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

__________________
Moto Guzzi California 1100i
Honda XR650R 2003

'Nothing is neither right nor wrong, but what thinking makes it so'

'Where is a desert when you need one?'

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.

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http://www.moto-andalucia.com

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

__________________
Moto Guzzi California 1100i
Honda XR650R 2003

'Nothing is neither right nor wrong, but what thinking makes it so'

'Where is a desert when you need one?'

[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. DR650

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

__________________
Moto Guzzi California 1100i
Honda XR650R 2003

'Nothing is neither right nor wrong, but what thinking makes it so'

'Where is a desert when you need one?'

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

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

__________________
Moto Guzzi California 1100i
Honda XR650R 2003

'Nothing is neither right nor wrong, but what thinking makes it so'

'Where is a desert when you need one?'

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.

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Home of the UK Coast 2 Coast off-road Challenge
www.C2CChallenge.co.uk www.4X4Safari.co.uk

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

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Dean

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

__________________
Home of the UK Coast 2 Coast off-road Challenge
www.C2CChallenge.co.uk www.4X4Safari.co.uk

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

__________________
Moto Guzzi California 1100i
Honda XR650R 2003

'Nothing is neither right nor wrong, but what thinking makes it so'

'Where is a desert when you need one?'

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!!!!!!

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

__________________
Moto Guzzi California 1100i
Honda XR650R 2003

'Nothing is neither right nor wrong, but what thinking makes it so'

'Where is a desert when you need one?'

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

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...