Pic: Ben Dubbeld
concludes. “I still love the desert. The dunes at Peru
don’t play by the rules. They don’t have a consistent shape
like most dunes. This made it so anxiety provoking and
treacherous.”
John shares an insight into a few aspects of Dakar and
life in Peru that only travel, and perhaps adventure travel
at that, can only provide.
“I think it’s fantastic that the event is televised as much
as it is so people can see how amazing and unforgiving
the natural terrain of this planet really is,” he explains.
“It’s a great opportunity to experience bits of natural
terrain that most people would never get to see and be-
come more in tune about how nature shapes the planet.
“Probably the saddest part of the event was witnessing
some of the junk left behind by a small handful of com-
petitors,” his enthusiasm seems to drop a little.
“Even sadder was witnessing the amount of road side
rubbish in certain parts of Peru. If nothing else, it was an
eye opener.”
In the days following Dakar and completing such an
enduring event all three competitors suggested that was
it, no more Dakar, no more rallies, no more endurance
riding. We all say that after a long adventure, what are
their thoughts now?
I can’t see myself going back in the next few years due
to family and work commitments,” smiles James who not
Pic: Ben Dubbeld
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