As always thanks for the support guys. My plan is to make some shirts and buffs up in a few weeks. I'm trying to get my kit sponsors sorted and a couple others so I can add them on the shirt to give them some good mileage.
I had a meeting with the ZA Biker guys today again. They love the story and are pulling out all the stops to help me get to the start line. They have managed to get me a free video shoot kindly sponsored by Paul and Tebz. I'm not sure of the company name but will post it once I know. They are also planning a page on their site for me and are super keen on driving the whole name on the bike thing that fellow bikers can "join me" on my Dakar dream. The video will give me something to send to possible sponsors and also to help promote my fund raising efforts.
I feel like I'm trying to fulfill two goals right now. Firstly - Getting to the start (fundraising, websites, sponsors, planning, payments, etc) and Secondly - Getting to the finish (gym, diet, physio, riding, racing, etc). It's such a balancing act as both are equally important. I feel at the moment that my "get to the finish" plans are running behind so I plan to focus more on riding and training in the next few weeks.
From a bike point of view I have ordered a new KTM 450 RR that will be sent direct to my team in Holland. They will prep it and fit all the nav stuff and get it on the ship for Dakar. I have my RR here but it wasn't worth the money to ship it over, so instead I will ride it for a couple months here and do Amageza on it then sell it in December and use the money to pay towards the other one there. I also met with Francois and Len from Raceworx KTM to ask for some workshop help. Basically I would like them to help me with learning the bikes in and outs. I want to be a pro at knowing the bikes electrical and mechanical set up. If I have any problems out on the track I want to have the best possible chance at sorting it out and getting to the finish. The Raceworx guys are more than happy to help and are keen to do even more and are behind me all the way.
Kit wise Henderson racing have said they are keen to help and I've sent him a list that I just need to follow up on. I've also approached a possible helmet sponsor that I need to finalize.
One of my fundraising plans is to put them name of everyone who helps me with a donation on the bike at Dakar. You can get the details on my site at fromparatodakar.co.za. A BIG thanks must go out to Alex RG for the awesome donation as well as Gerrit and his family, Greg Raaff and Johan Botha for their more than generous donations. Really appreciate it guys. Your names will all be on the bike at Dakar. A big thanks to Subtech for the corporate sponsor too that will go on the screen of the bike. Still lots of space if anyone is keen to get their companies involved. My email is
Joey@fromparatodakar.co.za. Sorry for the shameless punt but I'm all in on this Dakar dream and need to do all I can.
I really appreciate all the support whether financial or just positive encouragement and a thumbs up, it's all good as not everyone has the means.
I'm also looking for guys in Gauteng keen on some rides in the week to get some training in. Just give me a shout. Zero 8 Three 4561122.
Cheers Joey.
Topic: From "Para" to Dakar. (Read 40415 times)
