There is no better classroom for rally raid than the desert itself. The following is a detailed account of our team’s experience at the Sonora Rally School, two days of instruction, navigation, and riding that laid the groundwork for what we train all year to do. Below, we break down each day as it unfolded, from the border crossing out of Yuma to the moment we lined up for our first timed stage.

DAY 0  –  Friday, February 13th

Departure & Border Crossing

The team departed Yuma at 3:00 PM, rolling south toward the border with the desert sun already pulling long shadows across the flats. Traffic slowed our approach, and it was approximately 4:00 PM by the time we reached the port of entry. Mexican Immigration Officers conducted a thorough inspection of our convoy, cross-referencing vehicle registrations and verifying VIN numbers before waving us through without incident. A smooth crossing by any measure.

Arrival & Event Check-In

The Sonora Rally School’s host hotel sits just 12 minutes from the port of entry, a welcome detail after a long travel day. We arrived with enough time to settle in and take advantage of early event check-in. The RallyComp units provided by the organization were distributed efficiently, and our team had them installed and confirmed without complications.

Dinner & Team Debrief

With logistics handled, our team manager Antonio Nariño sourced dinner from one of the more popular local restaurants in town, a solid chicken spread that hit the right notes after a full day of travel. Early to bed. Big day ahead.

DAY 1  –  Saturday, February 14th

Breakfast & Morning Briefing

The team assembled in the hotel restaurant at 7:00 AM. Fueled and focused, we moved into the classroom at 8:00 AM sharp for the seated instruction portion of the Sonora Rally School. The session opened with a comprehensive introduction to rally raid fundamentals, format, rules of engagement, stage structure, and what to expect once the road book opens and the timer starts.

Sonora Rally School 2026

RallyComp Navigation Training

A dedicated portion of the classroom session was devoted to the organization-supplied RallyComp unit, the same navigation tool competitors use at the race level. Instructors walked through its operation from the ground up: how to read it, how to interact with it on the move, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cost time and position on stage. For first-time users, this segment alone is worth the price of entry.

On-Bike Instruction: Route Selection

With classroom work wrapped up, instructors outlined what the riding day would look like in practice. Participants were given a clear choice based on their background and comfort level: newcomers were directed toward the beginner route, while more experienced riders had the option to tackle either the beginner course for additional confidence-building reps, or step up to the pro route for a genuine taste of competitive rally conditions.

The structured split is one of the smarter elements of the Sonora Rally School format. It respects where each rider is in their development while simultaneously raising the ceiling for those ready to push further. No one gets left behind, and no one gets bored.

We are proud to report that All American Rally Raid participated in the Sonora Rally School 2026, held on February 14 and 15 in one of the most iconic desert landscapes of Mexico,  the dunes surrounding San Luis Río Colorado, geographically part of the Gran Desierto de Altar.

The Sonora Rally School is exactly the kind of event that defines what this sport is about: technical preparation, community, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Over two days, competitors and enthusiasts gathered in the heart of the Sonoran desert for an intensive rally raid learning experience that left all of us with a deeper appreciation for what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Ryan Narino at Sonora Rally School 2026

Navigation & Roadbook Training

World-Class Instruction by Willem Avenant and Darren Skilton

One of the highlights of the event was the navigation and roadbook presentations delivered by Willem Avenant and Darren Skilton. 

Their sessions were conducted with an exceptional level of professionalism and depth, sharing knowledge that is both immediately practical and profoundly valuable for anyone serious about rally raid competition. Their expertise translated complex navigational concepts into clear, actionable skills, an experience we are genuinely grateful for.

Tracking & Performance

Zero Penalties for Team All American

Rally Comp – Official Event Tracking

Rally Comp handled the satellite tracking, route supervision, and penalty management throughout the event, and did so with precision. We are proud to report that our rider Ryan Narino completed the event with zero penalties, a testament to sound preparation and clean execution on course. We also want to take a moment to recognize Rally Comp as an American company supporting our sport: that alignment with our community means a great deal to us.

Sonora Rally School 2026

Media & Community

A Salute to Chasing Waypoints

We want to extend a well-deserved recognition to Víctor Orellana, creator of the Chasing Waypoints Podcast, who contributed to the tracking and follow-up of riders throughout the event. Víctor’s passion for rally raid is genuine and contagious, and his podcast stands as a powerful voice for our community. We are fans, and we are honored to have shared the same dunes.

Ryan Narino at Sonora Rally School 2026

Special Recognitions

The People Who Made It Happen

Every event of this caliber is only as good as the people behind it. We want to individually recognize those whose contributions made Sonora Rally School 2026 a success.

Erin Lee & Darren Skilton Organizers of Sonora Rally School 2026. Thank you for the vision, the dedication, and the execution that brought this event to life.	David Pearson Thank you for your support in the organization and validation of the route, a critical and often invisible contribution that every rider on course depended on.
Ace Nilson A very special thank you to Ace for stepping up and rescuing Ryan on course. In rally raid, that kind of solidarity is everything. We will not forget it.	Off Piste Adventure Respect to the riders who traveled from Kansas to be part of this event. That commitment speaks volumes.

Sonora Rally School 2026

Looking Forward

Ideas for an Even Stronger Edition

As much as we loved every moment of Sonora Rally School 2026, we believe in the value of constructive feedback as a sign of respect for the event and its organizers. The following are ideas we share in that spirit:

1 Extend to three days. With participants traveling from states like New Jersey, Minnesota, Oregon, and Kansas, a third day of riding would justify the journey and offer significantly more saddle time, a win for everyone.

2 Night-time training sessions. Moving some instructional or briefing content to evening hours would free up more daylight hours for riding, maximizing what riders can get out of each day on course.

3 Full camping format. Making the event fully self-contained, with participants camping on-site, would bring it closer to the spirit of the Dakar Rally and other major events. The camaraderie that emerges from shared camps is irreplaceable and a defining part of rally raid culture.

The Sonora Rally School 2026 reminded us why we do this — the challenge, the precision, and the constant pursuit of mastery that define rally raid. Every kilometer in the dunes was an opportunity to refine our craft and strengthen our connection to this incredible community.

At All American Rally Raid, we equip our riders with only the best: Pro Components by ICO Racing, Rallyable, and RAD — the same trusted brands that power our performance across every stage.

Ready to take your next step in rally raid? Visit AllAmericanRallyRaid.com to gear up, train smart, and ride with purpose.

Chris Baker at Sonora Rally School 2026