I Want To Do DAKAR (The Right Way)

[Bluebull2007]

Originally Posted by skibum69

Just thought I'd throw it out here that I have a full MECA Systems rally kit with only 10 days of riding and no racing on it from my 525 if anyone is looking to build up a Dakar style rally bike, obviously it won't go for the Dakar but a 525 or 530 is doable for any other rally out there. PM me if you want more info.

You're not doing rally anymore??

[J Lewis]

Guys,

We have set the final day to be signed up for the Rally Training.

Class is May 7,8,9

Final sign up day: April 22nd.

Here is a link to the registration form: FORM

If you have any specific questions about the class, feel free to ask them here but most are answered above.

JIMMY

[skibum69]

Originally Posted by Bluebull2007

You're not doing rally anymore??

hopefully I'll have $$ again oneday, in the meantime I'm turning the 525 into something I can ride every day in our rocks

[J Lewis]

There were a lot of guys wanting to do a "fun" portion of this class. I have not had any sign ups for this and if there are any guys still considering this, I'll need to know pretty soon as it will involve as much preparation as the regular class.

[J Lewis]

To make this even better, Johnny Campbell, the Navigator for Robby Gordon this year and a Dakar finisher in 2001 in his first try (8th place on a stock Honda XR650) will be out to help instruct in this class.

You could not learn more about rally navigation (in english) in one place at one time.

Sign up quick, we're cutting it off soon.

JIMMY

[pdxmarcus]

Jimmy-
FWIW I just stumbled across this thread today(wher've I been?) and would be very excited to attend a class like this in the future. Good luck!

[neduro]

Originally Posted by J Lewis

But if you are even considering spending the huge amount of money to go and compete in a race like the Dakar, why would you not be fully prepared? I often tell riders that I can save you 10-20 minutes a day by teaching you how to not make navigational errors. Even if you just make one right turn in an area of confusion think of the 5-10 guys you pass, the dust you don’t have to ride in and then the following day you are riding with faster riders. This is compounded every time a critical navigation spot comes up.

This advice is spot-on in my opinion.

In addition, if you get off the route, you won't have any insight to the hazards that are coming. More than a few folks didn't finish this year when a navigation mistake compounded with trusting the roadbook to predict hazards, led to a big crash.

[Stagehand]

Having fun


Got lost! Got found again.



Vector Odo and electric road book switch stopped working about ten minutes into it. Is this how it works in the race?

[wrk2surf]

wow you got to ride with Dave Kamo and Colton plus Pilo!! right on!

[Deadly99]

I feel bad for the guy on the left who has no bike and is running around the desert in full gear

[troy safari carpente]

Originally Posted by Deadly99

I feel bad for the guy on the left who has no bike and is running around the desert in full gear

That's probably part of Jimmy's "In case of mid-stage breakdown in desert... never leave your bike"... orientation 101 course.





"NOW DROP... and gimme 20 recruit...!!!"

[skibum69]

uh yes, that's pretty common especially when you crash a lot

Originally Posted by Stagehand

Having fun


Got lost! Got found again.



Vector Odo and electric road book switch stopped working about ten minutes into it. Is this how it works in the race?

[drc42]

Originally Posted by Stagehand

Vector Odo and electric road book switch stopped working about ten minutes into it. Is this how it works in the race?

No, in Mexico my roadbook switch lasted for at least 3 hours before it fell off!

[Stagehand]

Well this is a SHIT TON of fun. Riding all damn day. Fixing shit when we get back. Making our own roadbooks. Relating the real word to Scott's map making head. More riding. Hot. Good dinner with new friends. Riding with awesome guys.

Too much fun.

I heart road books now, have movie coming up. Have pics, too if I can get the damn camera to upload.

FUN.


Fixing:





Fixing a flat on the road:


Roadbook building and etc:




Schedule: (we had done Monday, already)




Lakebed compass drills




Some guy having fun:

[HogWild]

Must have done the "F" route on Monday? How did you like the "squares". Anyone forget which 90 degree turn they were at and get lost in there? How about that very short little HP dune section? Not too bad, but a bit soft in there!

The C loop has that huge wash crossing where the roadbook just says "find your way to that road you see way over on the other side". Of course it's a straight off cliff getting down into the wash, so you have to get creative there!

The E-A loop has the mini Grand Canyon where you ride along the rim. Overall that's a pretty high-speed route, but there's a few little "gatchas" thrown in to screw you up.

Then today the rock tunnel going up the wash on the D loop is super cool! The B loop is my favorite because it has all kinds of tough terrain and tough navigation. There's the sand washes with invisible exit points, the rabbit trail, and some good sort of HP stuff.

Would love to hear more about how it's going!