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?