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-   -   Anyone heading down to see some of the DakarRally? (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/travellers-seeking-travellers/anyone-heading-down-see-some-29515)

LostSaffa 25 Sep 2007 07:07

Anyone heading down to see some of the DakarRally?
 
At the moment its just an idea but I would really like to ride down (from the UK) through Spain and over to Morocco to catch a bit of the Dakar over the festive season. I have not yet gone down that way so if anyone is going and knows the routes/scene a bit it would be great to do it together. I ride an Aprilia Pegaso 650.

Thanks

Travis

Smokin' Lizard 25 Sep 2007 11:26

Dakar 2008
 
Hi,

We watch the Dakar every year in the south of Spain, for the past two years its gone through Malaga (bikes and cars) and Algeciras (trucks) and will certainly be there for this years race.

The route is not too much different to last years event and I am expecting the race to go through Malaga on the 6th Jan 2008.

If you do come down, drop me a PM.

LostSaffa 25 Sep 2007 19:38

Ya thanks for that, I might well see you there.

I also just checked out the Andalucia event link you have and will probably make it to that next month too. Will spend the Friday and saturday there and then ride on to Italy early Sunday.

Trav

outthere 25 Sep 2007 23:58

[At the moment its just an idea but I would really like to ride down (from the UK) through Spain and over to Morocco to catch a bit of the Dakar over the festive season.
Travis.]

Hi Travis, heading to the Dakar but from the south of Africa, may see u out in the sand hills. All the best Brian B.:scooter: DR650

LostSaffa 29 Sep 2007 08:36

Howzit Brian,

Yes you never know hey! Its my first trip down to Africa from here, but beginning of my preperation for a London-Cape Town trip next year. I reckon most people from Europe have been to more countries in Africa than me, and I am from Africa! Its just such a massive continent.

Have a good one

Trav

men8ifr 1 Oct 2007 00:47

How odd i'm planning the same trip on the same bike
 
Yes I'm planning a very similar trip on my pegaso 650 for approx 3 weeks perhaps leaving just after xmas and would like to do some off roading and also follow the Dakar for a bit. Give me a ring to discuss - 02476 501 601 (Coventry)

Ian

LostSaffa 4 Oct 2007 23:06

Sounds good...I think I saw your post here a while back about the trip...that was what gave me the idea. I am doing Europe at the moment but back in the UK November so will keep in touch.

What Peg have you got?

Trav

Brian E 5 Oct 2007 20:46

I'm thinking of going down for the Dakar in the 4x4 and may follow the first couple of days probably leaving the UK on the 2nd watching the start and then following till whenever. i could do with being back by the weekend of 12th-13th so just a short trip for me.

deandean 5 Oct 2007 21:19

Dakar 2008 route
 
Hi
Does anybody know where i can get a copy of the proposed 2008 Dakar Rally route....dates and stages etc.Got no concrete plan as yet but would like to look at possible stages to visit.
Thanks

Brian E 5 Oct 2007 22:15

the route map will be available off the official web site closer to the date.

LostSaffa 8 Oct 2007 14:40

Apparently the route is almost identical to last years so it may well be worth getting a provisional look on last years map until it is confirmed closer the time.

Trav

MEZ 8 Oct 2007 22:44

Three's company...!!!!
 
Hi there, I've been in contact with men8ifr, I fancy riding there too, setting off on the 26/27th Dec. He mentioned getting to Gib by van then riding over, wots Your preference..???? Anybody else interested????? and most welcome!!!!!!:thumbup1:

LostSaffa 9 Oct 2007 11:50

Well I am all for riding as I have mates in Spain who I may spend a night or two with prior to the race, which would tie in well with your travel dates too. I am extremely easy-going with regards to plans, so open to suggestions, as long as I get to see a bit of the Dakar 2008!

Trav

MEZ 11 Oct 2007 21:39

Dakar 2008
 
Hello again, yeah its looking good then, I too am very easy going.Like You say, so long as We get to see some of the rally then good..!!!! Planning is fine but so is being spontainious.Where You based? Im in Cornwall, the other guy is in Coventry. Here's My Email... lifesabeach2006@hotmail.co.uk

Mez

men8ifr 13 Oct 2007 21:16

Morocco / Dakar
 
Thought I would check here to see what's happening..

I've put some pics up on Picasa Web Albums - 405 TD Estate

The route is on there - I think from 2005 but it woud give you an idea and some pics also (I always like them!)

2007 route also at http://www.dakar.com/2007/DAK/presen...docs/carte.pdf in reasonable detail.

My bike is a 1997 650 Pegaso which at the moment has only been used on the road - I'm looking to modify it for this trip and some off road rallies and greenlaning in the UK ideally I would like:
Crash bars around engine and fuel tank
18 and 21" wheels to fit proper off road knobblies
Rear luggage system (may have to improvise - £550 for a touratech one!)
Alloy handlebars - moved forward and up 2" for off roading
Heavy duty (and muich bigger) off road footpegs
Heavy duty alloy bash / skid plate
Alloy wrap around handguards
Not sure how the suspension will cope yet - need to try it in the UK a bit - I may want it revalving?

That should keep me busy...

Anyway it looks like me and Mezzydog are on for Xmas leaving provisionally boxing day and we have 3 weeks.

Also there is an advert in this months Trail Bike Magazine (TBM) for riders to join this trip - no phone calls yet however as long as at least 1 other rider is with me then I'm much happier from a safety point of view, I would be concerned about a group bigger than 4 as well since I think it would start to slow things down considerably.

Anyway the pub becons...

LostSaffa 15 Oct 2007 11:58

Hi guys,

well it seems like there could well be three of us on for the ride. I will check with work this week about the period as paid holiday, which should be fine, and we can go from there! my email address is Travis@pentrichpix.co.uk

As far as the bike goes I ride a '98 Peg that I bought a few months ago, with trail tires and other than that its the standard Red and silver scheme with no other mods. I am looking too at panniers but can't really afford them at the moment, so I currently tour with a large rucksack that rests on the seat to take the strain off my back, and I have a small Givi top box. I am trying to restore it back to its glory as a lot of corrossion has occured as it was previously in North Scotland, but other than that and a few niggly electrical glitches its a beauty!

As far as my riding experience goes, I am from South Africa originally and used to compete in national motocross champs and Enduro, so my off-road experience is better than my road. I have taken my Peg off-road once and had great fun, although quite a heavy bugger if you drop it or slide around a bit.

Anyways drop me an email and we can confirm things closer the time.

Ciao

Travis Culverwell

MEZ 15 Oct 2007 20:08

LostSaffa, where You gone man??????
Not gonna spit Ya dummy out if We kick Your ass in the World Cup eh??? Seriously though here, can You get intouch if You genuinely up for the Dakar thing, cheers, Mezza.:mchappy:

MysteryB 16 Oct 2007 22:07

Dakar 2007
 
Hi Guys

Myself and two mates caught some of the 2007 Dakar, we caught the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbo to cut out the ride down through france.

Acciona Ferries

We had a great time in Morocco and the rally was fantasic. If you have got any questions send me a email.

ed.beech@mysterybeach.co.uk

LostSaffa 22 Oct 2007 18:33

Right now that the rugby is out of the way.....sorry for the delay responding but I did in fact lose your email with your number. If you could resend that would be awesome. Well as things stand I want to go down Boxing Day but I am probably not going to stay for three weeks and rather two weeks or a little less. But it would be nice to have company on the way down and for a few days!

Are your provisions still the same?

Trav

Tim Cullis 24 Oct 2007 17:47

I've followed bits of the rally for the last two years and may do the same in 2008. In 2006 I went to Portugal, watched the scrutineering process, then saw a couple of locations on the special stage on day 1. Day 2 we went straight to Algeciras rather than watch the specials.

If the rally goes Malaga to Melilla/Nador, then you probably won't be able to catch the same boat as it's an exclusive charter. On day 3 they go Nador to Errachidia, and it's possible to intercept the rally at the end of day 3 by crossing to Ceuta and going via Azrou, Midelt etc. If you have the map issued by Euromaster it's detailed enough to work out where the special stage finishes.

I would emphasise that keeping up with the rally is hard work even if all you do is stay on tarmac, they cover long distances. However there's nothing to beat watching the start of a special in the middle of a total wilderness, just feet away from the competitors.

Tim

men8ifr 24 Oct 2007 18:22

Thanks Tim - will try to incorporate that info into any route. I am planning to arrive in Morocco 1 week before the rally so plenty of time to see the bits the rally doesn't cover. I was thinkign of trying to watch for the 3 days its in Morocco - yes it covers a lot of distance and by road it the only hope we could have of keeping up. I was hoping to travel by road then maybe a bit of off road to watch the rally go past in their off road sections.

men8ifr 24 Oct 2007 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostSaffa (Post 155522)
Right now that the rugby is out of the way.....sorry for the delay responding but I did in fact lose your email with your number. If you could resend that would be awesome. Well as things stand I want to go down Boxing Day but I am probably not going to stay for three weeks and rather two weeks or a little less. But it would be nice to have company on the way down and for a few days!

Are your provisions still the same?

Trav

Please leave a phone number - it sounds like you want to come, we are in the process of starting to booking ferries so need to get in touch with you mine is 02476 501 601 Ian

LostSaffa 25 Oct 2007 13:41

No worries Ian

my number is 0777 579 1865, but I will give you a shout this evening on your number work permitting. I agree with Tim that it is quite likely we will follow them for a day and just have to give in as they do massive distances even until after dark. Anyway chat later.

Travis

paul eden 2 Nov 2007 20:38

dakar rally
 
Am also interested in following rally to Dakar.Does anyone have information on visas, etc.Will be in marocco from November onwards.Appreciate any help.

Paul:scooter:

men8ifr 9 Nov 2007 16:50

Hi Paul,

I guess you may be in Morocco already? for visa's it seems to be the case that you can get all the stuff at the entry port and fill the forms in - it may help if you pick up a form available on the boat and fill that in before getting to the desks. I think one of the regular posters here (maybe Tim Cullins) has a very good website which includes a translation of the forms to English. If you're struggling it sounds like there are plenty of 'helpers' probably hassling you who can help for a fee....

What bike are you riding, how long are you in Morocco are you doing any off roading, I'm looking for new riding partners from Dec 26th ish to Jan 19th ish since for various reasons it looks like Mezzydog and lost saffa are not coming any more : (

paul eden 12 Nov 2007 19:00

morrocco or bust
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by men8ifr (Post 158417)
Hi Paul,
I guess you may be in Morocco already? for visa's it seems to be the case that you can get all the stuff at the entry port and fill the forms in - it may help if you pick up a form available on the boat and fill that in before getting to the desks. I think one of the regular posters here (maybe Tim Cullins) has a very good website which includes a translation of the forms to English. If you're struggling it sounds like there are plenty of 'helpers' probably hassling you who can help for a fee....

What bike are you riding, how long are you in Morocco are you doing any off roading, I'm looking for new riding partners from Dec 26th ish to Jan 19th ish since for various reasons it looks like Mezzydog and lost saffa are not coming any more : (


Hi mate
Am heading off to Morrocco in a couple of weeks.
Have just bought an F650 GS Dakar with all the bells & whistles,so am raring
to go,just have to finish a bit of work to keep tha Wolf from the door.
Thanks for the info,I will be around at the time you,re going to be there,so perhaps we can meet up!
Look forward to hearing from you

Paul

men8ifr 13 Nov 2007 14:40

Hi Paul -

Yes at the moment it's just me thinking of going down there and i'm a bit concerned about riding on some of the more remote pistes by myself.

Are you planning on riding on or off road and are you there until Mid Jan? Do you fancy riding a lot of pistes?

Perhaps give me a call if you can on 02476 501 601 to sort something out.

Ian


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