The old Roman road that facilitated the army marching from Rome to the now Istanbul was the base landmark for the Via Egnatia Rallye Raid - a route covering seven countries in seven days from Italy to turkey and back to Greece. The Albanian organising crew staged a well run Raid with attention to good accommodation, food, medical and general backup. We can say the level of the above was excellent right up to the highest standards.
The route, transferred out in gpx format was clear to follow consisting of many tracks from gravel to extreme rocks and in the last day mud clinging to the bikes like concrete. Impassable for many. This organisation have history with events that are far from a trail ride managing to promote long days in the saddle sometimes over long technical trails high up in the mountains where cold conditions also played a part. To the credit of the track layout there were exit points to be taken before the looming dark fell. Dark riding on road is completely different to dark riding on rocky mountain trails. Also to the credit of the Irish 21 hardy souls started, 20 completed the event where a broken wrist stopped the final of our number.
Noel and Becca Donnelly alias Rally Raid Ireland ably assisted by Damien did a superhuman job with the logistics and assistance for the event. On hand every night as the troops moved across the countries, awnings up, tools out and hands on deck when needed. Music and a bar thrown in too! Could not ask for better way to have the tired, sore bodies welcomed back to camp.
In the beginning the organisers stated that the Via Egnatia would be a challenge and without a doubt it was. There were many young enduro participants from around the world relishing the conditions, older folk working a lot harder, newcomers given a statement baptism to the Rallye world.
We wish those injured during the journey a speedy recovery.
This was a proper challenge.
Thanks to all who assisted in this journey 👏