BMW officials are inviting private owners of BMW off-road models, particularly the F650 and R1150GS, to come join them on a ride and photo shoot for the 2002-model F650 and R1150GS in the Death Valley National Park. The ride will take place on Tuesday May 8, 2001 and kicks off at 8:00 a.m. from the Furnace Creek Ranch on California Highway 190. BMW is extending this invitation in order to create an effect similar to the start of the Paris-Dakar Rally, according to a press release from BMW North America.

BMW officials are recommending that riders who wish to participate stay in the area the night before they are well-rested for the ride. BMW will supply bottled water, a catered BBQ lunch, commemorative gifts for participants, and a chase vehicle equipped with a BMW-certified mechanic on the day of the shoot. BMW is recommending that riders be prepared for a physically strenuous ride over a variety of paved and non-paved surfaces and that riders bring plenty of fluids to drink as the daytime temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ride will be led by ALEM Team rider Helli Kornton, best known as the rider of the bike in the current BMW R1150GS TV commercials running on ESPN2 and Speedvision.

This photo shoot is part of BMW’s newest marketing plan to include real BMW riders and enthusiasts in marketing material as well as to get direct feedback from the most loyal BMW customers.

For additional information, call BMW Brand and Event Marketing Manager Laurence Kuykendall by phone at (201)307-3926 or via e-mail at [email protected].