Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Dakar 2008 route published Dakar 2008 route published
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Nov 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Dakar 2008 route published
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, the overnight stops for the rally are constrained to airports that can take the number of planes involved. Nevertheless the 2008 route is quite different from previous years.

Euromilhões Lisboa Dakar: 2008 Edition > The Route

The early part of the route follows the last couple of years' routes - Lisbon > Málaga > Nador > Er Rachidia > Ouarzazate. Then it changes quite a lot by going to Guelmim rather than Tan Tan. Then Smara and into Mauritania where voyeurs can't follow through the sand berm.

After a stop in Atar it goes south west to Nouakchott, then north to Nouadhibou which conveniently allows slow moving spectators to catch up. Then east to Atar following the railway before heading to Kiffa and Dakar.

I've just got permission to take some time off, so will likely be following some stages.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Nov 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Potential viewing points
Each day starts with a non-racing liaison to the start of the special stage. Then the special stage which is the actual racing bit. At the end of the special stage there will then be another liaison to the overnight bivouac.

Unless you have advance knowledge of the exact route, it's difficult to intercept the end of the day's special, so the points listed below are where the next day's special starts relatively close to the previous night's bivouac.

5 Jan: special stage starts 104km south of Lisbon
8 Jan: special stage starts 29km south of Er Rachidia
10 Jan: special stage along the beach 66km south west of Guelmim
15 Jan: special stage starts 111km east of Nouhadibou
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
Posts: 362
Hi Tim
It's Dazzer { xr400 }
may I ask what your plan's are.
How do you intend to get to the south of Spain,and how long have you got off work.
I have been wanting to go watch a a bit of the Dakar for a long time but eather lack of money or time have stopped me.
I do have a few weeks holiday left and at the moment a bit of cash
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Nov 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Hi Dazzer

I only got permission from SHMBO a couple of hours ago, so have nothing formulated yet. I will be away minimum three weeks, more likely four or five.

The Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry sails 30 Dec or 2 Jan, arriving two days later. Alternatively Newhaven - Dieppe and ride down through France and Spain. There's no ferries from northern Spain on the return until early February.

I'm probably taking the 1200GSA rather than the XR400.

I don't know any of the competitors this year (the entries are very KTM biased) so will probably give Lisbon a miss and plan to intercept the rally at Er Rachidia, then again at Guelmim. Toying with the idea of going into Mauritania, maybe further.

If you have any suggestions...

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Leeds, UK
Posts: 120
Hi Tim,

I guess you know what my rough plans are - to follow the Dakar in Morocco only - arriving there before the Dakar gets there to so some off roading - try to scope out some good viewing points and get used to the country. Then Follow the Dakar for the 4 Morocco stages maybe have 1 or 2 days off after due to covering a lot of distance to keep up with the Dakar then some more off roading / exploring and maybe ideally visit a city for 1 or 2 days to get a flavour.

My preferance would be riding off road the majority of the time where possible though obviously following the Dakar I have resigned myself to covering miles on tarmac with ideally a short off road ride to catch the off road racing special in progress (if possible).

You don't say if you are looking for other riders while you are over there, if you are maybe we can sort something out.

I have a diesel estate car and a trailer could take 2 large bikes which I would probably prefer to take to the south of Spain rather than riding as it would be a lot faster, cheaper and comfortable and no need to change bike tyres etc

Do you have any firmer plans yet or do you prefer to do your own thing?

Ian
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Dec 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
Thumbs up watching the dakar 2008
thanks tim for posting the route here on the hubb,

I will be riding down to Dakar with a few friends (on three or four bikes), but we are going to watch the Rallye in Mauretania and at Lac Rose in Senegal.

Anybody else going down at the same time?

greetings from Bulgaria

Mika
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Dec 2007
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Give us a wave
Hia Tim
Good to see you have such an understanding SWMBO (every year same-o same-o !!)
I'll be ahead of you in Mali at Dakar time but returning towards end Jan
Keep in touch - might catch up and share a camel and prunes tagine or three
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Dec 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
My 1200GSA is being shipped to southern Spain with biketruck.com and I'm flying in to Málaga on 5 Jan. Planning to meet a friend and then watch Er Rachidia and Zagora stages. Then off to Mauri and Senegal to meet my wife who's flying in to watch the finish of the Rally.

Looking forward to the prune tagines but not keen on sharing a camel.

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: spain
Posts: 72
Hi Tim
Thanks for posting the route.
I live in Spain and will be going down around new year.Not sure yet if just after or before.Will stop in at Moto Andalusia.Never meet the couple who run the place there but they have been helpful concerning a few e mails i fired off to them recently.
I will head to Tarifa....i know a lovely hostal there...El Asturiana...then over to Tanger and then on down to Essaouira..Tiznit then to Guelmim where i hope to catch my first taste of the "DAKAR".I have no idea what to expect so will just be going with the flow.
Decided on that route as it keeps me out of the cold mountains as i intend to camp where possible....dem bones dem bones dem bones!!!
Have a good one....maybe see you there.Keep your eyes out for a miserable looking git singing the praises of his lovely go faster black Africa Twin
__________________
Dean
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Riogordo, Spain
Posts: 325
Route through Malaga
You can always get up very close to the competitors in Malaga. No barriers or restrictions if you stand a little way back from the checkpoint. The riders often stop and talk to you once they've been through before they board the ferry.

Dakar Rally reaches Málaga on Sunday
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Riogordo, Spain
Posts: 325
Quote:
Originally Posted by James B View Post
I've just heard a rumour that the Dakar has been cancelled.
Just done a quick search:

Dakar 2008 - Dakar rally close to cancellation - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 4 Jan 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
Posts: 503
Paris Dakar
Its confirmed.... PD cancelled ....


I'm very sorry to say...;
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12
Al Jazeera just reported it cancelled.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Hopefully, they will all get their entry fees refunded!

The bright side:-
There will be some cheap accommodation deals down that way in the next couple of weeks.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Riogordo, Spain
Posts: 325
Sadly it appears to be the case, but no announcement on the Dakar site as yet.

BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Rallying | Safety concerns end Dakar Rally
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Route to dakar burgerboy Route Planning 3 19 Nov 2007 23:48
Dakar Ride for Life 2008 Uncle Dave Make a Difference 0 23 Oct 2007 15:30
Dakar rally route tamzjones North Africa 3 7 Sep 2006 09:28
plymouth to dakar via atlantic route moggy 1968 4 wheel Overland Travel 0 8 Nov 2004 04:20
Senegal beach route – Dakar to St Louis PeteA sub-Saharan Africa 7 28 Dec 2003 23:26

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top