I am loving keeping up with this Dakar Rally this year. Ten or 15 years ago one of those Harley world tours outfits had an offering of a course very similar to the one they are running for the rally. I wanted to do that *so* bad. Was way out of my price range but I poured over the itinerary information and drooled for months.
Politically, I wouldn’t have worried about doing it then. Now, there’s just no way, but I can sure enjoy watching the progress of Dakar.
So, I take it you are a rider, eh? I cannot believe how well these guys ride. I mean, i know they are at the top of their class, but the things they do, and get away with are incredible. Navigating while riding offroad at close to a hundred miles per hour is one admirable feat, plus the amazingly variable terrain, and the long days, too. All this on a very heavy bike. Nuts! I wish like crazy I had the guts (and money) to do this back when my body could have handled it, though.