It is doubtful whether the organisers of the first BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting ever imagined it would capture the imagination of the motorcycling community in the way it has. Riders now join the pilgrimage across Europe to the Continent’s new motorcycling ‘Mecca’ of Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the edge of the German/Austrian Alps. This year the UK’s enthusiasm for the two-day gathering promises to break all records. To cope with the mass exodus from these shores, the World of BMW has chartered an entire Eurotunnel shuttle – for each leg of the round trip.

Taking place over the long weekend of 1-3 July, the 2005 BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting has a strong British contingent and a bike display that celebrates ‘25 years of the GS’. Almost upstaging the event itself is the news that the World of BMW has arranged exclusive use of an entire Eurotunnel shuttle. 250 bikes, riders and passengers will cross under the English Channel altogether on a special service, returning five days later – on another chartered shuttle!

The majority of riders will take part in a mass ride-out and tour organised by the World of BMW through the nationwide BMW Motorrad Dealership Network. The mass group of bikes will get off to an early start when it gathers at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone at 6.30am on Thursday 30 June. Once the special ‘motorcycles only’ shuttle has reached Calais the bikes will split into previously organised groups and ride 385 miles across rural France to Strasbourg, on the border with Germany. After the overnight hotel or camping stop, the groups have a further 255 miles to ride through Germany to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where they will stay for two nights of the Biker Meeting to enjoy the events hosted by BMW Motorrad.

At the BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting, the UK contingent will have a BMW Motorrad UK marquee to act as its base and meeting point. On display will be the Long Way Round R1150 GS Adventure of Charley Boorman and Kevin and Julia Sanders’ GlobeBusters R1150 GS Adventure . When they explore the event, the intrepid Brits will find that there is plenty to see and do. For example, there will be trade stands, bike displays, ride-outs, test rides, stunt riding, biker parties (in the evening), oceans of beer and plenty of live music. In fact, everything that motorcyclists consider essential for a perfect rally event.

The return journey starts on Sunday 3 July from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It will follow the same pattern as the outward journey but instead of pausing overnight in Strasbourg, the homeward route will take the British riders to Hockenheim, south of Mannheim, for their overnight hotel or camping stop. Once back at Calais, the riders and their bikes will board the special World of BMW charter shuttle at 6pm for the crossing back to Folkestone.

BMW Motorrad Dealerships are taking bookings for the World of BMW Biker Meeting trip. There are two packages for customers: a hotel option that costs £400 for a solo rider in a single room or £355 for a solo rider sharing a room. The cost for a couple is £510. For those on a budget, a camping option of £100 for a solo rider or £135 per couple is available, with overnight stops at prearranged campsites. Both options include return Eurotunnel crossings, a Biker Meeting T-shirt, and all necessary maps and route details. In addition, the hotel option includes half-board accommodation at Strasbourg and Hockenheim, and two nights B&B at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The camping option does not include site fees.

To book a place, contact your local BMW Motorrad Dealership. For further details, please contact World of BMW on 08000 131 282, or email bmw@worldofbmw.com