Motorcycle Explorer February 2015 Issue 4 | Page 183

Toughing it out together – the Pavey father and son duo
A
rmed with sunglasses, sunscreen, cameras and waterproofs, we headed off to spend a
second day under lightning-charged, bruised skies. The first batch of 30 dirt bikers descended.
Including female rider Laia Sanz, her ponytail bouncing up on every corner as her wheels left a
spectacular sand cloud in her wake. Respect! I blinked in shock from the insanely close proximity
we were from the racers as much as the dust. Crowds either side were no further than around two
metres from the action, edging closer as each rider zoomed into view. Only in Bolivia…!
Army recruits were too interested in the race to mind about something as trivial as folks running
across the track every three minutes. Taking selfies and filming, cheering on the crowds and
purchasing sunglasses seemed to be the order of the day for those in khaki uniform. For every
adult man, I clocked nine boys of pubescent age. A total lack of organization and safety, at least
no one was hurt for the fortunate part. What a sight! The official Dakar programme informed
readers how Bolivia will – like the previous year – once again “amply satisfy” all requirements of
the rally’s enterprising organisation. Definitely the land of stark contrast, colour and crazy.
Rooting specifically for two riders, a father and son duo Simon and Llewelyn Pavey – we waited
for their eminent arrival – numbered 76 and 75 respectively. Through intense sunrays, which
gave way to a dramatic purple sky, thunder and lightning played their part while we continued to
watch and wait. Hours passed. Each time I examined a rider’s identifying number, a bit of the
excitement dispersed, like a pool of shimmering water that evaporates beneath the midday sun.