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Have you ever done something or experienced something, and you tell the story a lot. Then after a while the experience fades from the memory and the story is all that is left, leaving the experience feeling less and less real? I doubt the Safari will be such an experience for me, but just in case I have done these posts up as a record for myself and anyone else interested.
While the finish line was emotional and brought a huge sense of achievement, my favourite part of the experience is the people.
In no particular order:
Darren Johnson
Brando
Paul
Richard
Johnny G (Just for your info, he rode most of the event with a broken leg and cracked ribs)
Doug
Hally
Rusty
Mark McConnell
Derek
Alvin
Jim
And of course, Dave!
Hey, there were others, and I’m sorry I missed your photos (Dean Belton amongst others).
For me, you blokes made the event something really special. I felt that I could ask for help or offer help with no hesitation. You’re all welcome at my place any time! What more can I say, you’re all legends!
The dinner was a lot of fun, lots of beer, lots of mates, the Safari video running on big screens, plenty of bullshit and exchanging of phone numbers. Oh, any of you blokes from Safari want a pic, PM me and we will see what we can do. They do not email well at 3-5Mb each but we could do CD’s or whatever.
Dave and Derek from GHR, a top bloke!
Dave had not had a beer for months – that was his training for Safari! I was also on the wagon on principle! This was Dave’s first beer!
So then we had to get the bike on to the trailer, get ourselves to our motel and clean up ready for the presentation dinner at the Miners Hall of Fame.
From a taking photo perspective, the podium was in the worst possible spot with the sun behind. I really need to get a hood for the lens too. Anyway, this is what I got, like it or lump it!
I was a bit emotional as he crossed the line – I mean, and no offence here Dave, he is not the best rider and this was not really well prepared for, I felt both he and I were underprepared but here we were! Bloody hell! We made it! Well, ok HE made it! It was a huge effort and shows the determination that it takes to succeed. Two thumbs up mate, bloody well done!
Unfortunately in my daze I bumped the camera on to manual and stuffed about 20 photos as he was under the arch and when he pulled up. Ah well, that’s life isn’t it!
Once the bike was parked and turned off, that was it, and it still hasn’t been started! Poor thing did so well to finish this event, I think Dave should put it in a glass case, dust and all!
On that note, it was a 100% finish for Husquvarna! Darren brought the 450 home making it two husky finishers from two starters! Not a bad effort that!
So here are some piccies from the finish line
Annie Seel deserves our admiration – what a top rider and competitor!
The lineup of bikes
The 610 – stopped and dead!
Jake
GHR
Meanwhile, as Dave was riding the last few kilometres in the final stage, his map roller stopped working and his speedo went haywire. He made it to the final time control and received his time, then tried to start the bike for the ride in to town for the ceremonial finish. Nothing. His battery had died! Several other riders tried to give him a push start (no kicker on this bike) but there was no way it was going to go, so Dave asked the officials whether I could give him some help. Approval for outside assistance was granted, and the call went out for his crew – just as we drove past! We swung in and were able to jump start the bike so that he could ride in to the ceremonial finish. If he had stalled 2km from the last control that would have been it! Race over! Lucky hey!
So all Dave had to do now was make it 30km to town and the ceremonial finish. The trip in to town was no drama. Once he arrived, the officials were sorting the finishers in to reverse finishing order. Meanwhile, Dave had his bike idling… and idling…after about 10 minutes he took it for a ride around the block to cool it down and as he came back it was time for him to go!
We then hung around to see a few of the cars come through
