Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2010 - My Story

[schattat]

Hey gang,

This is a very special thread for me as I'll be writing about my preparation towards the 2010 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (formally known as the UAE Desert Challenge, or UAE-DC) this upcoming March/April. Ever since I was a little boy I've been dreaming about being able to take part in a rallye (mostly from my father doing them), so I'd like to share my story towards my participation with you over the next few months

For those that haven't heard of this event, take a look at these links for more infos:
Old Site
New Site

Now, to start of: Since I turned 18 this last October I am now OFFICIALLY allowed to take part in a rallye event
I had a look around of what was possible money- and time-wise. Since I'll be paying the entire event all from my own pocket, it was important for me that the event I chose was as affordable as possible.

Of all the FIM events around (Tunisia, Egypt, UAE, Morocco, etc.) the DC was the most affordable of them all. Since I still go to school, the event would also have to take place when I was on school holidays, which by coincidence the DC does (during the easter holidays).

Excitingly I won't be embarking on this adventure all by myself since my father will be joining me (as a competitor )! His excuse to come along is that mum won't allow me to go all by myself, so he has to tag along!!!

From the info I've gathered on this forum, there'll be several other guys you may know taking part, too:
- G.T and JayBo1 from Australia
- Cummo from Oman (thanks for all the handy advice )

I haven't officially registered myself, yet, as I haven't completed the rallye build of my bike. I have until the end of February to entirely complete my setup as our bikes will have to be brought down to Italy from where they'll be shipped down to the UAE which will roughly take 3 weeks. Once the build nears its completion, I'll send of my entry application!!!


So to conclude my introduction: ENJOY!!!

[schattat]

The bike story:

At first I bought myself a 2003 Yamaha TT600R:








My dad had used the TT600 series for some 20 years or so and was always happy with it.
This was quite an affordable option for me as it's cheap to get and doesn't require the much maintenance.

It had a load of grunt, but was too heavy for my liking and a P.I.T.A to start when hot

I then stumbled across a damaged 2003 WR450F that had a hole in the engine, which was a real bargain! I quickly got rid of the TT and managed to get the WR.
This was the problem it had:


Just behind where the kickstarter shaft sits, a chunk of metal from the engine case was ripped out when the bike backfired when attempting to start it.
So my dad and I got to work and did our best to fix it!
We lathed a bushing where the shaft was to sit in and welded it on to the case:


The wooden support to hold the engine in place:




Milled flat:


Finished look (I admit, it's not a real looker, but it's hidden and nobody'll notice it!):


So we got that issue out of the way!

I got myself a set of Öhlins suspension for my ride for a real bargain over in the UK. Before mounting everything, we changed the oil and seals:






First time mount:

[HogWild]

Go Tony ! ! !

[silverstone]

Happy 18th birthday Schattat,


Could not think of anything better then Farther and Son combo on your first rally.

Take it all in.

[GnarlyKarle]

-dk

[torags]

Lookin' good

[schattat]

Cheers to y'all, guys

[Tome]

Oooo looking like a good start.

My interest in the Northern African/Saudi Arabian located rallys has been growing recently (not too far :P) so I'll definately be following!

[LukasM]

Gratuliere, Alter!

Will be following this thread closely.

[Deadly99]

Subscribed, best of luck. Look forward to watching the build.

[Gian]

Great! My friend Giovanni did the Abu Dhabi early this year... loads of sand and very very hot, but in the end he finished. He also helped a bit West when he had that bad accident (just a pity James is not able to go to Dakar!). So I'm looking forward to see how the bike will look like and hopefully you enter the race

[schattat]

Again, thank you to all of you for all your wishes
I hope to be able to get a lot done over the upcoming holidays when I'll be posting a tonne of pics here!

I'll also be busy doing a lot of exercising and stamina work to build some more strength and endurance. Unfortunately, I can't really simulate the intense heat here, just the complete opposite (damn freaking snow ) I've been to Dubai twice before on holidays, so I know what to expect

[Hayduke]

Woohoo!

Subscribed to this one!

[JayBo1]

I'll be watching with interest Schattat . As you stated earlier, I will also be doing the UAE-DC for the first time in 2010, although I am lucky enough to have done the Australasian Safari twice so have a little experience behind me. On the other hand I have not been to the UAE before and I don't have a Dad along with a wealth of experience and history in Rallyes. I do plan on going out to the sand dunes north of Perth in the heat of our summer (just starting) to do some rides in the heat (around 40DegC not too unusual - forecasting 39 today!). I also plan to head to Dubai a couple of weeks before the DC starts to get used to the place a little.

Are you looking at getting in with a support team or something? I'm looking forward to hearing of your bike build and also your preparation and arrangements. Also look forward to meeting you in 2010 . Very best of luck
Cheers
JayBo

[Pantah]

subscribed!