As quickly as the name Grabbo is mentioned Burgess changes tact and admits that he admires anyone who is willing to have a go .
“ I really admire people that work hard for where they are ,” he nods . “ Not so much a rider with all the results , more a clubman that has worked to get the best of his or herself to be the best they can be .”
Informally it ’ s apparent that Burgess doesn ’ t subscribe to hero worship , he has little need however , without suggesting , there does seem to be a level of adulation for wife Kelly .
“ Without her I wouldn ’ t be here ,” a slight smile , caring and affection creeps across his face . “ She ’ s backed this project and supported me through it all . I really wish she could be with me in Saudi Arabia , but the virus has put a halt on that .”
Oh , there it is , the elephant lurking in the corner . The virus . What about it ?
Dakar has been affected , like most international events of 2020 , due to the Coronavirus pandemic . It helps that Dakar is now held in just one nation and in isolated regions however , precautions must still be taken
“ Bart has been great ,” says Burgess . “ He ’ s organised everything so that we are together yet separated to hopefully prevent a Covid outbreak .”
Bart Van Der Velden , manager of the BAS Dakar rally team , is a huge supporter of Burgess and although joining the team was a little more expensive than other teams the Australian has slotted in well adding a level of ease to the preparation .
Covid , like for most , has forced changes , alterations , and disappointment , and although impacting heavily on the Burgess family business , Avondel Caravan Park in Bendigo , it has also provided an opening for more targeted training .
“ We had no customers , so I had plenty of time for training .”
The laughter undermines the seriousness of a business struggling through Covid , yet there it is again , the apparent optimistic attitude needed to take on an endeavour like Dakar . While training and preparing for the ‘ big dance ’ as Burgess refers to it the business has made changes , adapted , diverted revenue streams , and looks like coming through , Destination Dakar Roadbook Adventures is one aspect of it .
So as this issue of Traverse will be just a few days old , Burgess will be on his way to the Middle East , the Arabian Peninsula for the 2021 edition of Dakar . And his feelings ?
“ I don ’ t think I need to explain the shitting myself factor there ,” he laughs again . You see , Burgess says his two greatest fears are Covid and the race itself .
Covid not for the illness but rather the fact it would mean he is out of the event and a lot of effort , finances and support of others will be for nothing . And as for the race , well that ’ s just Dakar , and being a competitive sort means a 50 % chance of not finishing the race . But that ’ s just Dakar ! TRAVERSE
The 2021 Edition of Dakar begins in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah . Scrutineering starts on January 1 before the racing action takes place on the 2nd with the prologue to determin starting positions .
Racing proper begins on January 3 before a 7,647 kilometre loop through the deserts of Saudi Arabia to return to Jeddah on January 12 .
Not only the elements , competitors must contend with the many vehicles ; cars , trucks , quads and of course bikes before making it to the end .
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