A Desert Escape to Remember: AltRider's "Taste of Dakar" Weekend Ride

[All riders and skill levels are welcome but be prepared to get off-road and explore

(January 11, 2012) - Seattle, WA - Not sure where your next adventure will take you? AltRider has a suggestion: Dakar. Most of us will never race the real Dakar, but this February 24-26 during AltRider's "Taste of Dakar" ride, riders will have the opportunity meet, train and ride with one of only two Americans to ever finish on the podium of the Dakar, Jimmy Lewis. All skill levels are welcome. The $225 entry fee includes guided rides, a techniques clinic, five meals, (adult) beverages, entertainment, camping, and a special opportunity to get the inside scoop from Jimmy Lewis.

Together AltRider and Jimmy have planned some epic routes through desert rock and sand for all riders and skill levels. The event will kick off with dinner on Friday February 24th, when riders will meet at the campground in Shoshone, CA just outside of Death Valley. After breakfast on Saturday, we will go on a morning ride, followed by lunch at Jimmy's training facility in Pahrump. Then Jimmy and his trainers will have a riding clinic to go over some off-road techniques followed by another ride. After an exciting day of epic routes and newfound skills, riders can relax and unwind in the nearby natural hot springs. There are local hotel accommodations for those not in the mood to camp. Delicious and hearty southwestern food will be catered for the event, and at night cold beverages around a campfire will be available for all. On Sunday morning, breakfast will be served, then several routes will be available for both those going home as well as those staying longer for Jimmy Lewis's special advanced training. Bike rentals are available from BMW of Las Vegas.

[Views like this are guaranteed during the Taste of Dakar. Don't forget to bring your camera.

The Taste of Dakar Weekend is a great training opportunity for both beginners and the more experienced. Jimmy Lewis has been training off road riders for years, and can offer great insight for everyone. This will be a weekend full of entertainment, great food, and epic riding. Register at the AltRider website www.altrider.com, search "Dakar" to find the event registration. More details can be found on the registration page.

Additional training at the Jimmy Lewis Off Road Academy is available on before and after the event at a special discounted rate for attendees of the "Taste of Dakar" Weekend. On Friday, offered at $100, the class is for beginner and intermediate level riders with a focus on training skills like balance, body position, clutch control and other valuable off-road proficiencies that will surely ramp up riders' off-raod abilities and confidence. The Sunday and Monday class is for more advanced riders, with instruction on advanced skills like wheel lofting, control in sand, and disaster avoidance. The $500 fee not only includes the training, but also a night at the Tecopa Hot Springs hotel on Sunday evening. Space for the training class and the "Taste of Dakar" ride are filling up quickly.

Seattle-based AltRider offers exceptional accessories for Adventure Touring Motorcycles. AltRider products are made in the U.S. utilizing only the highest quality methods and materials, such as using hand TIG welding and keeping an in-house design team. Each AltRider product is deliberately designed with the rider in mind. AltRider is also known for their public involvement with the riding community offering training events, access to exclusive riding terrain, and more. Discover the difference at AltRider.com