After completing my toughest rally to date, I’m pleased to be in one piece physically after a calculated, measured ride over some of the most spectacular terrain Morocco has to offer. The Rallye du Maroc was 6 days long and I covered almost 3000kms or the equivalent of racing around Zimbabwe’s border through dunes, camel grass, rocks, mountain passes, alpine lakes and river valleys. It was beautiful scenery despite some of the terrain being very challenging.
I certainly learnt a great deal and will take away further information and ideas as I prepare for Dakar Rally in January.
Overall results: Wrapped up P35 in the FIM bike class – in a Dakar laden line up I’m beyond pleased and super stoked to be in a race competing alongside the best in the world. My best stage of the Rallye du Maroc was Stage 4, where despite a fall in the beginning, I managed to have a fast finishing time.
My fitness is probably the biggest observation and most significant difference between the Merzouga Rally in April and this rally. I’m fit, strong and didn’t suffer the same physical and mental fatigue. I fell off 3 or 5 times in the total over the 6 days and those were soft spills in the camel grass or dunes – this is compared to 6/7 times a day the last time out! Huge progress has been made and I’m hugely grateful to my trainer Grant Mitchell for a world class program. Going forward I need more time on the bike – get my hands (and backside) ready for the long days in the saddle.
The BAS KTM Racing Team were once again first class. Bart and company run a slick operation and the AC sleeping quarters, shower and toilet in the sleep truck all add to the comfort and mitigate the hassles. These guys know what it means to take on bucket list dreams and provide a platform for a rider to focus on their riding! Huge thanks to them.
Roadbook & GPS: I had teething problems with my original unit and had to change it out. These things happen. I respect the magnitude of the task tracking over 180 competitors through the most remote and isolated terrain. I’m getting used to the format and functionality and feel comfortable for January. The colour roadbook is a cool new feature and the late issue means we all start each stage on the same level.
Support: Thank you to each and everyone one of you for the encouragement and support on the FB Page and WhatsApp group. The lonely dig deep moments don’t seem so challenging with the warm messages coming through. A huge thank you!
