RallyMoto Magazine - all about Adventure | Roadbook | Rally (Sept/Oct)

MAY/JUNE Jan/Feb SEPT/OCT 2022
2022
2023
DATES RELEASED!
A WEEKEND AT
HAGGS BANK
TRAIL SAFE
DINARIC RALLY
DEEP DIVE
THE RETURN OF
THE TOUR OF
PORTUGAL

RallyMoto Magazine
RallyMoto Magazine
JUST ENJOYING THE
RIDE...
WRITTEN BY ROBERT HUGHES
CONTENTS
Since our last issue, the RallyMoto Team has put
some real miles under our belts. Our biggest
mission was doing a Portugal shakedown for
the Tour of Portugal, with five days exploring
and doing a recce for new routes as well as
checking the roadbook.
Following straight on from this, the team
rode new routes in the Estrela region, which
may one day led to the Tour of Portugal
having a marathon stage and an overnight stop
- so watch this space.
We then headed south to explore new
adventure routes and honed our sand
riding skills.
Now we are back in the UK and full on
preparing the Dark Skies Kielder with
some new sections and new stages for the
rally - with a 400km day set out for the
Saturday.
The Ice Breaker Challenge also
starts in December on the
RallyMoto Digital Roadbook.
So, no rest for the wicked.
3 - 2 - 1 - Goooooo!
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2023 DATES
GET YOUR DIARIES OUT!
HAGGS BANK
ADV CANNONBALL WEEKENDER
TRAINEE TALKS
HIS KIELDER ADV RALLY EXPERIENCE
PORTUGAL
WE ARE BACK!
TRAIL SAFE
TIPS FOR GOOD PREPARATION
ALL THE GEAR
ADVENTURE SPEC MONGOLIA JACKET
DINARIC RALLY DEEP DIVE
FIRST TIMER TALES
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Cover image: RUI MATIAS
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RallyMoto Magazine
LOCK IT IN!!
DON’T FORGET TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE CALENDAR
FOR UPDATES AND MORE EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
RALLYMOTO.CO.UK/RALLY-CALENDAR/
KEY DATES FOR 2023
RallyMoto Magazine
ADVENTURE SPEC
KIELDER 500
MARCH 24 - 26
ENTRIES OPEN DECEMBER
LIGHT IS RIGHT
THE TOUR OF
PORTUGAL
APRIL 21 - 23
ENTRIES OPEN NOVEMBER
ADVENTURE SPEC
WALES 500
MAY 5 - 7
ENTRIES OPEN DECEMBER
4
ADVENTURE SPEC
DARK SKIES RALLY
OCT 27 -29
ENTRIES OPEN DECEMBER
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Photo: Wil Linssen

RallyMoto Magazine
HAGGS BANK WEEKENDER
RallyMoto Magazine
WEEKEND CAMP
ON A SUNNY AUGUST BANK
HOLIDAY, RALLYMOTO
MEMBERS TOOK TO THE
NORTH FOR TWO DAYS OF
ROADBOOKING IN THE NORTH
PENNINES AND SURROUNDING
AREAS, AND WHAT A
FANTASTIC TREAT IT WAS!
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THE TRAILS WERE TOUGH, THE ROUTE WAS EPIC, THE
WEATHER WAS BRILLIANT AND THE VIEWS WERE
OUTSTANDING.
AS THE RIDERS ROLLED IN AFTER A BIG DAY ON THE BIKES
OUR HOST DANNY AND HIS AMAZING TEAM GOT THE BBQ ON
AND KEPT THE BEERS FLOWING WELL INTO THE NIGHT.
TO TOP IT OFF, THE BLAZING CAMPFIRES KEPT OUR TOES
WARM AND THE MIDGIES AT BAY AS THE RIDERS RELIVED
THEIR TRIALS OF THE DAY!
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RallyMoto Magazine
WINTER IS COMING, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS...
FROM THE MEMBERS
RallyMoto Magazine
STRAIGHT FROM THE RIDER’S MOUTH
NATHANIEL LEACH - PARTICIPANT OF THE KIELDER ADVENTURE RALLY EXPERIENCE
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ICE BREAKER
CHALLENGE
POWERED BY
6 ROUTES
ONE CHALLENGE
• NORTH YORK MOORS
• SALISBURY PLAIN
• THETFORD
• WALES
• COTSWOLDS
• PEAKS
RALLY THE WINTER AWAY ON THE UK’S ONLY DIGITAL
ROADBOOKING CHALLENGE
BEGINS DECEMBER 2022
“From the minute I arrived I felt welcome
and was kept informed as to what
we would be doing. Even the admin was
done having a laugh and no question was
a stupid one. Having a beer, mighty fine
pizzas, a chat about bikes and the excitement
ahead, really broke the ice. By the
end of the evening everyone was chatting
and getting along with a collective anticipation
of the day to follow.
The classroom sessions were interesting
and nothing was laboured. The content
was exactly what was needed and was
well measured. From all those that gave
an input it was delivered with enthusiasm.
It was not stale or stuffy which
some inputs can be.
The rides were well managed and really
gave me confidence. Mistakes were welcomed
not criticised and positive learning
points given at all times.
Out of the whole group no one had anything
but praise for the team. Their enthusiasm,
knowledge and teaching style
were top notch. It was more like a group
of friends helping us along.
Apart from the wonderful team the star
of the show had to be the riding we did. I
fell in love with my bike out in that forest.
Starting day one sat on the seat wobbly
round corners with my heart in my
mouth. By the end of the weekend standing
up on the pegs relaxed. Even getting
so into my stride I got marked down for
speeding in the rally stage!
How many people who own an adventure
bike really use it for what it was intended?
I can safely say I have, and will again
soon. That/s thanks to you guys.
What could be better than riding on
gravel and mud grinning from ear to ear
looking out over miles of wilderness.
See you at the next event.
Nat”
HOW MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN AN
ADVENTURE BIKE REALLY USE IT FOR
WHAT IT WAS INTENDED?
I CAN SAFELY SAY I HAVE, AND WILL
AGAIN SOON.
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RallyMoto Magazine
TOUR OF PORTUGAL
RallyMoto Magazine
THE RETURN OF
THE
Cow dodging: DAVE (WIZZY CHIZZY) CHISLETT
TOUR
OF
PORTUGAL
THE OFFICIAL SHAKEDOWN
2022
For the team behind the scenes, the past couple
of years has been heavily focussed on getting
RallyMoto’s UK events back up and running, but the
time had finally come to revisit our friends in the land
to the south and get reaquainted with that endless
terrain of off road heaven that Portugal so generously
offers...
“This is an amazing place
to ride. The area is very
remote, there are almost
no people here, but for
riding it is paradise. There
are all types of terrain -
sandy, rocky, twisty, we have
everything!” -
RUI, PORTUGAL OFFROAD
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Taking in the view: PEDRO, BURT, RUI & GABBY
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RallyMoto Magazine
TOUR OF PORTUGAL
RallyMoto Magazine
On top of the world: JOHN, ALEX, RUI, ALAN, BURT & PEDRO
With the help of our partner Rui Matias of Portugal
Offorad, over 800kms worth of roadbooks were formulated
to be ridden over three days throughout
the mountains of Pampilhosa and surrounding areas,
encompassing some of the very best dirt trails,
stony hill climbs, forestry roads, wide open gravel
tracks and even some high altitude sandy beaches!
This was a scaled down pre-run of the Tour of
Portugal Adventure Rally, an event that would
historically be run annually by RallyMoto and
Portugal Offroad.
The main event will be happening in April of 2023
and will include both a Rally Class for those with
enduro capabilities (yes it can get tough!), and an
Adventure Class for the big bike riders.
Who’s in?
Showing the kids how it’s done: STEVEN SCOPES
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The dream team: GABBY, ALEX, BURT AND RUI.
Fueled by pastel de natas: PETE LIVSEY
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RallyMoto Magazine
A BIT ABOUT
RallyMoto Magazine
SAFE + Y
WRITTEN BY GARRY ROBERTSON-LEE
As an organisation RallyMoto has a number of safety layers in place for riders.
All riders are tracked around the course, marshals are interspersed amongst the
field and are equipped with First Aid kits, tools for breakdowns and punctures,
as well as communication and ways of tracking where riders are. Any rider down
is easilly located. (It’s a truly great support operation.)
Off road Riding has its risks, so how do
we as riders minimize this?
Let’s start with the basic considerations
and extra kit outside of the usual protective
riding gear, toolkits and puncture kits we all
already carry (you do this right?).
Firstly, are you fit to ride? Consider the following:
• Going easy on the alcohol the evening
before.
• Have appropriate clothing for the conditions.
- Waterproofs / Spare warm layers
• Carry enough food and water for the
day.
• Avoid riding tired. You are more likely to
make mistakes when you are tired.
• Ensure your bike is fit to ride, i.e. Free
from any mechanical deficiencies.
Here is a list of essential items we all should be
carrying on our little adventures, be it local or
further away.
• A First Aid kit
* Add anti-histamines, pain killers, bite cream, Diarrhea
tablets, burn gel/packs and small eye bath/cup.
• A mobile phone (fully charged!)
- Emergency numbers/I.C.E are already programmed
in. (contact numbers e.g. RallyMoto HQ etc)
- Have it on your person and not your bike - in the
event of being separated from it.
- Contact numbers for your mates other half’s ;-)
• A Safety whistle - Carried on your person!
*Note: The international distress signal is 6 blasts of a
whistle every minute. The recognised reply is 3 blasts
every minute. If you are calling for assistance and hear
a reply, KEEP blowing the signal until rescue appears
in sight, otherwise your rescuers will not be able to
find you if you stop too early! Failing that, S.O.S is well
recognised regardless of what order you do it in.
• I.C.E card with your details (Full name, Address,
DOB, allergies and an emergency contact) You can
get dog tags with this info on too.
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Optional items are:
• Foil blanket (Packs tiny, good to keep you warm,
very visible and doubles as a shelter)
• Small battery bank - to charge your devices if on a
long day.
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RallyMoto Magazine
What about if you are riding alone?
Leave a route card or tell someone who knows
your route or general area you will be riding.
Use a SPOT device/tracker or mobile tracking
app, so someone knows where you are. Android
has location sharing, Apple has something
similar. The Life360 App is good, free too! Other
options are the multitude of fitness tracking apps
that can live share your location. Bear in mind
though, battery life maybe impacted, myself I
carry one of those battery banks to charge up
devices such as intercoms and phones anyway.
You could text a loved one (or other half!) on a
regular basis with updates, maybe a picture you
and your bike….
Finally ride within your ability, leave exploring
more risky new trails with your mates if you can.
So what do we do in an emergency?
Get help, Dial 999! If anyone is injured, dial 999
first before any organisational numbers you may
have been given.
Do you know where you are?
A Pre-emptive install What3words app is a
worthwhile investment (80%
of the emergency services
within the UK supports this
now.)
• Google maps if you
drop a pin will give you the
decimal version of Long/Lat
which could be used also.
• Apple maps will be in the details section
at the bottom.
If on your own and out of mobile range: Try
throwing your helmet up on to the trail if you
can, someone may see it and do a search. Use
your whistle to call for assistance, if near your
bike use the horn.
Likewise if you find a helmet or unattended bike
in a state; where is the rider? Are the passenger
pegs down suggesting 2 riders?
Do you have phone signal? If not go higher, or
start knocking on doors.
Have a rider or spare person be on the road
ready to wave down and guide rescue services
to your location.
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Further considerations:
Do a First Aid course (Motorcycle specific
ideal)
Carry Bothy bag or group shelter.
Wear Bright Hi-Viz vest to make yourself
more visible,
Be familiar with picking your bike up.
Locations on the Roadbook:
Each roadbook tulip has the Long and Lat
in the bottom right hand corner, this will
give you a good approx. location of your last
instruction or next.
Note: Degree symbol is on the symbol part
of the Android keyboard, iPhone if you long
press the ‘0’ you’ll get it also.
Formatting Example:
No spaces, comma separates the N &W
59°05’56.4”N, 3°16’26.9”W
What3words:
///daily.signed.unfilled
TRAIL SAFETY
All images by
Actiongraphers
all the
GEAR...
RallyMoto Magazine
MONGOLIA JACKET
Recently team RallyMoto went on a rally and
recce mission to Portugal, riding for close
to two week straight in our Adventure Spec
Mongolia Jackets.
So, how did they hold out?
ALEX: The jacket was very easy to wear in hot
weather and keeps you very cool when on the
move, easy to increase warmth by adding layers
over or under it. The armor is very good
and not bulky, easy to clean but does take time
to dry as some of the fabric holds water but
drys in 24 hours at room temp. Holds up to a
crash off road with no damage but will scuff
with an on road crash but doesnt fall apart.
would recommend to anyone who needs on
and offroad protection much safer than an MX
jersey and seperate armour, really good when
you get to the pub as you can remove and
drink beer just like a normal jacket.
GABBY: Loved how cool it was in the hot conditions. In the
chilly mornings I just layered up with an Aqua Pac jacket over
the top to keep the wind out. Once it heated up the mesh
fabric offered a well reciprocated breeze. It fitted surprisingly
well considering it’s not a female cut. I felt protected and well
armoured on the tougher off road stuff. And I love the blue!
BURT: Instant air flow as soon as you
are moving, great in warm / hot riding
conditions.
You know your riding gear is good when you
don’t notice it - the Mongolia Jacket is one of
these pieces of kit.
DON’T FORGET!
10% DISCOUNT
FOR ALL RALLYMOTO MEMBERS
ON ALL ITEMS FROM
ADVENTURE SPEC
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RallyMoto Magazine
DINARIC RALLY
DINARIC RALLY
RallyMoto Magazine
DAY 4 385km
aching but keen to go.
Finished around 1930. Absolutely shattered, aching all
over. Some tough navigation and mistakes followed by
river beds not out of place on extreme enduro course.
Still fantastic day. Not as much long flat out sections
but still good fast going. 60km through forest on
side of mountain. Chased by 2 wild dogs towards end.
DAY 5 marathon bosnia.
Really good riding, bit of a wait at border crossing
into bosnia getting all the bikes through, scenery
fantastic, lots of flat out riding, less technical, stay in
hotel adria ski Kupres
THE DINARIC RALLY
A ROADBOOKING DEEP DIVE
It was through reading this very magazine
that RallyMoto member Alan Jenkins was
inspired to dive right in and sign up to the
Dinaric Rally as his first ever roadbook
event. He kindly shared with us some
photos and notes from each day...
DAY 6, start from hotel, within 300 to 400 metres,
crashed. Well looked after by dinaric rally team and
mountain rescue until ambulance arrived, taken to
Livno hospital! Ct scan and xray showed broken hip
socket and displaced femur, was wearing leatt knee
braces, if not wearing believe knee would have been a
mess as well. Transfer to Split for operation.
Insurance through Nora92 has been invaluable.
DAY 1, paperwork and technical, fitting
stella, parade town
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DAY 2 prologue, 60km
v rocky, some v fast section, broke tower
again. Fixed tower, oil change, check bike.
Day 3 373km
Went well, few offs from getting excited
and going too fast before hitting a corner.
20km gravel section not fun, v slippy.
Lots of flat out sections wishing had an
extra gear on bike. Remote fuel stop.
Spent last hour riding on my own, no one
else around
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RallyMoto Magazine
@rallymotouk
RallyMoto: Adventure
Rally & Roadbook
Challenges
RallyMoto: Rally &
Adventure Riding
by Roadbook Group
THANK YOU!
To all RallyMoto members for providing their continued
support and for taking part in promoting Adventure Rallying
in the UK and beyond,
and to our awesome partners and sponsors...
If you have any rally stories or news you’d
like to contribute to the magazine please
email Burt on robert@rallymoto.co.uk
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