Events > XPLOR the Performance Center
XPLOR the Performance Center
Spartanburg, SC
September 21 - September 23, 2007
Event Categories
About the Event
Start an XPLOR event in M5’s? What? Well that’s exactly what we did at the XPLOR the Performance Center event on September 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Friday’s registration turned out to be a pretty exciting event in itself. The evening started with taking care of paperwork and distributing well stocked swag bags. The lobby of the BMW performance Center was set up as the registration area with a jumbotron TV playing a video of the instructors of the Performance Center (PC) pushing the R 1200 GS to its limits. This video set the tone for the next two days.
After registration we were taken to the back of the facility to start the event like no other XPLOR event ever. The participants were put into BMW M5’s as passengers while the instructors gave them the ride of their life. Burning rubber sideways at 70 plus MPH putting the M5’s 500HP V10 through its paces proved to be a highlight of the evening for most.
Next we were served a nice spread of heavy hors d’oeuvres while the staff for the event gave the run down about the next two days. We wrapped things up around 8:30 pm in eager anticipation of riding the next day.
Saturday morning things started at 8:30 am with a riders’ meeting in the front of the PC. We were divided into three separate groups based on riding proficiency and began our rotations. One of the events was a tour of the Zentrum (museum). It is located just down the street from the PC. The Zentrum had a lot of cool BMW history in it from airplanes to cars and of course, BIKES! There was also a 15 minute virtual tour of the factory that gave a great overview of how the factory operates.
The next event was the on-road riding portion. We were given demonstrations as to what we were expected to do as well as instructional tips on how to do each exercise. We did things like using full ABS braking to a stop in an emergency situation, cornering styles and tips from the instructors as to how to get the most out of our bikes while still riding safe.
Next on tap was the off-road portion. WOW! This was an eye opening experience for many of the riders. We learned proper techniques of braking, turning, crossing washboards and riding ruts. The instructors were available to give instant feedback to help riders with their technique and to pick up bikes when necessary. Oh yeah, that’s right, there were a few dropped bikes on the off-road section. But all with happy smiles on the riders’ faces. Toward the end of the session we did what the instructors called “enduro-laps”. This was a lead follow session in which the riders followed the instructor on a challenging ride through more of the PC’s off-road Enduro Park.
And this just takes us up to lunch! Food was awesome. Hamburgers, hotdogs, slaw, salad and desert were all available to those who still had the energy to eat it. Riders were excited to have a few minutes to rest after doing riding exercises all morning.
After lunch we began our ride from the PC to Maggie Valley, NC. What an absolutely beautiful dual-sport ride. Great twisty asphalt combined with over fifty miles gravel forest service roads through the Pisgah forest to end in Maggie Valley, NC. The Instructors did a great job teaching skills in the courses which would be needed on the ride to Maggie Valley.
Dinner was held at the Grizzly Grill. The food and fellowship was great. XPLOR gave away great prizes like a new BMW Zumo GPS unit and four gift certificates for one-day training sessions at the Performance Center. The night ended fairly early because most were very tired, and there was still a lot of riding to be done the next day.
Sunday’s ride began at 9:30 am. We departed from the hotel in three separate groups, green, intermediate and advanced. The three groups went on three separate rides defined by the group’s ability. The rides offered everything from gravel roads, single track trails, mud, rocks and creek crossings. All three rides challenged the groups and offered them the chance to utilize some of the training that they learned at the Performance Center. The rides ended between noon and 1 pm and then the riders departed at their own leisure.
All in all what an incredible weekend! Fast cars, great bikes, excellent scenery and great people, what more could you want from an XPLOR event?
Event Sponsor:
BMW XPLOR
09/26/07 - Photos from the Event
Victor Newman, the photographer at the event, was nice enough to agree to post all his photos on his website. If you are interested in any, please contact Victor.
The site is:
"Victor Newman's Photos":http://www.vfnewman.com/gall ...
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09/24/07 - Comments & Feedback
It was good to see everyone this weekend. I hope you all had a safe ride home. This blog post is intended for comments and feedback. Let us know what you liked, what were your favorite parts of the event and if you have any suggestions. Thanks again for ... Read more
08/27/07 - Event Schedule
Here is the schedule for the weekend. I wanted to get it posted early. (This schedule is subject to change).
*Friday September 21, 2007*
6:30-7:30 PM- Registration, BMW Performance Center (BMW PC)
7:00-7:45 PM, Demonstration laps, BMW PC
...
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08/27/07 - Hotel Information
Hello,
Here is the hotel contact information again-just so it is easy to find.
Greenville Courtyard by Marriott
115 The Parkway
Greenville, SC 29615
Phone: 1-864-213-9009
$104/night, 20 rooms available
Exit 5 ...
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