Motorcycle Cross Country is a speed event with a difference; it is a race against the clock. The object being, to cover the greatest distance in a given time. Events are usually two or three hours long and are held on farmland or in forestry.

The course must be a minimum of 10 kilometers per lap for seniors and can be as long as 50Kms per lap. A 'Look Lap' (practice lap) is given if the course is less than 20Kms per lap.
The course is marked with arrows, which must be clearly visible to a fast moving rider and must allow for overtaking, to minimize 'bottlenecks'.
Junior events are up to one & half hour's long with a maximum of up to 10km laps.

Events are started "Le Mans' style with a shot gun and pit crews can be used for refueling. For the longer events (4Hour and 6 Hour), there are multiple ways of competing. 'Ironman" one rider or 'Team' two riders/one bike or 'Pony Express' two riders/ two bikes.
At the end of the given time the chequered flag is put out regardless of where the lead rider is and riders are credited with completed laps. To be a finisher, you must complete one lap.

Although Cross Country is a speed event, it is a very good progression from trail riding, as it allows riders to travel at a rate they are comfortable with and still achieve a result. For the more competitive riders it is a race.