – and
probably will. Catch all the latest updates online at gstrophy.com
and also via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Results BMW Motorrad Int. GS Trophy 2016, Day 1:
Position
Team
Points
1
Argentina
36
2
UK
34
3
South Africa
32
4
Germany
30
4
Italy
30
6
Mexico
29
7
France
27
8
Latin America
26
9
CEEU
25
10
China
24
11
Canada
22
12
Brazil
18
13
USA
17
14
International Female Team
16
15
Japan
12
15
Russia
12
17
South Korea
10
18
Alps
9
18
Southeast Asia
9
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