Rally (rally raid)

In motorsport, a rally or rally raid is a long-distance off-road race over several days, such as the Dakar. Riders navigate with a roadbook and GPS-based instruments rather than a marked course, so reading the route is as important as speed.

Each day's stage combines untimed road sections (liaisons) and a timed selective section (special stage, SS), which runs from the start point to the finish point of the special. Penalties are given for missing waypoints or speeding in controlled zones.

Outside racing, a motorcycle rally also means a social meeting of riders, often with group rides, camping and music. For trying rally navigation without a desert, look for shorter navigation and roadbook events, which are also held in the Nordic and Baltic region.