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The duo then made their way to Namibia for some seriously hectic
Dakar training with Ingo Waldschmidt. This experienced Namibian
Dakar rider arranged a training camp that started in Windhoek and
took the riders north to Brandberg, then down south to Langstrand
(between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay) and back to Windhoek via
Khomas Hochland Pass, with only the road books to guide them.
Current national off-road leader, Louwrens Mahony, also joined the
group. Riding on a plastic KTM 450 four stroke, he was fortunate
to have his Factory Team teammates with him, as he quickly learnt
that staying on the gas and never using your front brake is very
important. Timing your throttle is also a vital skill and if you can't
adapt to the terrain fast, you might end up trying to shake sand
out of some odd places, or find yourself on the next plane to the
hospital. Flying (not to the hospital) is super easy in the dunes and
the riders had an absolute blast trying to outgun each other. By the
time we caught up with them at the renowned Dune 7, they had
already clocked up 70 km of dune riding.
Whilst riding up one of the steep slip faces Darryl had a low speed
crash, but it was not the fall that surprised us, but rather the fact
that the bike didn't want to start again. After several attempts to
jump start it and checking all the 'normal' bells and whistles, Darryl
decided it would be best to replace the engine so that he would be
ready for the next day. Factory bike engines have a limited lifetime
and we thought that it must have reached its 'expiry' date J. How
wrong we were. Once back at Langstrand, Darryl quickly washed
his 'pony' and then started stripping the engine. As he removed the
exhaust sand poured out, stunning everyone. We surmised that the
sand must have entered the exhaust when Darryl fell on the dune
and made its way into the engine. This was a valuable lesson for
everyone as it demonstrated just how easy your Dakar race can be
GAME OVER.
The following morning Riaan had a similar incident and learning
from Darryl's misfortune the previous day, he stripped the exhaust,
removed the sand and was back on his bike in double quick time.
Knowledge is power and life is so much easier when you have it!
By the end of the camp, both riders had gained valuable experience
and been given a taste of what it will take to finish the world's
toughest rally.
44 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013
Whilst at the Dakar 2013 launCh helD
last year, i askeD riaan What is the
one thing that immeDiately tells you
that you're training for the Dakar,
anD he replieD, "the size anD Weight
of the bike." he explaineD that a
rally bike is very Different to riDing
a nimble plastiC bike, anD having
a huge CoCkpit (that Doesn't turn
When the hanDle bars are turneD
anD makes you feel like you are still
going straight) in front of you With
all the navigation equipment, also
takes time to get useD to.
Training is one thing, but time in the saddle and
applying what you know in a race scenario is
another. So with the bike prep done, it was time
to get some additional experience in a 'real' rally.
This was especially important for Riaan, who had
never officially competed in such a race format. And
so the duo headed back to Morocco, this time to
enter the Morocco Rally. The event proved to be
hugely beneficial to both Darryl and Riaan because
the riders competing at this event mirrored the field
riding in the 2013 Dakar, and gave them an indication
of their readiness. It was also an opportunity to put
their KTM factory-sponsored Dakar bikes to the test
for the first time. After three days of hard racing,
getting lost in the dunes, honing their navigation
skills and receiving advice from Marc Coma, Cyril
Depres and Juan Pedrero from the #1 KTM Factory
Team, undoubtedly some of the best riders in the
world, Darryl and Riaan finished the race in a very
respectable 14th and 15th place respectively.
With the Dakar 2013 underway this month, we wish
Darryl and Riaan all the best and a safe ride.
go boys, make sa prouD anD We look
forWarD to seeing you at the finish! •
dinFO box
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èRelated articles:
• The Road to Dakar (Issue 14, p. 84)
• Dakar Supporters Tour 2011 (Issue 12, p. 80)
• Darryl Curtis’ Take on the Dakar Rally
(Issue 11, p. 54)
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