BMW Motorrad Days Summer Fest for the Motorbike Obsessed

This is not your usual motorcyclist’s event, but more of an amusement park for motor-biking obsessives! During the peak of Ontario's riding season BMW Motorrad Canada invades Ontario’s legendary Mosport race track (recently renamed to “Canadian Tire Motorsport Park” or CTMP for short) to host their all exciting “Motorrad Days”. You’d not be wrong to call it a mini “Bavaria” – the German town in which BMW originated. It’s a weekend full of themed fun-filled rider festivities, truly designed for those who would rather ride than sit around and spectate. And you needn’t own a BMW to attend. There’s off-road to on-road demo rides, and a rider skills challenge accented by a professional stunt show and more. All these happenings are to the tune of high performance race bikes as they lap the track during the Canadian Superbike series double header.

“Motorrad Days” Days has established itself as one of Ontario’s motorcyclist’s must do summertime happenings drawing riders near and beyond Canada to get their “beemer” on. I’ve attended nearly half of these events since it made its start and find it a perfect occasion to invite friends to join along. We often meet up with BMW Motorrad retailer’s customer groups and ride up to the event together. And even when the weather’s a little unlucky and it's rained, there’s never a damper on the spirited character of any adventure rider.

As you arrive to the track’s entrance you’ll likely be met by a group of fifteen or so riders heading in the opposite direction on swanky neat looking BMW motorcycles. These riders are off on a demo ride along the superb array of roads surrounding CTMP. It’s a stunning hilly forested area ideal for riding. Plus, BMW provides a selection of downloadable, printable ride routes each year if you wish to explore on your own.

As you enter the track grounds you’ll ride through the tunnel which takes you under the actual circuit. Just further along the road the moto playground comes into view with CTMP’s rolling hills speckled with tents, motorcycles and campers. (If you get the three day pass; camping is included). You’ll see the large white tents marking the BMW Village. Parking is ample among the rows of visiting motorcycles which in themselves a showcase of interest for any passer-by.

My usual practice once parked, is a walk-about to view the lay of the land. And without fail includes a mad dash up the hill trackside to Turn 2 catching the final laps of a race. Walking back to the BMW village I stroll along the marketplace to check out the offerings. Travel packages, parts and accessories and branded apparel along with a photo of the Canadian Olympic Team’s BMW sponsored bobsleigh!

In the centre arena imported Irish BMW free style rider Mattie Griffin and his tricked up BMW F800R begin a performance of astonishing motorbike acrobatics. It’s a humbling experience! Matti’s performance is followed by another jaw dropping demonstration of trials riding where riders manoeuvre over parked cars and other obstacles set up in the ride arena.

The rest of the day is all about riding - testing out the prized portfolio of BMW motorcycles. And then enthusiastically cheering on road racers until the last race lap is completed and the buffet dinner is served. And yes, it’s a Bavarian menu theme – “Schweinsbraten” with Kartoffelsalat –delicious! After dinner if you’re not planning to ride, you can kick back with your favourite brew served in the beer garden, enjoy the bonfire and an evening of live music.

Mosport is easily accessed and when arriving from Toronto - just a short jaunt north off “Ontario’s major 401 freeway”. The all-in package weekend option is great value- including a swag bag of BMW goodies!

The moto-momentum is always swinging during BMW Motorrad Days even in poor weather. I remember one Saturday where an afternoon’s torrential rain caused activities to temporarily subside. We all huddled under the shelter of the main tent and began to share stories and laughs of our rides, our motorcycles and our adventures. It had stopped raining for half an hour before any of us noticed! Good times - just as BMW Motorrad put it - unstoppable.

BMW Motorrad Days Summer Fest for the Motorbike Obsessed Photo Gallery