CHASING THE HORIZON

Another excellent Dakar vid

Not long to go now!

Lounge room floor likes like a bomb has gone off. No way will I get down to the required 23 kg. Going to have to pay excess baggage fees.

 

DESTINATION DAKAR

So he we are, sitting in Sydney. The months of waiting and wasting time on YouTube are over. In a hour or so we board our flying kangaroo bound for Sth America and the Dakar rally.

 

The Dakar is often referred to as the most dangerous sporting event in the world. I'm not sure I agree, the TT is, I think more dangerous, but there is no mistaking the numbers of the Dakar. 8000 Kim's, 3 countries, 700 competitors, 3000 support staff, 16 days, and 4 gringos from Brisbane. Over the next 3 weeks we will chasing the Dakar a much as we possibly can. We have hooked up with Magnus from Outback adventure treks who is looking after the logistics.

 

Check out his website at www.outbackadventuretreks.com.au

We will be riding XR 650 Hondas.

It's going to be a wild ride. You can follow my spot tracking here.

http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=5c7050d4d42f429e1

Will be updating the blog as we go as best I can so stay tuned. As always we love your comments but can't promise to be able to reply until we get time.

 

ADVENTUREMOTO.COM.AU

Almost forgot to mention the outstanding service of Steve of adventuremoto.com.au. On the flight down to Sydney, the brand new gear bag that I had bought specifically for this trip had a major hemorrage and almost spilt its contents of old undies out on the carousel at the airport. A frantic to call to Steve and not only was a new Klim gear bag duly delivered, but we were also invited to his mates awesome apartment at Potts point over looking Sydney harbour for the New Year's Eve fireworks. Steve also shares my birthday of news years eve and while details are sketchy, I do know we had one one of the best NYE nights EVA !

 

We also got to spend the night with Simon and Lisa Thomas of 2ridetheworld.com. These 2 are motorcycling touring royalty and an absolute scream. They have been travelling around the world for the past 10 years visiting 75 countries and have done 430 000 Kim's (that's not a typo).

A massive thanks to Steve and Katjia for hosting us. We had a ball.

 

Have you ever seen Santiago from a 747 at night?

Had a bit of of stress when i had to advise an asian bloke toke to turn his stupid ipad game sound down in the qantas club. What is it with Asians and their fuckin nintendos? this jerk was fifty and playin games like a 10 year old? Anyway after I had taken care of international relations we had brekky and boarded the big bird the trip over was pretty uneventful.

Bloody bumpy though. I think the captain was looking for all the back roads.. Lucky gin doesn't stain.

Am defineatly not flying bloody baggage class on a long haul again after this trip though. Fuck that I'm getting too old and cranky for this shit.

 

Had to have a little chat with the little ladyboy sitting in front of me about reclining his chair back into my face, I want to kill him but it wouldn't be right (yes i know too much Paul Kelly) but he soon accepted my point of view and all was good. (After I promised him he was in for a very shitful flight if he didn't sit the fuck up)

Buzz and I did our best to demolish the supplies of on board Gin thinking that we could drink all the way over and still be sober when we landed because we arrived 2 hours before we started drinking. How cool is that? The other boys were content to watch a few movies (i don't have the attention span to watch a full movie.) although we have nearly converted JB to the wonderful world of Juniper berry juice.

That's Anthony the cotton farmer from Narrabri sitting next to Chris. He will be from here on in be known as #5.

Magnus decided he didn't want to sit with us.....no idea why??????.

There were some interesting chats going on between seats. And Buzz was laughing just that bit too loud at the crap top gear gags of

Which he watched all 4 billion episodes.

Oh and who knew holding a little spot tracker with its little flashing red lights up to the window on the emergency exit would creat so much interest from the cabin crew. Best you be sitting down sir they said. Here's a gin they said.

Happy days.

We eventually made it into Santiago with no real damage. Had to wait for 5 hours or so to get our connecting flight to Lima. Crazy taxi ride to our hotel and we got our first glimpse of the Dakar Bivouac. Looks insane. But we also have had a major problem with the bikes which haven't made it here yet from Bolivia. This could be a issue to say the least. Magnus is on it trying to sort it out.

We are all pretty trashed and having a quiet beer before heading out to dinner. Hopefully the bike situation will get sorted tonight.

 

 

Lima, Peru.

Tried a Pisco sour which is a very popular local cocktail manufactured from rocket fuel. Fitting name too you only need one to get very Pisco indeed.

Lots of confusion over what's happening with the bikes. They were supposed to be here but the guy bringing them from Bolivia was unable to get them across the border. Not sure what happens now but Magnus is on it. After a pretty restless night we got up early had breaks and jumped into a taxi to try and find the local 4wd shop to see how it compares to the ones back home ;-)

Unfortunately that is easier said than done and after looking and walking around for a couple of hours we gave up and headed to the parc Ferme of the Dakar.

 

And what a sight that was. Unbeleivable. The competitors were going through final scruntineering and we got  pretty close to some of those amazing trucks. The bikes were a little hard to get close to but we had a great time wandering around checking out everything. The scenery was brilliant

 

 

 

 

Had a great little chat with aussie Todd Smith and Brisbane boy Andrew Scott

 

 

The people here are hilarious. They think we are competitors and keep

Asking us for photos. They are particularly keen on Buzz's beard.

 We kept up the tradition of blagging our way into corporate facilities and were very kindly invited into the Karcher suite where we firmly planted our noses in the trough.

 

The other boys couldn't believe it but were happy to be trained in the art of corporate gluttony.

 

Inevitably we overstayed our welcome though and we had a bit of trouble

With the local security.

 

Spent the afternoon wandering around acting like pissed movies stars and having a great time.

 

 

Cheered on our mate Bruce Garland.

 

Then headed back to the hostel, where the shit has hit the fan. Our bikes are not going to make it due to a change in Bolivian export laws. (They bikes were being cross hired from Bolivia)

To say we are devastated is an understatement. We are trying to put a plan in place where we fly across to La Paz pick up the bikes and ride around there for a few days then fly down to Tucuman for the Dakar rest day, then into Santiago to pick up some more bikes and chase the final stages of the rally. Not an ideal plan but the best we van come up with.

Was a pretty stressful and late night, but we are determined to have a great time regardless.

Keep your fingers crossed for us that it all falls into place.

 

Lima liaisons.

So we think we have a plan. Defineatly no chance of getting bikes in from Bolivia, so we are going to stay here for the start tomorrow, then on Sunday fly across to Bolivia to meet the bikes and ride around there for a few days, then either drive or fly to Tucoman in Argentina for the rest day next Saturaday for which we have bivouac passes. Spend the day there then head across to Santiago and hopefully hire some new bikes and chase the last stages of the Dakar. Certainly not want we have been planning fr the past 12 months, but the best we can do under the circumstances. We are determined to make the most of the trip, so hopefully no more setbacks.

Chris and JB headed to the shops this morning, while Buzz and I jumped in a taxi and had a wild tour around the back blocks of Lima looking for a 4wd shop. (Gotta claim this on tax somehow). Our cabbie was Manuel an absolute nut case. Don't how many close calls we survived and we ended up in a very dodgy part of town, which was ok until the taxi broke Down. Lucky I had thought to bring my own mechanic along and Buzz had in sorted just as the locals started to close in on us.

 

We decided that I didn't really need to claim a tax refund and headed out as fast as we could back to the Dakar Bivvy whe we once again got our fill of fresh sammiches and cold beer.

Also got mobbed by the crowd who think we are competitors and spent an hour so doing photos and autographs. Totally hilarious and you can't get away from them. They also think that Buzz is Jesus Christ because of his beard so he had to do a few communions and confessions.

Oh well if its keeps the punters happy

 

We had to escape the madness so decided to head home to do some blog updates and stuff. The Internet at the hostel is crap, so we called into the local hairdresser. Stole their Internet and got a blowjob.

Then off to a romantic dinner, and a bar which turned out to be a strip club. Who knew, we felt like fish out of water so home to bed.

Big day tomorrow, finally the Dakar starts.

 

 

Dakar is Go

Just had the most amazing day watching the start of Dakar 2013. Me and 2 million of my closest friends all clamouring to get into the best position. It was absolutely nuts.

We got up super early and headed straight down to the podium area.

We were pretty lucky to get a vantage point on a park bench which gave us

a reasonable view of the start line. Good thing we went early, any later and

we wouldn't have got anywhere near as good the crowd was amazing.

I have never been surrounded by so many people but every one was there for a good time

And we never felt intimidated despite all the photo requests and man handling. It was quite fun actually.

 

Brissy boy Andrew Scott. (Below) If anyone knows how to contact him could you please let me know, I have some shots of him I would like to send. We had a chat the other day he is a very nice guy.

 

Aussie Mat Fish

Factory Honda. Not sure which rider.

Swede Hans Ulevester always pleases the crowd

The cars weren't quite as exciting but Robbi Gordon tried to liven things up a bit.

JB seem to be more interested in the lady boys that were chatting him up. He soon changed his tune when we told him what he was talking to. They are quite common around here apparently.

It was stinking hot so we decided to go for a wander down to the beach and dip our toes into the Pacific Ocean

We were a tad over dressed but the locals didn't mind and we were once again mobbed by the locals who I think see as some sort of freak show. JB Dundee in particular drew a lot of attention today.

Fortunately no tsunami today.

 

 

One for the girls. Don't say I'm not equal opportunity.

And then the trouble started.

 

 

Fortunately the lady policeman was in a good mood and let us go.

The trucks were huge.

 

And the crowd amazing. Had ouch in a little cafe as the trucks blasted past horns blazing which was pretty cool

The heat was taking its toll so we decided to head back to out hostel.

Finding a taxi big enough to take us all was a problem.

Met a Kiwi guy called Brett today who lives here and has invited us out to dinner at one of the pubs tonight. Tomorrow we fly to Bolivia and pick up some bikes. We are all pretty keen to get riding. Still quite disappointed we won't get to see as many stages as we wanted.

More in a day or 2.

 

At the Copa Copacabana

Was an early start to get to the airport to get our flight to Julica.

Crazy cab ride again but we made it with a little time to spare. Got slugged with excess baggage but fortunately Magnus paid for us.

Had a great flight across Buzz was thinking all his Christmases had come had come at once when he got a little Santa pack. He was so excited. Cute little fella he is.

 

I was seated next to a lovely old Peruvian couple who had never flown before and didn't have a clue what to do including doing up their seat belts or lowering their tray table, so I played air steward and helped them along and ended up having the best time with them although we didn't speak a word. I think they loved it as well. The look on her face when I showed them the photo on took on my phone was priceless.

Took about an hour or so before we landed at Julica airport.

No QANTAS club and Luxurious it isn't but we grabbed a coffee while we waited for Corey to pick us up and take us to copacabana where we were still are not 100 percent sure the bikes had arived.

When Corey arrived we were relieved to hear that the bikes had indeed turned up. We had an hours drive to get to Copacabana via the border crossing. Amazing to see how people live in this part of the world.

Our driver Dani wasa great driver and she knew quite a bit about the place and gave us a running commentary which was pretty cool. Drive through a huge downpour complete with sleet and hail, which obstructed our veiw of Lake Titicaca. The worlds highest perched lake, but we got a good veiw a little later On.

The border crossing into Bolivia was prettystraght forward.

Eventually we made it to Copacabana. (Not the one in the song) and checked into our hotel. It's quite a nice hotel and we had a great meal. The veiw from our patio is very nice. Only downsideis  I have to share a double bed with Buzz, but hey it's not the first time.

Altitude here is 3800 metres, so it's a bit of an effort to carry backs and stuff around and very easy to run out of breath.

 

Oh and our bikes are defineatly here. Woohoo ! Tomorrow we get to finally go for a ride. How long for we don't know as we still don't if we can get them across the argentine border. But we will try.

 

Finally on the road

So was a not a bad sleep all things considered. It was a bit chilly but luckily Buzz had packed his favourite winter hairy vest, so it was quite comfy.

Was cool to finally get on the bikes. We headed over a fantastic mountain range that had a great surface and heaps of fun corners and the views over lake Titicaca were spectacular.

We descended into a little seaside village where we caught a rickety barge across the bay. Was a a tense ride, the deck was full of holes, but we made it across safely.

 

 

 

We rode along what is known as the altiplano highway which in itself wasn't that exciting, but at 4000 metres it must do strange things to people. We saw some seriously strange shit. Don't think I was hallucinating .

 

Corey needed to go on the bank so we stopped at a large town who's name. I cant remember. The trafiic was horrendous. Trucks belching out black fumes and crazy bus drivers. Took over 2 hours for Corey to get some cash and we were pretty pleased to get out of there.

Bolivia is a strange place. All the towns look exactly the same. Miles and miles of mud brick huts and rubbish everywhere.This was one of the flasher ones.

We managed to dodge all the storms and arrived at Oruru

Checked into a hotel and in no time at all Buzz was searching for some wifi.

Had pizza for dinner and short walk around town.

No idea where we are going tomorrow.

 

 

FREEZING OUR LLAMAS OFF

Lots of pics in tonights post.

Awoke to the blaring of prerecorded church bells at 6.45 this morning, then again at 6.48, 6.49, 6,50, 6,55 6.56 and 7. No ones gets to sleepin in this town. It was pissing down rain so the call was made for full wets. Some of us went over the top

We set out in the freezing rain. The traffic was horrendous, but we kept ourselves amused by revving fuck out of our bikes which in turn sets off any car alarm within 100 metres. It was hilarious.

Came across a protest march complete with fireworks.

 

We were headed south and it wasn't looking good. We also had some bik issues. JB,s bike kept stalling and Buzz's was running like shit. (Although this was later traced to the choke being on........dickhead. Who would forget to turn the choke off? I have never done anything like that.)

After about 100 Kay's we decided we better pull in to a cafe for lunch before all the skinny blokes got hypothermia. Had a great lunch of soup and pasta.

See the fat happy bloke and the miserable cold skinny bloke.

Once the skinny blokes had thawed out we continued on southwards into the dunes and past a police road bike looking for contraband with the weather clearing and we finally got on to some fun roads.

The first dunes sorted the men from the boys. (Fatty vs skinny) although I did let the fatty's down with a small fall.

 

We passed through old villages. The people are very shy but open up when we wave and yell out hello......and give them money for their crap tasting roasted beans.

Corey is only 4 ft tall so I'm not sure how tall she is.

The riding was fantastic through some spectacular scenery. Even came across tonight's dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

Buzz was scoping out dinner

 

 

 

 

 

The things you see on the road are not dissimilar to what we see on in Australia

Cept the wildlife is much cuterer and also edible apparently.

 Came across some old structures that we think were used as Kilns for baking mud bricks

Of course Buzz had to climb up

And then with just a few Kay's to go to our overnight stop, Magnus got a flat tyre and we all ran out of fuel.......well most of us did.....well me and Anthony did. Luckily trash is strewn around everywhere and we able to find a bottle and drain some fuel from Chris's bike which is fitted with a supertanker fuel tank.

We were all pretty tired by this stage and were wondering what the hotel would be like. We needn't have worried. It looks likes shit from the out but is pretty cool on the inside.

Remember the wildlife shots from before? Yep llama.

Corey found this awesome restaurant called lithium. Even had wifi so Chris shot off an email home

 

This shot for Sammy's dad.

And guess what we had for dinner? .........poor little Lenny the Llama?

Tomorrow Uyuni salt flats.

 

Sol de Uyuni and the worlds highest cartwheel

The day started well with us all getting lost within 100 metres of the hotel. Good thing we had coms and we were able to regroup at the town square complete with its weird statue.

 

Our destination for the day was the Uyuni salt flats. The largest in the world. 12000 square kilometres and complete with a hotel right in the centre. In Australia it would be fenced off and you would be charged a fee to even look at it let alone ride or drive on it. Not here. Go as hard as you like so we did. Did some speed trials on the F800. I only managed 200klm/h and was only able to keep my eyes closed for 5 seconds. Some of the other boys kept their eyes closed longer but wer'nt going as fast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had a lovely lunch of chip butties.

Then after a little more circle work headed up into the hills to a mining town where the film Butch Cassidy and the Sun dance kid was filmed. The road was brilliant and the race was on. And that's when the shit hit the fan or to be more precise JB hit the rock and hard. One of the most spectacular cartwheels I have ever seen. How he wasn't hurt defies logic and even the bike came out basically unscathed. Have it all on video but will have to upload when I get home

 

We soon had him out of the ditch and continued on our way up the mountain. The village featured a train museum including the one used in the film.

 

The village is also a working silver mine second in size only to Broken Hill mine in Australia

The caretaker was wrapped when buzz gave him a kangaroo hat pin.

Headed back to Uyuni thru a massive hail storm then pizza and beer for dinner.

 

 

Wild Wild West.

This mornings drama was a flat tyre for Buzz. That was quickly repaired and we set off. Destination Tupiza

Despite the road being a major thoroughfare it was pretty rough. We crossed some sand dunes and I had a huge face plant which I have on video. Will post when I get home.

 

Had sand in places sand should never be.

 

We came to a flooded crossing that was too deep to cross but a truck driver told us of a rail bridge a little up upstream where we could get the bikes across, so we set off into the dunes to find it.

Was much deeper than it looks.

We decided it would be just as easy to follow the line into the next town rather than go back across the dunes to the road. The scenery was awesome.

Was very wary that there might be an oncoming train but luckily not.

 

We soon came to the town of Atocha, with its colourful cemetery and had lunch in the town square, complete with its very own Cessna 172 . No I have no idea either.

Corey had gone to the shops and bought us some bread and fruit and stuff for lunch. Was all good till Magnus tried the canned tuna. We all got a good laugh when we discovered it was Tuna alright, but the sort that kitty would find more appealling. How do you say whiskas in Spanish ?

Magnus says Meeeowww.

These kids loved the little koalas and kangaroos we gave them.

 

We set off again into some of the most amazing scenery I have ever seen. Straight out of a John Wayne movie.

 

We spent most of the the afternoon above 4000 metres, which is about 2 Klm's higher than Mt Koziosco .

That's the highest we have been and we were all short of breath but fortunately no signs of altitude sickness.

The roads were brilliant. The race was on.

 

 

 

 

Was a great afternoons riding but unfortunately our last for a few days as tomorrow we cross into Argentina and we are unable to take the bikes with us, so for the next few days it's a road trip in the cars to at least catch up with the Dakar and get to the rest day in Tucuman. Then once we get back into Chile we will pick up some more bikes.

 

INTO ARGINETINA

So a slight change of plans this morning. We decided to try and get one of the bikes across the border. A volunteer was called for to ride the bike and while everyone else took a backward step, Dumbass me was left standing there with a stupid grin on my face.

Was a beautiful morning and I was thoroughly enjoying the ride through some spectacular countryside.

Even had a little play along the side of the highway and only had one scary moment.

 

And then we hit the border crossing. Absolute mayhem. Cars trucks bikes trolleys, donkeys. You name it and it was there. It took us over 4 hours to get across. Total disarray with the officials causing most of the problems. No organisation whatsoever ever. We eventually convinced them to allow us to to take a bike across. But what a disorganised mob they are.

Contraband is fine though.

Nice fabrics in the markets.

But at least the border guards were cute. This is Sol from Argentina. I gave her a koala and she gave me her official Argentinian gendarme police patch which was pretty cool, so from here on in you shall all address me as Gendarme Guy of the argentine police force. Ok?

After going through all the processes and having all our luggage x-rayed, we finally were allowed to pass.

We had a gourmet lunch of Orio choc chip bickies, then Buzz took over the bike for a while.

The run into Salta was through some magnificent mountain ranges and we have finally caught back up with the Rally.

Buzz looks sexy in my jacket doesn't he? He looks even better with my helmet on.

Was after midnight when we finally got into Salta in booked into our shithole hostel. I am lucky to be alive after going to the toilet in that place. Corey and I were starving so we headed out for a burger and a beer then hit the flea pit for a well deserved rest after a huge day.

 

Salta was nice but with only 4 hours sleep it was a tough start to the day. The church looked awesome in the morning light.

No one else was keen to ride the bike so I jumped on again and set off into the country side.

We have caught up again with the Dakar and found a spot on the side of the road to get some pics. We belive The days stage was cancelled due to a flooded river and are hearing reports of all sorts of carnage.

The scenery here was also very good. Just look at those trees.

And Check out this scooter

Tritons are popular as service trucks. Might have to steal Sams

The ignorant prick that wouldn't let us take his photo the other day.

Just some bogans.

Bailed Bruce and Harry up.

 

Forgot to post a pic of my police badge. Cool eh?

Ever time I stopped I was mobbed by locals.

 

The road is lined with people along the whole way all screaming and waving and taking pics. Makes me feel like a rock star . If only they knew I was a nobody eh?

We descended down a magnificent road through the rain forest. Was amazing.

 

The road into Tucuman was lined with Police.

And thousands of people.

 

Have booked into a really cool hotel run by the most lovely family who can't do enough to help us and make us feel welcome.

This the veiw across the road

And down the street

 

Had a huge steak and a bottle of Malbec for dinner and can't remember much of what happened after that but I vaguley remember staggering the streets eating McDonald's ice cream and woke up in my bed with both my kidneys, so it all ended well.

 

Next up is rest day at the Dakar Bivvy. Should be a huge day of corporate gluttony.

Love to youse all. x

 

TUCUMAN BIVOUAC 1

Today we had one of the best days I have for a long long time. Unlimited access into the holy grail of The Dakar Bivouac area. Words won't be enough so I will post lots of pics. The bike truck and car nuts are going to love this.

One of Robbie Gordon's service trucks.

Did some shopping. The sales assistant was very helpful.

 

 

Closest we could get to Cyril Despres

 

 

Lunch in the competitors area.

 

 

Bivvy 2

Warren Strange

Apparently this guy was on Farmer wants a wife. I have no idea what that has to do with Dakar.

Aria (the blonde Giraffe) from Glen Hoffman racing

Even Dakar legends have to eat lunch.

The boss of Dakar Ettiane Levine.

Me and Bruce

Richo Bruce's support truck driver is a crack up.

Buzz and Mat Fish. This guy has a massive story to tell. Pushed his bike for 11 Klm's then did an engine change on the side of the road by himself.

Glenn Hoffman gave us a personal tour of his team pit.

Nasser Alitier. No jokes about Rag heads, he was very nice.

Do you like my socks? Sexy eh?

 

 

 

 

Bivvy 3

Legends

 

Simon Pavey"s bike was on fire just minutes before this pic was taken but he was still very friendly.

 

These kids were selling thirst. When I said I needed a bigger size he just stretched it out. Very funny.

We also got a personal tour of the imperial Toyota hilux by one of the team mechanics. Note to boys at work. Have my car looking like this by the time I get home.

We gave Rod Faggotter some Aussie stickers to Putin his bike. He was wrapped.

Troy Connor with the busted oil cooler that put him out of the race he was devasted but still took the time to chat to us.

Buzz, Ben Grabben and Andrew Scott.

Buzz winding up the crowd.

As I said an amazing day. All the teams were very welcoming and happy to show us around which was just brilliant.

Tomorrow we intend to get into a stage, but we need to bring in Chris and JB's washing first.

 

Finally Our first stage

Its taken a while but we finally got to watch our firsts stage today. After staying up till about 1am uploading the last blog it was a very bleary eyed me that was awoke at 5am for our 6am departure.

Our fantastic hosts at the hostel were also up early and made us a well appreciated cafe and crossants. Huge thanks to Lou and her awesome family at the La Garda hostel in Tucuman for their brilliant hospitality. Remember Lou you must come and stay with us sometime.

It was Chris's turn to ride the bike today and I must admit to not being unhappy about sitting in the air conditioned Datsun. Even got a go at driving for a bit and only scared the crap out of 2 Drivers.

We had lunch at a roadside cafe that was straight out of the movies. All it needed was tumbleweed rolling down the street unit was a great feed. It was Also popular with some of the crews.

We have a new edition to the team today. Meet Lenny from Sydney. That's her 2nd from the left. Lovely lovely lady and as keen on the racing as we are.

As Chris was riding it was his turn to be the token rock star.

From ther it was into a spectator area not far from Cordoba. We had a great time watching the cars and bikes and cheering on the Aussies. Was also great fun mingling with the locals who find us all a bit of a novelty. Buzz and I even got interviewed again for TV.

Me and one of my brothers of the gendarme of the Argentinian police form.

Rod Faggotter from Longreach has been doing extremely well, but for some reason has been penalised and will start form 60 tomorrow. Probably doing too well me thinks.

National hero Patronelli on the quad. The crowd goes wild when he goes past. Especially the women.

It was stinking hot so we were all searching for some shade while waiting or the cars to come through.

The boys from coconut racing in cairns are doing extremely well after a few issues the other day.

The was appeared to be a huge fire on the track not far from where were and there wasa hold up to racing so we headed off to our hotel in Dean Fornes for a well earned shower and dinner.

 

Hopefully more pics and stories from the stages tomorrow.

 

 

 

Another stage another shared bed

 

Buzz's turn on the bike today.

So this morning we had a 2 hour drive to get into the spectator area . Passed through some very traditional villages and saw some cool stuff.

have never seen so many people required to inflate a tyre

Johnny was just enjoying taking in all the culture.

Chris and I had a great time in a local store trying to buy batteries. The store keeper must of thought we were idiots as we tried to explain what we wanted. I ended up with eight chuppa chups instead of batteries.

They tasted better than batteries anyway.

Was a scenic run into the spectating area.

Came across a guy on a Africa twin lying in the road. We picked him up and he was fine. While we we picking him his mates came past with not so much as a wave or are you ok? Very strange.

We arrived at the speccy point just in time to see Ben Grabaham go past.

Also saw Rod Faggotter and a few of the other Aussies go past.

 

It was stinking hot with no shade so me and Lenny dug out her best rags and tried to blend in.

 

The Argintinians really know how to have a good time and no pig is safe when they get together.

Not a vegetarian or vegetable in sight and the canivores devoured a whole pig in about 5 minutes flat. Was impressive to watch. They set about drinking hot red wine from a jug in the roaring sun. True champions of gluttony.

We watched a few cars go through.

 

The local kids love Buzz. I think it's because of the boiled lollies he hands out......or might be the the kangaroo key rings, not sure.

We also saw the trucks in action for the first time today. Much more impressive and faster than I thought they would be and they sound great.

 

After watching the trucks for a while we set off on our 140 klm drive to our overnight stop near villa deplores, where the lack of planning by our tour guide has once again come to the fore with eight of us crammed into a small house. Some guys are sleeping on the floor while Chris and JB share a bed and Buzz and I once again having to share a bed. It's getting beyond a joke now. We are not impressed.

Long transport in the car tomorrow to Mendoza (That should be fun) so may not update unless something interesting happens.

 

No motorcycle content today

So unless you are extremely bored there is nothing to see here.

The house looked okay from the outside and in fact it was ok inside. (Apart from the resident cane toad) just wasn't suited to sleeping eight of us.

Had a shit sleep and we copped a Massive downpour that lasted most of the night and into the morning. Poor old Anthony had volunteered to ride the bike and he couldn't ave chosen a worse day. Was raining when we left but then later cleared to a stinking hot day and on the straightest roads. Was very similar to crossing the nullabor.

 

Chris and I took turns driving the Datsun. Took him a while to get used to it.

And he was knackered after his stint and did some great noddy dog impersonations afterwards

We had a great lunch at a roadside Cantina.

Luscious Lenny can eat twice her body weight.

While I took to a flagon for some fortification for the drive ahead.

Had an ice cream.

Then into Mendoza where we have checked into yet another pretty ordinary hotel, but at least we have our own beds.

Another high protein meal for dinner and poofter drinks for JB then into bed.

 

I am back on the bike tomorrow and we cross the Andes back into Chile.

 

Across the Andes

Was my turn on the bike again today andwhat a brilliant day it was. I have certainly jagged the good days.

Had a quick coffee and set off.

 

The road following a large river through some huge mountains and was in great condition.

 

There was a few Wankas on the road.

 

We climbed up to 3000 metres and came across an ancient Incan thermal pool resort

 

Took about 3 hours to get across the border crossing into Chile.

Much better than the other day.

Shortly after we descended through this? Yes it was fun, although a little slippery due to diesel being spilt by all the trucks. Had a couple of very exciting moments.

 

Made it into Santiago about 7pm and the traffic was horrendous. Half decent hotel for a change and a great Italian dinner.

Heading north tomorrow to try and catch up with the Dakar circus again.

 

Up the Pan American. (And back down again)

The hotel we stayed in was actually pretty cool and they let us park the XR in the foyer.

 

We headed off to pick up our bikes that we will have for the last few days.

 Was quite a mixture available with a couple of XTZ660r's, a couple of Honda transalp 700 and a sole XTZ660z. I promptly threw the XR at Magnus and jumped on the XTZ. Don't think Magnus was impressed. Oh well ! Ivan that ran the business and his son were awesome. Can't remember his name but will find out.

 The Tenere was Quite a nice bike. Not as good as my beloved 640 though, but nice all the same after the XR, although it did give me a bit of fright just a few Kay's into the ride when it lost its clutch. Fortunately my prepacked  mechanic was clode by and Buzz soon diagnosed a broken fritz but was able to fix it with some fencing wire, some tissues that he always carries and some ointment and I was soon underway again. Handy man that fella.

Unfortunately we also had some bad news today, when while having a short coffee break at a McDonald's, Anthony's camelback was stolen by some fleapit thieving scumbag asshole. Passport, camera and a few dollars gone. Bastards. We reviewed the video and clearly saw the pricks grab it while we were ordering coffee and run out and drive off. Poor old Anthony hasn't had a ad a great trip, being sick for the first few days, drawing the short straw on the rides he got and now this. He and Magnus had to head back to Santiago to arrange a replacement passport so Anthony can get home on Monday. Really feel sorry for him as he Is a lovely guy.

The rest of us set off up the Pan American highway into the daily fog known as the Chuppa changa. ( or something like that. Was very eery riding in that pea soup ad cold too.

Had a lovely lunch at the Parador. Best empanadas eva!

Our destination was the town known as Calien baja and we arrive only to discover that there are 2 Calien Baja in chile and the one we want was 140 Klm's back the way we had come.

Not much too see at the first one. This the whole town.

We back tracked to where were supposed to be and met up with Corey and Lucius Lenny who had driven up in the Datsun.

Tomorrow we will try and watch the final stage of the Dakar before heading back to Santiago for the finish.

 

 

 

 

 

The final stage

It was a 5 am start for us today to get into the spectator area, where we would have to stay until after the final vehicle goes past.

 

We set up our tent embassy amongst the sleeping campers.

Some of the other punters had been partying all night and the KLR club of Chile were still in full swing.

These guys were very friendly offering us beers and food.

Met a couple of young fellas from from Santiago and one gave me his hat, after I gave him a ride on the Tenere.

Luscious Lenny was getting right into it.

These things hurt when you fall into them. Don't ask me how I know this.

Was a long wait but finally the first of the bikes came through.

 

 

Captured this bit of vid.

 

 

Rod Faggotter from Longreach has had a huge Dakar and gave us a big wave as he went past the tent embassy.

 

And then the cars. Robbin Gordon was as spectacular as usual. Pity he is such a orick.

The boys from Cairns did an awesome job.

The 4.5 litre V8 Hiluxes sounded great

The mini's were boring as batshit to watch.

 

 

 

 

 

Final stage part 2

 

Every where I went people offered me beer. These guys were great fun.

 

Pissed as newts they were.

The trucks were brilliant. The top trucks are faster than most of the cars.

Eventually the field started to thin out and we decided to make a run for it. So with our eyes firmly planted in our mirrors we entered the course and made our escape. Luckily we wer'nt run over by any back markers and the police at the end of the stage simply waved us through.

At a refuel we met up with Ritchie who is in the Red Earth racing truck. Who in turn is the fast assist truck for the Garland racing team. Unfortunatly Bruce went out the other day with engine trouble but the other car has finished, which is great.

 

Richie let us climb up into the truck for a look which was pretty cool.

 

Buzz didn't fit in, but was in his element. Talk about a kid in a lollie shop.

Then a high speed blast back into Santiago . Buzz on the Tenere, me on the Transalp. What an underwhelming bike that is. Stopped at a roadside stall selling cakes and filled my helmet with cream after te ake exploded while I was trying to stuff in my gob with my helmet on.

The lollie girl thought we were a bit strange.

Tomorrow we will check out the podium finish and have a bit of a look around.

 

 

 

 

THE PODIUM FINISH

Sadly the last day of our epic adventure today. Feeling a little seedy this morning, so won't be a lot of words. Must have had a dodgy empananda last night.

Many of The streets of Santiago were closed so getting the bikes back to Ivan was a bit of a task, but eventually we battled our way across town, dropped them off then a taxi back into El Centro where the place was going off. People were 6 deep at the barricades and getting a decent vantage spot was hardwork. JB reckoned I Looked like a fat Koala.

Some guys even had to resort to jumpy things to get a veiw.

Sometimes all we could see was the back of people.

 

Have never seen these Honda dual cabs before. Very curvy.

I reckon they have a very nice shape to them and very stylish.

We finally were able to get a glimpse of the bikes.

 

But then our view got blocked again .

 

The Aussie boys did us proud.

This very nearly ended in tears .

This monster girl smelt very nice. The blokes didn't smell very nice.

Chris and JB decided to head back to the hotel, so Buzz and I went to look for a coffee.

Found a cafe known cafe de Pienne. Translated means legs cafe.These cafes are an institution in Santiago. Not only do they serve excellent coffee, but the very attractive waitresses wear skimpy clothing. Perfect.

Some are more risqué than others and I wanted to investigate further, but Buzz wanted to head back to the podium. Spoilsport he is.

We managed to blag our way into the sponsors area which was very nice indeed.

 

The master Blagger. Just look at that look of smugness.

 

Our new friend Warren from The imperial Toyota team sorted us with team hats. We are going to go riding with him in Sth Africa sometime.

This is Warren on the podium. A piss wreck and a womaniser. He should fit right in.

The crowd went nuts over the trucks.

Have you everv seen a Russian spill a drink.? No me neither till today.

The boys from Cairns finished 11th 40 seconds behind tenth.. In true Aussie style they stopped to help a fellow competitor and this cost them a top ten finish. Good Karma will come to these guys

 

Caught up with the gorgeous blonde giraffe Aria from Glen Hoffman racing again.

 

They came over to the fence to us and kitted us with shirts and hats. Very cool dudes.

Will be staying at the Cairns coconut resort from now on when I am in Cairns.

This guy tried a bit of circle work but it was lame compared to Robbie Gordon's effort.

 

Robbie is going to bring 2 cars out for the Australian safari.He has 40 trophy trucks at home to choose from. Yes 40. He has far too much money. Prick he is.

This is one of the guys from the race to recovery team. A group of ex servicemen who have been injured at war. You can't see it in the pic but he is a double leg amputee. He has bolt on legs. His wife has bolt on .......... Well you know what I mean.

 

These girls wanted have their pic taken with me, so who am I to deny them.

This young lady was strutting around like a peacock.

 

Some of the cars were lucky to make it to the finish. This damage should buff out .

This hail damage won't buff out.

 

The real final podium.

Was a huge day and we had the best time, but with exhaustion setting in we decided to head back to the hotel for a refreshing ale. On the way home we checked out the impressive Palace. Bit nicer than the hotel we stayed at.

This is Cristina the receptionist. She has a very nice personality and an interesting tattoo.

We arrived at the hotel to find the boys in full swing.

The hotel has a very nice poolside area

Here I am chatting to this girls boyfriend back in the UK via skype.I assured him that she was in safe hands and he seemed very happy about this.

This is Sophie. She was the very nice barmaid. She made great daquries but made crap pies.

The girls thought JB was errrrr interesting, in a creepy old dude kinda way.

 

We all had about 4 million drinks each and decided we had better get something to eat. These guys were having a great time.

This is Vittoria who was our waitress at the restaurant. She was absolutely gorgeous and great fun. She very patiently put up with 8 very drunk silly old hairy men.

It was a very tired an emotional group of piss wrecks that staggered back to the hotel but we had a great day.

And that my friends is the end of this sad tale. Certainly not the trip we had planned. We are all a bit disappointed that we didn't get to see as much as the Dakar as we would have liked, or ride in the massive sand dunes that we were so looking forward to but it was a fantastic trip all the same. Who knows maybe we will come back one day and see all the bits we missed. The Dakar is a very difficult event to follow. I reckon if I do it again I am going to charter one of these.

 

(Anyone want to sponsor me ?)

Our tour guides Magnus and Corey did everything they could to pull it all together and to them I say thank you. Corey you are a legend. Come ride in Aus sometime. Magnus, book me in for the Canning.

 

To my travelling partners, what can I say. A better bunch of misfits You could never find to travel with. We have had the best time together and to Buzz, Chris and JB, i say thanks for making it such a fantastic and memorable holiday. One I will never forget.

To those that have been following our adventure, what the hell is wrong with You?. No really Get a life.

Just kidding! The site has averaged around 800 views a day, which to me is just mind boggling. One day we had over 2000 views. Buggered if I know who you all are or where the hell you come from, but I do hope you have enjoyed it. Thank you for all your comments and messages, sorry I am too slack to answer them. As usual if you have enjoyed the past few weeks, I ask you to make a small donation via the PayPal button on the home page. Every cent will be donated to either the Royal flying doctor or Canteen the charity for kids with cancer. After our Euro tour last year, we raised 300 bucks which was pretty cool.

Ok I'm done. Gotta get on the big bird back to the land of Oz

 

Thanks for reading.

Guy x