• Introduction

In ADVMoto Live! #32, host Carl Parker dives into the thrilling world of rally racing with members of the American Rally Originals—a U.S. team preparing to take on the grueling Dakar Rally’s Malle Moto class. Guests Kyle McCoy and David Pearson join the show to discuss what makes rally racing the world’s toughest off-road challenge, how they’re training for the ultimate endurance test, and what it takes to become the first Americans to finish this legendary class. From navigation skills to mental grit, this episode showcases the passion, teamwork, and perseverance that define the spirit of adventure.

• Episode Summary

Rally racing isn’t just about speed—it’s about navigation, endurance, and survival. Kyle McCoy, a U.S. Army veteran and Dakar finisher, and David Pearson, a lifelong racer from Canada now based in the U.S., share how the American Rally Originals formed and why they’re tackling the “Original by Motul” class, better known as Malle Moto. In this self-supported category, riders act as their own mechanics for nearly 5,000 miles across Saudi Arabia. Together, they discuss the logistics, costs, and camaraderie behind this monumental effort—plus how Americans can get involved in rally at home.

• The Spirit of Rally: Kyle and David explain how rally racing tests both body and mind through navigation, endurance, and resilience.
• Inside Malle Moto: Riders compete without mechanics or outside support, maintaining their own bikes each night while camping in desert bivouacs.
• Building Team ARO: The American Rally Originals combine experience from Baja, Sonora, and Dakar to push for the first U.S. finish in class history.
• Training and Gear: Riders practice on KTM 500s and rally-equipped 450s, refining navigation and endurance ahead of Dakar 2023.
• Getting Started: The guests share how new riders can experience rally in the U.S. through the Sonora Rally, KOTAW Rally, and navigation apps like Rally Navigator and Rally Blitz.
• Team Support: With sponsors such as Klim and Giant Loop, the team calls on the U.S. riding community to follow and support their Dakar dream.

The discussion reveals why rally racing captures riders’ hearts—it’s not only about competition, but about commitment, community, and courage.

• Highlighted Quotes

“Rally racing gives you everything—anxiety, joy, and confusion—all rolled into one.” — David Pearson

“The Malle Moto class is the purest form of racing—you’re your own mechanic, your own crew, your own support.” — Kyle McCoy

“Adventure isn’t about the bike—it’s about the mindset.” — Carl Parker

“We’re five Americans chasing a dream no one from our country has finished yet.” — American Rally Originals

• Support & Follow-Up

Follow and support American Rally Originals at AmericanRallyTeam.com and on social media at @AmericanRallyOriginals. Donations can be made via their GoFundMe to help the team reach the Dakar starting line. For more rally news and features, visit AdventureMotorcycle.com.

• About ADVMoto Live!

ADVMoto Live! is an original adventure and dual-sport podcast for riders who live and breathe the long way around. Hosted by Carl Parker, the show features explorers, builders, and dreamers whose stories inspire and define the adventure-motorcycling community.