An Epic Journey Through Utah, Colorado, Baja, New England, and Alberta
Since our last update in April, my rally journey has been packed with adventure, learning, and new partnerships. It’s been a whirlwind few months, filled with incredible experiences, fantastic people, and more roadbooks than ever before.
Utah: Rallying with Kove Moto USA
Kicking things off in Utah, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my good friend Jayden Russell and working with Gary, the owner of Kove Moto USA. We spent time in Salt Lake City and Mona, crafting new roadbooks and discussing exciting plans to develop rally events in the area. The folks at Kove Moto have been incredibly generous, providing me with a training bike for the year – a machine I’ve been thoroughly enjoying. It's been an amazing opportunity to ride a bike that handles everything from roadbooks to off-road challenges with ease, and it’s shaping up to be a great tool in my rally training arsenal.
Colorado: Skool of Moto Rally Skool
From Utah, I made my way to Colorado for one of the best events of the year – the Skool of Moto Rally Skool. Over two weekends, we hosted rally schools for groups of 10 to 12 eager riders. Huge thanks to Chris from Moto Minded and Donni from Skool of Moto for their unmatched hospitality and support. The event catered primarily to beginners, helping them get a grip on navigation, rally techniques, and handling different stages. What made it truly special was the sense of camaraderie – barbecues, bonfires, and shared experiences brought everyone together, making it an unforgettable couple of weekends.
See video here .
Baja 500: Dakar World Tour
Next up was a trip south to Ensenada, Mexico, for the Dakar World Tour during the Baja 500. It was an amazing opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet key Dakar figures, including Ronan Valverde, Dakar's competitor relations officer. Special thanks go out to the Baja Rally team for their warm hospitality, providing me with a place to stay during this special event. The Dakar World Tour continues to inspire, and it was a privilege to witness firsthand the dedication and passion that goes into the world’s toughest rally.
New Hampshire & Vermont: 186 ADV Roadbook Event
Back in the U.S., I hosted the first-ever roadbook event in New Hampshire and Vermont, organized by 186 ADV. Introducing roadbooks to a region not traditionally familiar with rally navigation was an exciting milestone. With the help of local expert Mark Gensamer and the 186 ADV team, we had a fantastic day riding and exploring the beautiful gravel roads of the Northeast. It was rewarding to see the enthusiasm and interest grow as riders took on new challenges and embraced the rally spirit.
Alberta: Boreal Royale with Ride North Moto
The adventure didn’t stop there. I then headed to Alberta, Canada, for the Boreal Royale, hosted by Ride North Moto in Fort McMurray. This event offered stunning sand riding, reminding me of the Kalahari back home. We enjoyed a weekend full of roadbooks, clinics, and camping, all while riding a variety of bikes – including the Harley Pan America. Massive thanks to Kove Canada for their support and providing bikes for the event.
The enthusiasm and energy of the local riding community made it a highlight of the summer, reinforcing the powerful connection that rallies and adventure riding foster.
These past few months have been a whirlwind, filled with challenges, camaraderie, and new opportunities to grow and share the rally sport. Whether it’s developing roadbooks in Utah, teaching in Colorado, or riding the wild sands of Alberta, each step has brought new insights and joy. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds as the rally journey continues. Stay tuned for more exciting developments, and thank you all for your ongoing support!
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Stay tuned, ride safe, and remember— just be lekker!
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