Intercontinental Rally - RWTD Day 08

There's no reason i should be nervous, today is a ride a along the beech, but from the moment i wake at 7:30am i feel the nerves. I hear the team about me packing and organising and so i rise like a late teen and join the throng. Nathan, the mechanic, is making tea and coffee. He's a big man with bald head a Welsh accent and good humour. I must say that he is easy to like, especially with a stove, but i imagine he could separate a head from a neck if so motivated. Happily i never found out.

Barrie has driven to the finish line, but Frank is still here. I imagine its a bitter sweet ending for Frank as his friend, Jack, crashed out early in the race.

I have little doubt that Jack will back to finish what he started and i wish him a swift recovery. (he was still in Morocco on our last day, though i believe had been moved from the hospital to a hotel to prepare for the flight) Sitting here on the last day, sipping Nathans coffee, i understand there are 50% less competitors than at the start.

My start time today is 13:09 which gives plenty of time to socialise and wait, feeling the nerves. After the morning routine everyone gathers in the ZebraBar. Most of people sit with with their teams or countrymen. I note that Justins top has a 'Squadron Leader' patch. Did he plan that i wonder? He only has to finish the beech race to take home the win.

Below, view from atop the ZebraBar

Below, the decorated trucks awaiting loading.

Below, a little shop.  No idea what it sells.

I reach the beech before my start time like everyone else,  however, unlike most people i immediately sink in the sand.  I can really feel the nerves now and it reminds me of my start in 2020.  That was the year i broke a bone and i remind myself 'im not racing'.    The race start draws a crowd, but its the children that benefit and enjoy it the most as they keep keeping getting sweet handouts.

And we are off!!!!  

The iconic 100mile beech race to Dakar....   Distances here are huge, not quite like a 1mile green lane I'd get excited about in the UK!

..another air-cooled bike.  This one is older than mine!

Along the beech there are areas where you can pin the throttle wide open (not that i did) and other speed controlled areas.  The speed controlled areas are actually fishing villages and sometimes thronged with people.    The fisherman busying themsleves with earning a living.

I reach the end and am second to last bike. After a photo op we all our make way to the hotel for the ceremony. 

It's an absolutely amazing win for Barrie and his team Raid Assist. He takes home almost every trophy including best team, fastest over 40, overall win goes to Justin!

Just look at the hall of trophies!  It was almost embarrassing as every announcement ended up with raid assist taking the title! 

I'm not a skilled writer and I'm struggling to summarise the pride and respect I feel for what Barrie and the team has accomplished. I was honoured to tag along.

Until next time my friends!