Freethebeast > Freethebeast's Blog Posts > GS TROPHY!!!!

Way to go Andrew! Cannot think of anyone more suited to this challenge. Good luck on making the next round. I will be cheering for you and don't forget, I want to be on your pit crew in Tunisia. Good Luck! Grace

Having known you for nearly 20 years (yikes!), climbing through white outs (Ben Nevis), sub zero100 MPH winds (Mt. Washington) or a distinct lack of oxygen (Kilimanjaro), I can vouch for your physical fitness, camaraderie and good judgement (otherwise I'd already be dead!). I can't think of anyone better suited for this challenge.

First of all congratulations, I'm very jealous but am extremely happy for you. Without your support and willingness to try new adventures I would have never pushed my limits and my GS beyond paved roads. Looking back at all the pictures and videos we have collected over the years, I haven't seen anybody else bringing a 600lbs bike where we did, deep in the mud, woods and sands of the east coast. People that don't ride think we are crazy, I think we are lucky! I just remembered how last year you were the only one that rode all the way down to NJ on your GS adventure and then started a rally, while everybody else towed their bikes. You are insanely passionate about riding, and you just love it. Best of luck for this new adventure, I know there will be lots of pictures!

Of all the riders I've been over the northeast part of North America with, there would be no one else I'd rather have riding with me than Andrew. A fully capable + competent rider, big or small bike. I remember our ride to Barrage Gouin in northern Quebec, 4 days of freshly graded sand roads. As fast as we could go. Always a good listener + a natural leader. (the rest of of usually follow the fast guys!) This guy couldn't be a more gracious first place finisher either.

Quite simply, Andrew is an extremely competent rider, good friend and a true sporting gentleman. I have spent many a mile in his tire tracks, whether it be wrestling a big GS through rock strewn trails, hustling down dirt roads, pacing through twisties that would embarrass many sport bikes or simply logging big mile days, Andrew is always my riding partner of choice. Good natured, quick of wit and with charisma that makes my wife swoon I can't think of anyone who could better exemplify a BMW motorcyclist. Imbued by a demonstrated sense of adventure, Andrew is a natural fit for this challenge. I wish him all the best in this endeavor. I only wish that I can carry his bags if he goes.

Way to go, Andrew! Of all the riders I've known & had the pleasure of riding with over the years (way more than I care to remember, btw), you're a prime candidate for this as ''Proof is in the Pudin'' ...& I had the chance to see you in the ''Pudin'' where riding skills, character, good jugement & teamwork came into play... more than once... not to mention demonstrating all of it while sporting an honest smile! Fact is that ''Trueblues'' come few & far between; 10 to 1 that the people responsable for this event knowledgeable of this!

Wow...thanks guys! :~) I feel humbled by the kind words. This event will be incredible. Can you imagine?! It is so cool. I'm really glad I've had, what...10 or 12 BMW bikes (and a few cars). Maybe it has all lead up to this? Can I be a fatalist - everything has purpose? Nah...too much of The Matrix there. ;~) Thanks for posting, everyone. We've had many amazing and wild times together. I hope many more.

I tried to log on to write in your blog, but it said the vin was not valid....sorry! Sounds like an awesome opportunity...can I come along and be your pit crew as well?! You seem like the perfect candidate for such a challenging and fun adventure...good luck with making the team...(where do I sign up?!) have fun tomorrow on the turkey run. -Mantie

I can't think of a better rider for this event. Every time I have ridden with Andrew he has shown true professionalism to the sport, a true talent. His positive attitude towards life, and unselfishness is something I have always respected from him. From riding all day in the rain, to dealing with problems on the side of the road, Andrew is always there with great advise. i know BMW would be missing a true asset to the team by not selecting him.. Andrew the best of luck!! Go get'em... Tim

Andrew, You would be an outstanding addition to ANY team and I am sure you will do quite well in this event. You have only had 10 or 12 BMW's? What, in the last 3 years?!!! I thought it was more! Good Luck from Pinardville :)

I know you're ready- I think we would make a spectacular start of a team. This could be totally brilliant- You're maybe my toughest competition here, but if they pick you, they've got at least one of the two best choices around ;-) and I'll be rooting for you the whole way. I think you need to get a bigger bike for Black River, though...

Andrew, thanks for stopping by yesterday to say hi! It was great reminiscing (sp?) about the 'first time' we took a long ride togetther in the backcountry of Maine. I do not know if I should thank you or kill you for taking me into some of that stuff! But you were awesome to help me out and make sure that I got through everything ok and taught me a lot. Although, several years later I wish I remembered some of the guidance you gave me. i could have used it myself in Africa! :-) Just to bring back old memories, remember this: http://mgraced.smugmug.com/photos/136604731_kpyQP-M.jpg

We rode with Daniel (K2ride - the legend from Quebec) and Mike (Driller - now the legend in South Carolina). And, of course, Riccardo! That was a fun day in April...the 24th I think, 2004. It was the first day we all rode together. Good memories, for sure. What nice people you meet with motorcycles. :~) All still friends today...and many, many more miles ridden together since. More to come!!

Andrew, I must have had the same problem logging on to the blog site. So...if you would forward this for me as you did for Mantie. Good luck! Congratulations on being considered for the Tunisia rally! I know you are more than qualified to represent the USA team in this event. Your riding skills are exceptional and have always inspired me to ride a little harder and farther when we have been on some of our adventures. Your personal attributes make you an excellent team player. You are fit and ready for the physical and mental challenge. All this and your experience as a world traveler qualify you to be a strong leg in the final three man team. I do hope you will be given the chance to come down to Spartanburg for the final selection and look forward to seeing you then. Regards, Mike a.k.a Driller

That's right buddy....I made up a word for you!!! This is about the coolest news I've heard in a loooonnnnnng time! I couldn't think of a better rider and ambassador for motorcyling. I have you to thank for my addiction....if it weren't for you I would never have gotten the GS! Best of luck and good on ya mate!

Ambassador - THAT's the word I've been searching for to sum up your talent and enthusiasm for the sport and your willingness to share it. There's no question as to your skill, experience, team spirit and fitness. Most of all, you're not afraid to apply any those to the situation to bring home the trophy! BMW could not pick a finer individual to be their spokesman in Tunisia! Good luck, Andrew!

Thank you, everyone, for the support and encouragement. My mind has been on little else for a week now. I'm so fired up for this event, but should also not count my chickens. I am hopeful!

On riding ability...how many times have I heard "well, normally I wouldn't recommend going 2-up through there, but since it's Andrew, you'll be fine..." There's no one I trust more when I'm on the back of a bike. I can't think of anyone better suited for this opportunity: great riding ability, loves to travel, never met a stranger, and smart with a sense of humor too. To the powers that be at BMW: this guy has a smile so warm it has to be at least partially responsible for global warming, and regarding physical fitness--trust me, he's in top-notch shape. (Sorry if I'm embarrassing you, it's true!) Good luck Andrew! L, J

I think Andrew would be the perfect Ambassador for not just BMW but motrocycling in general. Sometimes when I'm tempted to ride without all of my gear for a short ride I hear his voice in the back of my head; "all the gear all the time." Your enthusiasm, preparation, and dedication to the sport have inspired me to ride more often and seek out more challenging roads. Good luck, keep riding and sharing your adventures!

Andrew is the BEST! You coudln't ask for a more repectful & talented BMW rider. If i had half is riding skills.......And he's a great fella to kick tires with over a couple beers, always has a smile and always knows where the good food can be had! Occasionally he takes a few good photos :) I think Andrew is exactly what BMW wants/needs for this event. Best of luck & congratulations, pop donuts and spin wheelies WFO :)

Personally I think you are crazy to ride on the back with Andrew. But then again, I have seen him ride stuff 2 up that most people would not ride AT ALL. Not too many people that I could ride on the back with, but I would have no problem riding on the back with Andrew. But then again, Andrew may have a problem with me!!!! GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once again....can't say enough good things about Andrew as a rider and a person. Always smiling, always up for a new friend, ALWAYS up for a ride,...and talk about mastery of his bike. He actually got his GS to do his taxes for him last year. That, my friends, is riding ability.

Hey, I thought I was your first! Wasn't the first time off road with your 1150GS Adv out on the powerlines across from work?? We did some nasty rocky stuff at lunch a couple times that summer. Perfect terrain for the big GS :-) Congrats on making the top 20 - you're a shoe-in for going all the way with your background on beemers and do-anything attitude...GOOD LUCK! Mudhen

I met Andrew at our 1st RallyMoto event last year (Black River Stages 2007). I remember thinking that he was nuts to tackle the event on his 1150GS. As the race day progressed, I became more and more impressed with the speed he was consistently able to achieve and the resulting stage times. Wow!!! Not to mention the fact that he was the only competitor to ride his bike to the event, race it all day and then ride it home! Great stuff and I've looked forward to riding/racing with Andrew ever since.

I met Andrew back in 2004 at a clinic I taught in New Hampshire, and right away it was clear that behind the polished and calm exterior was lurking a guy with an appetite for adventure and exploration. Although most of us were on smaller bikes than his 1150 GS Adventure, nothing we found fazed him and he was constantly looking for more. The username definitely fits, and I've met very few people who are at once so polite and personable while also being hardcore and ready to bring it, whatever is needed!

What more is there to say about a guy who RIDES his race bike 7 hours to a RallyMoto event, competes for 13 hours and then rides back home 7 hours? Andrew is an adventure rider through and through. He can tough out 1000-mile plus days and wrangle an R1150 GS Adventure up the boniest trails. He also lays down a pretty mean line on the track and on the street. Well spoken, an excellent rider, and blessed with a sense of style that the ladies seem to appreciate, Andrew could become the contender of choice for all demographics.

Thank you, everyone, for all the kind and encouraging words. I very much appreciate it. BMW will announce the '6' tomorrow that will go to Spartanburg, SC in a couple of weeks. Those 6 will compete and be judged for the 3 places in the Tunisia competition representing the USA. This thing has been on my mind constantly since I first saw its advertisement in the BMW Owners News magazine. I was so pleased to make the '20'. Now, it will be down to 6. All 20 riders have been e-mailing each other. There has even been a t-shirt created. It has grown a life of its own... By this time tomorrow, we'll know who made the 6. I'm sure it will be a very difficult decision. All the riders are exceptional and experienced. I don't envy the decision makers in this one.

Good luck Andrew! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the RallyMoto crew making the 6.

"Well spoken, an excellent rider, and blessed with a sense of style that the ladies seem to appreciate, Andrew could become the contender of choice for all demographics. " - squarespot Jud, you said it not me! :-) And yes, us ladies do enjoy and appreciate Andrew's riding ability ;-)

One of the things that makes Andrew remarkable in his riding ability is that I have never, ever seen him struggle or try to muscle a bike. Even his 1150GS ADV. He has a finesse about his riding that is amazing, smooth and completely natural. It's very cool to watch him ride and I know he will do BMW proud if he is chosen

Dear GS Trophy participants and GS fans, We have selected the six riders (the "Spartanburg Six") who will go on for testing at the BMW Performance Center on August 28 at BMW expense, to see which three (the "Tunisia Three") will go on to represent the United States for the International GS Trophy in October. The "Spartanburg Six" are: Jason Adams (Rosendale, NY) Bill Dragoo (Norman, OK) Kevin Harder (Paso Robles, CA) Brad Hendry (Thornton, CO) Jim Stoddard (Middlegrove, NY) Brienne Thompson (San Diego, CA) All four judges have commented that the process was quite difficult and took a lot of time to determine. We not only had many excellent riders to chose from, but the criteria was complex - including not only riding ability and experience, but more intangible qualities like teamwork, personality, physical and psychological fitness and the capability to spread the BMW faith. It would have been equally easy to end up with six other, equally deserving names. As a consolation, remember that there is always next year, when we will require new riders for the GS Trophy in Tunisia, or wherever it might be. We thank all of you who participated in the GS Trophy and we ask all of you to continue to encourage these six as we now "torture test" them at Spartanburg in just two weeks. All GS Trophy participants will receive a "consolation prize" in the mail in the next several days. It won't be enough to take the sting away, but you will have a reminder of the glory that could have been, and might still - next year. Thank you again for your loyalty to the brand and especially your willingness to support our Aftersales Department by taking your bikes off-road under ridiculously inappropriate circumstances. More details on the next stage of the GS Challenge will follow next week, and of course, if any of our six riders bow out we will replace them with one of our core "Twenty Group".

I didn't make the cut this year. Thanks, everyone, for the nice words and support. There are a lot of great riders out there. I am honored to have made the 20. I greatly appreciate your posts.

Dude. So sorry you did not make it. I really think you deserved it but yes, you were up against some awesome riders. Well, look on the bright side...now you will have more time and money. Want to join us for Alaska ride June '09? :evil

Hmmmm....well, I am going to Italy for a friend's wedding in early June. The ceremony is in Leonardo di Vinci's olive garden. How neat is that? Jen and I hope to spend a week or so in Northern Italy. Maybe rent a bike in Munich and ride to the wedding! :~)

Stiff competition but I'm sure you'll come up with something else to keep on ''Freeing The Beast'' until next year's cut ... & beyond!

Late to the party as usual. Sorry to hear you didn't make the final cut, maybe next year? Anyhoo, BMW is missing out not having you on the team. I remember being so impressed with how well you rode that big 1150 at Neduro's class in NH! Cromag is just around the corner, I'll see you there.