The GS Trophy returns to where it all began in 2008 – Africa! The host country for this off-road adventure will be Namibia, an adventure riding paradise located on the south-western coast of Africa, with breathtaking landscapes and distinctive flora and fauna. 

There will be 15 national qualifying events and one international qualifying round worldwide, giving skilled endurance riders an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. In order to secure a place on one of the 22 national teams, participants are required to perform GPS navigation exercises, off-road rides and technical tests. The women’s teams that prevail at a national level will win a trip to the international female qualifying round, where a total of six women’s teams will be selected for the much-coveted seats on the plane to Namibia, along with the 16 men’s teams.

Think you have what it takes? Registration for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Team qualifiers is now open and will take place October 12-14 at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, SC. Here is the schedule:

• Thu. Oct 12   Arrivals, check-in and orientation.
• Fri. Oct. 13 Qualifiers
• Sat. Oct. 14 Qualifiers and U.S. Team announcements
• Sun. Oct. 15   Departures

The fee of $449 will include the U.S. International GS Qualifier entry fee, competition jersey, personalized parking stall, and all meals, snacks and water beginning with dinner Thursday evening and concluding with dinner on Saturday evening. For those interested, camping will be available at surrounding locations.

On Saturday, evening, the three male finalists, who will represent the U.S. at the final event in Namibia in 2024, will be announced. The two female finalists who will represent the U.S. at the female International GS Qualifier Event will also be announced. 

Participation in the U.S. GS Trophy Qualifiers is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are BMW motorcycle owners and who can participate on a BMW GS model in good condition. Eligible models in the GS Trophy qualifiers include:

• G 310 GS
• G 650 GS / G 650 GS Sertao
• F 650 GS
• F 700 GS / F 750 GS
• F 800 GS / F 850 GS / F 850 GSA
• R 1100 GS / R 1150 GS
• R 1200 GS / R 1200 GSA
• R 1250 GS / R 1250 GSA
• HP2 Enduro

As part of the final stage of the GS Trophy Qualifier competition, riders will be required to ride a BMW Motorrad-provided R 1250 GS. During this final stage – the provided R 1250 GS will be set up as follows:

• Enduro Pro Mode
• Enduro ABS ON
• Traction Control OFF
• Tire Pressure 30 psi (front and rear)
• Seat adjustment or replacement with BMW OEM alternatives only.
• Control adjustments not requiring the use of tools are allowed.

In keeping with the spirit of the event, the following are encouraged to participate in the U.S. International GS Trophy Qualifiers, but are ineligible to advance to the final event:

• Members of previous International GS Trophy teams
• BMW Employees
• Owners of a BMW dealership
• Professional Instructors of any level – including those who have or currently host, market, and/or participate as an instructor in off-road training courses, either for BMW Motorrad and BMW official partners, or any other entity.
• Holders of AMA/FIM professional competition licenses.
• Certified BMW IIA/ITA Academy Graduates and Brand Experts

TwoDay GS Trophy Prep Course

On September 20-21, the BMW U.S. Rider Academy will host a class geared at helping hopeful International GS Trophy competitors prepare for the U.S. Qualifiers. Participants will experience individual and team International GS Trophy-style challenges as well as have the opportunity to hone their adventure rider skills. Solid, off-road riding experience is required for this pre-course. The fee for the course is $1,800 and includes use of BMW U.S. Rider Academy motorcycles.

2024 U.S. GS Trophy Qualifiers Volunteers

Volunteers play a very important role in the U.S. International GS Trophy Qualifiers and will get to see the best adventure riders up close as they give it their all for a coveted seat on the U.S. Team. Volunteers will receive a special jersey and all meals, snacks and water beginning with dinner Thursday evening and concluding with dinner on Saturday evening.

Photos by BMW Motorrad