Bonnier Adventure Rally Sierra Edition 2013

The first annual Adventure Rally, Sierra Edition, California is in the books and those who attended left with a smile and hundreds of amazing miles logged into the memory banks. The event was designed specifically for adventure riders, letting them use both their on and off-road abilities. It was also designed to create a fun hearted competition that let participants compete, but also showed them all that the area has to offer. The Sierra Edition also helped riders improve their skills, leaving the event with not only memories of a great ride, but truly more ability on their motorcycle. A win win!

Day break of the first morning, organizers handed out special maps and a clue book, made up by Butler Maps. On the maps were a number of location points. Each location was worth a different value and the goal of each two person team was to accumulate the most points. Proof of reaching a location was done through Instagram and using hastags instructed in the clue book. To make sure teams didn’t split up and conquer check points solo, the photos had to include both riders or at least one rider and both bikes. It was a simple and fun concept that encouraged riders to really explore and absorb what the area offered. Stopping to shoot photos was a great excuse to look around, enjoy the view and a check out a location that normally would have been passed up on a follow the leader ride. Another way to gain points on the rally was to complete four special test sections located around the property of China Peak resort. The special tests weren’t dangerous but very tough and technical. Maneuvering an adventure bike through a tight course at slower than walking speeds isn’t easy! On top of the check points and special tests were bonuses in the clue book for teams to find and record, adding to the overall score.

Dirt Rider’s Adam Booth and Quinn Cody were named by the event staff team #ringer. Team #ringer was set up by the Touratech crew who brought down a couple of extra adventure bikes from Seattle, Washington, fully drenched in Touratech goodies. The name #ringer wasn't a sign of sure win after their strategy for chasing check points proved wrong by exploring the most brutal trails that didn’t pay big dividends. Team #ringer and team #touratechusa spent the second day idling BMW GS1200s and a KTM 1190 through rocky jeep trails never meant for an adventure bike, losing all hope of collecting enough points to claim glory at the first annual Sierra Edition, which didn’t matter, it was an amazing adventure. After two days and hundreds of miles chasing check points, snapping photos, snaking through silky smooth asphalt, bouncing down dirt roads and technical trails, all in attendance were happy they were part of the event.

If you own an adventure bike, love exploring epic roads, and doing it with others who share the same passion, plan on attending the Adventure Rally Sierra Edition next year. The 2014 Adventure Rally Sierra Edition will take place September 25-29th. There will also be an Adventure Rally Rockies Edition to take place around July. If you don’t own an big adventure bike, you aren’t excluded, this year there was a wide range of machines from XR650’s, KTM 690s and even a KLX250. The cost for participants was $600 per team member, which included three nights stay at China Peak resort, nine meals, skills tests, map, clue book, t-shirt, stickers and sponsor goodie bag with discount coupon and other goodies.

The 2013 Adventure Rally Sierra Edition was made possible with help from Klim, Kenda and Touratech as well as supporting sponsors Doubletake Mirror, Butler Maps, Motoventures Tour & Training, China Peak Resort, Dirt Rider, Motorcyclist and Cycle World.