The Bivouac

[chavo_dakar_bolivia]

I used that kit from HM Jolly Racing/Boano in Egypt...I liked it.

Originally Posted by Trang

What is the current requirements for fuel capacity?

Found this picture from the LA Dakar Page:

http://www.ladakar.com/wp-content/up...1/DSCN3513.jpg


Whilst IMO is an extremly simple/clean solution for a Dakar bike, I was not sure that the Safari Tanks solution, had quite enough capacity?

http://www.safaritanks.com.au/home/1...ypage.tpl.html
It states on the safari website that the tanks are 21L at the front and 8.5L at the rear.

I thought that around 35L was a reasonable minimum.

Any thoughts/comments?

[Myway]

And vessel is through Panama Canal.

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/nl/...mmsi=235011890

[dox]

Team F5 has reached a new level when we can track the ship that carries the bikes that are headed for Dakar. Crazy.

Should we cheer for the boat in a similar fashion as we do the competitors?

[JMo (& piglet)]

Originally Posted by Myway

And vessel is through Panan Canal.

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/nl/...mmsi=235011890

That is one ugly-ass ship!

Jx

[tHEtREV]

Yeah...

But it's whats inside that really counts...

[gagnaou]

From Despres' facebook page

Four-time Dakar Rally champion Cyril Despres shares his top tips for getting to grips with the race.
Let me begin by wishing everybody coming to the 2013 Dakar Rally in South America lots of luck for the race, I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Something that has helped me so much during my 12 years racing the Dakar has been my mechanical knowledge. Performing the necessary checks on your bike regularly throughout the race is absolutely essential. If you ignore a problem on your bike then the Dakar can end early for you. Pay attention to all the little details – Is the battery charged? What is that smell coming from the engine? Do I have enough oil? It may sound a little basic but this is the first step towards having a success race.

Looking after your own body is equally as important as looking after your bike. Again there is a list of questions you should be asking yourself at regular intervals – Have I drunk enough water today? Am I warm enough? Have I cleaned my equipment? You need to have a checklist to keep on top of everything. There’s so much more to this race than just jumping on the bike and turning the throttle.

Racing the Dakar is such a test of endurance that you must have a real passion for the challenge if you are to make it to the finish. This passion for the race is something I see in everyone who comes to the Dakar. It has grown since the Dakar has come to South America and more locals have joined the race. The passion these guys have for the race and their flag has blown me away. Your passion will be tested during the Dakar but never forget you are doing something that you love.

With the race now only a few weeks away hopefully you are happy with all your preparations. The reality is that preparing to race for 15 long and competitive days is not an easy task. One thing to remember is that even if you are coming with a team of mechanics when the race starts you will be alone in that desert. For hour after hour and kilometre after kilometre you will not have your support network with you so be prepared for that.

Cyril's five key steps to surviving the Dakar

1 – Work on your mechanical knowledge, if you look after your bike then your bike will look after you.

2 – Take care of yourself. Make sure you eat and sleep well and keep all of your equipment in good condition.

3 – Take your time at every stage of the rally and never try to rush. In the mornings make sure you and your bike are properly warmed up.

4 – Remember to enjoy yourself! If you have a bad day don’t get too stressed, there’s always another stage or even another to year to put things right.

5 – The most important thing I can say – Never ride in the dust. The Dakar is dangerous and the best way to have a safe race is to stay out of the dust.

I hope you find this advice helpful and I looking to seeing you at the start (and hopefully the end) of the 2013 Dakar Rally.

Safe travels,

Cyril

[doyle]

Originally Posted by gagnaou

The most important thing I can say – Never ride in the dust. The Dakar is dangerous and the best way to have a safe race is to stay out of the dust.

I suspect much easier said than done for the vast majority.

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by doyle

I suspect much easier said than done for the vast majority.

Simple. Just get in front of everyone else.

[mototifosi]

Hey, Duke,
Have I missed the "pre-order" for the shirts?

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by mototifosi

Hey, Duke,
Have I missed the "pre-order" for the shirts?

No; I'll take pre-orders throughout the race; It looks like I'll be printing them right at the end of the race, due to some family stuff going on during.

http://www.fattees-printing.com/Team-F5/index.html

[too old]

Originally Posted by Hayduke

Simple. Just get in front of everyone else.

No dust in the mud

[ebbanflood]

Has anyone posted a list of inmates in the race this year. If so can you post a link?

[c.vestal]

I do not have a list. Here is one.

Kevin Muggleton on the Denver local news.
http://www.9news.com/news/local/arti...-on-Dakar-Race

[Bluebull2007]

Well I screwed up a wheelie and shattered my tibia yesterday; going in for an operation at 8pm tonight. Looks like Im going to be screwed for quite some time.

so no Chasing Dakar for me this time around. I guess I will try to be top F5ire hose finisher instead. I have a bivouac pass for Nasca if anyone would like it.

[skibum69]

ah shit! Sorry to hear that Neil. Get yourself a buggy with hand controls