The RawHyde Adventure Camp has become the most influential off-road riding school for "Big Enduro" riders in North America. We are supported and endorsed by BMW, KTM, and Triumph dealers nationwide. The reason is simple; we offer a good value for your money, a great educational experience, and tremendous fun. We have lots of satisfied customers and below you'll find just a few of them who in their own words explain their experience at the camp.

I had heard of the versatility of the Big GS for years, but didn’t get to experience it until a European getaway with Deleata (my wife). After 20+ years of riding mostly sport touring and light weight dirt bikes my (our) ride-of-choice changed. We arrived back in the States and it wasn’t long until the sport bikes in the garage were replaced with BMW R1150GS and a R1200GSA. Now….how do we ride them? I surfed the net and saw an article about the Raw-Hyde School and the folks at our local BMW shop confirmed it was THE place to go to better our riding skills. Fast forward to RawHyde's "Adventure camp" - at dinner (and, oh what a dinner) after our first day of instruction, we were asked what our “high and low points” of the day were. I didn’t have to think long at all. When it was my turn I responded, “I didn’t have a low point, but I did have two high points: 1st was that all day I was amazed at the improvement of my skills as the day progressed, and 2nd, and most important, was that I slowed down to wait for my wife as we rounded a tight 100 and something degree turn figuring she would have a hard time with it. By the time I stopped, she was executing a textbook turn with a big smile on her face I could see in her helmet! Much thanks to Jim, Mark, Cheryl and the rest of the crew for your guidance and support. The food was great, the beer was cold, and my riding partner is glowing with excitement.

Banks T. Adams, III
President -Banks Liquid Transport, Inc.
Phoenix, Az

Much to all my closest family and friends’ (and even my own) surprise, I’ve become a motorcycle enthusiast. Through my husband Banks’ gentle encouragement (and years of patience on his part), I went from a weekend “motorcycle widow” to his constant road companion. I took classes and was usually up for a challenge or two, but some things continued to “terrorize” me… deep sand, ruts, steep downhills, tight turns – the usual. Banks was always there to save me when things got tough, but I always felt that I was holding him back. Jim from RawHyde started our class with a short lecture, discussing some of the things we’d learn. At one point, he demonstrated getting on the seat with both knees and feet. I said, “You’re kidding, right?!” He said (ever so kindly), “Only if you really don’t want to.” RawHyde challenges you to do things you never thought you could and at the end of the day, you’re exhausted, but filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Off-road riding is so much more fun than before because I’m prepared to handle the things that made it scary. And yes, even though it wasn’t necessarily the most important thing I learned..... before the end of the class, I could put both knees on the seat.

Deleata Adams
Phoenix, Az

"I heard about RawHyde’s Adventure class from a fellow who took the course before he started his year-long adventure riding through South America. As I hoped to ride to Alaska myself, I thought the skills described would be beneficial. What I learned in Jim’s two day Adventure Course was beyond anything I could imagine. Being a new rider and female with no dirt bike experience, I was both thrilled and terrified at what I was to learn as I signed up for the course. I came away empowered and a far better rider for it. Jim gave me the skills and confidence to handle my bike in the style it was meant for…off road. Jim’s exuberance for the bike, his thoughtful, attentive teaching style and the exhilaration I felt at putting these new skills to use were beyond my wildest dreams."

Jinx Bryant
Media Manager Services
Seattle, Washington

I have been riding for over 20 years, and I love it. The Intro to adventure program equipped me, in an unbelievably short period of time with a great toolkit of strategies about how to cope with all sorts of off- road situations. No matter if you are a beginner or advanced off road rider you will not regret taking this great training. Click here to read a little story I wrote about riding... and Adventure Camp.

Anton Griessner
Vice President Maxon lift corp.
Salzburg, Austria.

This is Dagley Reeves! "Dakar Dag" as we call him attended Adventure Camp this spring. Dagley is a Commercial Airline Pilot, flies for Southwest Airlines... and he has a knack for writing, along with a "special" sense of humor! If you click the link at the bottom of this introduction you can download Dagley's personal experiences at Adventure Camp, written in his own unique style. (warning... it is not P.C.) but it's fun. Funny how life works, Dagley was just one of those people who came into "Adventure Camp" as a customer, and left as a friend. Click here to read his story.

PS - "FUD" is Dag's funny way of writing "Food" you will understand when you read the story.

If you don't want to read the story, here is the summary " The best money I ever spent on a motorcycle - was Adventure Camp"

I came to RawHyde's Adventure Camp through the enthusiastic recommendation of Santa Rosa BMW. I was planning a month long trip to Namibia on an R1200GS. I had not ridden off road, and never on a GS. Jim's methodology and style helped me past most of my apprehension, and taught me how to handle the big BMW with some confidence. I used most of what I learned on my African trip, and it saved my bacon numerous times. I'd recommend it to anyone. Great curriculum, great teacher, excellent facilities, and incredible food!

Mark Osborne
VP Product Development
Homegrown Naturals
Napa Valley, CA.

In March of 2005 I went to Jim Hyde’s off-road school with several of my customers. Some had extensive off-road experience, some had none. We all had more fun and learned more than we expected. This school is geared to get you on those dirt roads you dream of with the confidence level you need. Mission accomplished! I have ridden harder trails than I ever have in the past with less trouble and greater enjoyment. I have been riding BMW GS models since 1988. Many miles of which were very dirt oriented, as that was my childhood motorcycle background (R80GS Dakar, R100GS, two R1000GSPDs and F650Dakar, R1150GSAdventure and now an R12GS). Even the best rider will take something away from this class that will help him or her be more efficient on their BMW GS. One of the most enjoyable aspects for me was watching the less experienced learn, and conquer some of their biggest off-road fears-(steep hills and sand were high on the list) in a friendly professional environment. I was also very surprised by the amount of business we did after the class. Many of the students called me and wanted more GS paraphernalia. We sold Rallye II suits to several students who liked mine, Arai XD helmets, engine guards etc. Back at the shop, we have very large banners highlighting the Rawhyde School positioned over the GS area. I know that the availability of off-road rider training has helped us to sell more R1200GS models. Jim Hyde has really helped create an excitement among the BMW GS and enduro community. I highly recommend this school. I will take another group to the school this fall to experience the capabilities of the GS, the camaraderie of the students and of course the food!! This school is so well done that one of my customers said he would gladly have paid the tuition fee for the food alone. My hat is off to Jim, Stephanie, Gigi and of course Jamie Lee.

John Cartwright
Owner- Iron Horse Motorcycles
Arizona’s Premier BMW motorcycle dealership

I have more than 65,000 miles on my BMW 650 GS, including participation in the Alcan 5000, and I have never felt more comfortable on my bike than when I finished the RawHyde Adventure Camp. I'm recommending it to our customers.

Gary Orr
Service Manager
Brattin BMW motorcycles
San Diego, CA.

When I came in the gates at "Adventure Camp" I was terrified of riding on dirt roads, 3 days later, I was comfortable riding on snow, on a dirt road. I'm the rider on the left, Look for my article about this experience in Cycle Worlds "Travel and Adventure" due out in the spring of 05

Bruce Fischer
Contributing journalist
Cycle World magazine

I knew the Rawhyde Adventure would be a gas, but had no idea of the pure fun I would have for the three days. The instruction part did not really feel like instruction, even though it was key to managing a big twin off road. Before the course, riding my GS in the dirt did not feel right - I felt out of control or nearly so, and as such wasn't able to relax and enjoy the experience. No more than a few hours into the Rawhyde Adventure, I learned enough to safely ride dirt, and what a kick. By the longer dirt ride on Monday, I felt that, with a little prudence, there was a whole world of dirt - hills, ruts, mud, deep sand, even snow, that offered an escape anytime I needed one. I hope to hit some dirt this coming weekend, in fact, to help cement what I learned from your course into my brain.

I absolutely will take another class with your team, and hope to do one of your longer cross-country rides as well. Gosh, let's see, do I want to spend money buying furniture or honing riding skills while grinning non-stop? I guess the furniture will have to wait.

Thanks again for all. Great food, great people, comfy environment, and training that did not feel like training (but which was essential). Take care, and my best to Stephanie, Dixie, and Buddy.

Tom Parks
Vice President
Bell Helmets

Before going to Adventure camp, my dirt riding skills were very limited. When riding my F-650GS, I would avoid the dirt whenever possible. Adventure Camp opened a new world of riding, and rekindled my passion for motorcycles. I have since traded up to a BMW R1150GS, and ride on the dirt whenever I can find it.

Shawn Thomas
Shawn Works pictures
Santa Cruz, CA.

Originally I read an article about RawHyde, & I thought it sounded too good to be true but after just one long weekend with Jim and the team, I was ready to tackle the world on my 1200GS, as soon as I got home I hit the "Blue" tracks at the Carnegie off-road Park in Livermore CA.. The course was worth every penny I have spent and more. I am converted to dual sport riding now.

Adam Sold
V.P.
PeopleSoft/Oracle

The RawHyde Adventure Camp experience was first rate in all aspects, accommodations, food and instruction. I know of no other facility in the USA where one can learn so much about riding one of the big Adventure Touring bikes in the dirt. The Camp opened a whole new aspect of motorcycling for me, which is Adventure Touring. As a result, I have acquired an early model BMW F650, enhanced its off road capabilities with knobby tires and a few other modifications, and have begun exploring the National Forest Roads in the Southern California area.

Gary Prickett
Journalist
Mission Viejo, CA.

When we decided to start AZride (www.azride.com) a motorcycle touring and rental company and move to Arizona, we knew that there were many scenic dirt roads in Arizona that not only we, but our customers would also want to ride on. Through our year's of motorcycling we've certainly acquired a wealth of experiences, but thought it would be beneficial to spend some time with someone whose full-time job is to teach bikers to negotiate the world beyond the pavement. One of the BMW dealers in Arizona brought to our attention that RawHyde Adventure Camp provides off-road rider courses for solo riders as well as two ups. We contacted Jim and explained our situation. He signed us up on a weekend riding course, promising us that we would come away with a lot more confidence and safety skills.

What an understatement that turned out to be! Jim is a great teacher, always careful not to hurt the students' pride and patiently helps the riders through the learning curve, which undoubtedly has some slips as well. Jim was always there to provide encouragement and suggestions on technique. Being in a controlled environment, we had the opportunity to improve our riding skills and test our limits, something that we would not have been able to do on our own. We worked very hard, but we also had a lot of fun as well.

We even received nicknames too. Needing to change sweat soaked t-shirts, I earned the name 'Two a day". Monica received 'Pop-tart" for her sprightly dismounts off the moving bike. Yes, one of the valuable skills the passenger learns is how to bail out. As a reward for our hard work we were fed gourmet meals by Belinda, the camp's newest master chef. She prepared mouth-watering meals ranging from paella to crème brule and the presentation, true art!

Better skills, a lot more confidence, awareness of the limit of our capabilities and new friends are what we came away with from RawHyde Adventure Camp.

We rate our experience at RawHyde as a perfect 10+. We strongly recommend taking a class if you wish to explore what's there after the pavement ends. A word of caution: you may never want to street ride again!

Gabor and Monica
AZRide.com

At 53 years of age & being new to the Adventure Touring concept, I decided to locate & attend an off-road touring schooling…. before attempting the back roads on my own.

I asked my local BMW dealer who had a good "off road training program" and he made my decision easy by saying RawHyde Adventures is simply the best!

I wasn't quite sure of what to expect before I arrived. Would I be up for the task? What I experienced was one of the best bangs for the buck that I've received in a long, long time.

The manner in which you presented the riding techniques necessary to comfortable enjoy Adventure Touring, were easy to understand and then to perform. You provided a creative hands on program that allowed all of our riding skills and confidence to grow at an amazing pace.

After completing your Introduction to Adventure Program I realize there are enormous riding opportunities waiting for me. Now I can take off with the confidence and skills that I believe are critical to a safe and enjoyable off-road adventure.

Thanks again to your talented crew.

Our path will cross again…hopefully soon.

Jack O'Keefe
The O'Keefe Group
Scottsdale, AZ