Camp GEARS (Gaining Early Advanced Riding Skills) is a two-day camp offered to young riders, ages 16 through 26. Camp GEARS is both a training and social experience for young riders, and has the attendees camping together on the rally grounds Tuesday and Wednesday (July 14 and 15) preceding the official start of the International Rally. Paul and Voni Glaves hostedCamp GEARS again this year, but day-to-day planning and conducting was done by Camp GEARS graduate, Ryan Manley. Topics covered include: basic motorcycle tech, trip planning, motorcycle camping and touring, first aid for riders, riding proficiency, motorcycle weather and trip photography.
Camp GEARS has typically been attended by more than a dozen young riders, with almost as many different instructors over the two day camp. There is room for many more campers. This is a great opportunity for young riders to gain some valuable knowledge. And it is a great opportunity to meet many other young riders. This makes the following days at the rally more enjoyable. In prior years many of the riders who met at Camp GEARS have stayed in touch and remain friends.
There was no chare for this program, in addition the BMW MOA Foundation sponsored the Camp GEARS attendees entry into the International Rally.