Desert Rose Racing

13/04/2024

Morocco Desert Challenge '24 - Day -1

Yesterday was scrutineering day in Agadir, the day before racing started. On larger events such as this, you have a time to stick to for your initial registration, and then the rest of the day is pretty busy quite literally ticking boxes... There's payment and licensing checks that have to be carried out, collection of safety equipment, the fitting of mandatory GPS navigation and safety devices, not to mention briefings attend, last minute insurance queries and then the collection of the all important first roadbook!

The Desert Rose Racing team sailed through all the above smoothly though, with minimal effort. On any event the benefit of having an experienced rally support team to guide you through the processes is a hard thing to explain, but on larger, more challenging, desert events, the advantages can turn what can be a stressful day into one that is much easier.

Thinking of signing up for a rally event in Europe or North Africa? Chances are we're supporting it, drop us a message for more information on how you can become a part of the Desert Rose team. But for now, enjoy some photos from yesterday!

12/04/2024

Morocco Desert Challenge ’24 - Day -2

Back in Agadir for the start of the 2024 Morocco Desert Challenge! This year, Desert Rose Racing are supporting seven riders, with a mixture of abilities, from seasoned desert competitors, to those who its their first competitive event, all are very excited about getting into the desert and going racing…

MDC kicks off with two days scrutineering in Agadir, this year the teams administration time is on the 12th, meaning that yesterday was a fairly relaxed affair, making last minute adjustments to bike setup, applying some new graphics and generally acclimatising and getting ready for the week ahead.

Almost more excitingly though, is that this is the first event that we are able to announce our partnership with Alpinestars, with Desert Rose Racing becoming an official Tech Air Off Road service centre! Meaning not only that we are able to supply Tech Air Off Road systems to Desert Rose customers, but we are also able and authorised to service and repair on events, no matter who you choose for your assistance… So for every event that Desert Rose is attending, find us in the bivouac for all your TAOR service needs and spare parts.

Enjoy some around the paddock photos of yesterday!

13/03/2024

Final call for two great events taking place in Greece, in May, the Olympia Rally, and the Hellas Rally!

Desert Rose Racing are committed to attending these two fantastic events in Greece, both in the first half of the season. With a great team already in place and signed up, this is a final call for anyone thinking of going racing in this amazing part of Europe in May.

The Olympia Rally runs first, a cloverleaf event based in this historic town of Ancient Olympia. The paddock is literally a stones throw from the birthplace of the Olympics, with the racing and riding being some of the best to take place in Greece. Over six days, you'll take in some of the best terrain and scenery that the Peloponnese has to offer! With a professional, yet friendly organisation, this event is one of our favourites in the calendar and one that many riders return to, year after year!
Currently there are still entries available!

The Hellas Rally runs just after the above, and over the past years, has grown into the largest and one of the most popular rally events in Europe. Especially popular with amateur riders, it always promises great riding and a relaxed atmosphere that sees entrants from all over the world. This year, the Hellas is based in Itea, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. Seven days riding, with one marathon day further North!

Interested in finding out more about joining us on one of these events in May? Don't hesitate to drop us a message or get in touch directly via the email below, spaces are very limited!

[email protected]

07/03/2024

Entry fees for the 2025 edition of the Africa Eco Race have been announced, with some great discounts available if registered before the 15th June!

Interested in completing the original 'Race to Dakar', following the legendary route down through North West Africa and finishing at the famous Lac Rose at Dakar? Then get in touch to learn more about what's involved in taking on the epic Africa Eco Race, one of the largest Rally-Raid events in the world!

[email protected]

01/02/2024

Hellas Rally 2024 - Desert Rose Racing

At the end of may we'll be heading back to Greece, for one of the most popular events in our calendar, the Hellas Rally. We've been attending this great event for many years now, and it's always popular with both riders new to the sport, and more experienced rally riders alike. Some great riding and a friendly bivouac atmosphere is always guaranteed, along with all that Greece has to offer when racing off road!

Our places are filling up fast, but we have a couple of spots still available on the Desert Rose team for this year, along with rally rental bike options available! For more information on our support, either feel free to message or drop us an email to the address below!

[email protected]

17/01/2024

Africa Eco Race '24 - Complete.

Thirteen days of racing, over 6000km, four countries, two continents, seven oil and filter changes, thirteen air filters, five sets of Michelin tyres... These are just some of the statistics that make up the Africa Eco Race. Crossing over the finish line in Lac Rose, has been a dream of many since the inception of the original Paris-Dakar in the 80's... This year, in the fifteen edition of the AER, it was the turn of Vanessa Ruck (The Girl On A Bike) to realise that dream!

Vanessa put in an amazing effort, and showed some true resilience to reach the finish line in Dakar. Her goal from the outset was to reach the finish line, and to ride every stage in its entirety, a goal she achieved! Desert Rose have been supporting the AER almost since the beginning, and this year Vanessa was supported by our own Joe Mercer, his sixth trip to Dakar, and fifth successful Africa Eco Race!

Fun fact: Finishing AER made Vanessa the first British woman to do so... In some ways following in the tyre tracks of our own Patsy Quick, the first British woman to finish the Dakar rally, back when it ran in Africa, in 2006!

Already dreaming of crossing the finish line at Lac Rose yourself? It's never too early to reach out to start discussing your own Africa Eco Race plans..... We'll be heading back in '25, join the team?

[email protected]

17/01/2024

Africa Eco Race '24 - Complete.

Thirteen days of racing, over 6000km, four countries, two continents, seven oil and filter changes, thirteen air filters, five sets of Michelin tyres... These are just some of the statistics that make up the Africa Eco Race. Crossing over the finish line in Lac Rose, has been a dream of many since the inception of the original Paris-Dakar in the 80's... This year, in the fifteen edition of the AER, it was the turn of Vanessa Ruck (The Girl On A Bike) to realise that dream!

Vanessa put in an amazing effort, and showed some true resilience to reach the finish line in Dakar. Her goal from the outset was to reach the finish line, and to ride every stage in its entirety, a goal she achieved! Desert Rose have been supporting the AER almost since the beginning, and this year Vanessa was supported by our own Joe Mercer, his sixth trip to Dakar, and fifth successful Africa Eco Race!

Fun fact: Finishing AER made Vanessa the first British woman to do so... In some ways following in the tyre tracks of our own Patsy Quick, the first British woman to finish the Dakar rally, back when it ran in Africa, in 2006.

Already dreaming of crossing the finish line at Lac Rose yourself? It's never too early to reach out to start discussing your own Africa Eco Race plans..... We'll be heading back in '25, join the team?

[email protected]

11/01/2024

Africa Eco Race ’24
The Africa Eco Race is the largest event that we consistently support each year, the original race to Dakar, covering over 6000km, in thirteen days of racing. With an official starting ceremony, the race crosses into Africa via the port of Nador in Africa, before starting its journey south. Five days later we arrive in Dakhla, and a ‘rest’ day marks the almost half way point before we cross into Mauritania and continue our way racing through the Sahara. The ’24 edition of the Africa Eco Race has been a little different for Desert Rose, with several riders withdrawing from the event in the months leading up, we are providing support solely for our long term customer, Vanessa Ruck, . In 2021 we took Vanessa to her first desert event, and several years later we find ourselves days away from finishing one of the hardest and most famous rally events in the world. Two more days in Mauritania, two in Senegal. Dakar here we come.

04/01/2024

Can’t believe it’s just over 6 months until we will be back at in Warwickshire at the amazing Ragley Hall. Patsy has been invited to be a guest speaker this year, Joe Mercer will be on hand to talk about the rallye raid calendar and we will have some of our Beta enduro fleet there as part of the off road training demos. So if you want to hear about Patsy’s Dakar experiences, learn how Joe got on at Africa Eco Race, find out about our trail riding trips, training and boot camps, just simply come and say hi over the weekend. Weekend tickets are available now for only £159 which includes three-day access, plus two nights of camping within the magnificent Ragley Hall Estate

08/12/2023

Illyria Raids 2024 - Spring and Reverse Edition

Looking for an adventure raid experience unlike any other in the calendar? Fancy seven days of tough riding through six different countries, featuring some of the most beautiful, lesser travelled landscapes in Europes? Want a real off-road riding challenge, but without the pressure of competition?
The Illyria Raid is for you.

Desert Rose Racing has been supporting this event now for many years, and have a huge amount of experience providing support, to both UK and International riders, and giving them the best chance of reaching the finish. More than just being an assistance team, we've taken part in this event ourselves, so we know exactly what it takes to ride 2000km through the Balkans in 7 days!

As the UK's official assistance team, there's no one better to help you achieve your goal of finishing this epic adventure. Like previous years, we're supporting both Spring and Reverse events in '24, so whether you're looking for 'Lite' support, the full 'Factory' experience, or looking for a complete rental bike package, don't hesitate to get in touch.

[email protected]

07/12/2023

We have a limited run of our team hoodies in both kids and adults sizes available!

Featuring the company logos of all that makes up the Desert Rose Group, these are ideal for staying warm and looking cool, whether you're on or off your bike. Manufactured exclusively for ourselves, and printed in the UK onto high quality hooded jumpers with drawstring hoods. A new type of printing process ensures that these stay looking fresh for a long time, washing and wearing well regardless of whatever two-wheeled adventures you get up to.

Stock due in in limited numbers middle of December, order now to not miss out, will be dispatched as soon as they've landed with free postage in the UK! For more information, and to order, check out the link in our bio!

07/12/2023

Looking for a Christmas gift idea? Or maybe you just fancy one for yourself? We have a limited run of our team hoodies in both kids and adults sizes available!

Featuring the company logos of all that makes up the Desert Rose Group, these are ideal for staying warm and looking cool, whether you're on or off your bike. Manufactured exclusively for ourselves, and printed in the UK onto high quality hooded jumpers with drawstring hoods. A new type of printing process ensures that these stay looking fresh for a long time, washing and wearing well regardless of whatever two-wheeled adventures you get up to.

Stock due in in limited numbers middle of December, order now to not miss out, will be dispatched as soon as they've landed with free postage in the UK! For more information, and to order, check out the link below!

https://desertrosebikes.com/collections/desert-rose-merchandise

04/12/2023

Looking to make some two-wheeled plans for the early part of '24? The academy has just released dates for riding in Portugal, in February/March 2024, with a selection of dates to suit nearly everyone. Whether you're looking for some rally/roadbook training, some challenging enduro riding, or just fancy some trail riding in the sun, there's an option for all!

Transport of your own bike, or the rental of one of ours, both can be catered for, and all packages include luxury accommodation in the Western Algarve, for more information and pricing, drop them an email!

[email protected]

17/11/2023

2024 Hard Enduro Calendar

Next season, we're excited to announce that we will be supporting two, multi day, Hard Enduro Rallye events, the infamous Red Bull Romaniacs, as well as the xRoss Hard Enduro! Both events have been confirmed to be featuring in the FIM world championship calendar for '24, fancy joining the Desert Rose team and taking part? Drop us a message to find out more!

xRoss Hard Enduro Rallye - 19th to 22nd June 2024
Taking place in Serbia, the xRoss event has quickly rose to fame becoming known for some of the best hard enduro riding in the world, let alone the calendar! Four days riding including the prologue, and at a more accessible price point, if you're a fan of extreme enduro riding, then this is an event that you should have in your '24 race calendar!

Red Bull Romaniacs - 23rd to 27th July 2024
This extreme enduro event needs no introduction, returning in July for its 21st edition, this is an event that has a history and features an atmosphere like no other. 5 days of riding through the Transylvanian mountains, with classes to suit most abilities, many riders head back to this event year after year with the challenge of finishing becoming a 2 wheeled addiction!

Desert Rose Racing are able to provide transport and assistance options for both of these events next year, as well as rental bike packages, for more information, get in touch!

[email protected]

17/11/2023

As we leave the dunes behind us we head into the last day’s riding, after an overnight stay in a boutique hotel up in Dades Gorge. 🇲🇦

09/11/2023

What to do? 3 riders who all need to be back in the UK with 1 chance to catch the day’s only flight, Desert Rose Racing support team pull out all the stops at 04:30 and race 130K across Morocco with the 3 riders in our 18 Tonne impromptu taxi! Job done!!!

08/11/2023

The Desert Rose Boot Camp ‘23 carries on with progress made through the dunes and beyond. Great memories being made and new lasting friendships formed through mutual respect and shared experiences.

07/11/2023

Wow, Morocco and the desert never fail to impress, inspire and take your breath away. This boot camp has included fast open desert piste, the majestic Cathedral dune and “volcano”, road book navigation and route finding by waypoints.

04/11/2023

Desert Rose Morocco Boot Camp 2023. Day 1 is shakedown day, getting acclimatised to the desert, the heat, the piste and the sand dunes. Road book navigation coaching with hints and tips on reading the terrain. Riders all set up with satellite trackers. Let’s crack on and do this!

02/11/2023

That's it, entries for the '24 edition of the Real Way to Dakar have now closed... Still searching for an assistance option to give you the very best chance of reaching the finish? We still have a few places available...
Drop us a message or email to find out more about our support packages and how to join the Desert Rose Team on this brilliant adventure to Dakar!

[email protected]

💪Signup for the 2024 edition of The Real Way to Dakar has officially closed💪

Stay tuned to see the full list of participants who will join us for this epic adventure😎

30/10/2023

Six days, 1950km, Athens.
Day six of the DesertRose - BikeShed rally, would see us riding just under 300km, south from the coastal town of Kamena Vourla, to our final destination of Athens. This day had the highest percentage of off road of all days, and what a day it was… Fast flowing tracks, high mountain passes, mountain washouts, challenging muddy climbs and a dusty 40km final descent following a historic viaduct into the capital of Greece itself.
Twenty one riders started, and twenty one riders finished, over 1200 miles later after crossing virtually every terrain imaginable, three international borders, countless mountain passes and experiencing more weather than any of us expected! This was a fantastic adventure that none of the team will be forgetting in a hurry, although a few riders are already planning a return in 2024, just to keep things fresh in their memory… Interested in joining us?

21/10/2023

Sea, Sky and Sunshine.
The penultimate day on the DesertRose - BikeShed did not disappoint! We were treated to a beautiful sunrise at breakfast on the coast in Platamanos where we (slightly reluctantly!) jumped on the bikes and headed South once again. The first off road section was a blast, climbing up through the forests with a mixture of slightly muddy climbs and faster sections before eventually we returned back to the coast for an unofficial regrouping and coffee stop! The day kept getting better from there, a tarmac and broken road section along one of the most stunning coastal roads most of us have ever ridden, exploring the recent devastation on the flood plains, before climbing up into the mountains once again, to over 1400m for some super fast WRC type tracks… A big day yesterday, but one that I’m sure for many of us will be remembered for a while yet. Final day today, 270km to go to Athens.

19/10/2023

Mountain of the gods.
As we head further south on day four of our balkan adventure, we ride into the warmer climate of Greece and the weather, along with the riding did not dissappoint. Hitting the dirt just outside Serres, we were treated to some long twisting and slightly muddy hillclimbs, along with some of the most amazing autumnal views as we climbed. A stint on the road had us at the bottom of Mount Olympus, and a specially arranged clearance, just for this event, meant that we had an awesome 60km off road loop up to 1500m, around the mountain of the gods, before back down to sea level. Tomorrow we head again southwards, on day five of the DesertRose/BikeShed Greek Odyssey. 21 Desert Rose supported riders started, 21 are starting day four.

18/10/2023

From Shoreditch to Serres.
Day two on The Greek Odyssey was a chilly challenge for all. Slightly adverse weather made the challenge of riding 300+ km from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia even more memorable, with a couple of mountain passes and technical rock climbs added in for good measure! Today we crossed the border in to Greece, the most off road in a single day so far, saw us take in more mountain passes, some muddy climbs and long downhills making the most memorable day of riding so far… Three days down, three days to go on the BikeShed - DesertRose Rally.

16/10/2023

When Desert Rose comes to town…
Today has been the first day on Desert Rose/BikeShed Greek Odyssey rally… We started this morning in the rainy paddock in Bucharest, Romania, and finished this afternoon, 330km later in the sunny hills of Veliko Tarnova, Bulgaria! The weather was not on our side today, with a chilly and wet start to the day as we left Romanias capital, yet all 21 riders have made it safely to this evenings paddock! Tomorrow we look forward to sunnier skies, and more amazing riding as we head towards Sofia… This will be our last full day in Bulgaria, so all riders are super excited to see what it has to offer! Day one of this epic adventure has been a, slightly soggy, success… Five more days to go!

04/10/2023

Not long to go now until the start of the ‘23 BSMC - Desert Rose Greek Odyssey Rally… A few days ago we collected bikes and kit from BikeShed HQ in London, and in around 10 days time we’ll be reunited in Bucharest for the start of the event. There is where the adventure really starts… 6 Days riding through Romania, Bulgaria and Greece, brilliant trails, amazing views and staying in some fantastic accommodation. We can’t wait.

27/09/2023

Romaniacs '24 - Entries go live in a weeks time...

Red Bull Romaniacs, possibly the most famous hard enduro event in the world, if you're thinking of taking part in next years edition, entries go live Wednesday 30th 11am UK time (13:00 EEST). Entries can sell super fast for this epic event, and if you're thinking of taking part in either the Bronze or Iron classes, we'd strongly recommend getting registered as soon as possible!

Our support options for next year are now available, for more information on these don't hesitate to get in touch, our places are beginning to fill already! We also have a limited number of 'Romaniacs Ready' Beta rental bike packages available... Any questions or queries, drop us a message!

[email protected]

25/09/2023

Illyria Raid - 2024 Support packages available!

Just a few weeks ago the reverse edition of the 2023 Illyria Raid came to a close, after 7 days tough riding across 6 countries in the Balkans, riders reached the finish line just outside Dubrovnik in Croatia, after starting in Sofia, Bulgaria almost a week before! Crossing the mountains of Montenegro, plains of Greece, the rocks of Albania and the high passes of Bosnia, both of the '23 editions were an epic achievement for all of those that took part.

Details of the '24 event are now online, and places for our support options are selling out fast... We've been attending this event for over 7 years now, and have a huge amount of experience knowing what it takes to make it through this event, both as riders and as an assistance team! Through that period it's become one of the most well attended events in our calendar and we expect the same for next year... Fantastic riding, brilliant routes and great accomodation, it's no mystery why it's so popular! Interested in joining us for either the 'Spring' or 'Reverse' editions in 2024? Drop us an email or direct message for more details!

[email protected]