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Looking for Dakar Rally information

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Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

Anybody out there have any good links besides the official Dakar website for information and discussion groups on the Dakar Rally? I want to find out more information on our American riders, especially my friend James Embro. Thanks for any info. -KW


Posted by: zero_it---------------------

Might try KTM's or BMW's websites, they're both into Dakar pretty heavy. Discovery Channel has covered the race in the past and may have something?


Posted by: apb---------------------

You can see it pretty much daily if you get OLN -- here's the link to the schedule:

http://www.olntv.com/nw/article/vie...f=true&catID=76


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

I was looking for this thread to update anyone who might be interested in this very cool and extreme event. I've been following it with interest for several years. I spent some time searching today and found several informative sites. Besides www.dakar.com , the official website, with it's cool, real-time tracking of up to 4 competitors, advrider.com , and onewheeldrive.net are sites that have extensive information on all the bikes as well as all of the Americans competing this year.
My friend, James Embro, has a friend that is keeping others updated with info gathered from a variety of sources, including James daily satellite phone calls to his wife at sundaysocialclub.org (go to Dakar 2006). His riding partner, Kevin Heath has a site, kevinsmidlifecrisis.com , dedicated to his awesome adventure(s) as well. All of these sites have links, which I discovered today, can keep one busy for hours! I encourage anyone watching the rally everyday on OLN network (and you who can't) to check some of these out.
Sorry, I don't know how to make these sites into links. (Note: moderators feel free to either tell me how or do it yourself. Thanks!)


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

BTW, I recommend checking out the Hog Wild V-Rod powered sidecar rig and the 1976 Yamaha XT 500 restored and updated to full rally spec. with special modifications to compensate for his less than perfect right leg (a guy named Henno). The electronics on ALL of these bikes are unbelievable!


Posted by: 2-Strokes 4-ever---------------------

I have info.............."Those guys are crazy!"


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2-Strokes 4-ever
I have info.............."Those guys are crazy!"

You mean YOU'VE never heard anyone say that about you? It's all relative, you know!


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

Sad news today with the death of Australian factory KTM rider Andy Caldecott in Stage 9. Our prayers go out to his family and friends. This a very dangerous race every year.

On a positive note, in Saturday's stage 8, Chris Blais had a smokin' 2nd place finish, moving him up to 8th place overall! It was a tough stage as well that caused many DNF's; the riders started out on a "transfer section" at 1:00 AM (their time!) Awesome ride, Chris!
Jonah Street is in 38th place after a 23rd place stage, James Embro finished 36th & holds down 48th O.A., and the only other remaining American, Mike Krynock, is up to 99th, after a 75th place stage.
Andy Grider, Charlie Rauseo, Kevin Heath, and the Harley sidecar team of Whitney & McDowell have all been sidelined due to crash or mechanical problems.
241 bikes (2-wheel) started the race; 131 were listed as finishing Saturdays stage.

UPDATE:
Chris is shown as finishing 9th in today's (Monday) stage 9, moving him up to 6th Overall!!! Only 22 riders have finished so far today, and the on line tracking has proven to be very inacurate. Lets all hope and pray that Jonah, James, and Mike continue to be safe over there!


Posted by: gncc193---------------------

Try cycle news.com for the latest info BRO!


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

Cycle News coverage of the AMERICANS STINKS! They haven't mentioned ANY of the US competitors besides KTM USA sponsored Chris Blais, Andy Grider, and privateer Jonah Street. I've emailed them, to no avail.I suggest you all do the same!


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

James Embro finished 11th place out of 93 riders (still in the rally; 225 started) in todays stage. This after competing for 83 hours, 38 minutes, 36 seconds & covering 8933 km. (5551 mi.) of grueling terrain in his first ever Dakar.

I bet CN (AND the OLN tv coverage) won't even mention it! Watch and see....


Posted by: Bandit9---------------------

Hey SpDyKen,
When you buddy gets back from this, do me a favor and ask him how much this whole thing cost him to do. I am curious about that. I have been doing some rough math and figure that by the time you get your equipment set up and travel there, do the race, and return home, this could be in the $50,000 range. What do you think? Higher or lower????


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandit9
Hey SpDyKen,
When you buddy gets back from this, do me a favor and ask him how much this whole thing cost him to do. I am curious about that. I have been doing some rough math and figure that by the time you get your equipment set up and travel there, do the race, and return home, this could be in the $50,000 range. What do you think? Higher or lower????

I'll give you an accurate number when I talk to James. I think I heard someone mention $70,000 once. I don't know if that includes the KTM (Dakar) Rally 660 that he bought from a Canadian rider who raced it in the Dakar last year, for a "practice" bike. He also bought a newly refurbished, factory rebuilt Rally 660 from KTM, that he picked up in Lisbon. I think he bolted his own navigation equipment to when he arrived, but I'm not sure about that. I'm also not sure if he is paying Elmer Symons, his friend & mechanic, since James is planning to wrench for Elmer next year when he is planning on racing. He most likely had to pay Charlie Rauseu's Rally Pan American team for Elmer to ride in their support truck. BTW, Elmer was a mechanic for the Red Bull KTM USA 2005 Dakar team. I'll let you know, though.


Posted by: Bandit9---------------------

Thanks. I am not trying to get into his personal business or anything. It is really none of my business, but I am just trying to put my hands around the financial commitment it takes to do Dakar.


Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

Go to advrider.com 's racing forum; there is a thread there titled "The cost of riding Dakar some interesting stuff". You'll get in on a discussion that includes several posts by people who have been there.

During the rally several of this year's competitors that DNF'ed were posting alongside (or in discord, occasionally) KTM's Scot Harden. There was indeed some interesting stuff posted. Especially regarding OLN's lack of coverage of American privateers in the event.

Check it out! BTW, there was no charge for registering there, but they DO request that you use a catchy name.


Posted by: Bandit9---------------------

Thanks a lot man.



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