Dakar 2011 - Official Event Coverage - THANK YOU all Posters and Lurkers!

[doyle]

I sure hope they get their dakar.com updates sorted before tomorrow. The site seems a little buggy today with links not ending up where they should. There are some "snippets" on the main page that when you click "more" don't go to the full text. I guess they may be in mid update, but it could proven nerve wracking for us junkies.

[Bluebull2007]

A few more pics from the 30th (some were posted/referenced before but not embedded). Thanks guys!

y tu, Etienne Annie Seel dropping off her bike. Aussie Honda guys in the shade...whats up boys? I thought you guys were used to the heat? Road books (cars) ready for action. Kuba Przygonski, another great guy. Although he is is an awesome rider, he is very humble too. I think he will be in the top ten this year.

[Bluebull2007]

South African Albert Hintenaus with his KTM 690 yesterday.



As a rookie to the Dakar he can still ride the faster bike.




Scrutineering was a scene of chaos, but he came through fine, strongly supported by Desert Rose Racing.



Thanks to them he was bumped up to No. 96 to give him a better chance of doing well, given his previous rally experience.



You can get updates on Albert here: http://www.hintenaus-rallyraid.co.za

[Brimstone]

Hey guys, I'm back home, the boy is resting well and feeling much better!


Jonah Update via Riff Raff Email:

Hi Riff Raff,

Using some of the connections we made over the past few years, Jonah was able to get his crate of tires (and riding gear!) out of customs. They are in Scrutineering now. Jonah seems relaxed, but Niles is nervous, I’m sure. One of Niles’s best traits is his extreme fastidiousness. He’ll geek out over every detail. If you give him a week, he wouldn’t sleep and would examine every tiny bit of that bike. With only 2 days, he probably only checked every bolt 3 times. This is the stressful time for Niles.

They are in Scrutineering now. That is where the ASO examines everyone’s paperwork and, of course, the bike and spare motors. Everything is marked with special paint and numbers noted. Jonah will have just these 3 motors he brings through Scrutineering today.

Jonah says, “Almost done (with Scrutineering), everything is much better today (after the customs problems of yesterday).”

After Scrutineering, the bike will be impounded until the start tomorrow. But, I doubt Niles will sleep much. He’ll probably organize his tools and the spares with a few cups of coffee.

Check out the Cycle World blog for updates directly from Jonah:
http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=2375

I’ll still try to give the Riff Raff insight not posted on that blog or available anywhere else.

Fun fun

--
Charlie Rauseo
Rally PanAm

[Brimstone]

Aaaannnd the latest from Charlie:

Hi Riff Raff,

We found out quickly what was next: The guys are through Scrutineering, but Niles did not get his bracelet. Without this bracelet, he does not have official access to the bivouacs, food, etc.. Apparently, there was some problem with the wire transfer for his entry fee (8500 Euro). More things for them to sort out today.

Happy New Year!

--
Charlie Rauseo
Rally PanAm

[Hayduke]

one thing after another.

[zenjen]

Originally Posted by Brimstone

Jonah Update via Riff Raff Email:
Hi Riff Raff,
I’ll still try to give the Riff Raff insight not posted on that blog or available anywhere else.

Fun fun

--
Charlie Rauseo
Rally PanAm

How does one get on the Riff Raff e-mail list?

I received a Paypal confirmation e-mail on 10/26 but nothing since.

[Brimstone]

Originally Posted by zenjen

How does one get on the Riff Raff e-mail list?

I received a Paypal confirmation e-mail on 10/26 but nothing since.

Hmmm... I thought that by joining the Riff Raff through the payment page that you would be added to the email list... maybe not though?

You could shoot Charlie a PM, his username on here is lastplace

I'm sure he would be happy to put you on the list!

[doyle]

No Problems for Casteu

Since his accident in the fifth stage last year, David Casteu has changed a lot. The injury to his thigh is just a distant bad memory, but this premature withdrawal especially gave food for thought to the native of Nice, manager of Team Sherco, who has arrived in a both conquering and reserved state of mind: “This season, I’ve got a lot out of rally-raids. I don’t approach the race in the same way and I’ve changed the way I ride. For this edition, I’ve never felt rushed and we’ve prepared everything in complete calm”. Convinced by the performances of his bike, Casteu also knows that his experience allows him to aim very high, including competing with the two favourites, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma: “I’m world champion at 450cc level! I’m aware that there are many of us how can stake a claim to victory, but we’re working with that in mind. Winning is a dream, but perhaps it’s within my reach. I know how good the others are and I know how good I am”.

[Flood]

Good to hear from Casteu. I hope he does very, very well this year.

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by Flood

Good to hear from Casteu. I hope he does very, very well this year.

+1

Here's to a Street, Casteu, Cody podium

[shearboy2004]

Originally Posted by Hayduke

+1

Here's to a Street, Casteu, Cody podium

Maybe not in that order

[b0mb3r]

at last Dakar time

[rtw02]

Originally Posted by BCK_973

I will be there tomorrow!Weather is perfect for clear shots!
Will update then.Any requests??????
Karl

Hi Karl, and the Dakar motos gang,

Looking forward to your photos again, will you be following any of the race?
Will miss Ken and Carol Duvals pics this year as they had some fantastic shots from last year.
Happy New Year from Canada.
Peter&Carol

[quinnman]

What are the offcial vehcles in the pictures? They look like a landcrusier but have diffrent front ends. Any thoughts or inside information???

GO Niles and Jonah!!!!!!