A rally raid is a multi-day off-road race where you navigate an unknown route with a roadbook. You do not need racing experience to start: you need a reliable bike, basic off-road skills and the ability to read a roadbook. This guide takes you from “could I do this?” to the start line.
What is a rally raid?
A rally raid runs over several days. Each day you ride a stage through open country, following a roadbook instead of a marked course, and pass hidden waypoints that prove you rode the route. Times count, but so does navigation: a fast rider who gets lost loses more than a steady rider who reads the roadbook well. In the evening you sleep at the bivouac with everyone else.
Do I need experience?
Not racing experience. If you ride off-road comfortably for a full day, you can do it. At Dinaric Rally first-timers can choose DARE!: the real stages, adapted for big adventure bikes, with a time limit instead of a stopwatch and no ranking.
Which bike?
- A road-legal enduro bike is the most common choice.
- A rally bike with a navigation tower is ideal, but not required.
- Big adventure bikes (GS, Ténéré, Africa Twin) can race too: see rally raid on an adventure bike.
- Quads and SSV have their own classes.
Learn the roadbook first
Navigation is where beginners lose the most time. Learn the basics before you come:
- How roadbook navigation works
- Roadbook lexicon: every symbol and abbreviation
- Navigation equipment: holder, remote, trip meter
- Roadbook Rally Bootcamp: practise on the bike with an instructor
Licence and insurance
Personal accident insurance is always mandatory. Whether you need a racing licence depends on the status of the event: the licence guide explains it for 2027.
Your checklist
- Pick your class: Rally or DARE!
- Prepare the bike: tyres, service, navigation mount
- Learn the roadbook and practise with it
- Arrange insurance, and a licence if needed
- Plan your stay: the basic camp package is included for riders, or book a room in Knin
- Decide on support: your own crew or a rally support partner
- Check what a rally raid costs and register early
Register for Dinaric Rally 2027 · 21–27 August 2027 · Knin, Croatia