I’ve been dreaming of “doing the Dakar” for as long as I knew it existed.
Started riding on my relatives farm when I was about six years old and I’ve never been able to really shake the motorcycling bug since. I don’t think that since 17 years of age, I’ve ever been without at least one bike in the garage.
For a while the life of a mechanic held my interest, so I worked in a motorcycle shop that sold a range of Japanese brands, alongside KTM. Hopefully that’s going to help me when I need to do maintenance on this KTM in the Dakar.
Also competed in some Enduros in Australia.
I’ve also punted an R1100GS BMW through the Canning Stock Route in Australia.
That’s still my favourite holiday. It was hard work as the BMW weighs double what the other bikes on the trip weighed, but after 1700km of sandy desert, I’d got the hang of riding in dunes. Another lesson that should help in Africa.
My son starts school this year, and my daughter’s not far behind. They’re going to be expensive, so there’s probably only a couple of years left in my life when it’s even remotely possible.
Gotta try.
If you have ever wanted to be involved in a race attempt, and you’d like to help this one by putting your name on the bike, believe me, you will have my eternal gratitude!
Thank you.
Pete
*Since this was written, obviously I’ve been and attempted the Dakar (did you read the story?), but also did the Alto Turia in Spain with Henno, a Dutch bloke that I met doing the Dakar.
Pete