Am I up to the off-road stuff?

You Don’t Have to Be an Off-Road Hero to Do This
(But a bit of practice helps a lot.)

We hear it a lot: “I’d love to do something like this, but I’m not an off-road rider.” Let’s clear that up right now — you don’t need to be.

The Paris-Dakar Challenge is not a rally. It’s not a race, a raid, or a replica of the original Dakar Rally. There’s no stopwatch, no competitive stages, and no pressure to be anything other than yourself. This is a real-world adventure — a ride through countries, cultures and landscapes that will challenge and inspire you, whether you’re a seasoned trail rider or a complete beginner.

That said, if you are a complete beginner, it’s important to get some basic off-road practice in before departure. This isn’t the place to have your very first experience on loose terrain. You don’t need to master deep sand or rocky climbs, but you should feel comfortable handling your bike off tarmac. A day or two green-laning or attending a beginner off-road course with one of the many excellent schools around the UK will make a huge difference — not just for your safety, but for your confidence and enjoyment too.

Yes, there are some tough sections — especially in Mauritania, where soft sand and desert tracks can test your patience (and your sense of humour). But even those parts are optional. You can choose a less technical route if you prefer, and many riders do. The spirit of the trip is about taking on a journey that gently pushes your limits — not throwing you in at the deep end with Dakar-level terrain.

In fact, some of our favourite riders over the years have been people with very little off-road experience. They came with big bikes, a willingness to learn, and a sense of humour — and they left with unforgettable memories and a huge sense of pride. Watching someone ride through Morocco, grow in confidence, and tackle the challenges of the desert (with a bit of help from the group) is what this trip is all about.

The terrain changes constantly — from European tarmac to mountain passes, city chaos to desert calm. Most of it is manageable, and the challenge is always your own to define.

If you’ve ever looked at an adventure like this and thought, “I’m not good enough,” then you’re exactly the kind of person we built it for.

This isn’t about ego. It’s about doing something real. And with the time between booking and departure, even off-road novices have plenty of opportunity to get ready.

And trust us — you can absolutely do it.