Skip to main content

StageMoto.fr

Get ready to push your limits

Introduction to roadbook reading course

Get ready for your next off-road rally

thomas vry lamas rally

The introduction to roadbook reading course is a unique experience that will give you all the information you need to be ready for your first rally. This course is aimed at experienced off-road motorbike riders who would like some guidance before their first rally. The aim is to develop your riding skills and work on reading the roadbook.

Your experienced instructor shares his expertise to help beginners avoid common rally-raid mistakes. Anticipate potential pitfalls and adopt best practices for a safer and more efficient participation.

A crucial part of learning rally-raid is mastering the ability to adapt quickly to diverse terrain. Whether on rocky tracks, sandy paths or muddy trails, you'll learn to adjust your driving technique to changing conditions. This skill will enable you not only to maintain optimum control of your vehicle, but also to navigate confidently through a variety of demanding landscapes.

Preparing for a rally is more than just mastering the navigation equipment. Particular attention must also be paid to the equipment on your motorbike: the choice of suspension, tyres and all the on-board equipment are crucial for tackling the varied terrain and extreme conditions. It's also essential to know what to take with you so that you're ready for any eventuality, whether it's tools for repairs, safety equipment or provisions.

Our rally driving course will enable you to familiarise yourself with the roadbooks as well as with the technical aspects of preparing the bike and the rider.

Roadbooks are the most important element in rallying, providing detailed indications of the route to be followed. They not only describe the route, but also include vital information such as potential hazards, landmarks and precise distances between stages. Correct reading and interpretation of these roadbooks is essential if you are to navigate safely and efficiently through often hostile and unpredictable terrain.

Familiarity with a roadbook goes far beyond simply understanding the symbols and instructions. It means being able to anticipate obstacles, adapt your speed and trajectory according to the indications given, and make quick decisions under pressure. A thorough command of the roadbooks enables you to follow the route precisely, minimising the risk of getting lost, and reducing navigational errors that could compromise not only the race time, but also the safety of the driver and the vehicle. What's more, this skill boosts the driver's confidence, allowing him to concentrate fully on driving, safe in the knowledge that he is able to orientate himself effectively, even in the most demanding conditions.

A thorough knowledge of mechanics is an essential asset for any rally driver, enabling them to manage the repairs and adjustments required during an event. In rallying, the ability to carry out repairs in the field can make the difference between finishing or having to abandon. A thorough understanding of your bike's systems, fault diagnosis skills and a command of common repairs are essential to deal with unexpected breakdowns. This includes knowledge of key components such as the engine, transmission, suspension and braking system, as well as the ability to use the right tools and spare parts. By training as a mechanic, you'll learn not only how to carry out repairs quickly and efficiently, but also how to anticipate potential problems before they become critical. This know-how will enable you to remain autonomous and resilient when racing, maximising your chances of success while minimising interruptions and delays caused by mechanical failures.

From

590 €*

per pilote for 4 nignts

Arrival

Wednesday 23th of September 2026

Departure

Sunday 27th September  2026

Petrol, catering and motorbike hire not included.

* Depending on additional options purchased (supplement per person for 4 nights). The course is subject to a minimum of 3 participants, price applicable until 31/03/2026. Six participants maximum. Participants must bring their own motorbike, protective equipment (helmet, gloves, enduro/cross boots, protective waistcoat with elbow, shoulder, back and chest protectors) and electronic roadbook navigation equipment. Petrol and personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.) are not included and are at your own expense

**Bungalow option for the 4-night course (to be shared between those wishing to subscribe)

Offered services

They Tested the Roadbook Training – Here’s What They Say

They took on the challenge: after three days of roadbook training, listen to their honest feedback. From overcoming obstacles and unexpected insights to real progress, our riders share what they learned—and what truly surprised them.

😍 Your rally course program

Get ready for your rally course

This introductory course in roadbook reading takes place over several days, each designed to immerse you progressively in the different stages and skills needed to succeed in your first rally. Each day, you’ll tackle specific topics: from reading symbols to interpreting directions in real-life conditions, from dealing with potential pitfalls to improving your driving technique. With the advice of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn to anticipate, analyze and adapt to situations, for greater efficiency and safety.

Digital roadbook Terra pirata app
télécommande pour roadbook moto

Day 1 - Wednesday

On the first day, participants are welcomed by the motorcycle guide. A comprehensive briefing introduces the course program, detailing the objectives for each day and the navigation and riding skills that will be worked on. This time is also devoted to reminding participants of the fundamental safety rules of rallying, ensuring that everyone approaches the course with complete confidence. Finally, a thorough check is carried out for each participant to ensure that all navigation equipment has been installed and is working properly, so that everything is in perfect condition for the start of practical activities.

Day 2 - Thursday

🌤️ Morning

  • What is the format of a rally-raid, what are the differences with a raid, what are the specificities between the different events?
  • What equipment is needed to use a roadbook (digital, paper, remote controls, tripmaster, tracking beacons)?
  • How to interpret a roadbook, and how is it created?
  • How can I read a roadbook while riding my motorcycle?
  • What are the pitfalls to avoid getting lost?
  • What to do when you’re lost?

 

☀️ Afternoon

  • Loading your first roadbook onto your tablet
  • Stage #1 Group ride on a 70km roadbook loop
extrait de roadbook moto
bib mousse

Day 3 - Friday

  • Early morning departure for a road liaison of around 70km according to the roadbook.
  • Stage #2 Ride on a 94km roadbook section.
    Workshop on the points to check on your bike at the end of each stage.
  • Workshop conducted by TCS Motos.
  • Workshop on “How to prepare for the next day’s stage by maximizing rest time”.

Jour 4 - Saturday

  • Stage #3 Hike a 133km section of the roadbook
  • 70km road link to return to starting point
boussole moto
confettis

Day 5 - Sunday

Day 5 marks the end of the course, after an intense day in which the pilots have put into practice everything they have learned over the previous days. Participants spend the night on site to rest and regain their strength, before preparing to return home. This is a time for sharing experiences, discussing challenges and celebrating the progress made during this immersion in the world of rallying.

Frequently asked questions (Faq)

What type of motorcycle is this course designed for?

This rally course is dedicated to off-road motorcycles, and more specifically to enduro bikes and light trail bikes (single-cylinder). A case-by-case request must be made for participants wishing to come with a multi-cylinder trail bike. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

What is my minimum riding level?

The rally course is designed for intermediate drivers with a minimum of off-road driving experience in a variety of conditions (technical climbs and descents, wet conditions, etc.) and who have already completed off-road trips over several days.

What roadbook navigation equipment is required?

The rally course is run exclusively with electronic roadbooks. You can use your phone to display the roadbook, but it’s more comfortable to use a tablet (preferably Android). We offer equipment for hire (tablet and handlebar remote control) with full configuration and instructions for use. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to invest in your own equipment – we’ll be delighted to advise you.

Which application will be used to display the roadbooks?

Our aim is to provide you with the best possible tool for reproducing real rally-raid conditions. The roadbooks created will be in the Fédération Internationale de Moto‘s format (format, lexicon, waypoints, etc.). The application TerraPirata will be available on GooglePlay and the AppStore (iOS 14.0 or +), and private accesses will be created for trainees.

What types of rally are there?

Rally-raid is an endurance discipline practised mainly off-road, on varied and demanding courses such as sand, mud, mountains and unmade tracks. These events, which can last several days or weeks and cover thousands of kilometres, test the limits of the drivers and their vehicles.

Participants have to master driving in extreme conditions while managing their equipment and navigating often unfamiliar terrain. The discipline demands rigorous preparation and exceptional endurance.

The Dakar Rally, for example, is one of the most emblematic rally-raids, and one of the toughest in the world, famous for its fearsome challenges. To find out about more accessible rallies closer to home, take a look at our Rally Raid for Beginners article, where you’ll find the next dates for European rallies.

In Europe, rally-raid routes often take place on forest, mountain and rocky tracks, whereas desert rallies, such as those in Africa or the Middle East, require navigation through sand dunes and arid plains. While sharing common elements, these environments impose specific demands, giving each discipline its own unique character and requiring particular skills to excel.

Rally raid en Europe

compétition rallye raid pente difficile

To prepare for a rally in Europe, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the varied and technical terrain that can be encountered, such as rocky tracks, forests and mountain roads.

To facilitate your participation in your next rally, StageMoto & TCS Motos offer their services including the transport of your motorbike to the venue as well as mechanical assistance in the paddock. So you can concentrate fully on your preparation and your riding, with the assurance of professional care for all the logistics and maintenance of your bike during the event.

Rally raid in the desert

motard sur sa moto dans le désert au maroc

To prepare effectively for a desert rally-raid, a training trip is highly recommended to gain initial experience of driving in desert conditions, particularly sand.

This type of terrain presents unique challenges, such as dune driving, which requires special handling techniques to avoid silting up and maintain vehicle stability.

A course beforehand not only helps you to improve your driving skills in the sand, but also to learn how to manage the endurance and mechanical constraints specific to desert conditions.

🔔 Receive opening dates

Keep up to date with new dates and our latest news.

Book a phone call

sébastien vry portrait carré

Schedule a phone call so we can better understand your needs and expectations for the motorcycle course. We’ll discuss your objectives and your motorcycling experience.

⏱️ 30-minute call to discuss your needs and expectations

📅 Book the date and time of your choice