Is something missing from your life? Say, the opportunity for a rip through the mountains on your adventure bike, with another 150 riders along for the fun? Maybe the KTM Adventure Rally Europe is that missing piece of the puzzle.

Photo: Paolo

The KTM Adventure Rally Europe is an annual event that allows motorcyclists of all levels to come together and explore some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in the world, with the support of the most skilled professionals in the business. This year’s rally took place in Quillan, France, near the beautiful Pyrenees mountain range.

Photo: Paolo

This year, riders were treated to three days of tough riding, with each day offering a different challenge. The routes included everything from technical single-track to gnarly mountain roads. The organizers also built special enduro circuits and even a motocross track, for the riders who dared to challenge themselves to ride a big twin-cylinder in a scenario where they usually don’t belong.

Weather-wise, the rally had the best possible conditions available. The first day it was hot and dry. At night it poured, soaking the whole day two-circuit, creating mud and puddles everywhere. Finally day three was dry and sunny, but not hot or dusty anymore because of the rain of the previous day.

Along with the adrenaline coming from the riding, the participants were also pumped to see the new KTM 890 Adventure R unveiled live! The bike was also revealed at the KTM Adventure Rally in France and USA, almost at the same time, as an exclusive treat for all riders.

Photo: Paolo

The new 890 ADV R has bodywork and TFT screen, similar to the one present already on the 1290 Super Adventure. The colors resemble the old Rally version, even though this is the R model; everybody at the rally seemed to like it.

Back to the riding! France offered a variety of terrains that were comprehensive for all levels of riding—everybody had fun, but we did have some broken bones and bashed-up bike parts.

Photo: Paolo

A wide variety of riders attended the event, from first-timers to amateur off-road experts to racing royalty. Living legend Giovanni Sala (multiple times enduro world champion and Dakar rider)was there, along with Johnny Aubert (enduro world champion), Xavier de Soultrait (Dakar rider and stage winner), and a KTM ambassadors such as Greg Gordine, a  skilled stunt rider from Belgium, and Johnny Girardi, a renowned world traveler.

The fun extended past daylight riding hours. At the end of each day, riders would gather around the campfire to share stories about their adventures. This was also a great opportunity to get to know each other and make acquaintances with true KTM fans coming from all over Europe. The nights were filled with music, bonfires, lavish meals, and even an incredibly inspiring speech by Joey Evans, author of the book “From Para to Dakar”.

The KTM Adventure Rally Europe is an excellent opportunity to explore new places in all safety, meet like-minded people, and most importantly—have a whole lot of fun on your motorcycle. If you’re looking for an adventure here in Europe, this is an excellent place to start.