What is Motorcycle Orienteering?
Welcome to the world of motorcycle orienteering — the heart of the Taffy Dakar!
Unlike a race or timed trial, motorcycle orienteering is all about navigation, teamwork, and adventure. Riders use a mix of maps, GPS, and green lane skills to explore stunning off-road routes, find hidden waypoints, and complete challenges along the way.
It’s an all-terrain treasure hunt on two wheels — combining the spirit of green roads riding with the freedom of exploration.
Teams set out in the morning with a map and list of waypoints scattered across the Welsh hills and valleys. Each waypoint has a unique question or task waiting to be answered or completed — proving you’ve found it! Your aim isn’t to be the fastest — it’s to collect as many points as possible before returning to base by a set time. Every team chooses their own route, so no two rides are ever the same
What you’ll do and what to expect
- Start & Finish at Taffy HQ – Briefing, maps, and riders line up from early morning.
- Ride in Teams – Usually groups of 2–6 helping each other navigate the route. No single riders - don't worry if you come on your own, we'll team you up with other riders so you're not alone on the lanes.
- Find Hidden Waypoints – Some easy, some tricky — all rewarding.
- Answer Checkpoint Questions – To prove you made it there!
- Return by allotted time – Points are tallied, and the day’s champions are revealed.
- Special Stages – Bonus points on short technical circuits such as the Enduro World course and other special zones — ideal for showing off your skills.
It’s not about speed, competition, or ego — it’s about fun, teamwork, and adventure.
What You’ll Need
- A road-legal motorcycle
- Valid licence, insurance, and MOT
- Navigation tools – GPS, phone app -if you want to use tech. We provide laminated maps for riders who like to be traditional!
- A sense of direction, humour, and adventure.
There are no trophies for the fastest lap, no penalties for wrong turns, and no pressure to keep up.
Taffy Dakar celebrates the joy of riding with purpose — exploring green lanes, discovering hidden tracks, and supporting great causes along the way.
It’s a weekend of adventure, camaraderie, and community — with live music, exhibitors, and plenty of stories shared at the bar.