More than 3500 Miles and 100 Checkpoints across America!
Forty riders rolled out from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for the inaugural ADV Cannonball Rally on October 6th, 2025, the first-ever coast-to-coast challenge of its kind. Eight days, ten states, and over 3,500 miles later, the group crossed the finish line at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, California. Out of forty starters, only two riders chose to DNF, an impressive testament to the grit and determination that define the ADV spirit.
Riders ranged from their 30s to their 70s and came aboard an eclectic mix of machines: a sea of GSAs, a couple of RTs, a pair of Pan Americas, a Can-Am, a DR650, even a classic CBX, and one brave soul piloting a 900-pound Indian bagger.
The ADV Cannonball Rally is a competitive cross-country checkpoint rally built for those who crave adventure with a dash of friendly competition. Points are tracked and calculated automatically via the custom-built Rally App; which the organizers have now made available for other events. Riders navigate over 100 checkpoints on both paved and optional off-pavement routes, earning bonus points in true Cannonball fashion for those chasing the overall winner’s trophy. While there are only “steak knives” for second place, many participants proudly chased the Checkpoint Crusher or Rough Rider awards. Every finisher, however, earned the coveted ADV Cannonball medal and the right to brag.
Over eight grueling (and glorious) days, riders logged long hours in the saddle, with evenings spent swapping stories and sharing laughs at the official rally hotels. Friends, family, and fans followed along in real time via the live leaderboard and GPS tracking page. By day three, it was clear that only a handful of riders remained in contention for the overall trophy, while the rest soaked in the adventure, chasing personal goals and unforgettable miles.
The final day tested everyone’s resolve, with flash flood warnings, high winds, and rockslides, and yet, the start line erupted with laughter when #12 attempted to hop on one leg to his GSA after slipping in a mudslide near Los Alamos.
At the Cannonball Monument and the rainy Portofino finish, riders were met by cheering family members, volunteers, and the rally team. Taylor Lawson, host of the ADV Cannonball Podcast, flew in from Europe to officiate the awards banquet, which is recapped in Season 4, Episode 1 of the podcast.
One of the highlights came from rider #5, Robert Baldinger, a YouTuber debuting his feature film at a dealership-sponsored red-carpet premiere in Sweden this November. The film, featuring an entirely original soundtrack now on Spotify, will premiere globally on YouTube on November 14, 2025.
While the ADV Cannonball Rally may not be for everyone, every finisher crossed that line with pride, camaraderie, and a story to tell. One rider entered to win a trophy to match his wife’s. Another, having survived heart surgery the year before, sought to mark his comeback with a Cannonball finish. Others came simply to ride, explore, and connect, and that’s exactly what they did.
Looking ahead, the 2026 North American route promises to be longer, tougher, and even more spectacular. Ten riders have already signed up, including “the Waz,” in his 60s, and Iron Man Mark, who broke his leg, totaled his 1300GSA, and still reached the finish line smiling.
The organizers are already scouting for the 2027 European ADV Cannonball Rally, having shipped GSAs from LA to Europe to plan the next great adventure.
We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s riders and volunteers. With a few regulatory updates and fresh ideas in motion, the ADV Cannonball Rally is set to get even better every year. Stay tuned, the adventure has only just begun.
Aaron Pufal
+1-954-655-4625
RM@ADVCannonball.com
www.ADVCannonball.com
Podcast: www.advcannonball.com/podcast
