A Beginner’s Guide to Riding Sand

(For Adventure Riders – Not Racers)

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Sand riding advice can sometimes go like this: “Stand up and gas it.”

And yes — that might work if you’re an experienced off-road rider comfortable with speed and sliding around at 30–40mph. But most adventure riders crossing Morocco or Mauritania aren’t motocross racers. You’re not trying to win a special stage, you’re trying to get through safely, keep your confidence intact, and make progress day after day. That’s a very different objective.

This guide is made to answer one question – “how do I make progress safely?” If you are making progress but it’s hair raising and you constantly feel that you are seconds from potential disaster then that’s not good. If you are safely chugging along at 3mph, falling off at low speeds, revving the engine and burning up the clutch, exhausted from paddling the bike through soft sections – then that’s not great either.

We need to combine the 2:

1. Making progress at a reasonable pace – 15-25mph is enough.
2. Doing it in a safe manner – never feeling like disaster could strike at any moment.

First: How Sand Actually Works

There’s a misconception that speed or acceleration is what keeps you upright in sand. It isn’t, it’s steady drive. A gentle, consistent throttle at lower, chugging revs keeps the rear tyre driving forward and stabilising the bike. Acceleration is not the goal. Smooth drive is the goal.

When things feel wobbly, the instinct is to either shut off the throttle, or accelerate. 

Shutting off the throttle causes the front wheel to dig into the sand and push the handlebars left or right – it tends to be downhill from there with either a paddling, wobbly stop, a dropped bike or a crash. 

Accelerating can work – but often it just makes everything happen faster. Faster wobble, faster panic, harder fall.

Instead:

• Pick a gear – 2nd or 3rd normally.
• Hold a steady throttle.
• Stay loose
• Let the bike move underneath you.
• Avoid the temptation to shift up – you will just accelerate and get faster and faster.

If you can ride through sand at 15 mph without drama, you’re doing it right. You do not need to be fast to cross a desert.

The Real Key: Body Position

Now we get to the part that really changes everything. You may or may not have heard of the “attack position” – often used in motocross. When talking about the attack position and MX people can mistakenly think:

“I’m not riding MX.”
“I’m not jumping anything.”
“I don’t want to ride aggressively.”

That’s all good, but we’re not using the attack position to ride fast. We’re using it to correct poor body position and gain control at slower speeds. Search YouTube:

“Moto Academy, Attack Position” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gQF5PENPM4

Or

“MX Factory – Attack Position” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OVo89q_wrI

Watch the videos and ignore any references to racing, jumps, speed, lap times. Focus purely on where his weight is (over the pegs), where his head is (unnaturally far forward), how his legs are working (loose with knees over the pegs), how light his hands are on the grips, and how unnatural the position should feel.

What the Attack Position Actually Is

• Balls of your feet on the pegs – avoid standing flat-footed
• Knees bent – but not pushed forward of the pegs
• Weight all through your legs not the hands
• Hips slightly back
• Back arched, not slouched
• Head further forward than feels natural
• Elbows up and bent
• Loose grip
• Lower legs lightly gripping the bike
• Bike free to move underneath you

Here’s the important part – it should feel unnatural. If it feels relaxed and easy, you’re probably not doing it properly. Your calves and thighs should start burning quite quickly – even when practicing on a paddock stand.

That tells you something important – a true attack position is not sustainable for long periods and that’s fine. You’re not meant to ride like that for an hour straight. You’re meant to be able to switch into it instantly when the terrain demands it.

Why It Works

When you stand correctly:

• Your weight goes through your feet, not your hands.
• An arched back lets the bike move under you without pulling the upper body around.
• The front wheel can wander slightly without you overcorrecting.
• You stop fighting the handlebars.

Most instability in sand comes from riders pulling or pushing on the bars. The attack position fixes that — dramatically. Especially at low speeds. Being able to ride at slow speeds is what we are aiming for – it is where “making progress safely” happens.

The One Hand Drill (This Is the Game-Changer)

This is the biggest hack of all. Watch the video below – or Google your own videos about the “1 hand drill” in MX training videos. Moto Academy and others have great videos on this:

Moto Academy – One Hand Drill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11A_6jlf2KM

Again — ignore the motocross context and focus on the principle. You do NOT actually need to take a hand off the bars (and definitely don’t take your hand off if unsafe or on busy roads).

Just ask yourself “Could I take one hand off right now if I wanted to?” You will instantly know the answer – if your instinctive answer is “No chance – I can feel my hand locked onto the grip” then you are pulling or bracing against the handlebars. That’s the problem.

If your instinct is “Yes, I probably could” then your weight is correctly balanced through your legs and your upper body is loose and well balanced – that’s what you want.

The one-hand drill tells you immediately whether your body position is correct. It removes guesswork and it builds confidence incredibly quickly.

If you feel you couldn’t take your hand off the grips then adjust your body into the attack position until you feel you could. It may put you in an unnatural feeling position – but if you are following the attack position guidelines then it will be the correct position.

How to Practise This Properly

Do not wait until you are in deep Saharan sand, start now.

Step 1 – Stationary Practice

Put the bike on its stand and practice moving from Seated →  Attack Position →  Seated. Do it over and over again. You may feel a bit silly doing it, but I promise you it can transform your off-road riding if you are novice or lack confidence or experience in sand. Do it again and again.

Feel:

• Standing on the balls of your feet allowing your body to flex up and down
• Knees bent but back over the pegs – not pushed forwards
• Back arched not hunched – this is vital in separating lower and upper body movements
• Weight through the pegs and feet not through your hands
• Head far forward over the light cluster – it should almost feel too far forward
• Elbows up
• Hands light

It will feel exaggerated and unnatural which is good.

Step 2 – Slow-Speed Practice

Every time you ride:

• Pulling into a car park
• Rolling into a driveway
• Leaving a junction
• Stretching your legs on a quiet road

Practice moving from seated into the attack position. Then ask – “Could I take one hand off?” This is all building muscle memory and teaching your body to default to the correct position.

Step 3 – Easy off road practice

Don’t wait for sand – it works for all off-road riding and if you practice on easy trails first then it will click. You should feel looser on the bike, less tense, the bike should be moving freely under you and you should hopefully be thinking “Yes, this feels much better”.

Step 4 – Sand

• On approach select a sensible gear – try 2nd or 3rd to keep speeds low.
• Hold steady throttle at lower revs than you may normally ride at.
• Move into the attack position.
• Think “one hand drill.”
• Avoid acceleration – steady throttle, look up and ahead and stay loose

If you wobble and panic — you are going slowly enough to dab a foot, recover, stop safely, readjust and try again. That protects confidence and confidence is everything in sand. Once confidence goes, riders tense up – tension leads to very quick loss of control and a crash. Picking up your bike in 40°C heat drains energy very quickly (ask me how I know!)

Slow First – Faster Later (If Ever)

If you can move through sand calmly at 15 mph without losing control or confidence, you are succeeding. You do not need to be faster than that because adventure riding is not racing – it’s about getting through day after day – without injury. 

As novice or inexperienced sand riders you shouldn’t be venturing into vast regions of tough, soft sand tracks – but you may well want to tackle some amazing trails which just happen to have some soft sandy sections thrown in which you can’t avoid (for example at Erg Chegaga, Plage Blanc and the Mauritania desert crossing on the PDC). It’s 90% fairly straightforward riding, but you need to be able to “make progress safely” through the 10% which is not. 

Riding slowly and safely at 15-20mph will get you through 15-20 miles of tough riding (which is a lot!) in just an hour – then it’s back onto the easier trails – that’s all we need to do.

Final Thoughts

I’m not a brilliant sand rider, but for me the attack position — used correctly and combined with the one-hand drill — has transformed how confidently and safely I ride off-road. Not because it made me faster, but because it gave me confidence in my own abilities to get through safely. I practice it constantly.

Why the PDC might be your Ultimate Springboard for Solo Overlanding Adventures

When riders reach the shores of West Africa at the end of the Paris Dakar Challenge (PDC), they’ve done more than just complete a demanding 4,000-mile overland ride. They’ve crossed borders, deserts, and mountain ranges—but also stepped way outside their comfort zones. The question many ask next is: what else might I be capable of doing?

The PDC is not just a bucket-list ride. For many, it becomes a launchpad—a bold, confidence-boosting springboard into a new kind of riding life. One where international solo overlanding feels not just possible, but entirely within reach.

Here’s why.

Not a Tour—An Independent Challenge with a Safety Net

The PDC isn’t a guided tour where you’re shepherded from hotel to hotel in neat formation. Riders are given a high level of freedom—to ride in pairs, or in loose groups—while still benefiting from the structure of a professionally organised route and a well-equipped support vehicle.

This unique approach fosters genuine self-reliance, while still offering the reassurance of daily briefings, mechanical backup, and logistical support. That mix of independence and safety net is what enables riders to stretch themselves far beyond what they might normally attempt.

You’re not being led by the hand. You’re being encouraged to lead yourself, and to learn in the process.

Doing What Most Wouldn’t Attempt Alone

Let’s be clear: many of the routes and regions tackled during the PDC are not ones that even seasoned solo travellers would choose to ride on their own. Remote stretches through the Atlas, vast distances across Mauritania, and complex, often chaotic border crossings in West Africa require not just skill, but mental resilience.

The support infrastructure of the PDC is what makes these experiences possible for more riders. You’re not gambling on whether you’ll find fuel, accommodation, or help if something goes wrong—you know it’s there. That allows you to embrace parts of the world most riders only dream about.

You might already be a confident traveller. But the level of adventure the PDC enables—without tipping into recklessness—is rare. And once you’ve navigated corrupt checkpoints in Senegal, customs confusion in Mauritania, you quickly learn that these things are not to be feared, but understood, and even enjoyed.

Confidence that Changes Your Horizons

Crossing a continent changes you. But it’s not just about distance—it’s about what you’ve handled along the way:

• Challenging terrain far off the tourist trail

• Long days riding into the unknown

• Problem-solving in real time, in foreign languages, with foreign systems

• Building trust in your gear, your judgment, and your ability to improvise

After completing the PDC, riders often find that their ambitions shift dramatically. The idea of riding solo through South America or Central Asia no longer feels out of reach—because you’ve already faced tougher situations, and come through stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

Learning by Doing—Not by Watching

There’s no shortage of riders dreaming about big trips. But many never get beyond the YouTube phase. The PDC is for those ready to step into the real thing—supported, yes, but not shielded.

Everything is earned: every mile, every checkpoint negotiation, every night under Saharan stars. That sense of self-earned experience is priceless. You’ve made your own decisions, had your own setbacks, and found your own way through.

That’s the foundation of future overland success. And it sticks with you long after you’ve packed away the sand-covered boots.

The Beginning of Bigger Things

Not everyone who completes the PDC will want to travel solo across continents. But for those who do? You’ll never again feel like you’re starting from scratch. You won’t just dream of adventure. You’ll already have lived it.

Tempted? Nervous? Perfect. That’s how all the best things start.

Why the Honda CRF300 Rally?

Light, capable, and built for the challenge.

One of the questions we get asked the most is this: “Why the CRF300 Rally? Isn’t that a bit small for a trip like this?”

It’s a fair question. After all, the Paris Dakar Challenge covers over 4,000 miles, crosses multiple countries, includes long road sections, and yes — takes in some tough off-road tracks too. Surely, you’d want a big-capacity adventure bike for that, right?

Actually… not always.

Plan for the Tough Days — Not the Easy Ones

On the long, smooth roads of Europe or the wide-open highways of Morocco, any bike will feel fine. A big twin-cylinder adventure machine will eat up the miles with ease. But that’s not the whole trip.

What really matters is how your bike treats you when things get difficult — when the trail turns sandy, rocky, narrow, or steep… when you’re hot and exhausted… when you have to pick the bike up for the second time in the space of a few minutes. That’s when weight, manageability, and simplicity stop being “nice to have” and start being the difference between a hard day and a nightmare.

Lightweight = Less Stress, More Fun

The CRF300 Rally is light, manageable, and confidence-inspiring. It doesn’t have intimidating power. It won’t exhaust you in soft sand. And if you do drop it (which happens to most people), you’ll stand a far better chance of picking it up, laughing about it, and cracking on. It’s a forgiving bike. And when you’re tackling unfamiliar terrain a long way from home, that matters more than outright horsepower.

Reliability You Can Trust

Honda’s single-cylinder engines are legendary for their reliability — and the CRF300 Rally is no exception. It’s simple, well-proven, and built to take abuse without complaining. The last thing you want on a remote piste is a complex electronics issue or an exotic part failure. We want you to be thinking about the adventure — not worrying about your bike.

Comfortable Enough for the Long Haul

Despite its off-road credentials, the CRF300 Rally is surprisingly good on the road. It’ll cruise at open-road speeds, sip fuel, and soak up the miles. Sure, it won’t hammer out a 100mph motorway blast — but that’s not what this trip is about. And when the road turns twisty, or the surface gets bad, you’ll be glad you’re on something nimble and fun.

Respect to the Big Bike Riders

Let’s be clear — we’ve got massive respect for the riders who can hustle a 1200GS or a big KTM through anything. Those bikes are incredible in the right hands, and we’ve had riders bring bigger machines and do brilliantly.

If you know your bike, and you know what you’re signing up for, bring it along. But for most people — especially those who don’t live off-road every weekend — a lighter, easier-to-handle bike will make this adventure a whole lot more enjoyable.

The CRF Is Our First Choice — But the Adventure Is Yours

We offer the CRF300 Rally for a reason: it’s the right tool for this job. But whether you ride one of ours or bring your own bike, the spirit of the trip is the same. It’s about adventure. It’s about challenge. It’s about having the right mindset — not the biggest engine. And it’s about picking a bike that’ll help you enjoy the whole journey… especially the hard bits.

Want to know more about the bikes or the trip? Get in touch — we’re always happy to chat.

Thinking of Joining the Paris Dakar Challenge — But Don’t Want to Go It Alone?

If you’ve been looking at the Paris Dakar Challenge and wondering “but I don’t have anyone to sign up with” — you’re not alone.

In fact, every single rider booked so far for the 2026 trip is coming on their own. They don’t know each other yet. Some have never done a trip like this before. Some are seasoned travellers. What they have in common is a sense of adventure — and the decision to take that first step.

We hear it all the time: “I want to do it — but I don’t want to be the odd one out.” And every year, those riders discover exactly what this trip is all about. By the end of the familiarisation day, you’ll already know faces and names. By the end of the first week, you’ll have shared stories, road miles, and some proper laughs. By the end of the trip… well, you’ll have crossed a continent together. And that sticks.

The Paris Dakar Challenge is a team of strangers who don’t stay strangers for long.

A trip made for solo riders — Especially less experienced ones

This isn’t a race. It’s a challenge — and it’s designed for riders who want to push themselves, but who don’t necessarily have years of off-road experience. That’s why we make sure the group stays small, with a maximum of 10 riders.

Of the riders signed up so far, they’re from all sorts of backgrounds. Some have done big overland trips. Some have done very little off-road riding before. The one thing they all have in common is they’re giving it a go. And that’s exactly the spirit we look for.

We know how it feels to worry you won’t be good enough. We’ve built this trip with that in mind. The off-road sections are designed to be progressive in difficulty, but achievable for determined novices. The desert crossing in Mauritania will be tough for the less-experienced off-roaders, but there are alternatives if you want them. And there’s always backup — with a support vehicle, a trip leader, and a group of people all in it together.

This Trip is a Challenge — But It’s Doable

We’re upfront about this: it’s a big trip. It’s not a walk in the park. But it’s doable. If you’ve got a sense of adventure, bike handling skills, and the determination to keep going, you’ll be fine.

We’ve had riders who doubted themselves at the start and came away with memories — and friendships — that will last a lifetime. 

You Don’t Have to Have a Mate to Join — You’ll Find Mates When You Do

If this trip’s been on your radar but you’ve held back because you didn’t want to go it alone… this is your sign. We’ve still got a few places left. And right now, you’d be joining a crew of solo riders — a mix of experience, backgrounds, and abilities. Just how we like it.

Drop us a message if you want to chat. No pressure. No hard sell. And maybe this will be the adventure that changes everything.

 

The Beginning — Nerves, Maps, and First Meetings

I remember the first time I saw the map. It sprawled across the wall of our meeting room in Cambridgeshire, a wild stretch of sand, jungle, and tarmac lines winding from London to Cape Town. The enormity of what we were about to take on hit me right there — 15,000 miles, 17 countries, deserts, jungles, and borders that sounded more like war zones than places you’d dream of riding through. But by the time I’d met the other riders over beers at the hotel bar, nerves gave way to excitement. We were in this together.

Our pre-expedition training gave us a crash course in bike maintenance, first aid, and surviving life on the road. We left that weekend not just as strangers but as a team — with a healthy dose of anticipation and a lot of gear to double-check.

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Hitting the Road — From Frosty Europe to the Heat of Africa

We set off on a freezing morning in England, snaking down to Portsmouth and catching the ferry south. Spain was a bitter, wet slog until we finally hit the sun in Morocco. Suddenly, the adventure began for real. The roads were chaotic, the driving insane, and the adrenaline relentless. We regrouped in Fez — everyone swapping stories of near-misses and “did you see that?!” moments.

As we crossed the Atlas Mountains, the stunning Ziz Gorge opened up before us, and soon we were camping beneath Saharan skies. Out in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, we had our first taste of sand riding — a humbling, hilarious, and bruising experience. With a mix of novice and experienced riders, we learned quickly. And if we didn’t, the soft landings helped.

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The Sahara — Endless Sand, Starry Nights, and Real Adventure

Crossing into Mauritania felt like stepping off the edge of the world. The roads disappeared, replaced by tracks only visible on a GPS and the occasional camel print. Our 250-mile desert crossing became one of the trip’s defining chapters — two and a half days of blasting across sand, dunes, and salt flats with nothing but horizon in every direction. It was raw, pure adventure.

We weren’t without mishaps — Rod, a fellow rider, suffered a broken collarbone after a fall. But that was part of the reality. This wasn’t a guided holiday. This was the real deal.

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Into West Africa — From the Sahara to Senegal and Beyond

After the rawness of the desert, Senegal and The Gambia welcomed us with music, colour, and cold beer. The tropical heat replaced the dry desert air, and we began settling into the rhythm of life on the road — pack up, ride, laugh, repeat. We crossed into Mali, battled through the heat of Kayes, and made our way up the legendary route to Timbuktu. Days of corrugated tracks, failed shock absorbers, and blazing heat became the norm.

Camping out, fixing bikes by the side of the road, and exploring ancient towns — it was the kind of experience you dream about but rarely live.

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Ghana, Nigeria, and Central Africa — Into the Heart of the Continent

We crossed into Ghana, enjoying the lush landscapes and rare creature comforts at Mole Game Park. From there, it was onto Benin’s voodoo markets and the chaos of Nigeria. Nigeria was intense — corruption, bureaucracy, and crowds, but also some of the warmest welcomes and unforgettable moments. Every stop brought a new crowd of curious locals, fascinated by the sight of our dusty, travel-worn bikes and faces.

Crossing into Cameroon, the roads turned to mud and the rainforest closed in. It was here the real test of endurance began — battling thick jungle tracks, daily rain, and some of the toughest riding of the trip. Yet, somehow, this is where the camaraderie hit its peak.

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Congo, Gabon, and the Long Road South

Gabon and Congo brought more mud, wild trails, and that indescribable feeling of being truly off the grid. Visa runs, border chaos, and even hitching a lift on a cargo ship around the closed DR Congo border — Africa always kept us guessing.

But that’s what made it special. This wasn’t a sanitised tour. It was a full-blooded, unpredictable adventure.

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Angola — Tough Roads, Big Smiles, and the Best Riding of the Trip

Angola hit us like a freight train — bombed out tanks on the roadside, broken roads, and wild trails winding through stunning scenery. From deserted beaches to bustling Luanda, Angola was a rollercoaster of extremes.

We rode some of the hardest, most rewarding tracks of the expedition here. And by now, the riders who’d started the trip as off-road novices were handling the toughest terrain like pros. Every challenge felt earned. Every mile a victory.

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Namibia and South Africa — The Final Stretch

Crossing into Namibia was like coming back to civilisation — good roads, western comforts, and yet still some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. From Etosha’s game parks to the sweeping desert plains, Namibia gave us a fitting farewell to Africa’s wild heart.

And then, South Africa. The end of the road. We rode into Cape Town soaked from a storm but couldn’t have cared less. The final ride down to Cape Point was a blur of pride, disbelief, and the purest happiness I’ve ever felt.

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Looking Back — More Than a Ride, A Lifetime Achievement

132 days, 15,000 miles, and memories that will last forever. What started as a crazy idea became the ultimate adventure. We crossed continents, rode through deserts and jungles, battled breakdowns, laughed over beers, and built friendships stronger than steel.

I didn’t just survive this trip. I lived it. And I wouldn’t trade a second of it for the world.

This wasn’t just a ride. It was the ultimate challenge — and we did it.

The Legendary Desert Crossing: Nouadhibou to Nouakchott

There’s a moment on every Paris-Dakar Challenge when the mood shifts.

You’ve ridden through Europe, crossed into Morocco, tackled mountain trails and tasted the first flavours of Africa. But then you reach the edge of the Western Sahara — and ahead lies Mauritania.

This is where the real adventure begins.

Back when I first crossed Africa on my old XT600 Tenere, there was no road beyond the Western Sahara border. At the crossing, the tarmac simply stopped. A guard pointed me forward — straight into the sand. I rode off alone into the no man’s land, skirting the minefields, heart thumping (yes, real minefields and they are very much still there today).

It was hot, silent, vast. I made it to Nouadhibou (aka NDB) to refuel and take on water. Then came the crossing to Nouakchott (aka NKT) — three days of riding with no roads, just navigating tracks and compass bearings through the endless  plains and dunes of the Sahara. We camped under the stars, cooked in the dust, and rode through heat and emptiness so intense it stripped everything else away.

When I finally rolled onto the tarmac outside Nouakchott — wild-eyed, sunburnt, and caked in dust — I felt something I’ve never forgotten: absolute exhilaration.

And here’s the thing — the route we take today is still that same one. Before the coastal road was built, this was the way to get from NDB to NKT. For years, adventurers, traders, overlanders and original Dakar Rally riders followed this path — through the shifting sands, across the old iron ore railway, and finally onto the famous Atlantic beach.

This is not a technical off-road section — it’s about endurance, mindset, and respect for where you are – alone in the vastness of the Sahara. You’ll be supported the whole way by our backup vehicle. But you’ll still need to dig deep. The heat, the emptiness, the remoteness — it gets under your skin.

And when you finally hit the tarmac again near Nouakchott, you’ll understand what makes this part of the journey so special.

It’s not just a desert crossing. It’s a rite of passage. A living link to the golden era of overland adventure.

If there’s one section of the Paris-Dakar Challenge that belongs on every rider’s bucket list — this is it.

Tempted, But Nervous? You’re Not Alone.

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1. Age & Experience: There’s No Perfect Profile

We’ve had riders in their 20s, 30s, 40s — and plenty in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s. The question isn’t how old are you? It’s:

• Are you healthy and fit enough to ride a motorbike every day for 3 weeks?
• Are you comfortable riding on tarmac and confident on your bike?
• Are you willing to learn, to prepare properly, and to embrace the challenge?

If the answer is yes, you’re good.

Over 60 and thinking “I might be too old for this”?
Absolutely not — if anything, you’re likely to bring experience, patience, and perspective that younger riders will benefit from. Age is not a barrier. We’d love to have you on the trip.

New to off-road or long-distance travel?
That’s fine too. Most people haven’t done something like this before. You’ll need to prepare — but you don’t need a passport full of stamps or years of trail-riding behind you.

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2. What Will the Other Riders Be Like?

You might be picturing a gang of Dakar veterans on £25k bikes, swapping rally stories and bench-racing at the bivouac. Reality check: this trip attracts a brilliantly mixed bunch. Here’s what the crew will probably look like:

• Some have done big trips before — others haven’t even ridden outside the UK.
• Some are builders, office workers, ex-service, teachers, mechanics, engineers, paramedics, or retired.
• Some have done lots of off-roading — others are just starting now.

What unites everyone is simple: A willingness to take on a big adventure with a good attitude and zero ego. And yes — there’ll be someone slower than you. Someone faster too. That’s not the point. This isn’t a race. It’s a shared journey.

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3. Who This Trip is Really For

You might think this kind of trip is only for riders with decades of experience. But the truth is, some of our favourite riders — the ones who’ve had the biggest smiles and made the best memories — were the ones doing something like this for the first time.

Why? Because for them, this isn’t just another stamp in the passport. It’s not “just another tour.” It’s the big one.

We love having a mix. Experienced riders help create confidence and structure. But first-timers bring something just as important: a raw sense of “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” That energy is what makes the PDC feel like an adventure, not a package tour.

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4. A Quick Reality Check

Let’s be honest. This isn’t a cushy road tour around Provence. The Paris-Dakar Challenge is a 3-week, cross-continent ride through seven countries, down into West Africa. You’ll deal with:

• Long days in the saddle
• High temperatures
• Some tricky terrain in Morocco and Mauritania
• Border crossings
• Cultural shifts
• Gravel, sand, dust, fatigue — and probably a few sore muscles

This is not the place to learn to ride a motorcycle. It’s also not a good idea to try off-road for the first time on the trip.

You’ll need to be:

• Confident on-road — overtaking, braking, low-speed control.
• Prepared for different traffic styles (especially in African towns).
• Comfortable standing on the pegs and riding over uneven surfaces.

If you’re not quite there yet — don’t worry. You’ve got time. The trip leaves in March 2026. Use the next few months to:

• Take a beginner off-road course (even one day will help).
• Go green laning with a mate
• Ride in different conditions (wet, windy, hot, long days).

You don’t need to become an enduro pro — but you do need to make an effort to prepare.

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5. What If Something Goes Wrong?

We’ve got you covered.

• There’s a support vehicle with tools, spares and mechanical help.
• You’ll never be left behind.
• We work as a team — not in isolation.

You will have to:

• Carry some basic kit (tube, levers, pump).
• Do daily maintenance checks on your bike (if you don’t know how, we’ll show you).
• Deal with a bit of heat, hunger, dust, and delay. That’s part of it.

This is adventure travel — not luxury touring. But that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

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6. So… Should You Join?

If you’re fit, up for a challenge, and willing to put in the prep — then yes. We’re not looking for rally champions. We’re looking for people with a spark. People who want to do something that feels big, bold, and real.

If you’re nervous? That’s good. Nervous means you care. Nervous means this isn’t just a throwaway holiday. And trust us — when you roll into Dakar with 20 other bikes, covered in dust and grinning like an idiot… You’ll be glad you said yes.

Still have questions?

Check out the FAQ or drop us a message — we’re happy to talk it through.

Should I Join?

Your No-Nonsense Rider’s Checklist

We’ve had a huge number of people say they’re interested in the Paris-Dakar Challenge… but also a fair few who are secretly wondering:

“Am I experienced enough? Fit enough? Mad enough?”

So here’s a friendly but practical checklist to help you figure it out. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s here to help you make the right call for you—and get excited if the answer is yes.

The Rider’s Reality Check – Are You In?

1. Can you ride a motorbike confidently on the road?

This isn’t the trip to learn how to ride. You should already have a motorcycle licence and feel at home handling a bike in traffic, on motorways, and winding country roads. If you’ve done a few UK or European road trips, that’s plenty. You don’t need to be Ewan McGregor.

2. Are you comfortable getting out of your comfort zone?

This is an adventure. You’ll be dusty, tired, buzzing, elated, and occasionally a bit nervous. You’ll also be part of a brilliant crew, all helping each other through it. The only riders who don’t enjoy it are the ones who expect it to be a guided tour. It’s not. It’s an expedition. That’s what makes it magic.

3. Do you understand what kind of riding this is?

Most of the trip is on roads and tracks. But we’ll hit sand, gravel, potholes, and heat. It’s not extreme enduro—but it’s not all tarmac either. You don’t need to be an expert off-road rider. But you do need to make an effort to prepare if you’re new to riding off tarmac.

So… What If You’ve Never Ridden Off-Road?

That’s totally fine. Loads of riders join us from a road-riding background. But you do need to put some time in before you go. We promise—it makes a huge difference. Here are some brilliant UK-based off-road schools to try:

• Desert Rose Riding Academy (Sussex)
• Honda Adventure Centre (Exmoor)
• Mick Extance Experience (North Wales)
• BMW Off Road Skills (South Wales)

If you’re reading this from Canada, the US, Australia or New Zealand — good news: there are loads of schools in your neck of the woods too. Just Google “off road motorcycle training near me.”

4. Are you prepared to keep your bike alive?

We’re not expecting you to be a mechanic. But if your chain snaps or your tyre goes flat, you’ll need to roll your sleeves up. Help will be nearby, but you’ll enjoy the trip more by being hands-on.

5. Are you worried about being the least experienced?

Honestly? Don’t be. Every trip has riders in their 20s and riders in their 60s. Some come solo. Some come in pairs. Everyone helps everyone else. What matters most is your attitude. If you’re keen, willing to learn, and up for the challenge—you’ll fit right in.

Still Not Sure?

Here’s your next move:

1. 1. Read through the full trip details on parisdakarchallenge.com
   2. Get on the waiting list if you’re not already
   3. Start prepping: do a weekend of off-road training and get excited.

We can’t promise it’ll be easy. But we can promise it’ll be unforgettable.

Are you in?

How to Train for the PDC

A Realistic Guide (No Gym Membership Required)

If the thought of training for a ride to Dakar makes you feel like you need to be some kind of Ironman or ex-rally rider — relax. You don’t.

This challenge is designed for real people. Riders with jobs, kids, creaky knees, and limited time to “train” in the traditional sense. But it is a big ride — and it’ll be more enjoyable if you arrive feeling reasonably fit, confident, and ready for the journey.

Here’s a realistic, encouraging guide to help you prepare — no pressure, no ego, just practical steps that will genuinely help.

1. The More You Ride, the Better It Gets

You don’t need to become an off-road legend. But the more time you spend on two wheels, the more comfortable you’ll feel — especially on long days.

• Try to build up to a few multi-hour rides, with minimal breaks
• Ride in less-than-perfect conditions — wind, rain, traffic, gravel
• Ride back-to-back days if you can, to get used to mild fatigue

The goal? Get your body and brain used to being on the bike. That’s it.

2. Try Some Light Off-Road, Even Just Once

You don’t need to be an off-road expert — but having some exposure will help. Even just a single day will make a difference.

• Look for a one-day trail riding course or green-laning day
• Ride gravel tracks, fire roads, or grassy lanes if you have access
• The aim is not skill — it’s confidence. Knowing how it feels when the bike moves underneath you

And don’t worry: there’s plenty of tarmac on the trip too.

3. Stay Active, Not Extreme

You don’t need to train like an athlete — but a basic level of fitness makes everything easier. Helpful things to do:

• Go for regular walks, hikes, or bike rides
• Do a few simple core or leg exercises (like bodyweight squats or yoga)
• Stretch a bit, especially if you’re desk-bound during the week

The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it — but this isn’t a race, and nobody’s checking your heart rate.

4. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

The truth is, mental prep is half the battle.

• Can you keep calm when plans change?
• Can you laugh when things go wrong?
• Can you get up and keep going when you’re tired or dusty?

This isn’t about toughness — it’s about mindset. Most riders who succeed aren’t the fittest or fastest — they’re the most flexible.

5. Practice a Mini Adventure

Do a weekend ride with:

• A small kit bag
• A basic overnight stay (even just a local camp site or cheap B&B)
• Some time on the road each day

It doesn’t need to be long or remote — just enough to feel how your body, mind, and bike handle a couple of full days.

Final Word

You don’t need to be highly trained or highly experienced. You just need to be willing, open-minded, and up for the ride.

There’s plenty of time to prepare — and lots of support along the way. The hardest part is usually making the decision to go. After that? We help you take care of the rest.

 

Which Bike? Big vs Small – The Honest Truth

One of the most common questions we get from riders signing up for the Paris-Dakar Challenge is this:

“What bike should I bring?”

And the honest answer? It depends. But this post will help you decide.

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Big Bikes: Comfortable Cruisers… with a Caveat

Many riders—especially returning adventurers or those coming from a background of big-mile road touring—are used to big, powerful machines like the BMW GS, Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenere, KTM 1290, etc. These bikes are fantastic in many ways:

• ✅ Superb on motorways and long road sections
• ✅ Great wind protection and comfort
• ✅ Perfect for the beautiful twisty roads through Morocco
• ✅ Fast, planted, and confidence-inspiring on the road

But here’s the caveat: They’re heavy. Really heavy. And that becomes a problem when you hit sand, deep gravel, or slow technical tracks—especially if you’re not already a confident off-road rider. We’ve had riders tackle the Sahara on big bikes and do brilliantly. But we’ve also had riders who said, with hindsight: “I wish I’d brought something smaller.”

And, worst of all, we’ve had riders who have had to miss the desert crossing in Mauritania – the bike in soft sand was just too much for them.

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Smaller Bikes: The Underdog That Outperforms

Let’s talk about the Honda CRF300 Rally — our go-to suggestion for most riders, especially if you’re newer to off-road. It might feel underpowered at first if you’re coming off a 1000cc+ adventure bike. But don’t be fooled — this bike punches way above its weight.

• ✅ Super light (about half the weight of a 1200GS)
• ✅ Forgiving in sand – easy to correct, quick to pick up
• ✅ Capable off-road – it’s built for this kind of terrain
• ✅ Surprisingly comfy – a decent saddle, windscreen and 70mph cruising
• ✅ Energy-saving – you’ll thank yourself when you drop it (and you will)

If you’ve never ridden in sand before, trying to wrestle a big bike through Mauritania is doable… but draining. And if you struggle, you may have to miss that section. That would be a real shame — it’s a huge highlight of the trip.

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So, Which One Should You Choose?

Ask yourself these honest questions:

1. Have I ridden a big adventure bike in sand before?

• If yes — and you enjoy it — go for it.
• If no — consider your energy, fitness, and risk tolerance.

2. Am I willing to compromise on road comfort to massively reduce off-road stress?

• Smaller bikes can still be comfy — but they won’t have cruise control or heated grips.

3. Will I be gutted if I have to skip the desert section?

• If yes — pick the bike that gives you the best chance of making it through.

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Our Take (For What It’s Worth)

If we were riding solo across Africa or even around the world, we’d take the CRF300 Rally. It’s light, low-stress, and handles whatever you throw at it. And on this trip, that matters.

Motorcycles are personal. What feels right for one person may feel all wrong for another. Your confidence, size, strength, experience, and taste all play a part. We’ll never tell you there’s one right answer. But we will tell you this: when you’re in the sand, hot, tired, and needing to pick your bike up for the third time that day… you’ll be very glad you went light.

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Final Tips:

• Plan for the tough days not the easy ones. Yes, you might think you have a frustratingly underpowered bike on motorways and roads, but in exchange you’ll get a much easier time during the toughest days in the Sahara.
• Big bike riders: If you’re confident off-road and experienced in sand — you’re good. If not, don’t let ego override enjoyment.
• Newer riders: Small bike. Every time. Trust us.
• If in doubt you can always take one of our CRF300 Rally bikes. They’re ideal for the route, and it saves you worrying about a lot of things.

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Have questions about bike setup, tyres or gear? Drop us a message or head over to parisdakarchallenge.com for more prep advice and rider insights.