[PaulMember]

I did this ride again this year, too much single IMO, you don’t get a rest, that’s what wears you out.
A lot of it is not easy flowing single either.
It seems every year they add single and take out open trail.

It was a good ride sure but I might avoid it and do the Batemans bay ride instead now.

[PaulMember]

micknmeld wrote:

Shit a brick!! Holeshot has stuck his head back in!! Thought he must have died. Haven’t seen or heard from him in ages!

You better shit two bricks Mick :cheer:

Someone told me the other day that Stockton was closed because the big swell uncovered some Aboriginal artifacts or something.
Unconfirmed and I dont know if it meant to be the whole area or just a little section???

[PaulMember]

I’m definately out for the 2012 Dakar.
Some of my money got spent on a second bike.
More of my money will be directed into turning it into a cafe racer :woohoo:

2013 Dakar rally is looking good for me (spectator), I wonder what country it will be in?

[PaulMember]

It’s not looking good for me I’m sorry to say.
My finances are not as good as I hoped but there is still some hope things will get better in time.

I priced some air fares and getting to Rio or Santiago return is a minimum of $3500, then you need to get to Mar del Plata and also from Lima to a major airport to fly home.
Return to South America is the same cost as a 3 stop round the world ticket.

So it around $14K for the big expenses, then add extra meals, spending money and a couple of nights accomodation before/after the tour…..

McGuyver your plan is definitely an option but I am only a 50% maybe at this stage :S

[PaulMember]

Another thought is to just fly to Peru, hire a bike and follow the last few stages & then tour around for a while seeing some of the sights & stuff.
It might work out cheaper & more interesting?

[PaulMember]

micknmeld wrote:

One for us retro Honda fans

http://www.youtube.com/embed/J8nJvgSlSiM

May I be forgiven for thinking this was a Marlboro ad?
I thought it was with that music.

[PaulMember]

That’s the Horizonte Tours itinarary, they are the cheaper option so far.
Dont forget the tour is 14 days and @ 30% dirt/gravel over 2500Km it averages out to about 65Km of dirt every day, the rest is easy(?) tarmac so you can see the sights and relax.
I’m happy with that if I’m riding an F800GS, they (BMW dealer) say this is the best bike to do it on, F650GS if you’re shorter.

Another thing to remember, need to have access to another $3K for insurance excess in case you have a stack (riding Beemers that’s probably cheap).

Anyway here’s another company still putting their tour together, price and precise details not yet available; AdMo Tours

Other companies I know of are;
Horizonte Tours
South American Motorcycle Tours

The rough route for the 2012 rally…

[PaulMember]

mcGUYver wrote:

Hi mate
I am extremly interested in this. Have you found anymore detaisl? I have found a couple of companies that conduct tours using F800gs, which would be an ideal bike I reckon.

Not sure about your budget though. I reckon we will need double that.
The route has now been released on the Dakar website and its looks awesome .
Takes in Argentina, Chile & Peru.

There is an Aus based company asking about 18k all inclusive, but I am sceptiical as they havnt done it before.

I am in contact with a company in Buenos Aries that is going to put together a package and let me know.

If you have any more details let me know or pm me your numer and I will give you a call.

yes I have had contact with a couple of South American companies, and it will cost about $12K, 3.5K min. for the airfare and 8-9K for the tour, then there’s all the other costs.
It will stretch my budget to it’s max but still do-able.

I am only 80% sure I will be doing it this year.

The Australian company I contacted were planning their tour to follow/watch the rally for every day of the rally and they seemed hell bent that was the only way to do it and it was really expensive, probably the same mob you’re talking about.
I think I deleted their email, I didn’t like the tone of it.

The one that looks best to me so far is $9K for the tour, South American Motorcycle Tours
Send them an email and they will send you the full details & cost.

[PaulMember]

Thanks for the support, I will post info here as soon as I get it.
If any one is genuinly interested PM me and I can keep you updated as soon as specific details are available (I wont be posting any sensitive info here).

[PaulMember]

Happy Birthday Katgirl, – better late than never I guess.

Looking forward to bumping into you on the trail again soon

I’m looking at doing a Dakar rally tour in South America in Jan 2012, have a look in the ride thread.

[PaulMember]

Rat wrote:

Ive ridden trials for over 26 years, so some extreme stuff is ok..Just have to get used to this sitting down stuff!
Hope to join the in the fun soon!

Trials eh?
What state?
I did trials in NSW for about 10 years, dont worry about sitting down it’s over rated, especially by those people who ride with their left hand on their hip :whistle:
Actually it’s nice to sit for a little bit when your legs need a rest.

Bumbag, add:
cable ties
roll of electrical tape
tie wire
metal putty (epoxy metal) – especially if you dont have a bash plate
30mm webbing 8-10mtr long for a tow rope

I always have a couple of fluoro vests in the car as I do organise an ocasional ride.
Organisers should also have extra communications, not just a mobile phone, say a CB radio or epirb or something.
I say this because organisers have the inherant responsibility of the safety of the riders, like the captain of a ship is responsible for the safety of all those on his ship, I feel the same applies for trail rides in the bush as we have similar remoteness to consider.

Just another 20 cents worth.

Beemer.

[PaulMember]

And it’s no fun coughing up dust for 2 days after a ride :S

[PaulMember]

I’m keen to go and see it for real next year.
Are there tour companies that follow the rally on bikes?
It will cost a fair bit but I think life is too short to pass the opportunity by.

[PaulMember]

I prefer wet muddy ground and full creeks any day compared to hot, dry and talc like dust.

[PaulMember]

Hey Spidy, did you know there’s a job in the defence force titled “Cryptological Linguist”?
They call them Secret Squirrells.

[Author]

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