A week in the Pyrenees ...

In Britain, riders can try out a new BMW and develop some off-road skills under the tutelage of top-level competitors, for a price.

Okay, it's not cheap — ranging from about $450 to $2,200 — but you still get to learn off-road riding from a team headed by Simon Pavey, who has done the Dakar six times, and you still get to learn these skills on a new BMW.

Models used include the G650, F800GS, R1200GS, and the HP2 Enduro. A variety of courses is offered, some of them one or two days and taking place in the 4,000 acre Walters Arena Enduro Park in Wales; others are longer, including one six-day ride through the Pyrenees.

Sadly, we're aware of no comparable program in Canada, but if you like the taste of raw envy, see www.worldofbmw.com.