2012 BMW GS Trophy Photo Gallery

Border crossings were just one more test for riders during the GS Trophy competition in 2012.

Amateur riders were given the chance of a lifetime, navigating the wilds of Patagonia on a specially rigged BMW F800GS.

The dry, dusty terrain caused trouble for some riders on Day 1.

On Day 2 riders were faced with a white water rafting test.

Two teams of three were paired together to navigate one raft during the white water rafting test.

A hill-climb against the clock followed white water rafting on Day 2.

Team France moved ahead of the field after a strong showing in the hill climb.

Day 3 featured the first "marathon" stage, a 279-mile ride with three special test sections which challenged contestants' physical fitness.

Teams had to push their F800GS machines over logs and across streams during the special tests on Day 3.

Some riders were forced to sit out tests on Day 3 because they were so strenuous.

Back on the bike and having some fun...

Team Brazil won the first photo competition with this night shot of their Beemers and a blazing GS made by waving torches.

Back to work on Day 4, with riders' technique and endurance tested during a 20-lap session on a motocross track.

Bridge crossing BMW GS Trophy 2012.

Logistics for the GS Trophy event require plenty of planning and lots of hands on deck.

A team journalist for Team Brazil slipped off his bike into a ravine. Luckily both he and the bike were unharmed.

Teams were challenged to an out and back sprint on a black sand beach on Day 6, a task that proved especially difficult for some.

Teamwork was the name of the game during the 2012 GS Trophy competition.

Among the myriad tests was the "Indiana Jones," that required riders to carry a cup of water across a narrow wooden bridge without spilling.

Another test had riders tow an ancient horse cart with an R1200GS.

A trials test marked the end of compeition.

In the end Team Germany came out on top, though everyone involved in the event felt like a winner.