six teams. twelve riders. the ultimate adventure.
Alpha Team enters the event as proven riders who have already shown their grit in the unforgiving Kaokoland and Damaraland. Their father and son dynamic gives them complementary strengths, competitive energy, and an unspoken trust that only years of shared adventure can forge.
Both Craig and Byron are die hard explorers who thrive when the terrain turns wild and the margin for error shrinks. They arrive meticulously prepared, backed by attitude, discipline, and a resilience that doesn’t crack under pressure.
They are the dark horses of this year’s field — quiet, capable, and far more dangerous than most will expect.
Bravo Team arrives in ProjectX with the unmistakable chemistry of two best friends who have shared more adventures than most riders will see in a lifetime. Louis Joubert and Grant Geyer return after their 2024 run with the same effortless teamwork and natural rhythm that makes them such a strong pairing.
They are the heartbeat of any gathering — the guys who lift spirits, spark laughter, and keep morale alive when fatigue starts creeping in. But behind the humour sits real capability: fit, technically sharp, and fully committed when the riding turns serious.
Louis and Grant bring joy, energy, and genuine camaraderie to the event, all while delivering performances that remind everyone that being the fun team has never meant being anything less than competitive.
Two best friends.
Two morale builders.
And two riders who make ProjectX brighter the moment they arrive.
Delta Team arrives in ProjectX with the calm assurance of men who know exactly what they’re doing. Lance Aylward and Fred Knoetze are seasoned adventurers — friendly, grounded, and quietly formidable. Their strength lies in the nuance of navigation, where instinct and experience meet with precision.
Rumour has it they’ve built their own training camps to sharpen every skill before returning to the arena, and anyone who has seen them ride knows it wouldn’t be out of character. They prepare thoroughly, focus intensely, and compete with genuine passion.
Lance and Fred are capable, disciplined, and deeply competitive, yet always approachable — the kind of riders who elevate the event simply by taking part.
Two professionals.
Two navigators at heart.
And two competitors who will arrive ready for whatever ProjectX throws at them.
Sierra Team arrives in Project‑X with the unmistakable presence of true adventurers. Marco and Giuliano Smargiasso have travelled the world on two wheels, collecting the kind of experience that can’t be taught — only lived. Their Italian flair, calm demeanour, and impeccable manners make them two of the most respected gentlemen you’ll meet in any camp.
Don’t let their laid‑back nature fool you. The moment they swing a leg over a bike, everything sharpens. They are extremely capable riders, unshaken under pressure, and as dependable as teammates come. These brothers are a pleasure to have around and a force to take seriously.
Marco and Giuliano bring composure, experience, and quiet confidence into the arena — the kind that comes from years of real adventure, not theory.
Two gentlemen.
Two world‑tested riders.
A brother team worth watching very closely.
Yankee Team steps into Project‑X with the quiet confidence of men who have been here before and understand exactly what the event demands. Johan Harmse and Rayne Martin may not have competed as a pair until now, but their shared history in the Project-X arena gives them a natural alignment—steady, disciplined, and completely unfazed by pressure.
They are soft‑spoken riders who never chase attention and never waste words. Their strength lies in the way they ride – calm, controlled, and relentlessly capable. Both are exceptionally fit, both are sharp navigators, and both have the kind of technical riding ability that only comes from years of real‑world experience.
Yankee Team will arrive prepared, focused, and fully locked in. They are the kind of competitors who help others without hesitation, who treat everyone with respect, and who still manage to deliver performances that speak louder than any introduction ever could.
Two genuinely good men.
Two serious contenders.
And two riders the field would be foolish to underestimate.
Zulu Team enters Project‑X as a pairing the field would be wise to watch closely. Martin Lourens and Rob van Brakel bring an engineer’s eye for detail, a racer’s instinct for pace, and a calmness forged through years of rally experience. Both are newcomers to Project‑X, but nothing about them suggests inexperience. Their preparation is meticulous. They study, refine, and arrive ready.
Martin and Rob are friendly, composed, and highly capable riders who thrive under pressure. Their navigation sense, technical skill, and disciplined approach give them the confidence to aim high from day one.
Two engineers.
Two rally‑hardened competitors.
And a debut team with the potential to climb straight to the sharp end of the leaderboard.
Challenge Summaries
Mission #1: Needlepoint
Teams must design a route that skirts a dangerous nogo zone where tracks appear reliable but vanish without warning. Riders face mixed terrain and must balance speed with smart decision making. The mission rewards terrain judgment, restraint, and the ability to avoid dead ends.
Mission #2: Phantom Track
Satellite imagery reveals faint historical tracks — some helpful, some deceptive. Teams must interpret the land, create their own tracks, and decide which lines to trust. This mission rewards skepticism, spatial intelligence, and the ability to read terrain like a story.
“Some guide you forward; others lead you astray… this challenge rewards skepticism, spatial intelligence, and terrain literacy.”
Mission #3: TimeLock
Teams must hit each checkpoint within a strict arrival window — too early or too late means penalties. The challenge demands disciplined pacing, strong team communication, and the ability to maintain formation across rocky, sandy, and offcamber terrain.
Mission #4: Dark Side
A nighttime navigation test in the Namaqua Desert.
Riders cross a 7 km x 4 km sand field in complete darkness, guided only by a brief flash of light from a distant hill. Success depends on locking a bearing and holding a perfectly straight line. This is a short but intense test of accuracy and composure.
Mission #5: Shadow Leader
A role reversal challenge that tests adaptability and trust.
The navigator becomes the follower, and the follower becomes the navigator. Teams must adapt to new roles while navigating sandy, rocky, and technical terrain. Communication, trust, and flexibility are the keys to success.
“Tactical roles invert… the mission tests adaptability, communication, and trust under pressure.”
Mission #6: Mirage Line
This stage challenges riders to navigate around a large nogo zone while avoiding false leads created by unstable sand tracks. The terrain is predominantly sandy, and riders must trust their instincts more than the lines on the map.
Embrace your passion and prepare for the ride of a lifetime!
Duration: 8 days
24 April - 01 May 2026
Terrain
Rugged, untamed landscapes of Greater Richtersveld, and the Namaqua region
Participants
6 Teams of two riders
Motorcycle Category
Off-road, four-stroke motorcycles 300cc to 700cc
Rules and Regulations
Please download the rules and regulations here
Entries
Entries for the 2026 event have closed, please click here to join the waitlist for the 2027 event.
Entries
To submit your application, please click here to complete the online application form and pay the application fee as stipulated in the rules and regulations.
- Uncharted Territory: Explore regions rarely touched by tire treads, where the raw beauty of nature unfolds at every turn.
- Navigational Prowess: Sharpen your Google-Earth planning skills as you decipher cryptic clues and chart your course through the Northern Cape wilderness.
- Team Bonding: Forge unbreakable bonds with your riding partner as you conquer obstacles and challenges together.
- Riding Skills: Every aspect of your riding ability will be tested.
- Glory: The winning team will etch their names into adventure lore.
- Prizes: The winning team wil receive a coveted trophy and a tailor-made expedition with Specialised Adventures
6 Teams of Die-Hard Adventurers
Each team will consist of two intrepid riders who thrive on adrenaline, crave the unknown, and live for the thrill of discovery.
8 Days of Adventure
This isn’t a rally; it’s an endurance test. For 8 days, you’ll forge bonds, conquer fears, and redefine your limits.
Hostile Terrain
The elements won’t be kind. Blistering sun and relentless winds will challenge your resolve, and ultimately test and reveal who you really are. Expect the unexpected as you navigate through this remote wilderness, where every twist and turn presents a new challenge. Be prepared to face the Northern Cape's fury head on.
Challenging Tracks
From technical single tracks to wide-open expanses, the tracks in Project X vary dramatically. Steep ascents and rocky riverbed sections will keep you on your toes. Your riding skills will be put to the ultimate test.
Navigational Skills
This challenge demands strategic navigational planning. Armed with Google-Earth, gps, and a well-planned collective effort, your team must locate hidden waypoints scattered across the vast landscape, to find the information needed to get to your next destination. Precision matters; a wrong turn could lead you astray.
Teamwork and Strategy
Project X is not just about riding — it’s about working together. Communication, trust, and strategic decision-making are essential. Each team member brings unique strengths and combining them effectively will determine your success.
Revolutionary Scoring System
Built from the ground up for fairness, precision, and strategic depth — this isn’t just a scoring system. It’s the heartbeat of Project-X. Real-time data. Dynamic leaderboards. Randomised task logic. The system that makes every second count — and every mistake visible. For an in depth explanation click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can friends, family and supporters attend the event?
Yes, limited accommodation is available at the main venue for supporters. Designated spectators points along the routes will be provided for public support during the event.
Will I need to notify my medical insurance company if I partake in Project X?
We suggest you do. Remember to mention that Project X is not a rally nor is it a race.
Will there be a back-up vehicle if something does go wrong?
Yes, there will always be a back-up vehicle for rider/team assistance.
How many meals will be provided per day?
Three meals per day.
Can we use mousses in our wheels for Project X?
Yes, you can.
Can we use normal tubes during Project X?
Yes, you can but we suggest you make sure you have enough spare tubes with you in case of a puncture.
Will the teams receive any training from the organiser regarding the expected navigational challenges prior to the event?
Yes – the organiser will send all participating teams a comprehensive list of what can be expected in terms of the navigation.
Are the entry fees quoted per rider or team?
The entry fee for 2026 is R25,000 plus VAT per rider