ADV Cannonball Rally Debuts in 2025

ADV Cannonball LLC has unveiled plans for its inaugural coast-to-coast motorcycle rally, set to take place October 6th through 14th, 2025. Designed to challenge riders’ navigation and endurance skills, the ADV Cannonball Rally promises a unique blend of adventure, camaraderie, and competition for riders of all kinds.

The 3,550-mile coast-to-coast route will begin in historic Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and culminate at the iconic Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach, California. Participants will traverse carefully curated roads, with optional off-road segments to test adventure riders. The main route features enticing motorcycle roads, all paved, making it equally suitable for sport touring motorcycles. But according to Aaron Pufal, the event’s organizer, and an experienced rally planner, “This route isn’t for the faint of heart. Participants will appreciate the hundreds of hours of planning and prerunning that went into crafting this experience.”

Rally Details

Open to all types of motorcycles, the ADV Cannonball Rally emphasizes overland GPS navigation, self-reliance, and rider skill. Each day, participants will follow GPX tracks to reach checkpoints, earning points via a GPS-based scoring app. Bonus points will be awarded for specific achievements, such as being the first to arrive at the designated hotel each day.

While optional unpaved segments are available for adventure riders, sport touring enthusiasts can enjoy a fully paved route, ensuring a challenging yet accessible experience for all participants.

Unlike traditional races, the ADV Cannonball Rally is a self-supported event, with no team chase vehicles or support crews permitted. Participants must rely on their own resources or public services to stay on course and complete the journey.

Registration and Costs

Registration for the event is limited to 30 participants to ensure a high-quality experience. A $500 non-refundable registration fee, which is transferable, secures a spot in the rally. Participants are required to pay an additional fee of $2,900 for single occupancy or $1,900 for double occupancy, due 30 days before the event begins. These fees cover lodging at Hilton-brand hotels, event swag, and an awards banquet. Riders are responsible for meals and other expenses during the rally.

This route isn’t for the faint of heart. Participants will appreciate the hundreds of hours of planning and prerunning that went into crafting this experience.” – Aaron Paful, ADV Cannonball Rally organizer.

Pre-rally activities, including an orientation session, are scheduled for October 6 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The official rally ride will begin the following day and conclude on October 14 with an awards banquet recognizing various achievements, including the overall winner, whose name will be engraved on the ADV Cannonball perpetual trophy.

Vision Behind the Rally

Pufal, who has over 15 years of experience organizing motorcycle events, was inspired to create the ADV Cannonball Rally after participating in renowned events like the Alcan 5000 and Baja ADV Rally. “I believed the community would respond positively to the idea of an ADV Cannonball Rally,” he said. “It’s designed for like-minded riders who want more than just another motorcycle tour—this is about adventure, competition, and the thrill of discovery.”

Pufal emphasized that sport touring riders should not be deterred by the rally’s adventure-oriented branding. “The main route was designed with sport tourers in mind, providing an exhilarating ride on some of the best paved roads in the country,” he added.

How to Learn More

Complete event details, including rules, regulations, an interactive route map, and an entry form, are available on the official rally website, ADVCannonball.com. The site also features a podcast, FAQs, and additional resources for prospective participants.

The ADV Cannonball Rally’s emphasis on skill, endurance, and exploration sets it apart as a distinctive addition to the 2025 motorcycling calendar. Interested riders are encouraged to secure their spot early, as availability is limited.