Guys , what you see on TV is only 1 % of the real race .
The toughest okes are the poor guys who do the event with their bony and a small metal trunk that is transported from bivouac to bivouac by the organisers .
They also have to carry all their own spares etc , unless the big teams feel generous and sell them essential bits along the way .
A lot of these guys doss on the ground , so they can fit more spares into their trunks , who needs a naff tent , mattress and sleeping bag ?
The top team riders and even the better off supported riders , all have access to spare engines and wheels , so they can afford to ride harder , with less concern for the bike .
Also , when you have access to a mackie , you sleep while he services your bony every night , it all helps if you wanna go fast !
One day maybe ? ?
Its just frightfully expensive !
We are looking to set up a team , so that guys like us , just ordinary riders who crave adventure like this can ride in some of the other african rallys , the 8 day ones , will cost far less . There are about 6 of these each year , all around the mediteranean . Turkey , Bahrain , Morroco , Spain , Portugal etc .
We are looking at getting a fleet of bikes , so that the spares are all interchangable , a big truck as support , 2 mackies and 5 riders .
The idea being that the bikes will not be in the top class , possibly the 450 class , the bikes being lighter and more agile will suit riders who are slightly less than supermen . The 650 / 660 / 690 are big , very fast , heavy and very expensive .
A 450 will be fast , heavy and not as expensive , tyres and chains etc will last a bit longer or be less prone to breakage .
A fair few reasons , also there are so many of them around , taking a bike or 3 for spares will not break the bank !
As I say , its a plan at this stage with lots of enquiries and interest . It will probably be a joint venture between me and some german mates .
If it goes ahead , wild dog will be the first to know !
Topic: Dakar 2007 (Read 5126 times)
