By definition, adventure is an exciting, unusual or even bold undertaking.
For the first time, KTM invited South Africans to experience exactly what that’s like at their 2017 Adventure Rally. The annual event was hosted at Champagne Valley Sports Resort in the majestic Central Drakensberg from 31 August – 3 September.
Guests checked in on Thursday night and enjoyed a casual dinner and welcoming ceremony. And then the action began! Early on Friday morning an orange family of160 adventure-seekers set off in biking paradise for the experience of a lifetime.
Entrants could choose between three skill level routes – the 300km easy but scenicgreen route, the 90km technical and physically demanding red route, or the infamous 80km black route for the hardcore rider wanting to put his machine to the test.
In true KTM-spirit, riders took on only the best and most exciting terrain that KZN had to offer. They experienced open dirt roads, single track and riverbeds. A few seriousclimbs were also thrown in the mix, which had heart rates sky rocketing and took some sweat to conquer!
After a long day out in the field, riders were greeted by pizza truck and beer tent when they arrived back at the venue. The evening’s festivities included a live performance by Ballyhoo and prize giving, with the main prize being a full set of KTM Powerwear kit, Alpinestar Tech 8 boots and an Airoh helmet. Every rider’s dream!
Saturday started in a similar fashion, but came with a twist. Riders arrived back slightly earlier for an exciting Red Bull skills challenge. This was a showstopper and non-other than the Dakar and offroad legend himself, Alfie Cox, walked away with top honours.
Sharing the terrain with world-class athletes was a huge highlight of the event. Other racing heroes included Joey Evans (2017 Dakar finisher), Darryl Curtis (two time Dakar finisher and Hard Enduro star) and Ross Branch (multiple National Offroad Champion and 2019 Dakar hopeful).
With great sadness, the orange mist dispersed on Sunday after an unforgettable experience. Planning stages are already in place for next year’s rally, which will undoubtedly be back with an even bigger and better mountain adventure.
One parting shot from Alfie Cox: “If almost 200 fire breathing orange bikes descending on biking paradise in the Drakensberg mountains doesn't get your heart racing, then I'm afraid you need to urgently find an organ donor!” 
