Whilst Burgess ’ results were what he describes as “ disastrous ”, in fact his worst of the year ( 2015 ), Fish ’ s suggestion had started something that was to consume Burgess for the next five years . Fish perhaps knew this would be the case , he too is a Dakar racer having finished on the podium during a stage of the 2013 event .
“ It was so much fun ,” admits Burgess . “ My result didn ’ t matter . Finishing was the goal and I realised that Dakar would be possible with the right circumstances .”
The right circumstances ? Dakar is an expensive prospect and yet for many riders they will do whatever it takes to just start the gruelling race . All consumed , houses mortgaged , businesses sold , relationships stressed . Burgess is acutely aware of the aforementioned however , it was an underlying sense of self doubt that consumed him most .
“ I doubted my own ability ,” he confesses . “ I couldn ’ t navigate and wasn ’ t sure if my riding was good enough . But after completing the Condo for a second time , I had a strong urge to find a way to Dakar .
“ With all the elements surrounding Dakar it is one of the ultimate challenges for mankind .”
“ I found myself watching more and more Dakar clips ,” the animation has increased , it ’ s clear that Dakar was going to happen for Burgess regardless .
“ I said to my wife ( Kelly ), ‘ I want to get to the Dakar start line ’,” he continues . “ We sat down and drew up a budget . “ We started to put together a plan .” And with that support , from family and friends , the process started . At times it has taken a toll , financially the stresses have been unimaginable , and relationships
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