ADV Cannonball Rally Returning in 2026
The ADV Cannonball Rally team issued an update on the recently completed 2025 cross-country event held between October 6th and October 14th.
According to the press release, forty motorcyclists began the rally in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and finished eight days later at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, California. The route covered more than 3,500 miles across ten states, and only two riders did not finish. Motorcycles ranged widely, including multiple GSAs, a pair of RTs, Pan Americas, a DR650, a Can-Am, a classic Honda CBX, and a 900-pound Indian bagger.
Riders accumulated points at more than 100 checkpoints, with scoring handled automatically through a custom-built rally app that the organizers now offer for other events. Awards included the overall winner’s trophy along with the Checkpoint Crusher and Rough Rider awards, and every finisher received an ADV Cannonball medal. Friends, family, and fans tracked rider progress in real time via a live leaderboard and GPS tracking page.
The final day was marked by flash-flood warnings, high winds, and rockslides, but all participants reached the finish line safely. The awards banquet was officiated by Taylor Lawson, host of the ADV Cannonball Podcast. The press release also mentions a feature film and original soundtrack by Robert Baldinger documenting his Cannonball experience.
Organizers report that ten riders have already registered for the 2026 event, and planning is underway for a European ADV Cannonball Rally in 2027.
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,” commented Rally Master Aaron Pufal
A Look-Ahead for 2026
American Sport Touring followed-up with Pufal to learn more about what participants can expect in 2026. While 2025 was widely considered a success, Pufal sees room for improvement and will bring a small number of changes to next year’s event. First, a new rule will prevent riders from gaming the system by collecting “first to hotel” points and then back-tracking to pick-up additional checkpoints. The 2026 rally features a new route that adds roughly 600 miles, with more challenging (and completely optional) off-road segments than in 2025 while still requiring eight days to finish.
Entry fees will remain unchanged for 2026, and riders will receive hotel discount codes for self-booking, rather than paying bundled lodging fees.
Is the ADV Cannonball for You?
Maybe. Anyone who has romanticized riding across America but isn’t sure how to go about it, or who to ride with, may find the ADV Cannonball just the ticket to an unforgettable experience.
The ADV Cannonball is open to all riders. But be aware there is no sweep vehicle – participants must be self-sufficient, comfortable managing minor roadside issues, and riding long days back-to-back. Off-road experience is not required, and off-road sections are always optional.
For more information about the 2026 rally and to register, visit the official ADV Cannonball Rally site. For an even better sense of the adventure, watch the film “8 Days. 3,500 Miles. The ADV Cannonball Coast to Coast Rally” by Robert Baldinger.
by John DeVitis, Editor and Publisher
John DeVitis, Editor & Publisher of American Sport Touring, has been riding and writing about all things motorcycling for decades, with a special focus on sport touring motorcycles. He possesses an uncanny knack for discovering little-known roads in picturesque locations across the United States and Canada, turning riding adventures into stories that inspire readers to explore. These experiences, both on the road and in digital publishing, including years at MSNBC.com—have shaped strong editorial principles and a clear vision, assuring readers of high-quality content they can trust.
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