SPANISH ENTHUSIASM FUELS DAKAR RIDERS
01 January 2005 - BMW Motorrad GB

Typical Spanish weather and warm enthusiasm greeted the 2005 Telefonica Dakar competitors as they departed the Cataluna capital for a marathon ride of 920km along Spain’s south-east coastal roads to Granada.

With only three checkpoints – the Barcelona start, Castellon and Granada finish – the lengthy stage 2 liaison became a test of endurance as well as a fight against boredom.

While the factory teams had the luxury (and resources) of fitting their machines with road-going rubber, many of the privateer riders had little option but to grind out the miles on off-road tyres. Another problem suffered by the individual competitors was the lack of spares need to change unsuitable off-road gearing.

Cheered on by thousands of spectators, who thronged almost every small village and town, most of the riders were inspired enough to complete the trip without too many problems. Stiff legs, aching shoulders and sore butts will need to dissipate before the rally gets really serious. And that starts with stage 3.

All the British competitors made it safely to Granada, including Team DOME BMW F650 GS Dakar riders Simon Pavey (No. 102) and Nick Plumb (103). The two BMW Motorrad off-road instructors arrived tired and hungry but relieved and optimistic. With no incidents en route, Nick Plumb summed up what most riders must have felt: “Thank heavens for iPods!” he said. “And BMW clothing. When we arrived at Granada there was snow on the sides of the road and it had been pretty damn cold on the bit through the mountains.”

Team-mate Simon Pavey, who acquired a pre-rally problem with his wrist, reported that everything was fine and that he couldn’t wait to get to Africa. “From now on we don’t have to do all the promo things,” he explained. “So when we arrive at a bivouac we are essentially finished for the day. That means we can eat and sleep sooner!”

As far as the day’s liaison was concerned, Simon said that he was amazed at the fantastic support from the Brits he encountered at almost every stop. “It was pretty emotional leaving our families behind in Barcelona, but after that there seemed to be British support everywhere along the route – even here in Granada. Don’t these people have homes to go to?”

With no special stage on day 2, the standings remain unchanged from yesterday. Nick and Simon are in 135th and 136th positions, although this means little until the African special stages and liaisons.

Day 3 will see the rally cross by ferry to Tangier and complete a 557km ride to Rabat. This will take the competitors along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline and include a 10km special stage. The two DOME BMW riders have done the stage before and claim that it is fairly easy. Mere mortals might think otherwise

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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