Funduro Fantasyland

FUNDURO FANTASYLAND

REMEMBER SADDLEBACK Park, the Southern California motorcycle playground that closed its gates in the early ’80s? BMW apparently does. The German manufacturer has set-up a similar (albeit smaller) off-road riding area in Hechlingen, near Munich.

Built in an abandoned quarry, BMW’s Enduro Park features a variety of off-road obstacles such as steep hills, whoop-dee-doos, a desertsand section and a water crossing. Unlike Saddleback, however, Enduro Park is more than a riding area-it is the home of a motorcycle-training school. (“Another of BMW’s contributions toward motorcycle safety,” the brochure proudly proclaims.)

It’s no secret that off-road riding improves one’s street-riding skills, and this is precisely the intent of Enduro Park. Students can choose between taking the course on their own bikes (it’s open to all brands) or renting a BMW F650 “Funduro” or RI 100GS. Prices range from S700 to $1250 accordingly, and include meals, fuel and insurance, but not accommodations. Nearly 1000 students completed the course in 1994, its inaugural year.

Getting approval for the park was no easy task, as BMW had to jump through a plethora of environmental hurdles and appease protesting “green party” members. One government report indicated that of the 341 varieties of wildlife living in the area, no less than 77 are endangered! This resulted in seasonal restrictions and a limit of 40 bikes per day, all of which have to be street-legal.

Between conception and opening day, four years had passed. And you thought the EPA was tough.

Brian Catterson