We’ve all pondered the question at some point: what if we could train exactly like the pros? We pretend to be LeBron James fading away in the driveway or Josh Allen threading a needle on the gridiron. But the reality is, most of us can’t simply walk onto a professional field and run drills with the best in the business. In the motorcycling world, however, that door was thrown wide open at BMW MOA’s MotorradFest.
Now in its fifth year, MotorradFest (M’Fest for short) was born of a clear need. Many police motorcycle training and competitions have been heavily Harley-centric, leaving a growing roster of BMW Motorrad officers without dedicated training. M’Fest was created to fill that void, offering Motorrad-riding law enforcement, first responders, and civilians a rare opportunity to meet and train alongside elite instructors. Held at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Tennessee, the event transformed the tarmac into a crucible for precision riding.
The training, designed by BMW’s own U.S. Rider Academy, drew on years of expertise as a leading authority on motorcycle instruction and was open to all motor unit officers, regardless of the manufacturer’s badge on their tank. In a departure from traditional law enforcement training, civilians were also invited to hone their craft and compete in their own division on any brand of motorcycle.
At the helm was BMW Authority Bike Ambassador Quinn Redeker. A former police motor officer and instructor in California, he now travels the globe to compete, demonstrate, and train police agencies and civilians alike. With a resume boasting more than 100 police competition entries, in nearly all of which he earned top honors, and a background in motocross and desert racing since age nine, his expertise spans street, track, trials, and dirt. On the Lebanon tarmac, Redeker didn’t just instruct; he showed what was possible, consistently setting times that left attendees in awe.
The paddock was an impressive mix of 69 participants, blending everyday civilians with seasoned law enforcement officers. Naturally, the BMW RT-P authority bikes were represented in force, and the popular Harley-Davidson police editions were also out in high numbers. This created a fantastic, albeit unofficial, battle of the brands, adding a friendly undercurrent of tension and rivalry to the weekend. To ensure smooth progression, riders were sorted by experience: Novice, Intermediate, and Expert, so everyone could push their boundaries without feeling overwhelmed.
Thursday and Friday were dedicated to training on two different layouts. The Precision Course focused on slow-speed control. It demanded mastery of the friction zone, subtle brake inputs, and counterbalance. Riders were tasked with exercises such as plucking a tennis ball from a pedestal and placing it on another pedestal ten feet away, or competing in the “slow race,” where the goal was to cover a set distance as slowly as possible. It was a lesson in managing a 600-plus-pound machine when speed, and more importantly momentum, are virtually nonexistent.
By contrast, the Speed Course was a different story. While the name conjures images of a high-speed pursuit straight out of a James Bond film, the reality was a punishing test of rhythm and spatial awareness. Divided into nine distinct zones, the layout forced riders through a dizzying maze of cones, demanding a relentless, physical rhythm of rapid acceleration, heavy braking, sharp turns, and immediate acceleration, all over again.
As a spectator, the sheer frequency of dropped motorcycles was staggering, yet it was actively encouraged. Every tip-over proved a rider was pushing beyond their comfort zone in a safe, highly controlled environment. It quickly became clear that heavy-duty crash bars and sliders weren’t just bolt-on accessories; they were necessities for the weekend. The sharp grind of scraping metal and the heavy thud of machinery hitting the asphalt became the soundtrack of the fairgrounds, reaching a fever pitch during Saturday’s exhibition runs.
With bragging rights on the line, riders took to the speed course to test the limits of what they had learned. They rode on the razor’s edge, fighting the clock while under close scrutiny from judges who scored every cone touched, every foot dab, every course deviation, and every dropped bike. Lead instructor Aaron Rankin set the tone early, emphasizing that raw speed meant nothing without precision; the fastest times would ultimately belong to the riders who laid down flawless runs with no deductions.
As the sun dipped below the horizon on Saturday night, the atmosphere shifted from intense focus to inspired camaraderie. Riders gathered to reflect on the weekend, swapping battle stories, recounting the sections they conquered, and the zones that bested them. It was a powerful display of community, with veteran motor officers sharing secrets with novices and bridging the gap through a shared passion for mechanics. It reminded everyone of the bond motorcycling creates.
Given the success and demand, the MOA has already locked in dates for 2027. “We recognize the value of this event for all riders,” explained BMW MOA Executive Director Ted Moyer as the dust settled. “Whether you are a law enforcement rider riding your motorcycle professionally or a new rider trying to improve, the skills learned this weekend translate into safer, more confident riders.”
The 2027 M’Fest will take place September 9 through 11. Spots are expected to fill quickly, so if you want to push your riding to a level you didn’t know you were capable of, register early at mfest.bmwmoa.org.
Events of this caliber are made possible by our members’ support through programs like our Back the Blue T-Shirt campaign. You can grab your gear and support the cause at the BMW MOA webstore.
From M’Fest in 2022