Accompanying the Paris-Dakar Rally
 

As a writer, producer, and avid motorcyclist I have recently begun working on a screenplay about the Paris-Dakar Rally. To conduct research for my script I hope to follow the 2002 competition by motorcycle when it departs this December. I have many concerns regarding this trip and hope that some of my questions may be answered in this forum.

1) I have never heard of spectators following the Paris-Dakar by land and am curious if it is even possible to keep up with the race without outside assistance?

2) What would be the best way to contact English speaking competitors to interview and possibly shadow during the 2002 rally? I am especially interested in meeting privateer riders but am having difficulty locating them.

3) I am currently pursuing a partnership with a cable television station to provide a daily internet video in exchange for press credentials. How will electronic equipment such as a satellite phone and laptop survive the rigors of overland motorcycling?

4) Is anyone interested in accompanying me? I am from the US, but will be purchasing a bike in the UK a few months prior to departure and would love good companions to ride with.

5) Does anyone in the UK have a bike for sale that is already outfitted for such a ride (luggage, GPS, large fuel tank, etc.)

I’ve rambled long enough. Thanks in advance for the information. Feel free to contact me directly anytime.

William Prouty
convoypictures@mac.com
Minneapolis Minnesota

Dogtag,

People do follow the Dakar, but youll need to book accomodation up quick if you want to be at the start.

Not sure how busy he is but you could try John Deacon for some advice or Simon Pavier.

Johns email is

deacon02@globalnet.co.uk

Julio

Check out David Lambeth Engineering to find an outfitted bike in the UK:

"David Lambeth Engineering (Tel: +44 1892 668280 Fax: +44 1892 611883) in the UK say they have fully prepared XT600Es and Teneres for hire for overlanding."

Best of luck!
Wright Bagwell

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Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/

William

Just to confirm on on of your replies - definatley contact John Deacon. We have just spent the weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ( Hill Climb event ) and John was there on his Dakar bike. We talke to him re good biking wear in hot climates and he was more than helpful - just a regular guy !

He has time for eveyone.

Jenny B

Hey William,

1) No. Er, you absolutely can't accompany the rally as a casual spectator. The Rally Circus crosses minefields, borders etc all without usual tourist border stops, formailities. You can chase them through France and Spain, and race them through Senegal (i did this year, suddenly came across them tearing up the St Louis - Dakar road). TSO run the thing as tight as they can, and jealously guard all press acces.

2) Sure, talk to John Deacon, but better still talk to TSO, the organisers. Bear with me (i'm in Mocamobique right now)and I'll get hold of the English-speaking PR guy's number. I think it's still Chris Evans. They're always interested in publicity. Also talk to a factory - maybe BMW in the UK, or KTM. And also speak to your fellow Yank Jimmy Lewis.

3) Very badly.

4) You never know.

Give me a shout if you need anymore info.

Dan Walsh

hi dog tag
yes you can follow the rally in the marathon class you take an easyer route than the race drivers and meet up with them every night check out the Tso web site www.dakar.com/2002/presentations
good luck
nobby

hi dog tag
yes you can follow the rally in the marathon class you take an easyer route than the race drivers and meet up with them every night check out the Tso web site www.dakar.com/2002/presentations
good luck
nobby

Thanks for the tip Nobby. I had heard of the marathon class before, but did not see any information on the 2002 PD website when I last checked. Following the link listed in your post I was still unable to learn more about this option. If you could point me in the right direction I would be grateful.

Thanks to everyone who has provided me with information and contacts for this project. I am currently in communication with the ASO Television department, past and present PD competitors, and a number of other individuals involved with the rally. Unfortunately, it seems that accompanying the race on an unsupported motorcycle into Africa is nearly impossible, although I am exploring a number of other options. I will post the full results of my research as information solidifies over the next few weeks.

Happy Trails,

Bill Prouty

Just read in a German Forum, John Deacon died in Syria on the masterralley.

Sorry,

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Freek www.mototacho.com

I would definitely try to contact Jimmy Lewis. If you don't know, he writes for Cycle World and I think, several dirt mags. He has run the Dakar for BMW several times and just might have some good advise.

cheers and good luck. If you manage, you will be living may peoples' dreams.

The last few months have been insanely busy for me, and after the tragic events that took place in the US recently I wasn’t even sure I’d make it to Europe for this years Paris-Dakar Rallye. After finally arriving in London last week, I’m still not sure if and how the race will be effected by the terrorist attack. In any case, I thought I’d take a moment to post what I’ve learned about accompanying the race by motorcycle as a spectator.

Following my initial post I received an outpouring of information and contacts from race fans, participants, and officials involved in the rallye. Although there are no legal or regulatory issues barring anyone from following the PD, the logistics of the competition make it extremely challenging. The race crosses boarders without the usual visa inspection delays, bivouacs are often established in areas completely devoid of food and water, and everyone involved keeps up an extremely rigorous pace covering hundreds of miles a day. This was further explained in the conversations quoted below:

"It is also virtually impossible to follow the rallye unsupported – the TSO don't like it and it could be dangerous. I think your only solution would be to either enter the race yourself on a bike or car or perhaps better still, enter a press car or find a place in a press car. The other solution would be to get a place in one of the support vehicles. Of course all this costs money - but I can't really see any other solution." - Chris Evans, Past TSO Press Official

"Usually only the accredited journalists are allowed to follow the race by car or by plane (motorcycles are forbidden for safety reasons)" - ASO Communications Official

Fortunately, things are not entirely bleak. There is a route designed to parallel the competitors’ course for support vehicles that is not as long and grueling, and I’m confident this could be used to accompany the race. I have also heard of a few spectators who have actually ridden with the event, (including Jutta Kleinschmidt, Winner of the 2000 PD Car class) but have been unable to contact any of them so far. In summary, I believe the PD could be followed successfully by a solo rider, although significant visa logistics, alternate routes, skipping some of the stages, and transportation of water/food would be necessary. Unfortunately I have the extra burden of camera and computer gear, which complicates this already ambitious plan.

This leaves me questioning the focus of my project. Instead of following the competitors for the entire competition I may only interview riders prior to the race, throughout the European stages, and into Morocco. From there I am considering expanding my focus to include "adventure overlanding" generally, possibly rendezvousing with other travelers along my route. I am still in contact with a few racers and officials, but have been unable to track down any US riders. I am also intrigued with the Motorcycle World Challenge, although I’m not sure if my finances will allow me to participate this year.

Thanks to everyone who has assisted me in my research. Good luck in your travels and feel free to contact me at any time. I’ll continue posting to horizons as time and information permit. Happy Trails,

William Prouty,
Producer, convoypictures@mac.com

William -

I think that you and I have communicated previously about the Dakar so I'm suprised that you're still at it.

Simply put, the Dakar is a complicated event structured and run by insiders for professional racers and a small selection of amateur racers (who always quit/DNF early allowing for more profit for TSO the more the race runs into the deep desert).

In previous years as you alluded to people like Jutta Kleinschmidt were able to follow the race by motorcycle. Simply not possible nor advisable these days due to politics, the limited course available to competitors, etc. If you like the Dakar you won't even attempt to do something like this because if you get in trouble you'll cause real competitors, participants, and organizers to stop the race to help you in a place where you really shouldn't be.

I spent 4 months last year in Europe building the foundation for a race team featuring Jimmy Lewis (using the BMW bikes from 2001 Dakar). I met with Auriol, Kleinschmidt, and many other competitors/participants. This is the culmination of many years of prep-work.

The race is very tightly controlled with roadbooks, GPS equipment, etc. all being controlled (literally) by TSO. You won' be able to find the course without this data and you shouldn't be on the course when people are racing with a spectator bike because that's an easy way to get yourself and other people killed.

If I remember correctly you want to shoot a movie? Well, this is also controlled by TSO. If you enter in a press car I don't think that TSO would allow you to shoot an independant film about the Dakar. It's their property and they protect the brand fiercely. If it's money that's keeping you from doing the Dakar as a participant then so be it, TSO charges a bundle for the privledge - no way around this.

You're correct about the press requirements being by car. Motorcycling is not an allowable press activity.

As far as contacting people like Jutta you need to be considerate of what these people really need to do. They don't exist to answer every person's questions especially people at the top of the heap like Jutta. She's busy training, travelling, and racing. Using the alternate route too is an option but it's still very dangerous and not a wise thing to do.

Lastly, the PD is very long and grueling, you don't want to be riding at the limit like the race bikes just to make it from start to finish of a stage with a bike fully laden down with camping gear, fuel, water, food, etc. - This makes no sense IMO.

I help setup and run dual sport/adventure/enduro training with Jimmy Lewis in Las Vegas and California so we talk about the Dakar all of the time. It's really not a great idea to go wandering around these countries especially if you're not familiar with the terrain and need to also be in a hurry. Being in a hurry, with a bike fully loaded down, in this unfamiliar area can lead to big mistakes. Think of this as if you were going to Africa just to do a ride along the same route of the Dakar - now think of how many days you would take and what safety precautions you would take.

As far as "interviewing" participants and other racers goes I don't think that you'll be allowed in the Press area and to briefings if you're not officially approved. Interviewing people outside of these guidelines is generally frowned upon and I (opinion here) consider it in bad form.

The people who do the Dakar have a lot of things to prepare for. They give as much time as possible to the official press and sponsors but to answer your individual questions for your own purposes? This can be too much to ask. When you do this you take time away from them focusing on prepping for the race either by making mechanical changes, eating, sleeping, whatever.

Sure they might be more "accessible" while in the early stages but remember that they are getting ready to make the jump over to Africa where things get really hairy so IMO it's best to let them do their thing and enjoy the show.

Regards,

David H. Park www.dhpmoto.com

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davidhpark@att.net" TARGET=_blank>www.dhpmoto.com
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[This message has been edited by davidhpark (edited 17 December 2001).]

William,

Next october i will leave Holland for an overland trip towards South Africa. With a group of 8 people in 2 trucks we will raise funds for projects against aids, and we will expand the aids-awareness. The trip will last 9 months and visit 22 african countrys. Its fully sponsored and the budget will be around half a million Euro. If you are interested in doing a full overland including the preparations you may contact me oflline for more information or visit the website who will be in english soon. www.africa-expedition.org

cheers Derek-Jan

derek-jan@africa-expedition.org