KTM Adventure Rally
This initial European KTM Adventure Rally had a fairly low-key launch, promoted through the factory’s social media. Entry was restricted to 150 riders, who signed up through a website, paying €299 for three days’ guided riding (including four evening meals). Camping on site was free but riders had to book their own hotels, as well as pay for their own lunches and fuel.
When riders arrived to sign on, their bikes were checked over for suitability by a team of KTM mechanics (who also sorted out any that developed problems as the event went along). Germany tyre firm Continental had a truck there to change tyres for those who needed it.
The riding was outstanding, split into three categories: all off-road; 50/50 road/off-road; all road. Though riders signed up for one category, it was possible to move groups. The difficulty of the off-road sections did vary slightly, with the 50/50 groups generally skipping the toughest bits, but each day was slightly tougher than the previous to help riders develop.
Guiding was a bit more hit and miss – a few riders did get detached from their groups, but they were generally picked up by another one. While some bikes did go down, the only injury was a dislocated finger and everyone finished the rally on their own bikes – albeit sometimes after (free) repairs from the KTM mechanics.
The only areas criticised by the riders were the camping facilities (basic, with toilets that quickly became horrific) and the catering, as the evening-meal venues struggled with the volume of people. These didn’t spoil the event, though.
The dates and location of next year’s European KTM Adventure Rally were not confirmed as we went to press: keep an eye on the KTM Facebook page and www.ktm-adventure-rally.com