News, Tips & Tricks
Welcome to the Paris-Dakar Challenge blog — part advice column, part therapy session. Here you’ll find behind-the-scenes stories, no-nonsense advice, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that only comes from blood, sweat, and the occasional emotional breakdown in the world’s most remote and challenging places. Whether you’re already signed up or just quietly plotting, there’s plenty here to stoke the fire.
Click to filter by category
The Legendary Desert Crossing: Nouadhibou to Nouakchott
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...
Tempted, But Nervous? You’re Not Alone.
Tempted, But Nervous? You’re Not Alone. 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...
Is the PDC for me? Your no-nonsense checklist.
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...
How to Train for the Paris-Dakar Challenge
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...
Which Bike? Big vs Small – The Honest Truth
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. Big Bikes: Comfortable...
When MCN took on the Paris Dakar Challenge
When MCN took on the Paris Dakar Challenge Back in 2008, Motorcycle News sent a writer to ride with us on the original Paris-Dakar Challenge. What followed was an unforgettable, sunburnt adventure. Here's what he had to say...Know someone who’d love this? Challenge...
First Stop Beyond the Sahara: Riding Into St. Louis, Senegal
First Stop Beyond the Sahara: Riding Into St. Louis, Senegal After nearly three weeks on the road, the miles blur together — desert tracks, mountain passes, remote border posts, and long stretches of tarmac slicing through silence. Then, suddenly, it changes. You...
Big Bikes – can they do it?
Big Bikes – can they do it? Short answer: Yes, absolutely. Plenty of riders have tackled the Paris-Dakar Challenge on big adventure bikes like the big BMW GSs, Honda Africa Twin, and Yamaha Ténéré — and many of them were off-road novices when they started. In some...
PDC – a lot more than just desert
PDC – a lot more than just desert When people think of the Paris-Dakar Challenge, their minds often jump straight to the Sahara — sand, sweat, and the occasional struggle. But the journey doesn’t start in the desert. It begins with the open roads of Europe, where the...
Am I up to the off-road stuff?
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...
Know someone who’d love this? Challenge them to join you:
Get the latest updates
Join the maining list, unsubscribe at any time.
QUESTIONS?
Embark on the ride of a lifetime with the Paris Dakar Challenge. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to off-road biking, don't let doubts hold you back; our team is here to answer all your questions and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how you can join this unforgettable adventure.
