A day of two halves today, on Day 5 of the 2018 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy in Mongolia. In the morning the GS riders continued their journey with a 100 km ride across more of the semi-arid Mongolian Steppe. In the afternoon the riders entered into a new world, a mountain landscape where sheep, cattle and horses grazed on green pastures and the fragrance of alpine flowers scented the air – an intoxicating mix after the sparse nature of the desert.

The morning certainly was an endurance test as first the riders took on special test 12, ‘Ongi River’ – a classic multiple river crossing. The challenge here wasn’t the water, which was shallow, but the shingle banks that were deep! Best run of the day came from Team AusAmerica, the second female team, not on account of their speed but for applying exceptional teamwork.

The 100 km ride down Telegraph Road was not as romantic as the song (by Dire Straits) suggests, as the riders had to settle in for a long haul, with many sections of the gravel tracks rippled by trucks and at the end came a 35 km section of trail that weaved between grassy tussocks where again dust clouds and loose sand meant the riders needed to stay alert.

The hard yards of the morning were repaid in kind when the GS riders reached the mountains and green valleys of the Khangai Nuruu National Park, where clay mixed with the sand (instead of rock) making for gentle trails that climbed and descended one valley after another. A truly magical ride.

A second special test late in the day, called ‘Orhon View’, saw the riders challenged to a trials ride around some giant stones on a high peak (with spectacular views). A great test in the most incredible location.

When the GS riders finally reached camp, some as late as 7 pm (having started at 7 am!) they had just a short time before facing another special test, the ‘Metzeler Challenge’, that saw them tackle a tire change against the clock. And after that, the final task of the day – a rush to submit their photos for the day’s Photo Competition. In all an exhausting, yet enervating day.

Team AusAmerica Update

The AusAmerica International Women’s Team enjoyed a great day of success at the daily challenges! Julia Maguire was very happy with the results in the Water Crossing Challenge. “It was really heartening to work together and get through. We were so pumped to make it, and everyone was so happy for us. It was great!”

“We headed out through the desert, took on a little light sand,” says Jocelin Snow of the daily route. “Then almost immediately the terrain changed to rivers, mountains, and boulders. It was amazing, like suddenly being in New Zealand!

“The mountain region was spectacular,” says Bettina Nedel. “This was truly like nothing I’ve ever ridden before. There was something beautiful to see for every single mile we rode!”

GS Trophy 2018 Day 5 Overall Standings:

1 South Africa 195
2 Latin America 139
3 Korea 131
4 USA 130
4 France 130
6 Mexico 114
7 Argentina 106
7 Russia 106
9 UK 103
10 Germany 98
11 Australia 80
12 Canada 76
13 China 75
14 Southeast Asia 74
15 Japan 65
16 Eurafrica (female team) 43
16 India 43
18 Ausamerica (female team) 40

Catch the Day 6 preview here:

Check out the GS Trophy Day 4 Recap.
Check out the GS Trophy Day 6 Recap.