I heard about Jim Hyde's RawHyde Adventures program from a few friends who ride off-road a considerable amount. After some reasearch and a couple of telephone calls with Stephanie and Rob, I decided to enroll in their Colorado-based Next Step training. Also, I ponied up for the High Rockie Adventure rides during the two days following the course. I am in Colorado to ride off-road anyways, so what better way to get my feet wet. I really wanted to get some seat-time on a BMW GS before I decided to buy one of them or something else.

The Next Step course began with an assessment of a riders capabilities that is conducted on what is known as the, "Ribbons Course." RawHyde coaches conducted a course walk-through, and then, one-by-one each student attempted the course. The intent was to determine if our skills were adequate to successfuly complete the Next Step cirriculum. If a rider struggled during the completion of the Ribbons Course, they may have been asked or encouraged to participate in the Intro course instead. This was for their own safety and self-confidence.

The Next Step ciricculum consisted of the following topics:

1. Lots of turns, naturally
   1. Tight switchbacks
      1. Uphill,
      2. Downhill, and
      3. Off-camber
   2. Tight figures of 8
   3. Skid turns
   4. Turn skids
2. Hill
   1. Ascents
      1. Low-speed
      2. High-speed
   2. Descents
      1. Low-speed
      2. Run-out
3. Wheel lofts
4. How to
   1. Ride in sand and mud
   2. Ford water