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ADV VideosADV Spotlight on RawHyde Adventures Owner — Jim Hyde

ADV Spotlight on RawHyde Adventures Owner — Jim Hyde

We take a ride with Jim Hyde, the man behind RawHyde Adventures.

Published on 02.10.2015

Recently we visited the headquarters of RawHyde Adventures, the number one off-road adventure bike training program in the United States. During our visit, we got a chance to speak with the man behind RawHyde Adventures, Jim Hyde, who gave us a tour of their 120+ acre California facility called RawHyde Ranch.

RawHyde Ranch is a true off-road rider’s paradise with roughly 30 miles of trails that snake though the hilly property. It’s got a little of everything an Adventure Rider might encounter out in the wild, and enough to challenge riders of all skill levels. There are even a few custom-built training obstacles that look like something out of a theme park.

Rob Dabney on the Teeter Totter at RawHyde Ranch

This moto teeter totter at the Ranch definitely got the pucker factor going.


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Don’t let the gray hair fool you though. While riding with Jim, he never hesitated to demonstrate how to attack some of the gnarliest hill climbs and jumps available on the property; and all while riding his big BMW R1200GS Adventure with hard panniers and a heavy winch attached to the back.

Throughout the day, we picked Jim’s brain about different topics like his philosophy for training off-road adventure riders, what he looks for in his coaches, the true benefits of getting off the pavement and more. Jim also shared some great stories about the early days of RawHyde Adventures and how the company evolved into the world class operation it is today.

Jim Hyde RawHyde Ranch Jumping the R1200GS Adventure
Jim Hyde gives us a demonstration of how to jump a big bike during our tour of RawHyde Ranch.

For more information on RawHyde Adventure’s off-road training programs and tours, go to rawhyde-offroad.com.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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Jade
Jade
February 10, 2015 12:19 pm

Great write up and video. Need to start pestering jim for a job next winter.

michaelmassucco
michaelmassucco
February 10, 2015 12:27 pm

That property looks amazing. I wish I had a place like that to hone my riding skills

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
February 10, 2015 1:00 pm

Yes, the property is amazing and they are continuously building on it. The property owned by RawHyde is 120-acres, but they have access to many times that acreage in the surround area. I’m surprised Jim gets any work done with all the riding options right outside his office window. I guess any time he gets a little stressed with work, he can grab the GS and go for a quick lap around the property.

J.T.
J.T.
February 11, 2015 12:35 pm

Man, I wish I could afford to go out there and ride!!

Terry Byles
Terry Byles
February 20, 2015 7:33 pm

Wondering if besides riding skills do you folks teach flat tire fixes, broken shift or brake foot controls, any kind of off road ooopsa’s? Essential tools to carry?

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
February 20, 2015 11:51 pm
Reply to  Terry Byles

Hi Terry. I know RawHyde takes a comprehensive approach to training well-rounded adventure riders. It’s not just about the off-road skills. They also cover things like flat tire repairs, trail fixes and GPS navigation to give riders the confidence they need to go out on their own adventures. You also have plenty of one-on-one time with experienced coaches to pick their brain about topics of special interest to you.

Wren Abramo
Wren Abramo
October 6, 2017 8:53 pm

Jim, this is even more special to us now. We are so pleased that Joe had such special years with you as a trainer AND as a member of the RawHyde family.
Wren and Vince Abramo

Bob
Bob
October 27, 2017 6:00 pm

Castaic CA: Untouched by CA fires, I think. N of LA on I5, and east of Ojai. Good for them…

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