RallyRAIDio: Recent Episodes
RallyRAIDio
Lyndon calls in from the finish of his first FIM rally! It's been an intense ride, different in character from the Dakar, but providing invaluable lessons that will serve him well down the line. Job well done, Lyndon!
Lyndon rings in with an in-depth followup to his earlier call, including insight on his mental approach to the race, and some pearls on roadbook preparation among other topics. Thanks for letting us inside the helmet, Lyndon!
Lyndon calls in after having had a very close call on today's stage. Lucky to be uninjured, he brought the bike home (in surprisingly good time), but the team have work to do tonight. One more stage to go, bring it home safe, Lyndon!
Lyndon rings in on the way to bed down for the night after a shortened day three. The second special of the day (SS6) was cancelled due to wildfires in the area. Big day on tap tomorrow, with just one special but over 180km of racing from the 300+ km day. It took him over 3hrs to do the roadbook for the stage! He's been having problems with his right hand due to bike vibration, hopefully the team can sort a solution overnight. Sleep well, Lyndon. We'll look forward to hearing from you tomorrow!
Lyndon calls in after the tough second day of the Sardinia rally, having learned a valuable nav lesson (read: learned the hard way) on how he was marking his roadbook. Apart from that, no significant issues and certainly making good on his intent to gain experience in the subtleties of rallye. He's looking forward to tomorrow -- keep it steady, Lyndon!
Check out Lyndon's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LyndonPoskittRacing and his thread on ADVrider: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=777301
Lyndon calls in after his first stage of his first FIM rally. Every bit of a challenge, he's seeing his strategy of entering a rally prior to Dakar paying dividends already. Keep it steady, Pyn!
Lyndon calls in after scrutineering and preparing his roadbook at the Sardinia Rally. Ready to go despite a scare in the parking area!
Lyndon calls in after his arrival in Sardinia. Prep has gone well, nothing left now but to get on with it!
Check out Lyndon's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LyndonPoskittRacing and his thread on ADVrider: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=777301
(Photo credit: benconstanduros.com) We get an insider's look "behind the curtain" where the ASO produces the video feed for the Dakar Rally with BenConstanduros. If you've ever marveled at the stunning images from the rally, you'll be amazed by the logistics required to get them worldwide from a race day that spans hundreds of kilometers. If you've ever been frustrated by what's been show (or hasn't been shown), insight, too, on that. Thanks, Ben! Hardcore Rallye Tragics, don't miss this one. You can follow Ben on twitter @BenConsty, or check out his site and blog at http://benconstanduros.com/blog
(Photo of Tim courtesy Ted Johnson) Ted Johnson chats with us after the Dakar rally, giving us an inside view of the bivouac from the back seat of Rally PanAm's team truck. Even if you don't have the stuff to compete, you can get inside the rally in a way you never dreamed possible by buying in to a team seat. This could be one expensive call in, for the die hard fans listening. You've been warned.
We last heard from Ned with a brief voicemail after the finish. We were finally able to catch up with him for a full interview from the airport in Miami on his way home today. Welcome back to the US of A, Ned. You've done us proud. Very proud. Grab a few beers (or coffee's, if you're at work -- dont' worry, we won't tell the boss) and listen in to get answers to the questions many of you have asked. A few surprising revelations, and more detail than a Dakar Junkie could ever hope to find anywhere else. To get any more involved in the race, you'd have to fork over your own entry fee. Thanks for letting us Inside the Helmet, Ned. Can't wait to follow you wherever your next adventure may take you. For those of you who aren't already following along, check out Ned's EXCELLENT thread on ADVrider.com: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=707131
Dakar finisher's medal in hand, Ned calls us with a quick update from the hotel following the podium presentations. Congrats, Ned. Goal met. Can't wait to hear what it feels like once that thought has firmly sunk in.
Another great interactive chat with Ned from the bivouac after the penultimate stage, stage 13. Tomorrow's stage is a liaison and then largely ceremonial special into the finish in Lima. Almost in, Ned!
(Photo credit: Webventure) Stan calls in after stage 13, just one more short 29km special and a moderate liaison to go before the finish podium in Lima. Stan's had a solid run in the second half, and is philosophical about the way his first half went. Cheers, Stan!
(Photo Credit: Eurosport)
Neil (Bluebull2007) catches up with Toby Younger at the bivouac in Nasca, Peru, after stage 12. While for many this year "Marathon Stage" is just a fancy way of saying "Motorcycle-only campout", for Toby it's been a true "Marathon Rally", in every sense of the phrase. Made famous to the general audience by his overnight in the dunes prior to the rest day, Toby's managed more midnight km's than any other moto in the race. And yet in every photo, there's that indomitable smile, shining through. Thanks for talking with us, Toby, and keep those wheels rolling for another two days!
Ned calls in from the windy (gave the sat phone a few fits, apologies) bivouac in Peru following Stage 12, the conclusion of the "marathon" stage -- which Ned found to be a bit of a farce since the factory teams basically got a full service along the liaison route after the special. A few mechanical gremlins overnight for Ned, his training paid off through the dunes and he made it in to camp where they'll overhaul the clutch on the bike tonight. Last big stage tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed for a clean run. Goooooo! Ned!!
Having surmounted some unusual challenges on Stage 11, Ned Suesse has his "Dakar Moment" while on the liaison to the moto-only marathon bivouac. Ever-giving of himself, he pulls over to call us "in the moment". The seemingly unflappable Neduro brought to tears, this has to be one of the most heartfelt calls in RallyRAIDio history. Do not miss.
Neil calls in with a man-on-the-scene report from the entrance to the Moto Bivouac after having followed Ned Suesse in on the liaison. Sounds like there are some stories to be told!
ADVrider's own roving reporter, Bluebull2007, meets up with Darryl Curtis at the start of stage 11 for a quick interview and an update on his rally thusfar. Thanks, Neil!
Ned calls in after a fun stage, having navigated his way out of the dunes with a flock of sheep (riders) behind him. Another great Robbie Gordon story along the way, too. Enjoy!
"Great day! Fun on the bike, the hill was AWESOME! Watching my bike float away in the river was not..." Listen in to hear Ned's epic stories from stage 9, including his underwater incident, close call with a mine, and Johnny Campbell's comments on Robby Gordon. Goooooo! Ned!
Ned calls us after what would turn out to be a very controversial stage for the frontrunners. He had his own challenges, including a stage that was very fast and admittedly not his most comfortable zone. A followup call reveals that his steering damper had become disengaged, a sketchy prospect when running 120kph through fesh fesh embedded with hidden rocks! "This isn't racing, Ned says, it's praying!" Well-done to bring it home safely, Ned.
Another great 20 minute conversation with Ned, we catch him in the bivouac on the rest day.
Photocredit: webventure.br
Team FrontRowGB rider and front running Brit, Stan Watt, rings in at the rest day to update us on his rally so far. For a team built with ambitious goals, it hasn't all gone perfectly to date. But he's looking forward to taking advantage of the grueling second half to move further up the order.
Observers of the stage will have noted that Ned was off pace today. There's a very good (actually, two very good) reason(s) for that. Tune in to hear how Ned MacGuyvered his way through the stage, and lived to Dakar another day.
After stage six was cancelled, ostensibly due to snow on the route, Ned arrives in Chile after the liaison transit. While he hangs out waiting for the service truck to arrive, we catch up on many topics including his reaction to the cancellation, how the bike is holding up so far, and if his outlook or approach has changed any heading in to the middle of the rally.
Fiambala has a legendary, and brutal, reputation on the Dakar. Tune in to hear how Ned's day went on this year's weather-shortened edition.
Fiamba
After one of the most grueling starts to a Dakar in recent memory, Ned Suesse fills us in on his experience through stage 4, including his first encounter with the cars. Go, Ned, Go!!! AFt
Ned calls in after stage 3, a stage that other riders have said is "the most technical they've seen on a rally". Big news for the front runners today, while Ned keeps riding his ride.
Photo Courtesy CVestal (during training) P
Had a great 20 minute conversation with Ned from the Bivouac tonight. Catch up with all the details from his rally thus far, with typical Ned insight. Grab a beer and pull up a chair.
Ned calls in after a monster transit (nearly 700km in total) following his first competitive Dakar stage. Ever cerebral, he listened to a book on tape and watched other riders squirm while his Renazco saddle cushioned his tush in comfort. Hopefully Ned is getting his beauty sleep tonight, and keeping the "snowball small", as Charlie would say. Fun fun.
Ned calls in after the ceremonial start, including the story of his monster wheelie down the ramp. Ned dials us in on what it feels like to be on the cusp of an event like the Dakar. Go Ned, Go!
Ned calls in on the eve of the rally with an update. Good luck, Ned! We're all pulling for you! Part 1 of 2.
Ned calls in today shortly after the finish of the rally, as teams make the mad dash to get gear packed for the return trip. People will be heading to the site of last week's bombing in a show of solidarity and humanity.
Ned calls in after the 7th stage. "Crossed a pass in the atlas today, very rocky. Tank is seeping but rideable. Really enjoyed the tracks, tomorrow is mostly paved. Spending tonight at a movie studio, many strange props all around."
Ned calls in after an eventful day on the rally, which included a sandstorm and splitting fuel tank out on the piste. Way to bring it in, Ned!
Close
Jenny Morgan is now on her return journey to the UK, and calls from Sao Paulo sounding much better than the last time we heard from her. Let's hope she's as fresh when she lands back home. Fly safe, Jenny!
Craig Bounds is out of the rally on the day before the rest day. Tamsin calls in with a report, and details on how you can contact Craig (SMS) with a word of cheer as he waits in a Chilean hospital. Heal well, Craig. Thanks for letting us along on the ride.
We have another long chat with Jenny Morgan from her hospital bed in Chile, and she shares some incredible insight into what it's like to be an "everyday" (read: amateur) rider on the Dakar. A must-listen for hardcore rally fans.
We talk with Jenny Morgan from her hospital bed in Chile post-surgery. She crashed heavily on stage 4 yesterday and was evacuated via helicopter. She underwent surgery today to stabilize her leg injury, and we spoke to her shortly thereafter. As always, she was full of incredible stories and very energetic despite the situation.
Jenny on the ground before the medical corps got to her.
Craig Bounds and Tamsin call in with a bivouac report after the monster dune finish of Stage 5.
Now in Chile, Craig Bounds and Tamsin call in with a report after the high-altitude stage 4.
Jenny Morgan calls in with a report from her eventful stages 2 and 3. Jenny's a RallyRAIDio pro, and leaves you with dust in your mouth after listening to her stories. :-)
Craig Bounds calls in after a brutal Stage 3. Most stages would be considered a disaster if you had to remove your front brake rotor. For Craig, that was just the beginning. He brings it home in hero fashion, though!
Tamsin and Craig call in after an incredible day on the piste. Lucky doesn't come close to describing it! Go Boundsy!
Jenny Morgan rings in with a detailed call following the completion of her inaugural Dakar stage. Well done, Jenny!
Tamsin and Craig call in after completing stage 1. Despite his late start number and getting stung by a bee, Craig moved up well on the stage.
Jenny Morgan (JMo) has her phone issues sorted and rings in just before departure from Buenos Aires on the opening liasion. Thanks, Jenny!
Tamsin Jones and Craig Bounds call in as Craig waits to depart on the opening liasion from Buenos Aires. Thanks guys, and good luck!
Tamsin Jones gets our 2011 Dakar coverage kicked off with a call on the progress of Craig Bounds. Through scrutineering, they are looking forward to the official briefing and kickoff tomorrow.
Garry calls in with some detailed followup on questions and comments from the Safari discussion/coverage thread at ADVrider.com Pull up a barstool.
Garry calls in with a post-event wrap up for what has to be the most successful Safari "post-ressurection". Well done Garry and Team Husaberg. Thanks for letting us ride over your shoulder, look forward to doing it again in 2011.
Garry Connell calls in with his Leg 6 report, and some observations about how the event has changed (since its resurrection several years ago) from the "Safari's of Old". (This editor's opinion is that Octagon, the current organizers, have made huge strides in the past few years and are headed in the right direction in both the event organization, and media distribution. ~N)
Justin Maley calls in from Safari HQ with competitor, service crew, and Adventure Tour participant interviews. Follow Justin's outstanding Safari blog at http://mxracer51.blogspot.com/
Garry Connell calls in after Leg 4 with a report on his ride, the Team Husaberg situation, and the rallye in general. I know I say it all the time, but Garry's got the knack for making you feel like you're right there with him. Cheers, Garry!
Justin Maley rings in with a report and interviews following Leg 4. Follow his excellent blog at http://mxracer51.blogspot.com/
Justin Maley calls in from the Coolgardie bivouac with interviews with David Schwarz (team Husaberg, 6th overall) and Graham Grant (riding an '83 BMW GS), and a race status recap from Mark. Thanks, Guys! Follow Justin's Safari blog at http://mxracer51.blogspot.com/
Andy, Road Director for the Safari Moto Adventure, rings in to let a few of his riders share their perspectives thusfar. The Moto Adventure is a non-competitive "tour" that shadows the Safari and allows the participants to spectate some of the action and share in the Safari experience, as well as ride many of the tracks (separately from the competitors, naturally). Sounds fantastic!
Garry calls in after the end of the Marathon stages, with tales of his trailside wrestling with a moose (er, make that mousse). Great stuff, Garry! And well done to bring her home.
Annie Seel calls in after the end of the Marathon Stages. While there has been drama for many, she's managed to keep things fairly tidy and is enjoying herself.
Garry Connell calls in after Day 2 (the first of the Marathon Days) with a detailed report on his ride, including some feedback on the 570 Berg vs the 650.
Garry Connell calls in after the first stage, having set his Safari Adventure off in proper form right from the first kilometers. Garry's got the storytelling part of RallyRAIDio down pat like no other, so pull up a stool and join him for the ride.
Garry Connell gives a preview of Team Husaberg for this year's race, with a talent-stacked roster of Ze Helio, Annie Seel, and David Schwarz.
Garry Connell rings in with an intro and news from the bivouac/scrutineering prior to the start.
Phil calls in from the finish of Dos Sertoes, and fills us in on the details of his bike swamping of several days ago. Special thanks to team sponsors Renazco Racing Saddles, and Rally Management Services.
Webventure Photo
Dave calls in fresh from the finish of his first international rallye at Dos Sertoes. All was not as trouble free as it would have appeared from the results sheets, but they ended up finishing in fine fashion. The budget support mobiles finished as well, much to the admiration of the rest of the bivouac. Way to go, guys! Webventure Photo
Mike Buhler calls in from Ulan Bataar after successfully completing his first international rallye. Way to go, Mike!
Neil calls in with a comprehensive report of his experience and that of his Team Wild West teammates Dave and Phil through stage 5. Keep it going guys!
Webventure Photo
Ludo Bonniard calls from Dos Sertoes Rally after crashing out on day 4 while following his friend, Dimas. Heal well, Ludo!
Neil rings in with a comprehensive report from stage 1 and a preview of stage 2. His electical woes continued on stage one but have hopefully been rectified (pardon the pun) from here on out. Phil and Dave are going along well, if without their timecards. Good luck guys, and keep it rolling!
Photo Credit: webventure
Neil calls in after the SuperPrime. Hopefully he can get the opening day electrical bugs worked out. Otherwise, his kickstarter will be getting a workout!
Dave and Phil call in after the prologue of their debut International Rallye in Brazil.
Jonah calls in from San Juan, Argentina after finishing second on the day's stage, three seconds back from Frans Verhoeven. Although the rally hasn't gone exactly the way the team hoped, today's performance highlights what they're capable of. Jonah remains firmly within the top ten overall with three stages to go.The call drops out, which I apologize for. Better launch some more satellites next year. :-)
Another victim of the now-infamous Stage 3, Don Hatton calls from Santiago, Chile with a bit of insight as to how his rally went (or didn't). We've followed Don from his first attempt at the Dakar, the canceled 2008 edition, through his hard crash last year, to a rally this year that started with his bike nearly burning in Parc Ferme and a missing time card on stage 1. I hope your persistence is able to see you through in the long run, Don!
If you've ever wondered what it would be like as a "regular guy" to enter Dakar, here's your reality check. Garry Connell rings in with a brutally honest look at what it's like.
Rally PanAm team manager Robb McElroy gives us an update on Jonah's rally. Thanks, Robb!
Ludo Boinnard calls from the bivouac after a day that saw him presumably retired with mechanical problems. Fortunately time heals all wounds, in this case even mechanical ones, and he was able to complete the stage!You'll remember this one forever, Ludo. We all will!
Craig Bounds calls in from the blustery bivouac after stage 3 -- a seemingly benign stage on paper that ended up being one of the most grueling in recent memory. There is a lot of wind noise, but as you'll hear, one needs to wear goggles because of the blowing sand -- we shouldn't complain!Congrats on surviving the stage, Craig. Keep it rolling.
Don Hatton calls in with two stories; the first, how he nearly had his bike burned in the Parc Ferme conflagration, and the second, of his Stage 1 trials which included forgetting his time card and very nearly being pitched from the Rally (twice!). Enjoy!Hope things smooth out, Don!
Ludo Boinnard, racing in a team alongside David Casteu and Mike Pisano, gets our call ins kicked off before the ceremonial start in Buenos Aires.Bonne Chance, Ludo!
The prep work is in the books, and competitors are about to take the start. Watch live, via this link from Argentinian TV...
(Link expired. Hope you enjoyed it!)
Dakar 2010 is nearly here, and with the changes to the rulebook, we look forward to what could be the most wide-open competition in recent memory. How that all plays out, of course, remains to be seen. Here is an excellent interview with Cyril Despres and Marc Coma with commentary on the restrictor for the bikes larger than 450cc's, as well as their thoughts on racing in South America. Video posted by KTM.
Part 2 of JennyMo's post-event wrap up. Splendid stuff, Jenny. Thanks for letting us ride "Inside the Helmet" on this year's Heroes.
A coffee-deprived JennyMo rings in from the Madrid airport at oh-dark-thirty with her post-event wrap up. Splendid stuff, Jenny. Thanks for letting us ride "Inside the Helmet" on this year's Heroes!
Incredible. If you've ever wondered what the Heroes Legend was really like, or thought that it might be a "tourist trip" along the old Dakar route, listen in and think again.
"Mr. Yamaha" dropped in after Rallye Maroc and checked out the new generation Tenere. Wonder if we'll see some of the big boys at the Heroes next year...?
Hope to hear from you at the Pink Lake tomorrow, Jenny!.
Safely through the no-man's land and across the border into Mauritania, Jenny rings in as they prepare to tackle the monster dune stages ahead. The Desert Rose riders are doing well, and as often goes for support crews during rallies, they've adopted some new hangers-on.
Jenny's loving the Tenere and is finding it an excellent companion in the desert.
Jenny rings in from the Atlantic coast of Morocco, after having secured 3rd position on today's stage! Way to go, Jenny!
Jenny calls in before the start, 8 days into the rallye. Still in Morocco, they've a long way to go yet. I think she's got the knack of this call in thing -- what do you guys think?
Jenny rings in after a brutal day on the piste in Morocco. Mick has crashed out with a hard concussion, and is currently in hospital with injured vertebrae. Clive (Patsy's husband) cut his hand. Jenny lost rear wheel bearing at 60km/h and took the caliper bracket with it, which she thought would take her out of the rally but thank heavens for the service crew (who had their own troubles!).
Hopefully the days ahead will be a bit more kind, as they're only about 1/4 through the event so far!
Jenny's rung in with her first call-in. The weather's thrown them a curveball thusfar, but the tone of her voice says she's having a grand time.
David Dickinson catches us up to speed as well as sharing a "day in the life" on the rallye. For those who wondered why he wasn't show on the starting list today, he explains that as well.Good luck tomorrow, David!
Cummo chats with ADV Inmate Rick Hatswell whose Dakar plans for this year are in dire jeopardy after breaking his leg on the Rallye yesterday. In fact, if you'd like, you can buy a ready-to-go package for El Dakaro in January...
Rick sounds in better spirits than I'd expect to be...
Cummo tracks down Sherco pilot Philippe Jacquet to hear how development of the Sherco Rallye Bike is coming along. KTM 690 pilot Stephane Hamard also fills us in on his experiences thusfar.
Cummo on the phone with quad rider Lionel Laine, who is leading the Overall Cross-country rallye standings for the year.
Don Hatton on the line with a report from Day 2. Sad news in the bivouac as two event staff are killed in an accident on the piste, with others injured. Don's had a rough go of it but is still hanging in there, while ADV inmate Rick is out with a broken leg. Don's hoping tomorrow's terrain suits him and the 690 Enduro better than the first two days.Rick, hope you're back to fighting shape by Dakar...!
David's left word from the sweltering bivouac after the first day's stages. Like Don, his mechanics were delayed at sea and so getting through scrutineering was a bit of a crunch. Hopefully they don't have too much to attend to tonight.
He's looking forward to faster, longer stages tomorrow.Thanks, David!
An upbeat Don Hatton calls in after scrutineering. They had a bit of a challenge as the bike and team were delayed at sea due to a storm, then needed to rectify some wiring issues, but all is well now and he's looking forward to getting on with things tomorrow.
Our man on the scene, Cummo, catches up with rallye circuit regular Pal Anders Ullevalseter, of Norway. As a perennial front-running privateer, Pal Anders fills us in on his plans for the Dakar this year and gives some thoughts on the 690/450 debate.
David Dickinson rings in from Marrakesh on the eve of the Rallye. From his post on Adventure Rider:I'm in - (No 17) and also being supported by Patsy's Desert Rose Racing. Looking forward to meeting the Canadians and the one other Brit in this essentially French race.
I've not had great preparation with my Enduro bike being stolen in May (don't ask )!! and me not managing to replace it until late August. I don't suppose riding my 990 R all summer counts for much. Still I'm really looking forward to it, an English description of the route is here:
http://www.npo.fr/maroc2009/pdf/CP5-MAR09-230909EN.pdf
The main site for the Event is here, they may have a tracking feature once the Rallye starts:
http://www.npo.fr/maroc2009/
And if you fancy supporting the charity I am doing it for please visit this site:
http://www.justgiving.com/David-Dickinson/
Many thanks
DavidGood luck, David! Can't wait to hear more updates on the rally.
Mick finds himself not at all where he expected to be half way through his 1000-mile C90 ride, in the hospital after an off.Get well, Mick!
Mick is off on another 1000 mile ride to raise funds for another good cause, this time on a diminutive C90. He's making steady progress early in the ride.
John Bouwknegt rings in with his impressions on the inaugural Yilgarn Rallye, which proved every bit the challenge (and maybe then some) that competitors expected. Well done, John!
Garry regales us with the tale of the Yilgarn IronMan -- a competitor who rode his 950se to the event, offroad, and then home again via the same route in time to make it to work again the next day. Hardcore.
Garry calls in with the comprehensive event report. Absolutely incredible effort getting this event organized from the ground up, Garry. Hopefully the first of many successful years and rallies to come! Your fellow rallye enthusiasts owe you a debt of gratitude.
The quad boys are starting to get into the nav rallye scene, and Garry chats with one of them after the event.
Garry Connell, event organizer for the first annual Yilgarn Rallye in Western Australia, rings in with an overview of the event and some last minute news regarding a necessary change to the format.
Out but not down, Youcef and Rob are both tending to injuries suffered in separate incidents. Rob's circumstances are particularly bizarre. Get well soon, guys!
Youcef chats with a man who's fast becoming one of my favorite RallyRAIDio storytellers, Simon Pavey. Hear Simon's take on the Desert Challenge, as well as some riveting behind the scenes stories from El Dakaro. Pull up a chair. This stuff is better than gold.
Youcef chats with Italian Aprilla works riders Alex Zanotti and Paolo Cici about their unique (in the rallye world) machines and their experiences thusfar.Rally on, guys!
Youcef Cummings (Cummo on Adventure Rider) gets us started with the coverage of the 2009 Abu Dhabi (formerly UAE) Desert Challenge, and speaks with members of the UAE KTM team.Good luck, guys, and have a great rally!
Garry chats with Welshman Craig Bounds following Stage 8. Boundsey is riding well, despite a major off that fractured his sternum only weeks before the event. Hardcore.
Annie Seel calls in mid way through what has to be the toughest rally of her life. Bruised and battered, she continues on despite having shattered her helmet chinbar and breaking her nose.Is the South American Dakar tough? You better believe it.
Stan calls in after a tough day that saw a track with many potential pitfalls and long drop offs for the competitors.
We appear to be experiencing intermittent server issues. Please bear with us if you are experiencing download issues. Click the embedded player -- it'll load eventually.Fear not, calls are still being captured.Thanks,Nate
Garry has a great chat with Thomas Berglund, riding his second Dakar with the Sweedish Army team. ARMY. Not bikini. But anyway -- Thomas fills us in on his race to date, including overshooting a corner and ending up several hundred meters off piste... Other than that, going quite well, and hoping for a finish inside the top 15.
Good luck, Thomas. Hope to hear from you again.
Garry chats with Portuguese rider Helder Rodrigues, multi-stage winner in previous Dakar's, who voices perhaps the first leanings toward Africa that I've heard yet thusfar.Great to hear from you, Helder. Good luck on the rest of the Rally! (And what kind of fairing is that on your KTM? Hmm?)
Garry gets Pal Anders on the phone after stage 8. The call is dropped, unfortunately, but it's an honor to hear from the Man in Green -- long, LONG, flying the flag for privateers on the Rallye circuit.
Good luck, Pal Anders! Hope to hear from you again, and hope you finally get that podium finish you've been working for.
The title pretty much says it all. After heroically riding through the pain of an existing wrist injury, Jonah has several crashes today and makes the gut wrenching decision to live to fight another day.Jonah's performance and that of Team Rally PanAmerica have been nothing short of spectacular this year. We hope to see them return next year, and perhaps even for the entire World Championship calendar (dare we hope!) -- continuing the dream that a privateer can end up on the podium of the greatest race on earth.Thank you, Jonah Street, for allowing us to believe that dreams are still achievable.
Garry interviews David after the rest day. Steady as she goes for David, who finds himself transitioning from an "attack" mentality, to a "bring it home safely" approach. Sounds pretty damn prudent given the attrition of late.
Don Hatton calls in after escaping from the hospital following his stage 4 crash and medivac. So good to hear from you, Don. You had us all worried there for a while.
Don, it's been a privilege to follow your maturation as a rallye rider. THANK YOU for allowing us to ride over your shoulder, across the world. We hope to hear more about your days before your crash, living the dream we all share.
Mend well. Mend completely. Dakar 2010.
Garry calls in from the streets of Valparaiso on the (so called) "rest" day. The service crews have had a busy day, including motor changes for both Jonah and David (who has put impressive mileage on the 690 including multiple rallies). Better safe than sorry. This does put an end to the marathon class, however.
A great look at what goes on in the service camp. Thanks, Garry!
For those of you who've seen Race to Dakar, listening to Simon Pavey chat with Garry will be like listening to an old friend regale you with tales at the local pub. I can see his easy going, ear-to-ear grin right now.
Thanks for talking with us, Simon. Hope to hear from you again! Enjoy the rest day.
Penalized 4 hours for missing a CP by 60m, Garry (our intrepid reporter) has managed to get the assessment reversed, preserving David's spot at the pointy end of the field. Get up to speed with David's race to date.
Crewman for Dutchman Henk Knuiman, riding a 690 Enduro based bike, chats with Garry on how the rally is going for them up to this point. Browsing the lists, there are an amazing number of Dutchmen in the race.Good luck, guys! Enjoy the rest day.
Riding the Dakar is tough. Riding it without a clutch is even tougher...
Also a quick update on Jon Stamper who crashed heavily and retired on stage 5. Heal up, Jon!
An absolutely fabulous call from Jonah and Garry. A lot of insight into what the race strategy will be from here on out.Thanks guys, enjoy the rest day!
Phil Noone from Ireland relates the tale of his incredible night last night. We knew he traveled to the bivouac to retrieve parts for the bike -- we didn't know that that journey was on HORSEBACK!!
With all due respect to our other callers, this may be the most incredible tale ever related on RallyRAIDio. Incredible, Phil.
Stan Watt rings in after the abbreviated stage. Having injured his knee yesterday in the "debacle", he took it easy today.He also mentions that yesterday's stage was neutralized, and that it sucks for Jonah. Obviously that doesn't jive with the timing as we're seeing it today, so either the riders have been given a false impression, or something is afoot that we're yet to hear about. Lets hope the former. :nod
Garry calls in from the bivouac after the weather-shortened stage 6. As good as Jonah's day was yesterday, David Schwarz had a tough one, missing a CP by 60m and incurring a very hefty penalty.Thanks, Garry!
Jonah's Eurosport interview following his impressive win on Stage 5. Check out eurosport.com for more of their great coverage.
Garry heads off to bed, but not before speaking with Marc Coma. Tomorrow will be a big day, with competitors encountering the first dunes of the rally.WE should get to hear from Marc tomorrow, all things going as planned. In the meantime, Garry fills us in on some followup with Frans Verhoeven on the future of El Dakaro, and gives us a glimpse of what it's like over in the Elf Box camp, with the truly unsupported privateers.
There's some digital break-up in parts of the call (from wind noise, I believe), so bear with us.
Cheers, and G'night Garry!
Garry speaks with the lone Kiwi on the rally, privateer moto Michael Shepherd. Great chat on what brought him to the rally, and what it's like to get passed flat out by the cars and trucks.Thanks Mike, and good luck!
After finishing his roadbook for the night, the man in second place overall, Jonah Street, gives us a quick call. Get some rest tonight, Jonah!
Garry chats with Italian quad rider Camelia Liparoti, who shares her perspectives on the rally with us in this great(!) call.Here's the Dakar profile for Camelia:She has been thinking about it for 12 years. Her uncle, a mechanic in her native Tuscany had her cleaning the spark plugs in her car. “I never got dirty”, she says laughingly. “I was fascinated by engine noise”.
It runs through Carmélia Liparoti’s veins. This petite lady’s passion is the quad; she seeks adventure and has dreamed about the Dakar for quite awhile.” I have covered the rally three times as a journalist”. These elements came into focus for the photographer. Camélia has had this challenge in the back of her mind since she decided to return but on the other side of the lens as a competitor. “I want to be the first woman to reach Dakar on a quad”.
Since discovering the rally she has prepared to take it on. In the three years she has amassed experience on raid adventures on every continent. Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Russia, Finland, Canada even Madagascar were all stops along the way. Colleague and past Dakar competitor, Francis Guérand is lending Carmélia a hand. He too ran a quad on the Dakar. He acted as a “Sherpa” over the entire rally distance.
The Italian lady lives in Chamonix, France and at home skiing is her first love. “Skiing… the lines and slopes are a great to learn more about riding a quad. It’s all about sliding which is also how you attack a valley of dunes.” Luc Alphand, her ‘Godfather, on the Dakar wouldn’t disagree.
Aussie Christophe Barriere Varju fills us in on his race to date, and what the dust is doing to man and machine alike.Thanks Christophe, and hope to hear from you again soon! Safe racing!Christophe is running race number 205
Garry rings in with an awesome update of the rally from the perspective of a support team member (as well as EveryMan rallye nut). Ever wonder what goes on when a rider pulls into the pit? Listen in. Garry's also got a great description of how the Rally is being received in SA.Thanks, Garry!
Garry has Frans Verhoeven, former KTM factory (now Vectra teammate to Casteu) rider and winner of Stage 2, on the line. Thanks, Frans, and continued good luck!
Aussie privateer David Schwarz calls from the Day 4 bivouac with a brief update. A bit of nav trouble today, but still riding high in the overall order. Keep it steady, David!
Stage 4 interview audio interview with Jonah street. Check out eurosport.com for more of their comprehensive Dakar coverage.
Robb calls in after Jonah finishes 3rd on the day, now sitting 2nd overall after 4 stages. Way to go, guys!
Jonah Street interviewed on Eurosport after stage 2. Check out eurosport.com for their comprehensive coverage of the Dakar.
Team manager for Rally PanAm, Robb McElroy calls in from Puerto Madrid, a "proper Dakar bivouac" lacking the niceties of yesterday's accommodations. Steady progress for the team today, who benefited from Coma's mechanical issues (which Robb details).Another long, hot day awaits the competitors tomorrow.Thanks, Robb!
Garry Connell rings in from the bivouac with the report of his first day "on the Dakar". Thanks for being our roving reporter, Garry!
Jonah calls in after finishing 5th on Day 1. Dusty, tough to pass, and tire melting all accurate descriptors for the longest first day in Dakar history.
Stan Watt, from Team FrontrowGB rings in after the ceremonial start, ready to rip for tomorrow. Good luck, Stan!
Garry rings in from the Ceremonial Start podium, amidst a crowd that would do a MotoGP round proud.
Garry continues his call with a look around Parc Ferme at the assembled field, including some unlikely candidates.
Garry Connell rings in with a bit of introduction from Buenos Aires, and describes his first days in Rallye Fan heaven as they go through briefings and scrutineering. Garry is riding with Rally PanAm and supporting Aussie David Schwarz, as well as serving as our intrepid reporter.Thanks, Garry!
Ken calls in after a day in the dunes, and corrals some of the team (including Patsy) onto the phone, too. Almost there, guys!
Ken and Bob call in after "hump day". The sat phone signal was quite spotty, and I apologize for the audio quality (or lack thereof). Diehard rally fans won't care, though. :-)
Don Hatton rings in with his first update from Rallye Maroc. Finding his pace on navigation on day 2, he seems to be settling in well (aside from putting a motor full of oil on the ground...)
Bob Jones rings in with news from the second day of Rallye Maroc, including tunfortunately the news that he's broken his wrist on stage and is out of the rally.
Having completed scrutineering, the boys call in on the eve of the first stage. Get some rest tonight, you're going to need it!
Bob Jones rings in from the UK as they prep the bikes and transport enroute to the 2008 Rallye Maroc.
Garry calls in about the last stage and events in Perth. Awesome job reporting! Part 2 Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari.
Garry calls in about the last stage and events in Perth. Sounds like it was a cold ride back! Part 1 Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari.
Guy McFly has a great chat with Garry (and are the first to run into the 10 minute recording cut-off!) Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Marcel Petrig, living in Switzerland, has pulled the fly-n-ride trip of a lifetime to participate in his first navigational rally with a bike package from GHR Honda. He shares his perspectives on the challenge and the organization in this chat with Garry. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Ray Horton, service crew for John Bouwknegt (JayBo) steps up to the RallyRAIDio mic. Ray is a former ISDE competitor, and is taking the opportunity to size up the Safari for a future run of his own. He shares some interesting comments contrasting the Safari with the ISDE. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry chats with Husaberg teammate Thomas Jacobson about the day's cancellation. Thomas turned in early last night, and woke this morning ready to race, unaware of the decisions that had been made earlier. Talk about a bad morning! Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry chats with the Competitor Relations Officer, Mick Hone, who serves as the liaison between the competitors and the organization, and finds out what kinds of issues are being delt with on this year's rally. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell rings in with an overview of the Day 5 action, and an update on the mounting casualty list. In breaking news, it appears that the Day 6 selectives will not be run due to rain and the resulting conditions of the track(s) (and presumably concerns over damaging the privately held land). We'll update as more info becomes available. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell chats with Honda rider, Andrew Coaker at the conclusion of Day 5. 'Coak' is currently in 8th position. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell chats with Carl Fuller, manager for the KTM Rally Team. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell chats with Steve McCormack who is competing in the Safari for the first time.. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell chats with the driver of the '0 car', Graeme Taylor. Graeme has been involved with the Safari since 1985. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
An exhausted Garry Connell rings in with his update from the eventful, marathon, day 4. A tough, long day on the track, there should be no complaining that the Safari is too easy this year. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Wilmo updates us from the end of day 4. After complaints last year that things were too easy, riders are finding things a good bit more difficult this year, to the point that some are being excluded from the final selectives due to darkness. We'll have to see how that is addressed in the future. Shane Diener is out after a collision with a Roo, breaking his leg (and destroying the bike). Get well, Shane. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Wilmo rings in at the start of day 4, the first half of the marathon stages, with an update on his rider, Guy. They've got about 800k to cover today, with an abbreviated service at the end of the day. Guy is riding with a badly injured hand, so hopefully he'll be able to soldier on through the day! Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell gives his wrap up of Day 3, Ross Runnall's rally-ending crash, and what the competitors can expect on tomorrow's marathon 800km day.Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.net
Garry chats with quad rider Vicus Vandeventer about his Day 3 Safari experience and what it takes to be a two-time Dakar quad winner.Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.net
Day 3: Garry chats with Kelvin Blair (advrider 'Pilbara') about his 'get off' and his KTM 690 Rallye.Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.net
Garry chats with teammate Dean Nuttall, and finds out what it's like to transition from world-class trials riding into navigational rally events. Ever wonder what it's like to find yourself off-course, in the bush, surrounded by tracks headed every which way?!? Listen in and find out!Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.net
In response to listener questions, Garry rings back in with an update on Shane Diener, the injured Kelvin Blair, and the action on 4 wheels. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell (SafariBerg) calls in with a Day 2 report for team Husaberg WA. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell gets the lowdown on Day 1 of the competition from John Bouwknegt (advrider 'Jaybo1'). Get inside the helmet and find out what it's like to have the autos blast past you at +80 in the bulldust...!Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Conell chats with Jacob Smith at the end of Day 1. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell chats with Shane Diener at the end of Day 1.Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell (SafariBerg on advrider) calls in with his wrap up of Day 1 of competition.Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Wilmo rings in with a mid-stage update from Day 1. A mud hole has claimed several victims, with at least one rider taken to hospital -- we'll hope he's able to return for tomorrow! Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Wilmo (from ADVrider), part of a moto service crew, calls in with an update as the field sets off on the first full day of rallying. Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry chats with the chief moto scrutineer to see how folks are getting on.Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry Connell (SafariBerg on ADV) rings in during scrutineering with an update. Good luck, Garry!Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
Garry catches up with Jason Hunt, race director, for his perspective on the upcoming rally.Tune in to http://RallyRAIDio.net for complete coverage of the 2008 Australian Safari. Music by Dreamline available at Podsafe.net
A pensive Mick Hall rings in after completing his 5000 mile, 5 day charity ride with just minutes to spare.Sit back and relax now, Mick -- well done! For those sitting on the fence to donate until seeing whether he'd get it done or not, head on over to http://adventure-spec.com/mick-hall/ to find out the details.Get some well-earned sleep, Mick!
Dave Lomax rings in with an update, having just met Mick for a Formula 1 style pit stop at a local service station. Mick is up against it, time wise, so no rest for the weary from here on out.Mick's on-bike phone system is out of charge, so we won't know whether he's accomplished his goal until about 1900hrs tonight...Good luck, Mick!
With 1200 miles to go, Mick is into the 5th day of his 5000mile, 5 day ride. He's into short loops for the duration, which will let him sneak in for a rest if need be.Keep it rolling, Mick!
The miles are ratcheting up as Mick has found some swift traffic to pace the miles along. The bike and equipment are holding up well (excluding the Zumo).
Mid way through day 4, the fatigue is firmly set in. A bit behind schedule, Mick presses on.
Still on pace for 1000 per day, Mick's got 3k in the bank and is ready to turn in for a few hours' rest.
A weary Mick rings in as he sets out for day 3 of his 5-day, 5000 mile charity ride around the UK.(sorry for the road noise once he gets moving)
Knackered, Mick is calling it a night as he heads back for some rest, 300 miles toward his day 3 quota already in the bag.
Over 2000miles in the book, Mick is closing in on the halfway mark. Hitting the Red Bull, he's fighting off the aches, pains, and fatigue and pushing on for his charities.
Closing in on Glasgow (again), Mick ponders whether to head to Land's End while the weather holds.
Tantalizingly close to John O'Groats, Mick is now back in the weather. Stay tough, Mate, you're almost home for the night!
On his second night, and now past the 1000 mile mark, Mick finds himself in darkest Scotland, closing in on John O'Groats.
The Scala Rider headset apparently now operational, Mick checks in literally as he rolls through the 1000 mile mark.
The weather continues to pummel Mick on his first day (night). Hopefully it can only improve from here on out...
Mick Hall will be attempting to ride 5000miles around the UK in 5 days for charity. Dave rings in with a preview of the action.
Stan rings in from the finish line -- having just stepped off the podium! From seventh just a few days ago, he climbed into the top three on the final day. Way to keep at it! Find complete coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Stan Watt from team FrontRowGB with his stage 8 report, again running at the very front of the field, before a mechinical problem set him back a bit. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
One of my favorite calls ever uploaded to RallyRAIDio, John Deykes relates his totally sketchy, yet now amusing story of the all-night cab ride across Libya to get back to the Tunisian border. You'll never complain about a New York cabbie ever again! Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Now safely across the border into Tunisia with his broken bike, John Deykes makes contact and is clearly happy to be out of Libya! Stay tuned to http://RallyRAIDio.net for more coverage from the Optic Tunisia rally. Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Stan calls in after stage 7, as the rally returns to Tunisia with another soft stage with technical navigation. Michel Marchini, overall leader from the start suffers a mechanical failure. Rally is a cruel mistress. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Stan Watt from Team FrontRowGB calls with the news that the longest stage of the rally has been neutralized -- the sweep truck overturned with 8 on board last night, among other things, so for safety reasons today's stage has been turned into a liaison. A blow to the boys who were hoping to pull back some time today. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Stan Watt phones in after a superb performance in Stage 5 of the Optic, a day filled with soft sand and huge dunes. Update on Craig Bound's mechanical issues, and news that Ludivine Puy's bike was destroyed by fire out on the stage (she's okay). Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
John Deykes calls in from the bivouac, after a mechanical failure saw him collected by the Broom Wagon yesterday. He hopes to be able to repair the bike and at least "play" in the Libyan dunes before departing. The phone connection is a bit spotty, but scratchy news is better than no news at all!There is no description for this file!
Stan Watt from FrontRowGB calls in after stage 4, a stage with massive 300ft dunes well inside Libya. He catches us up on yesterday's news, which saw him and Derrick Edmondson go from 30 minutes ahead of the field, to nearly an hour behind after a confusion over a roadbook change found them on the wrong track. A protest has been filed with the jury, so they may see some or all of that time credited back. Today's stage had both fast bits, and huge dunes, while tomorrow's will be nearly entirely in the deep stuff. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Dave from Adventure-Spec rings in with an in-stage update for their riders. A long "classic" desert stage today, they're hoping it will play to the big bikes and strong navigation of their crew. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
John Deykes calls in after Day 3. Ever wonder what it would REALLY be like to run a rally? Listen in as John shares the dirty details that never seem to make the TV coverage... Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Stan Watt phones in as the rally has seen its first long desert stage, and has crossed the border into Libya. The FrontRowGB riders have moved considerably up the order since the prologue and are now inside the top 10. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Dave from Adventure-Spec rings in with their rider report for Day 2. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Richard rings in with a wrap-up after the finishing ceremony. Thanks for letting us ride pillion for the rally, Richard! Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Richard Kaye catches up with Jonah Street as they wait for the final podium. Jonah fills us in on his experience at the Central Europe Rally. Well done, Jonah, you've done us proud -- and we can't wait for the next rally! Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Remi (Flood from ADV) catches up with Rally PanAm after the last stage of the rally, and David has a chance to catch us up on the news of his rally. Thanks, David, heal well! And thanks, Remi, for being our reporter on the ground! Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
SoCal boy John Deykes fulfills nearly every riders dream by participating in an African rally stage -- and he's got another week-plus to go! Great call in, John, good luck, and keep 'em coming! Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Stan Watt from team FrontRowGB phones in after the second stage, a tight 25km affair following a 180km liaison off the ferry. They boys look to move up the rostrum as the stages get longer, and better suited for their KTM 690's. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net Music by Dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
John Deykes rings in from the ferry crossing across the Med. The easy livin' won't last long, though, as the long stages start right away, and the dunes are only a few days out. Good luck, John! Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net
Richard Kaye corrals Annie Seel from Sweeden's Loctite team for a quick update. Annie and Richard were a few of the Dakar competitors who rode in Morocco together after the cancellation. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Richard calls in with a report of his afternoon's stage, and news that everyone's GPS has been "reprogrammed", most likely erasing any anomolies from the morning's special. Feel free to speculate on why that may be... Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
A frustrated Richard Kaye rings in after the first special of Day 6. The body count is mounting, and Richard's seen quite a few riders crash out right in front of him. Additionally, there have been some irregularities with the GPS waypoints (which Jonah Street and other front runners are all too aware of). Hopefully Richard's afternoon will go a bit better and he'll be able to bring it safely home. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Richard calls in with an absolutely awesome update on Day 5's activities, the state of the rally navigation (or lack thereof), and his race mindset. Keep up the great work, Richard!! Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Remi (Flood, from ADVrider) calls in from the spectator area at the end of stage 5.2. Speaking with Kevin Heath, apparently Robby Gordon has a mechanical in the stage, and may be in trouble if his support truck is out -- this after winning the day's first stage. Also, Aussie David Schwarz is out with an injured shoulder. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Dave from Adventure-Spec rings in with an overview of the 2008 Optic Tunisia Rally. Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Optic Tunisia Rally at http://RallyRAIDio.net
Richard Kaye checks in after the stages of Day 4, and has some interesting commentary on the state of the rally organization (or lack thereof). Apologies for the wind noise at the end -- that's live reporting for you! Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Richard Kaye gives us the details on Day 3's stages, again shortened, and forecasts a long day tomorrow with lengthy liaisons and multiple shorter race stages. He expects tires to be a critical issue for most. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Richard calls in after the completion of day 2, with some interesting commentary on the rally. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Niles calls in after the completion of day 2. Jonah rode to 3rd on the day, now sitting 5th overall. Go Jonah! Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Richard Kaye checks in after running the first stage of Day 2 (If you think that's confusing, you're not alone). Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Niles from Rally PanAm calls in with a report inbetween the day 2 stages. Jonah took 3rd in the first stage, currently out on course for the second. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net. Music by Dreamline, available at Podsafe.com
Richard gives us a great look at the first day's activities -- a whooped, forested, sandy 60km special, and a long, 400+km liason into Romania. Interestingly, it was a good day for the big bikes -- we'll see how it plays out in the days to come.
Niles and Charlie call in with a report from scrutineering, on the eve of the Central Europe Rally. A few niggles, but everything through relatively cleanly. Rain is beginning to fall again, the teams on big bikes must be getting nervous...
Through scrutineering, Richard Kaye checks in from Budapest (as only he can!). Looks like much of the field will be running 450 machinery, which with the muddy conditions, may be the ticket to the podium.
Richard calls it like he sees it (especially where the ASO are concerned), and we look forward to his reports from the rally.
Niles Follin, PanAm chief mechanic arrives in Budapest, and finds Jonah right at home in the hotel lobby with rally legends like Stephane Peterhansel, Cyril Despres, and Marc Coma. Runnin' with the big dogs. They're up for some testing tomorrow, and then off for the big show! Stay tuned to RallyRAIDio.net for continuing coverage of the Central Euope Rally.
Charlie and Des have arrived in Budapest, visiting the KTM Factory Rally program in Austria along the way. They get some work done to Jonah's 690, and get a sneak peek at what the factory riders will be riding at the rally. Tune in to hear the details!
Charlie Rauseo, manager for Team Rally PanAm calls in from the road. Flying in to Lisbon this morning, they picked up the support truck, rally bike, and gear stashed after the Dakar was cancelled in January, and is now trekking across Europe toward Hungary to reach the start of the Central Europe Rally.Stay tuned for complete coverage of the Central Europe Rally on RallyRAIDio.net
Ever wish there was a Rally Raid in your own neck of the woods? Gary calls in with an event wrap up and a peek at what it takes to put on the Condo 750. In an age where so many areas are trying to shut down OHV activities, the community support for the Condo is nothing short of incredible! Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Greg calls in with his Condo wrap-up. Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Todd Smith, second overall, and Gary Williams, his team manager from Yamaha, give calls after the race. Congrats, guys! Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Glen Hoffman, manager of the factory Honda teams giives a quick call after the Rally. Thanks! Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Gary corrals several of the car competitors after the completion of the Condo 750. Many are using this event as valuable testing and practice for the upcoming Aus Safari and 2009 Dakar Rally. Thanks for the calls, guys! Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Ben Grabham, winner of the 2007 Australian Safari and leader of this year's Condo 750 after day 1, and his teammate Andrew Coaker call in after completing their run. Final times are yet to be released, but things are looking good for Ben to take the overall win for Condo this year. Well done! Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Gary calls in post-race with an overview of the event. Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Gary calls in with an awesome accounting of Team Husaberg WA's Day One experience. Thanks, Gary!! Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at podsafe.com
Greg calls in with his Day 1 report. Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia. Music by dreamline, available at PodSafe.com
Greg calls in from the morning of the start of the event, and passes the phone around. They hope to be able to call in during the day from the fuel stops, so stay tuned! Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia.Music by dreamline and available at Podsafe.com
Gary calls in with the first update for the Western Austraila Husaberg team, as they arrive in Condoblin for the race. Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia.Music by dreamline and available at Podsafe.com
Greg calls in with a bit of an event preview. Call in coverage of the 2008 Condo 750 Cross Country Rally from New South Wales, Australia.Music by dreamline and available at Podsafe.com
Rally RAIDio will be covering the Condo 750, a two-day cross country navigational rally from NSW Australia. Check out their website at http://www.condo750.com.au/ for more info on the rally.Good luck guys!
Mark Ely, winner of the 2008 Sandblast Rally on a 550 Aprilla calls in with a stage-by-stage race wrapup. Congratulations, Mark, and thanks for giving us the low down! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Anders Green, organizer of the Sandblast Rally calls in with a great post-race report. Thanks, Anders! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Chadd Thompson calls in with a Sunday morning wrap-up for team Slowpoke Rodriguez. A tough one for the first-timers. Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Mark Raymond calls in with a post-race wrapup, and gives new meaning to "coasting in on fumes". Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at
Keith Ciampa calls in with a post-race report -- from the showers. I'm suddenly VERY glad this is radio... Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Seth Strait calls in with a post-race report. Nice job bringing it home, Seth! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Shawn from the Pine Barrens RallyMoto team calls in with a post-race report. RallyMoto(tm) is "addictive". Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at
Seth Strait calls in awaiting the start of stage seven, which will likely be run in the dark. Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Seth Strait calls in as the carnage mounts as the Sandblast Rally! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Andrew Fekete calls in with an update after stage 4 -- big bikes seeing 110mph plus, and a good battle at the top of the leader board! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Andrew Fekete calls in from the first service with an update on Team Adventurer's Workshop. Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Seth Strait calls in from service after the first two stages. Hear how it feels to have a 950cc adventure motorcycle pound you into the ground after an endo... Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Andrew Fekete from Adventurer's Workshop calls in from the starting line. Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Chadd Thompson calls in from the starting area and describes the scene. Give 'em hell, and bring it home safe tonight, Chadd! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Chadd Thompson calls in at the start of his 13 hour drive to the rally, understandably jittery before his first race. Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Mark Raymond calls in with an update on Friday's activities, including the big off suffered on the shakedown/training stage by his partner, Radek, who will be touch-and-go for racing tomorrow. Thanks for the great call, Mark!Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Andrew Fekete, team captain for Adventurer's Workshop calls in. Orientation is completed, the final bikes are going through tech inspection, and the tension (and excitement) are mounting! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Chadd Thompson calls in as the New Rider Orientation is about to begin. Teams are assembled, and there's no turning back now! Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Seth Strait calls in with news from their eventful ride south, including a totalled trailer during an ice storm! Who said the racing would be the hard part? Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
Mark Raymond calls in after arriving in Cheraw. Call in coverage from the Sandblast RallyMoto(tm) event in Cheraw, SC. Ever wondered what it would be like to race your big bore adventure bike in a WRC style stage race? That's exactly the idea behind RallyMoto(tm), so tune in and find out! Go Beyond the Timing Sheets, and Get Inside the Helmet at RallyRAIDio.net! Sponsored in part by MX1West -- looking for a jacket compatible with your Leatt Neck Brace? Check out the Desertika by Acerbis at http://MX1West.com
In an email released to would-be participants of the canceled 2008 Dakar Rally, the ASO promise a "surprise" to be announced on Feb 4 at the Dakar.com website.Stay tuned to RallyRAIDio.net for more details as they become available...Nate==================The story continues. And this is just the beginning...It’s now three weeks since we took our leave from each other is Lisbon, still half stunned from the shock that having to cancel the Dakar 2008 left us all in. Given these unusual circumstances, our teams made it their priority to respond to the most pressing requirements, and to meet our commitments towards the rally’s competitors. Our efforts were therefore focused on reimbursing registrations fees. This procedure is now coming to an end: for most of you, this was the necessary prerequisite to a new sports event.Motivated by the legitimate demands some of you have made, and which we can guess others have, we have also been working on putting together new challenges. Your passion for rally adventures has tested our imagination: our prime mission is to make you want to want. It’s in this frame of mind that we will soon be inviting you to join us at an event that’s already close to our hearts. Listen out on 4 February, and visit [url]www.dakar.com[/url]. We have a surprise for you, and appreciate your confidence in us. Etienne LavigneDirector of the Dakar
Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
The upset has been upset, but not for the reason you might expect! Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
Chris calls in after surveying the bikes with some surprising news! Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
Chris catches up with Dakar Champion Cyril Despres who talks about the Dakar Cancellation and the future of Rally Raid, as well as his continuting charitable work in Africa. Thanks for chattin with us, Cyril! Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
David shares with us his thoughts on the day, and also talks about future participation in Rally Raid events! Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
Craig Bounds describes the course after his inspection, and compares it to the Red Bull Romaniacs course. Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
Call in coverage from the Tough One Extreme Enduro/Harescramble in England. Participants include David Knight, current Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres, and current Last Man Standing champion Taddy Blazusiak. Special thanks to Chris from Adventure Spec for being our reporter on the ground today. If you're in the market for Adventure Tested kit, check them out online at http://adventure-spec.com Thanks for listening! Nate
We catch up with Canadian privateer Don Hatton, who finds himself in Spain rather than living out his Dakar dream in the desert. How has the passage of seven days affected his reaction? Listen in to find out...
In a chat with Rally PanAm team manager Charlie Rauseo, he reveals that the ASO has essentially confirmed that a rally of their organization will occur in South America in January 2009. Stay tuned to RallyRAIDio for further details of this breaking story!
Conclusion of our chat with Tod Davidson. Some great stuff in here about what makes the Dakar special, and why it must continue!
If anyone has contacts at British Airways, and can help Don out with his predicament, please email me at RallyRAIDio at g mail . com (no spaces) Thanks!
Tod and I chat about RallyRAIDio and its future, as well as what his teammates Don Hatton and Jonah Street must be going through.
Tod and I chat about the whirlwind events of the day over a couple of beers. Tod was scheduled to run the Dakar before having a life-threatening crash only two weeks before the event. Was his fate more or less frustrating than those denied within hours of the start? Good question.
Richard gives us his completely candid reaction to the cancellation of the 2008 Dakar Rally. He is not impressed, to say the least. A bit of audio garble in a few spots -- I apolgize for that and have tried to clean it up as best I can.
This is one of the most gut wrenching things I've ever heard. If this doesn't hit you, go watch some Nascar. You don't belong here.
Toby Moody reacts to the news of the cancellation of the 2008 Dakar rally in part two of our chat.
Chat with Toby Moody and his expert reaction to the cancellation of the 2008 Dakar Rally
Chat with Stan from FrontrowGB as he reacts to the cancelation of the 2008 Dakar rally only hours before the scheduled start.
This impromptu chat with Dave immediately after the announcement does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Team FrontrowGB or Adventure-spec. It does reflect the opinions of RallyRAIDio.
Jonah Street, contender for the overall motorcycle win, calls in with his gutted reaction just moments after the announcement of cancellation of the rally.
Interview with Dakar finisher Chris Jones, shortly after he returned home. Incredible stories!
Interview with Dakar finisher Chris Jones, shortly after he returned home. Incredible stories!
Interview with Dakar finisher Chris Jones, shortly after he returned home. Incredible stories!
Interview with Dakar finisher Chris Jones, shortly after he returned home. Incredible stories!
Interview with Dakar finisher Chris Jones, shortly after he returned home. Incredible stories!
Interview with Dakar finisher Chris Jones, shortly after he returned home. Incredible stories! Part 1 of our interview. Stay tuned for the rest!
Dave Lomax from Adventure-spec.com calls in to promo their support of Team FrontrowGB. Thanks for the hard work, lads!
Richard's spent the entire afternoon going through scrutineering, but has made it through without a hitch. The bike is now in Parc Ferme, so nothing left but to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere until the start! Cheers, Richard!
Don calls in from Lisbon as the excitement mounts! Standing on the Starting Podium was a dream (before the security guards kicked him off, but he'll get his chance in a couple of days again), and there's an Olympic buzz about the city. Thanks for bringing us alongside you, Don!
Robb calls in and details the plan for a very busy day, as they put the final preparations in place!
Charlie calls from the hotel in Lisbon, and puts Phillip Symmons on the spot for a report. Robb then disconnects the phone. Way to go, Robb.
A quick Skype chat with Richard as he awaits scrutineering. Documents are in, weather is very rainy. Good luck tomorrow, Richard!
Jonah and the boys are putting the finishing touches on the bikes, and trying to stay dry in Lisbon.
Richard is packed, and departing his home in Italy enroute to Lisbon for the start of the Dakar, 2008. Some of his travel documents have not yet been returned, but he hopes to have that cleared up by Monday. No time to spare! Travel safe, Richard, and we'll look forward to hearing from you from Lisbon.
Charlie calls in as he's about to depart for Lisbon with a status report for Rally PanAM, Jonah Street, and the supported riders.
A Contemplative Don Hatton calls in on the eve of his departure for Europe (well after midnight, if that tells you how much sleep he'll be getting tonight). It's down to the brass tacks, as they say. Don again lets us into the mind and heart of a Dakar Privateer, and you can begin to understand just how important those of you listening to this podcast are to his (and all privateers') efforts. Can't wait to hear more, Don, and we'll be following you every step of the way. Cheers.
Tod calls in after returning home from the hospital, post Death Valley Rally crash. He's out for '08 but already committed to the Dakar in '09. A major twist, just weeks before his planned departure for Lisbon and the starting line, hear how he's dealing with it all.
Canadian Don Hatton calls in after the final training ride before Dakar. With less than two weeks before departure, the team traveled to the California desert for some last minute navigation and dunes training.
Canadian Privateer Tod Davidson calls in from the airport on his way to a final desert training session in California. He'll be joined by Don Hatton, Charlie Rauseo, Jonah Street, and the crew from Rally PanAm as they tackle several hundred miles of roadbooked route on their way to the Glamis Dunes.Check out Tod's site at http://td2dakar.com, and stay tuned to RallyRAIDio for further updates!
Airborne Andy calls in from Cabo with a quick post-race report."Thanks to anyone who's listening to this," he says. He has no idea...You rock, Andy! Can't wait to hear more from your story.
Gregg calls in a report from when Andy passed through their pit early on Tuesday.Thanks, Gregg!
Tim calls in from Cabo with his comprehensive race report. He's the only one so far to butt up against the 5 minute recording limit. LOL. He was just about done, anyway. :DGreat job, guys!Savor your night.
Lyndon calls in before stepping on the bike for the first time Tuesday Night.Missed this one in the batch earlier -- it's from last night. Sorry!
Just after our last conversation, Ned called back -- Lyndon is through Todos Santos pit at RM 1220 and will be taking it all the way in!!Good luck guys, talk to you at the finish!
2 Way conversation with Ned as he was headed to the Todos Santos checkpoint at RM 1220. Lyndon is currently on the bike and has been since the early swap with Tim at RM 1040. Bad whoops for the first 30 miles after RM 1040.Possibility of rider swap at Todos Santos, otherwise Pyn will bring it home.GO TDB!!
Mark from 5x/19x support crew calls in. 5x has finished in 5th or 6th despite trouble last night. 19x having clutch problems but past Todos Santos crossing and now near the home stretch. Well done, guys!
Ned Calls in with clarification on the resolution of the flat/wheel incident.Lyndon is on the bike and underway. Ned may remount later if Lyndon tires.
Pyndon calls in. They intercepted Tim at a road crossing at RM 1040. Tim is stressed -- lots of trucks, buggies, and dust, but continuing.Go Team DBR!
Pyndon reports in after his first session. Tim's now on the bike for his second session (I think). They'll swap again at RM 1097.Reports are in that 1x has finished.
The most fun call-in yet! Half Fast calls in from ADV pit 2, RM200 at 11pm with a Japanese piloted scrambler coming through with no light of his own, buddy in tow for illumination! Awesome!This is Baja, Baby!!
Caught up with Robb McElroy at about 10pm Monday. He was looking for position info from the web (which is strangely lacking). He had dropped Ned off at RM 375 (or so) for the handoff and returned to the ADV pits at RM 200.All ADV except 1 car through RM 200 at this time.Call recorded for your pleasure.Enjoy!
Lyndon calls in from further on down the course where he'll be awaiting the handoff in... who knows how many hours?Good luck, guys!
Ned calls in with the pre-race mindset of Team Double Barrel Racing, who are on the mighty KTM 950SE.Good luck, guys!
Mr Huero calls in for Airborne Andy's first update. 9pm (PST) Monday night.Good luck, Andy!!
We've created a call-in line for the privateer teams running Baja this year. I'll be uploading their phone messages for your enjoyment/information. No fancy production, sorry. Here CA Stu calls in looking for help. He's stranded in Bay of LA. Good luck, Stu!Nate