As you asked, This link should help you out. Good luck to all involved. Dont give up, Finish! http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=919 Shank
From John - My bike in scrutineering getting all the "security" seals attached. These are stickers that go over joints on the engine cases and onto some bike chassis parts, (like triple clamps, fork legs, frame, etc) so the organisers can check you haven't made changes against the rules of the Marathon class.
From John - My Aurora roadbook loaded up with the route to the official start ceremony in Buenos Aires for Dakar 2015!!!
Jebus, John!!! You've honed yourself down to a chisel sharp frame compared to when I last saw you (Safari 2013). You were pretty damn fit back then but now you look like a machine. Have you reduced your fat layers down to zero? :huh Any issues with the healed bones? Go well and go fast but go have a bloody big bacon sammich as well mate. Looks like everything is going to plan. Pleased to see you've got the bike sorted in plenty of time. Good luck to all the crew. And...Never give up, ever!
I've never been fitter in my life. I aced the stress ECG a few months ago, so my heart and lungs can keep smashing it no worries. I am a bit light on due to the amount of cycling I do but trying to eat everything in sight now[emoji2]. The healed bones are okay - not great but okay. My hand still has some pain and missing some strength and flexibility but not too bad. Similar for the ankle really but to a lesser extent and once it's wrapped in my Alpinestar Tech10's, it's no issue at all. I have to go back to scrutineering today because I didn't pass yesterday. I do not have a hand held flare with me. That's because it's at home because the airlines won't let it fly! Because both the bike and I flew to get here I couldn't bring it and assumed I'd be able to purchase one at the scrutineering. Apparently this year the ASO have decided not to make them available - ironically because they have trouble getting them here due to shipping restrictions of, what are effectively explosives. XRaids team manager has sorted out getting one today for me. So all is going okay and I'm happy and completely confident of a good ride.
Keep it safe John. And remember, it's the endurance that matters. Be safe with the heat, this year it's supposed to be a monumental heat wave. Will be cheering for you
Thanks everyone. Thank God it's not raining this morning for a change. Blinking windy though. Just chilling having breakfast with Ben in the hotel. About to head out to the bivvy in 1/2hr or so. The bivvy is about 10kms away. 14 people in the Hilux dualcab is the max so far! Lol
Looking good so far...everyone with big grins! Good luck mate. Be calm. Endure. and keep those pix coming !
Hiya Matt. I hope not! Lol. I admit it's not clear but the white section on the lhs is actually white duct tape and is external to the roadbook. It's a clever facility of the Aurora roadbook that allows you to easily and quickly change any route notes you have prepared earlier - things like the distances to Check Points and fuel stops. I'll try and post up a clearer picture of how it works when I get a chance and my bike is not locked up in Parc Ferme.
It's getting for real now... very exciting Thanks for taking your time to post pics and info... Best of luck, John.