only runs his own business, he is also father to twin boys,
three-year-old Jack and Harvey.
“I don’t think I can just be the rookie forever,” he
laughs. “I think I’ll be back one day.”
“They say you never come out the same,” grins John. “I
can see why now.”
“I have what can only be described as PTSD but also a
sense of sheer achievement. The fact is Dakar is just so
damn demanding and draining,” he explains. “I would
need to become more comfortable with my way point
navigation first then see how I feel. Maybe I will do an-
other Dakar.”
“Now I’ve had a few months for the emotional scaring
to heal I’m thinking maybe,” suggests Ben. “It will real-
ly depend on where it goes next. I would not do South
America again, but Saudi Arabia sounds interesting.”
Ben is always up for the next adventure, by the time
you’re reading this he will have taken part in the Abu
Dhabi Desert Challenge, “and then probably Rally Du
Maroc in October.”
“I’m doing a Simpson trip at the end of July with some
mates which should be fun. And then I’m seriously con-
sidering doing the Africa Eco race again in January,” he
adds.
“There is always a need for adventure,” laughs John.
“Give me a challenge and I’ll see if I can fulfil it,” James
joins the laughter.
Speaking to all three Australian Dakar ‘rookies’ it
seems one thing rings true; finishing Dakar is to adven-
ture, and is indeed to win …
BEN YOUNG
Age:
47
Lives: South Caulfield, Victoria (Aus)
Bike: KTM Rally Replica
Result: 51st Moto (10th in class)
JAMES FERGUSON
Age:
33
Lives: Newcastle, NSW (Aus)
Bike: KTM 450 EXC
Result: 67th Moto (11th in class)
JOHN MARAGOZIDIS
Age:
48
Lives: Adelaide, SA (Aus)
Bike: Yamaha Raptor 700 (Quad)
Result: 15th Quad (4th in class)