Iquique to the 11th stage of the Dakar - Arica

Could it get any better.....?

After saying goodbye to our Italian friend, we were of to Arica again. Riding north, back to the 10th stage in Arica. We did the 360km odd easily especially as we met up and passed numerous of the Dakar back up vechiles and at some stages crossed with the riders as they did the special stage on the pieces of tar.

Ons word egter begroet met 'n heel ander opwinding in Arica. Orals staan mense langs die pad en waai, neem foto's en daar heers 'n ongelooflike gees tussen die Chiliane. Ons word ook sommer gesien as deelnemers en word voorwaar soos 'celebs' hanteer. Die beste vir laaste en na mooi praat met 'n Franse dametjie, kry ons dit reg om die massiewe Dakar kamp (Biviac) binne te gaan, tussen waar alles gebeur.

It is an unbelievable experience to walk among the greatest names in the worlds most prestigious off road race. Just to be there was a big dream come true for us, but to meet some of the racers was the cherry on the cake. Although its impossible to shake hands with likes of Marc Coma etc, we were there when tv commentary was been done. A great privilege!

Wat is so groot dag sonder die wete dat ons nie hand skud met een van Suid Afrika se groot geeste nie, Darryl Curtis wat toe tans 36ste was na 'n swakkerige begin volgens hom. Alle voorspoed Darryl en wat 'n nederige mens is jy nie!! Saam op die foto is die yster van 'n Kiwi wat die Roof of Africa alreeds weggeraap het onder die SA manne. Self 'n plat op die aarde Kiwi!

Net om te wys die Dakar is nie speletjies nie.....