christophe's 2008 Dakar launch

[rosscoact]

I got this email tonight so if anybody wants to come, I'm sure you will be welcome

---

For more information, please call Christophe Barriere-Varju, 0280113670 or 0403444101.

Press Conference: Australian Team in Gruelling 10,000kms Dakar Rally Race

Please come along to a Dakar Rally night presentation, the only event held in Australia before the 10,000km race begins on January 6, 2008.

Crossing the north-western coast of Africa, it's a unique event, one which attracts competitors from more than 40 countries around the world. The race, televised in more than 185 countries attracts in excess of 150 million viewers worldwide. It's the world's toughest off-road rally - only 50% of motorcyclists finish the course each year. For more information visit www.dakar.com

In 2008, Australia's best privateer team is joining the field in an endeavour to capture the wonder of the event and bring its inspirational stories back home to Australia. To do this, there will be a live interactive website and multiple SBS and FoxSports broadcasts.

During the evening, the 2007 Dakar Race Motorcycle will be on display, there will be information about Christophe Barriere-Varju upcoming book, The Business Racer: Seventh Gear and discussions about the creation of a documentary exploring the parallel lives between Dakar competitors and the local African people.

Essentially, it will be an evening about dreams and potential - encapsulated in risk, passion and success.

Only 150 seats are available. Could you please be kind enough to RSVP Yes/No (info@cbvracing.com) so we can make the appropriate drink and nibble arrangements.

Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities and media are welcome.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday 6 December 2007

Time: 6pm-7:30pm

Where: Level 6, 51-57 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW

About Australian Rally Team - CBV Racing
CBV Racing promotes and support the involvement of Australian Racers in the Dakar Rally whilst working with TV networks to bring emotional stories back to the Australian population.

Christophe Barriere-Varju
0280113670
0403444101
http://www.australianrallyteam.com
info@cbvracing.com

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[mcguyver]

If someone from here goes, can we please get a ride report.

[JayBo1]

If someone from here goes, can we please get a ride report.

Good call!
I had a look at the cbvracing web site and watched the post '07 Dakar Fox News interview. Good stuff.

[Matt]

I e-mailed Christophe and he said I would be very welcome to attend his launch.

I'll try to remember to take the camera.

Matt

[rosscoact]

Originally Posted by Matt

I e-mailed Christophe and he said I would be very welcome to attend his launch.

I'll try to remember to take the camera.

Matt

excellent work Matt, we are all relying on you (no pressure of course )

[Matt]

I have just returned from Christophe's (from now on referred to as C) press launch of his proposed 2008 Dakar attempt. I say proposed because he does not yet have the sponsorship in place to allow him to compete.

Someone said you wanted a ride report so here goes.

It was with much excitement that I got the bike prepped for an assault on the urban jungle that is Sydney CBD in peak hour.


I rode with great skill and tenacity and was rewarded with some excellent views.


On reaching my destination I was refueled with an ice cold beverage, just like what Dakar riders get I imagine.

C had set up his bike in a conference room and was working the small but attentive crowd.





Many of the audience were introduced (including me as a representative of ADV) and then there was a short promotional film that C had been showing to potential sponsors.



C then went on to tell us his story so far. Briefly I will try to fill you in. Raised in Africa (forget where), has been racing MX for many years, came to Australia in 1999 and then in 2004 began his fascination with the Dakar. 2005 event was full so he had to wait 'till 2006 for his first attempt which was quite eventful, including almost being disqualified before the first stage because he was late ( made it with 6 seconds to spare!). He crashed heavily and dislocated his shoulder which he put back himself ( ) then he rode on and the next day he fell again and broke two (or three) ribs. With this combo of injury he was unable to stand for long or lift the bike so he retired.

He said the entry cost is $120,000 so that works out at $60,000 a day. A pretty expensive African safari.

Following this he competed in some other long distance events including Brasil where he rode with food poisoning and completed a night section riding alongside another bike because his lights had failed (bloody KTM).

For 2007 he was a lot luckier and made it to Dakar!

Next year he hopes to be able to compete and also be involved with a documentary following his ride and showing what a typical African goes through in a day. He has some support from SBS and Fox Sports but little in the way of financial backing.

He was not crying poor, he said he has been lucky to compete in the Dakar and if the $$ don't come through this year he will be back next year.

Last year he was helped by Max his 1/3 mechanic (shared between three riders) who is now the service manager at a bike shop at Campbelltown. Max has been involved with the Aussie safari and has been to three Dakar's now (lucky bastard).


Max and Christophe.

A few questions from the audience and the evening was concluded. C said he should be hearing about the sponsorship deal in the next few days. He has a new 690 Rallye being built in Europe and is hopeful of riding next year.
He had his "kit box" with him. This is what he lives out of for the 16 days of Dakar. Not a lot of space but I suppose you don't need clean undies every day.



Team Kojak !

I headed off to tame the urban jungle feeling very insignificant after hearing C's exploits.
He is a very nice guy and I wish him every success.

If you happen to have a spare $250,000 lying around give him a call.

Matt

[TouringDave]

Nice pics Matt, where's the ADV sticker on C's kit box?

Hope he gets some sponsorship, he seems pretty passionate about "the race".

[prestonpaul]

Excelent report Matt.
How much do you think it would cost us to get an ADV sticker or two on his new bike? I'd put 100 bucks up to see that. Anyone else?
Paul.

[atgreg]

Originally Posted by prestonpaul

Excelent report Matt.
How much do you think it would cost us to get an ADV sticker or two on his new bike? I'd put 100 bucks up to see that. Anyone else?
Paul.

yep !!!

[mcguyver]

Well done & thankyou Matt Excellant report.
Did C mention what had happenned to the Apprillia deal?
I hope he is able to get the $ to gether. I am in for $100 as well.
How can we organise it? Is there someone here that knows C that could act as collector and pass it on.
I know the guys in the states did a similar thing and helped the Pan America team get there last year.
If no one else is able to I have a pay pal account and could collect the money and pass it on on behalf of us all.
Cheers
saab

[OldDog]

Paul....thats a bloody brilliant idea! Add Olddogs name to the list for $100

[Matt]

I met John last night who is a friend of C's and also an ADV member (although somewhat quiet).

Are you out there John..........can you speak to C and ask him how the guy's go about getting some money to him.

Good luck with the relocation as well, I'll drop in next time I'm in town!

Matt

[CBVRacing]

Originally Posted by Matt

I met John last night who is a friend of C's and also an ADV member (although somewhat quiet).

Are you out there John..........can you speak to C and ask him how the guy's go about getting some money to him.

Good luck with the relocation as well, I'll drop in next time I'm in town!

Matt

Hi Matt,

You guys are too kind. Happy to display the ADV sticker on the bike, you can mail them to GPO Box 311 Sydney NSW 2001.

For the money, you can do that directly on my website www.cbvracing.com and follow the donation link. I will dedicate 10% of all donations toward setting up my charity www.dreamsdocometrue.org.au

When you make your donation, remember that I may not be able to compete in 2008, if that's the case it will go toward the 2008 campaign.

Please make sure you drop me an email as well so that I can include your name as supporter of the "Australian Rally Team" and the "Dreams Do Come True" Foundation for 2008, 2009 and beyond. Your name will have a special place as the people that signed the Australian Flag which I took with me across the finish line in the 2007 Dakar at Lac Rose!

Thanks Again

Christophe

__________________
www.cbvracing.com
Australian Rally Team

[prestonpaul]

OK, Ive sent my donation off. It is easy enough from www.cbvracing.com so come on, put your money where your mouth is and have somthing to brag about come next year.
Ill organise some stickers to go Christoph's way as well, unless someone else has this in hand?
All the best.
Paul

[CBVRacing]

Originally Posted by prestonpaul

OK, Ive sent my donation off. It is easy enough from www.cbvracing.com so come on, put your money where your mouth is and have somthing to brag about come next year.Paul

Paul,

Thank you so much. Ok to list your name on both websites?

Cheers,

CBV

___________________
www.cbvracing.com
Australian Rally Team