The KTM Adventure Rider Rally has been an institution since the event began in 2004. Now on its 12th year, the event returns from September 18 to 20, 2015 to provide riders of all skill levels the chance to earn their stripes and learn from the best in the business.

As is the case every year, the Adventure Rider Rally is open to riders on all brands of street-legal motorcycles, although KTM->ke1954 would certainly prefer that riders show up for any one of its lineup of adventure and enduro bikes. The preferences may vary, but in the end, the event itself was designed for the KTM 640, 690->ke2185, 950, 990->ke1967, and 1190 Adventure->ke2946 bikes.

Those who show up in their KTMs will be happy to know that KTM itself will be in attendance during the three-day event. Some of the company’s factory riders, including Andrew Short, Chris Fillmore, Mike Lafferty, and Paul Krause. All four KTM factory riders will be available to teach up-and-coming riders the inner workings of navigating these bikes like a seasoned professional. Better yet, that’s only one of the many things that will take place during the Adventure Rider Rally.

Riding clinics from Jimmy Lewis will also be part of the festivities, as well as technical seminars and demo rides on the 690 Enduro R, 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R, and 1290 Super Adventure.

Anybody with a vested interest in enduro and adventure riding should make plans to attend the event at Crested Butte, Colorado. Organizers are even offering reduced rates and free t-shirts to those who pre-register for the event.

Sounds like a good deal to me. But in case you still need a little more convincing, check out this preview video of the event to get you pumped up for the event.

Continue reading to read more about the 12th KTM Adventure Rider Rally.

Why it matters

I don’t claim to be an expert in matters concerning adventure and enduro racing because I’ve never partaken in any race of such nature. But I do know a good opportunity to learn the craft of off road racing when I see one. KTM’s Adventure Rider Rally offers such an opportunity and anybody who is interested in learning about the trade should really consider attending this particular event. Geography permitting, of course.

There’s a reason why the KTM Adventure Rider Rally has been around for 12 years and I don’t think it’s because the Austrian manufacturer just likes doing it for fun. A lot of riders who have gone on to become professionals and even semi-pros in the sport went through the ringer of the Rider Rally.

That’s not to say that the even was solely responsible for their development, although I do think that it contributed in the improvements of some of the riders who have been through it.

This year, KTM’s lined up a pretty exciting itinerary for those attending the event. The company hasn’t posted the complete schedule yet, but from what it has announced, expect to see a lot of technical seminars, demo rides, riding clinics, games, and the chance to ride with some of KTM’s finest factory riders. That’s already a full plate of activities that should make the three-day event worth attending.

As far as crash courses into the world of adventure and enduro riding are concerned, the Adventure Rider Rally is one that young and aspiring riders should seriously consider going to. I’m not going to go because I’m way past the point of being a professional adventure and enduro rider. But if you are, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be there.