2017 DAKAR rally...wtf...!!!

Mike54 · Post by **Mike54** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 10:37 pm

Dazzer wrote:I'm with your on that Post JB

Having followed the Paris Dakar event since 1981 and ridden down in to North Africa a few times to watch it.

There was just something about the Paris Dakar, and I can't quite put my finger on it but I do know that it was all I could think about for years.

My ambition was always to enter the event but sadly by the time I could afford to enter the Dakar was already being held in South America .

I was luck to get out and trail ride in the 90's with a chap called Mike Huges who entered the Paris Dakar 5 times. The event was a addiction .

For me AFRICA was the life blood of the event . It was both beautiful yet cruel at the same time and Pre gps and tracking systems competitors really were tested to their limits .

I'm sad to say that for me now the event is not as appealing . I'm not saying its not difficult but I don't think its now as challenging as Africa was .

Actually think it's now far tougher than Africa was. Look at who enter and the elite level of the athletes at the top. That was never really the case before. Sure there were great riders, but not the level they are now, and look at the problems even the top guys are having with the nav and crashes etc.

flipflopdog · Post by **flipflopdog** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 11:04 pm

All Flipdog wanted was a few hints and links to view Dakar but while someone has thrown a grenade in here i'll just have a say also.....
If they introduced a low entry level, low budget support class for 'Old Farts' ( 45yrs to 55yrs ) run what ya brung, there would be a list the length of a bog roll of folk with aspirations and deluded ambitions including Me. The Dakar is the Dakar and yes Africa and the 'old school' entrants were feckin hardcore we know this but come on, the level of skill and endurance being displayed now is off the scale. JB is just having his say which we are all entitled too, "All Hail the Dakar"...!!!

Thanks to folk who have put the links up....

Flipdog

flipflopdog · Post by **flipflopdog** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 11:11 pm

: iphone825.JPG (101.53 KiB) Viewed 1112 times

: iphone826.JPG (57.5 KiB) Viewed 1112 times

: iphone827.JPG (72.75 KiB) Viewed 1112 times

Anyway, have some of this.... K75 Dakar.....

Dazzer · Post by **Dazzer** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 11:21 pm

Mike54 wrote:
Dazzer wrote:I'm with your on that Post JB

Having followed the Paris Dakar event since 1981 and ridden down in to North Africa a few times to watch it.

There was just something about the Paris Dakar, and I can't quite put my finger on it but I do know that it was all I could think about for years.

My ambition was always to enter the event but sadly by the time I could afford to enter the Dakar was already being held in South America .

I was luck to get out and trail ride in the 90's with a chap called Mike Huges who entered the Paris Dakar 5 times. The event was a addiction .

For me AFRICA was the life blood of the event . It was both beautiful yet cruel at the same time and Pre gps and tracking systems competitors really were tested to their limits .

I'm sad to say that for me now the event is not as appealing . I'm not saying its not difficult but I don't think its now as challenging as Africa was .
Actually think it's now far tougher than Africa was. Look at who enter and the elite level of the athletes at the top. That was never really the case before. Sure there were great riders, but not the level they are now, and look at the problems even the top guys are having with the nav and crashes etc.

The very same can be said about todays MotoX, Enduro and Trails riders and many more sports for that matter.

But for me there was a draw to the Paris Dakar that some how I don't have for the Dakar I'm sad to say.

crofty · Post by **crofty** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 11:26 pm

Don,t know much about the Dakar myself but have enjoyed reading this thread.
If Stephane Peterhansel posted on here about the Dakar, Robson would argue with him :laugh:

rlkat · Post by **rlkat** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 11:33 pm

flipflopdog wrote:
iphone825.JPG

iphone826.JPG

iphone827.JPG
Anyway, have some of this.... K75 Dakar.....

Bloody 'ell!. Moto Al would be wetting himself, seeing those pics.

SIF · Post by **SIF** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 11:34 pm

This site is doing me in with all this opinionated tosh.
Can't post the link but Facebook search Adventure Spec Lyndon Posket or Dakar Rally and there's loads of good clips and interviews.

johnnyboxer · Post by **johnnyboxer** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 7:48 am

crofty wrote:Don,t know much about the Dakar myself but have enjoyed reading this thread.
If Stephane Peterhansel posted on here about the Dakar, Robson would argue with him :laugh:

Now there was a great Yamaha Moto France Rider

johnnyboxer · Post by **johnnyboxer** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 7:55 am

SIF wrote:This site is doing me in with all this opinionated tosh.
.

Why??

We all have views & whether you agree or not is your choice - but we can still express them

South America is just not the Dakar for me

Just as World Championship Trials isn't for me - I prefer the Scott Trial or SSDT - pure Trials, hard endurance & no minders, just man and machine etc

Doesn't mean your right and I'm wrong or vice-versa, just we enjoy different things

Dazzer wrote:
The very same can be said about todays MotoX, Enduro and Trails riders and many more sports for that matter.

But for me there was a draw to the Paris Dakar that some how I don't have for the new Dakar I'm sad to say.

Precisely

Redmurty · Post by **Redmurty** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 8:51 am

enjoyed last nights coverage, stunning scenery (thumbs)

I really love the look of the rally bikes :woohoo: (thumbs)

Poskitt getting some good coverage (thumbs)

cheers Spud