Metzeler Karoo 4 and BMW R 1300 GS

In an extraordinary display of endurance and technical prowess, the METZELER brand and BMW Motorrad recently embarked on an epic journey that tested the limits of man and machine. Aboard their BMW R 1300 GS motorcycles, fitted with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, a team of skilled riders ascended from sea level to an awe-inspiring height of 19,685 feet (6000 meters) in less than 24 hours. This remarkable feat took place in the rugged terrain of the Atacama Desert, Chile, home to El Circuito de los Seis Miles and the highest chain of active volcanoes on the planet, including the towering Nevado Ojos del Salado and Nevado de Incahuasi.

On December 6th, the team set off from Bahia Inglesa, a serene coastal town near the port of Caldera, and ventured into the unforgiving expanse of the Atacama Desert. Their destination was the formidable North face of Nevado Ojos del Salado, which pushed them to a final altitude of 19,751 feet (6027 meters). The route included acclimatization on the slopes of Nevado Ojos del Salado and its twin, the Nevado de Incahuasi, which rise to 22,615 feet (6891 meters) and 21,686 feet (6610 meters), respectively.

The journey was as much a test of human spirit as it was of the motorcycles and tyres. The riders – Salvatore Pennisi from Metzeler, Christof Lischka of BMW Motorrad, Michele Pradelli, an extreme enduro champion, and Karsten Schwers, a seasoned journalist – faced not just the physical challenge of the climb but also the mental toll of rapid acclimatization and the rigors of high-altitude conditions. The temperatures faced by the team were as challenging as the altitude, with daytime temperatures hovering around 14°F (-10°C) and night temperatures potentially plunging to -4°F (-20°C), and the air thinning with every meter ascended, each rider’s resilience and determination were paramount.

The BMW R 1300 GS, equipped with standard Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, demonstrated remarkable versatility and reliability. These tyres, designed for multifaceted use, provided exceptional off-road traction across varied terrains, from sandy desert tracks to deep mud, while also delivering sturdy resistance to the abrasions, cuts, and tears typical of rugged landscapes. They performed admirably on asphalt too, showcasing sharp handling and impressive wet performance, harmonizing perfectly with the BMW’s advanced riding assistance systems.

This expedition was unique in its reliance on stock bikes and standard tyres, underscoring the joint commitment of Metzeler and BMW Motorrad to benchmark performance under the most challenging conditions. The success of this journey serves as a resounding affirmation of the capabilities of both the BMW R 1300 GS and Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres,, even when pushed to the extremes of the Earth’s altitude and the limits of human endurance.

The entire adventure, from the meticulous preparation to the triumphant ascent, symbolizes a new era in adventure riding, where technology and human tenacity converge to conquer the seemingly unconquerable. For the avid riders and enthusiasts of ‘Bike Travel Adventures Magazine,’ this expedition stands not just as a remarkable achievement, but as a beacon of what’s possible when passion, preparation, and the right equipment come together.