'Dakar' Australian style

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 13:54
ThreadID: 41466 Views:2799 Replies:12 FollowUps:14
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Howdy folks, anyone here familiar with this event?

Australian Safari

After watching some shows on Dakar it's kinda grabbing me by the short and curlies.

Any reports / feedback?

Cheers
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Reply By: The Explorer - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 14:15

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 14:15
Gidday - rode it (sorry not 4WD related) in 1987, 1988 and 1994 - only finished once - very hard on the behind and the wallet. A good challenge and great fun if you like that sort of thing. Go for it if you can - you only live once (so Im led to believe).

Cheers
Greg
PS A walk in the park compared to Dakar.. but hard enough
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: V8Diesel - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 17:13

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 17:13
Nice work Greg!

I couldn't afford to compete, but there is a section where you can follow behind in a well prepared 4x4 which I believe I have, so at least that's a major expense out of the way. I'm going to the info night in February to find out more.
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Reply By: V64Runner - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 14:19

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 14:19
I`m very familiar with the Paris - Dakar rally having known fellow expat South African's who have competed in it over this past 20 years or so. How ever, to try and run an event such as that in Australia would be well nigh impossible. Each State and Territory would have a million and one excuses why it could not be done. Then you have the question of the Aboriginal Land Rights issue and the department of Conservation and Land Management. It would be a bureaucratic night mare. If I were 30 - 40 years younger and had few spare million Dollars to throw at it , I would be more then willing to give it a go. Once a contestant has reached Dakar they seem to become addicted to it and keep coming back year after year.

The down side to the Dakar Rally is the number of deaths that have been recorded. Something in the order of 28 people died as a result of the accidents. The latest casualty was a 29 year old South African motor cyclist killed on the 5th day of the event and Andy Caldecott in the 2006 event. He and another entrant were the two victims of the 2006 event.
The concept is great, and you may recall when the Northern Territory ran the Gum Ball rally many years ago. In that event two Japanese drivers in their high powered Ferrari were killed and a marshal died when he was hit by a car. So the NT Government put an end to that idea.

But hey, anything is worth having a go. Good Luck !
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 15:40

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 15:40
Quote "How ever, to try and run an event such as that in Australia would be well nigh impossible"

Maybe, but history suggests otherwise - the Australian Safari has been run almost every year since 1985. It has a format almost identical to Dakar - just on a smaller scale (less days, less distance, less competitors). Despite this it is a very good challenge and has attracted/created a number of Dakar competitors over the years (if you wish to use that as a guide). Has had its fair share of casualities as well, motorsport is like that, if you cant stand the heat...
Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: Willem - Monday, Jan 22, 2007 at 01:02

Monday, Jan 22, 2007 at 01:02
Ahem...Hate to be picky but it was the Cannon Ball Run in the NT. Two Japanese competitors and two marshalls were killed just south of Orange Creek Station. The Ferrari occupants miscalulated their speed coming in to a checkpoint. They had been doing about 300kmh! And they had taken their helmets off during the race!!

I heard that another Dakar bike rider died yesterday after having a heart attack. He was 42!
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Reply By: Middle Jeff - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 15:50

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 15:50
Hi
If you just want some fun, go in one of the bash's that are held for charity as their is about a dozen of them all around Aus. I sponsor a guy who does one a year and he loves it.

Have fun
Craig
AnswerID: 216848

Reply By: Mikee5 (QLD) - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 16:25

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 16:25
When I lived in Darwin we travelled down to Oolloo Crossing to watch the Aust Safari crossing the Daly (having traversed Aboriginal land). My sons then 7 and 9 were more interested in the antics of the chopper filming the event - he was a brilliant pilot. The Lac Rose type finale was held on Mindil Beach. Those were the days.
Mike.
AnswerID: 216854

Reply By: John R (SA) - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 16:41

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 16:41
I hope the event is run with greater eye for detail & professionalism than the website. Within less than a minute of logging on, grammatical & spelling errors were jumping out.

Sounds like quite an adventure though. I wonder what the average cost is to a team?

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Reply By: Sign-man - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 19:11

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 19:11
For starters, why don't you volunteerr as a Control Official. Can you you the feel of the event without a massive outlay. I did it on 2 occasions while it was staged over this side of the island
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 23:23

Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at 23:23
Yup, very familiar..
Competed in the Production Bike class back when it was still the Wynns Safari in mid 80's. :) On an old XT600 Tenere

Its nothing on the Dakar, no matter how much people wish it to be.

At the time, we had some of the factory Mitz cars pretending to be Paj's in it - full carbon fiber etc. they blitzed the rest.

We were out on day 2 with a crushed exhaust and other things. :(
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Reply By: Redback - Monday, Jan 22, 2007 at 11:01

Monday, Jan 22, 2007 at 11:01
I was going to try competing in the Safari, so i though i'll train for it by doing some 2 day and 4 day enduros, but after 2 failed attempts at 2 four days 1 at Forest Lodge and the other at Welshpool (boy that place is muddy, and not enough cash, i thought no way.

Agree about it being not a patch on the Dakar, whole differant race.

Baz.
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Reply By: V64Runner - Monday, Jan 22, 2007 at 12:39

Monday, Jan 22, 2007 at 12:39
Many thanks to "Explorer" and to 'Willem " for pointing out my mistakes. Indeed it was the Cannon Ball run and yes the two Ferrari drivers were responsible for the shocking accident that happened.
I guess that a similar type event to the Lisbon- Dakar could be run in Australia, but my main concern is getting past all the bureaucratic departments who are anti four wheel drives, quad bikes, trail bikes etc. A case example. Over here in WA we are over regulated by CALM the Water Authorities and the list goes on. To cut a long story short , about two years ago a group of us who were sick and tired of the Powerlines etc, decided to go in search of something new. We came across a road that lead off the Albany Highway, and followed that which took us through to North Banister. Suddenly we found ourselves in an area where no vehicles were allowed, but what amazed all of us, was Telstra Rally Australia banners and signs in an area that Mr and Mrs public can`t go - talk about double standards.

Willem, I have read many of your posts and if my memory serves me well ,aren't you a South African expat that has been in Australia for many many years ?
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Reply By: scuba cat - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:02

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:02
Simple but
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Reply By: scuba cat - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:14

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:14
Sorry messed up my last response...hit a wrong button.

Here it is again!

Simple and too the point......I also watched the 2006 Dakar with great enthusiam, and even I thought it would be a great challenge. I think the Australian safari is a good start.
I did read one of the other replies you only live once......go for it if you have the money behind you, don't look back for a second glance........make it happen!!!!

Then move on to the Dakar it could very well be the challenge you have been looking for!
AnswerID: 217371

Follow Up By: V8Diesel - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:42

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:42
Had a 'meeting' this evening with my mate (also known as beers on the patio) about the upcoming event. We're hatching a few cunning plans but money, as always, will be the killer. We are going to the info night in Feb to find out more and see what we can expect.

You only live once.....so true. I trying to live my life by the saying it's better to regret something you've done, than something you haven't.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 09:50

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 09:50
V8, why not start off with some of the Variety bashes, then if you think you have bux, try the Aussie Safari, if you have any money left over then, good luck.

I think you will find the entry fees to events like these scarey.
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Follow Up By: V8Diesel - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 11:51

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 11:51
Funny thing is I actually own a Variety bash car. A fully setup 1964 V8 Compact Fairlane with all the gear - chained engine mounts, recovery hook, bash plates, the rally type odometer, PA system and the rooftop box with all the flashing lights and speakers etc. It's ready to go but the Safari has grabbed me after watching the Dakar and the Charlie Boorman doco. The bash events are more of a liesurely cruise from what I can gather.

Having spent years punting Landcruisers offroad around these areas for mineral exporation you get to the stage where it's normal to be drifting them without even concentrating. I'd never kid myself that I'd even remotely be a contender, but I don't think I'd get the wooden spoon either. Those 4.5 twin cam trayback FJ75's are surprisingly quick and affordable too. Must be standard division or similar.

I don't know much about it but I guess I'll find out what it will really cost at the information night on the 5th. Money is a bitch for me currently as I haven't worked for months due to nerve damage sustained in an operation, but as mentioned - you only live once. Not getting any younger.

Worse come to worse, I'll just drive up to Meeka and join in the festivities for this year.

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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 12:47

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 12:47
I'll give ya a slab for the bash car!!! always wanted to give it a go.

Please dont believe everything you saw in the Charlie Boorman doco... everything he had was setup by BMW UK for the PDakar, bike was completely rebuilt and modded before the event to ensure it lasted.. Simon Pavey who I've mentioned before was paid to train him, and make sure he got thru as his personal assistant...

If you can do an Aussie safari, and win, then I would consider possibly doing some other raid events in Europe before dreaming of the Dakar.

I compare this to someone who plays with scale-electric sets, and wins V F1 cars. the gap is wide.

Yes, the Bash events are social, thats the point of em, but its still the prep and speed compared. We were talking to lady in Heyfield thats copmeted every year apart from last 2.. She said there is much discontent amongst Bash competitors, due to being pushed 12 hrs a day everyday, adn the lack of enjoyment now...

good luck at info day
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FollowupID: 477920

Follow Up By: V8Diesel - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 13:06

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 13:06
You've got a crook leg too haven't Truckie - maybe the Hoppalong Cassidy's for the next bash then eh.

Wouldn't do Dakar, totally beyond my means. Just liked watching it.
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Follow Up By: V8Diesel - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:00

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:00
Got me going now. Been doing a phone around tonight about the Bash and gauging the interest out there. $7,500 entry for a first timer, but the good thing is the moolah goes to kids charities. Not quite Dakar, but a start none the less.

Here's my Fairlane. 1964, 289V8, Ford-o-matic 2 speed auto, 10 stacker Kenwood, UHF, dual batts, recovery points, bash plates etc. It is a plum. I've restored it back to original but can soon turn it back into a Bash car.



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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 23:44

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 23:44
Mate has done the 4b kidney bash 2ice, and loves it. he has contacts all over the place, and infact within 2 days had $5k up his sleeve for the second effort with his mate, when 2 major sponsors pulled out..

Still love to have ago at it.
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Follow Up By: V8Diesel - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 23:56

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 23:56
What's the 4b kidney bash?
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 23:59

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 23:59
Its the 4wd version.. :) they do one with just 4wds...
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 12:42

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 12:42
Ps yes, have fubar left arm and right leg
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 12:42

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 12:42
3 slabs?
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Reply By: V8Diesel - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 14:49

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 14:49
Righto, here's another event on the WA off road calendar. The Gascoyne Dash. I spent last night with my dodgie Scottish mates for the traditional Robbie Burns evening eating black pudding and haggis washed down with neat scotch..............urrrgggghhhhhhhh

Over the course of the proceedings I was discussing sponsorship for the Bash and my mate Hamish (I kid you not!) said he's racing in the GasDash on his KTM. Here's the link to yet another event of ineterest.

GasDash

Snowballing is the word I believe. Spoilt for choice.
AnswerID: 217911

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