Lance Thomas High Skills GS Clinic
Saturday, May 25th
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
(open to attendees of the 49er Rally only)
This year we are introducing an advanced class that that will build on the skills taught in the beginner/intermediate skills class. Come learn or brush up on your advanced off-road skills at our High Skills GS Clinic, led by pro BMW trainer/coach Lance Thomas (Formerly of RawHyde Adventures.)
This class will focus on more advanced skills that the adventure rider can use to bring their off-road riding skills to the next level. Participants should have a good level of confidence with riding on the pegs in the dirt.
If you’ve taken the beginner/ intermediate skills class and want to refine what you’ve learned and add valuable new skills to your off-road adventure riding this class will be ideal for you.
Techniques we may work on include:
- Ascents and descents
- Down-hill braking
- Advanced throttle and clutch control-over obstacles
- Advanced off camber turns
- Refined skidding turns
- Advanced tight turns
- And other skills that will help the adventure rider off road
Check-in is at 12:45 PM (sharp) at the Fairgrounds arena. Riders will participate in advanced GS skills, concepts, and training on a closed course.
Riders must have their own insurance and be wearing full safety gear including helmet, gloves, boots, riding jacket, etc...
Attendees will have the chance to try their newly gained skills on a guided off-road ride with experienced NorCal volunteers observing/coaching riders through on-trail obstacles and more challenging sections. This ride is tentatively planned for Sunday.
Space is limited to 16 riders with first come first serve registration. There will also be a wait-list in case of cancellations.
You must register and pay admission to the 49'er Rally to participate this event!
Email Hugo Bonilla with any questions. 49erchair@bmwnorcal.org
About Lance Thomas:
It was 2008 when Lance Thomas first took to riding off-road. What started as a tentative experiment in adventure motorcycling quickly became a passion that has become a cornerstone of Lance's life. He took a job at the BMW off-road academy in California; first as a project coordinator, and eventually as lead coach and tour guide.
In 2011, Lance and his brother Shawn were tasked with managing the "GS Lifestyle" program, where they toured the country offering off-road riding clinics on behalf of BMW. In just 2 years, the Adventure Brothers ran over 100 events catering to nearly 5,000 Adventure riders. In the off time, Lance ran adventure tours throughout the USA, including California, Colorado, and the famed Continental Divide route. Lance has also been featured in product videos produced on behalf of BMW, ranging from Adventure riding gear and equipment, to understanding the cutting-edge technology contained within adventure motorcycles.
Lance believes that proper off-road technique is born from proper training. To that end, he has created a curriculum designed to grant riders a simple, achievable ladder of skills that will take them from novice off-road rider to experienced, confident adventurers. Drills focused on elements such as clutch, brake and balance control are practiced, monitored and perfected under Lances watchful eye. It is a tried and true method that has helped thousands of adventure riders achieve and exceed their goals.
Lance offers gives private and group trainings at BMW dealerships around the country. Join him and experience the true capabilities of you and your motorcycle!
* A note on the change of clinic format and cost from previous years. This year the Club's insurance rates jumped so unfortunately we had to change the cost structure. We also have been wanting to add more clinics so this year we struck a deal with Lance, adding 2 more clinics. To accommodate this we have BMW NorCal Club members that are leading the trail ride portions.
