Our 2026 Portugal Trail Riding trip did not disappoint. The south western Algarve had had some pretty wet weather in the 6 weeks prior to us arriving so the streams we have crossed in previous years had become rivers. Some days we adapted our planned routes to avoid the deeper rivers. The hills around Monchique gave us plenty of varied terrain, but this year to add in a little more adventure, we took 2 of the groups out to a little town on the Spanish border. The overnight stay in Mertola was a great addition to the schedule and we will certainly include something similar on future trips.

After becoming the first British woman to enter and then complete the grueling Dakar Rallye back in 2006, Patsy decided to help others achieve their dreams. 20 years on and we have seen 100s of riders take part in 100s of rallies, raids, adventure tours, hard enduro events and all with the backing and support of Patsy and the team she has built. It is now time to hand over the reins and on 31st December 2025 Desert Rose Racing will close its doors for the last time. While the doors are closing at Desert Rose Racing, it is full steam ahead at the rest of the Desert Rose Group Companies. The Academy continues to grow with off road riding courses to suit all abilities, from new off road riders, those looking for their first event and more seasoned riders aiming at conquering a desert rallye. Our overseas trips and events including the ever popular Portugal and Pyrenees Trail riding tours and Morocco 1500 will continue through 2026 and beyond. The eBike Xperience is bringing the thrill of off road motorcycling to a new audience and even a new generation with our range of electric off road motorcycles and dirt bikes. Desert Rose DirtTech workshop is set to see another record year, with off road bike servicing, competition bike preparation and rallye bike builds keeping the team busy.

Patsy lined up at the start of the 2006 Dakar Rallye in Lisbon, Portugal, having had 3 previous attempts at what is the world’s toughest motorsport event. Despite her first attempt ending with a horrific crash which led to her having emergency, life saving surgery she didn’t give up on her dream to get to the finish line in Dakar. 2 further attempts, with mechanical failure and then being out of time robbed her of the dream again. So, how would you be feeling on the start of your 4th attempt…………….

Desert Rose Riding Academy are delighted to announce that we have been appointed by Two Wheels for Life as their training partner. Two Wheels for Life are a charity with a long history in the motorcycle industry, originally formed nearly 40 years ago as Riders for Health, the charity provide motorcycles, training and support for health programmes in some of Africa’s hardest to reach communities. Through our Lead off road riding instructor Gary Taylor, we will be delivering vital off road rider training for programmes in The Gambia and Lesotho in 2026 and beyond. We will also be helping the charity in vital fundraising activities, including organising rides for supporters of the work Two Wheels for life fund in The Gambia and Lesotho, which will prove that Motorcycles Save Lives.