On April 1-4, 2008, I joined a crew of other motorcycle journalists in Scottsdale, Arizona for the US press launch of BMW’s new 2008 R1200GS. I spent two days aboard the big dual sport trailblazer, carving up mountains and slicing down highways all over the greater Phoenix area. Judging from the perma-smile still plastered to my face, it’s safe to assume that I had a great time.

You can read all about the bike and my experiences in the August issue of RoadBike, on newsstands July 1. In the meantime, here are some outtakes from the event to wet your whistle. Prost! -- Jonny Langston, Associate Editor

BMW had about 30 of the new GSes all gassed up and ready to go at the Inn at Eagle Mountain in Fountain Hills on Tuesday night. Needless to say, we were all pretty eager to set out the next morning.

Photojournalist Jonathan Beck and BMW’s Anja Kuechler and Roy Oliemuller discuss the finer points of paddlewheel technology during a lunch break aboard the Dolly steamboat on Canyon Lake.

Two of the coolest ride guides on the planet, Premiere Events’ Jemme Hennesey and Brock Ryan, flank BMW’s Oliemuller during a stop at Red Mountain Trap & Skeet (I’m pretty sure they just wanted to stay behind him – Roy nailed something like 20 out of 25 clay pigeons).

Rarin’ to go up at Crown King. The dirt road to this mountain mining town is driveable for most cars – but was an all-out blast when tackled aboard the GS.

Despite its size, the big 1200GS was more than manageable for Premiere’s Gina DePasquale. Fact is, she left me – and most of the other journos – in the dust on the way down the mountain from Crown King.

The Agua Fria Recreation Area north of Phoenix is an off-roader’s paradise. Over 100 miles of dirt trails, it offers grand vistas and challenging riding. I almost died here. Twice.

Majestic in the desert twilight, no?

On our final night in Scottsdale, BMW presented us with a sumptuous feast (plus open bar!) and traditional Native American hoop dancing at the famed Boulder House north of Scottsdale.

Thanks to all the fine folks at BMW Motorrad and Jim Viola and his staff at Premiere Events for making this a memorable week for yours truly, and to Editor Steve for being too busy to attend. Kudos also to Schampa for the shirt, Tag Heuer for the shades, and BMW for the awesome riding gear. Big props to Jonathan & JC for the advice, and to Jemme for the encouragement. -- JL