Chasing the Dakar ?

[pebble35]

Not sure if this is the right place but can anyone give any guidance/advice on organised tours that will follow the route of the 2012 Dakar Rally ?

Or what would be the chances of pitching up with a pre-arranged rental bike and just doing it without the backup of an organised tour ?

[LakeFeesch]

My buddy and I will be chasing the 2012 Dakar. We arrive in Santiago, Chile on 12/28. Once we have our bikes sprung from Customs we will haul a** over to Mar Del Plata, Argentina. Our basic plan is to watch one day then ride ahead of the race to watch it pass. Lather, rinse, repeat.

We picked Santiago because I have a friend there who is a major importer for mining support equipment. He said he'd help us through getting the bikes into the country.

After the Dakar we have another 3-1/2 weeks of just goofing off before we have to be back in Santiago to catch another plane.

See you there!

[DaZbrah]

air cargo my bike to BA and followed the first week of the Dakar this year then rode to Panama. arrived in BA on the 28th and 01/01 comes fast!
got so hooked on the Dakar, plan to air cargo to BA again sun and party at the playa then follow the race to Lima and cargo home (TJ)

[GastonUSAChile]

If you are interested, the best flying rates are from Miami to Chile.
If you plan ahead, maritime also could save you a lot of money. 3 Bikes in a container is the best. Around 15 days transit and just a couple of hours clearing customs.

PM me for logistic.

[Salta OffRoad]

Hi we will be chasing the Dakar 2012. We did it in 2010, had a hiccup on this years event, but will be looking to follow it again. for more info e-mail jeduhrle@hotmail.com Go Dakar 2012!!!!

[ICERIDER]

Great thread thanks.

I'm flying to Falkland Islands - Santiago 31 Dec. Probably bring my bike. Plan is to spring Customs by Monday pm and head towards Mendoza.

Does anyone know how long Customs would take to clear the bike?

Also does anyone have any details of the exact Dakar route from Mendoza - rest day? (other than the vague Dakar PDF map)

Thanks,

Geoff

[GastonUSAChile]

We are offering a Container to Chile from L.A. on December 1st and arriving aorund the 16th in Chile . Spaces are open for 5-6 or more motorbikes at a good price.

See http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=726052

[DeepInIt]

My bike is still down in Cordoba from my trip down this past year. I´m headed down soon and then deciding what to do. I would like to see the start in Mar de Plata (stay in Villa Gesell which is offroad central) and then may watch a couple of days in Fiambala. Afterwards it is possible I may go straight up to the finish. We should post meetup bars on the route.

For other peoples questions. If you fly into BA last minute, don´t depend on having your bike through customs particularly without an agent. Santiago is easy and quick, you can do it yourself (a full days work) and you can put the bike back together in the shipping warehouse as long as you are a pleasant sort. Speaking Spanish really helps. If you want to rent, you have to do it officially as your papers need to match for cops in Argentina (there are stops) and crossing the border unless the owner is riding with you.

[bend27]

[idahoscout]

RawHyde Adventures does a tour following the Dakar that is apparently pretty cool but not cheap. Good food, wine, bikes, and accomodations plus 15 days of riding and access to some competitors. Check out their website if you want to have a full service tour.