Excellent weather and a superb atmosphere at the biggest BMW Motorrad party in 2014. What you missed if you stayed at home.

Anyone who has been to the BMW Motorrad Days at least once is familiar with the basic atmosphere: by day there is a great celebration of motorcycling and at night people on the same wavelength simply celebrate life itself - and both parts are as relaxed and open-minded as is typical of the very best motorcycle parties. This year there were once again some 40,000 two-wheel fans present in Garmisch - the same figure as for the record year 2013. There was simply something to suit every mood and every kind of motorcycle culture. Those with a rockabilly hairstyle went to see the rock 'n' roll bands playing at the Motodrom in the evening. Those in search of party music found it in the beer tent. Those who prefer things to be simple went to see Byron play his guitar by the camp fire.

The trend towards motorcycling as a lifestyle - already clearly in evidence at Hausberg last year - was even more pronounced this time round, with Ace Café, Motodrom and some great BMW conversions reflecting a richly varied motorcycle culture. And in spite of the fact that the show rate at the Motodrom was increased to one every half hour, the shows were full every time.

Old school

"You see there's a growing awareness of this kind of authentic phenomenon", said Motodrom operator Donald Ganslmeier. "At some point the television gets boring: here spectators can watch at close quarters and see something truly spectacular. I hope we'll be able to come again next year."

Mark Wilsmore of Ace Café London would like to come back in 2015, too: "The ride from Glemseck to Garmisch was fantastic: excellent roads, perfect weather. I made sure I brought by rain things with me from London, but I never used them. I hope things work out this way next year: it was a great excuse to have fun."


New high tech

Mark rode a BMW R nineT on the run from Glemseck - a bike which suited him to a tee both visually and in terms of riding. Guests were able to test ride the nineT as well as all the other current BMW models, but for those who missed out due to the huge interest there was a high-tech solution - the nineT simulator: Oculus Rift VR goggles, headphones, a ventilator and a BMW R nineT to sit on provided such a realistic ride in a 3D film that the user would sometimes hang out into the arms of the onlookers. "This would be great for virtual test rides at dealerships during the winter," said a BMW helper at the simulator. Or to put it in the words of an 11-year-old test rider: "Again!"

The BMW Concept Roadster was featured on the first floor of the BMW Motorrad exhibition - a show bike that is designed to point the way forward to future BMW roadsters. "It's a very reduced bike with the masses centred above the front section - just as a roadster should be," said Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad. "You couldn't actually get this machine approved for road registration, but it's not all fantasy. Certain details may well turn up in future serial production motorcycles."


Meet and greet

It's worth keeping your eyes open at the BMW Motorrad Days because there are always a number of special guests who make the trip out to Hausberg. This year's celebrities included:

Michael Dunlop, who secured three victories this year at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy on this BMW S 1000 RR - in the Superbike and Superstock classes and in the Senior TT.

Valerie Thompson, America's fastest woman who recently set a straight-line speed record on her BMW S 1000 RR - and loved the winding rounds around Garmisch.

Katrin Matsushita, world champion in table football, who was happy to challenge table football hopefuls in the Football Tent.

Troy Corser, two-times superbike world champion, pole position record-holder, BMW Motorrad brand ambassador and development rider involved in the success of the BMW S 1000 RR
Roland Sands, designer, who brought along a converted BMW R nineT - the superb BMW Concept Ninety was there again, too.

Jolandie Rust, adventurer, author, long-distance cyclist and motorcyclist, who rode around the entire continent of Africa on her own on a BMW F 650 GS Dakar – covering a total of 45,000 kilometres!
Ryan Pyle, multiple award-winning photographer, TV presenter, film-maker and author, who rode through China with his brother on two BMW F 800 GS, covering a distance of 18,000 km.

Alena Gerber, model, presenter and motorcyclist, who demonstrated in the Event Arena that there are more alternatives to black than you might assume when it comes to motorcycle clothing.

Makani Terror, piercer, model, living tattoo art canvas, who presented popular merchandising articles on her own body.

René Changuion, brand ambassador for BMW South Africa, who lives out the connection between motorcycling and Christianity.

Hannes Jaenicke, actor, who comes to Garmisch every year even though he lives in the USA. He offered a tour for women only.

Over 80 exhibitors demonstrated impressively how diverse the BMW universe actually is.

40,000 motorcycle fans, pillion passengers, riders, master mechanics - and wannabes. It wouldn't have been possible without you. You are the party.

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