see it in the garage of my dreams , full of other such memento ’ s , triggering these memories . That ’ s ultimately what we are doing here , making memories , and strong ones at that .
The greatest memory of this experience will be the people . I find myself fortunate to meet and hang out with them all . They have all enriched my experience on the Gibraltar Race 2021 immeasurably . The thing that we all have in common here , above a love of motorbikes and travel , is that we are privateers . While I struggle with the physicality and the relentlessness of the 15-day event , often slipping
into some bizarre , exhausted state of despair , hanging out with these gents is what I will savour from this experience .
I come to gain an immense respect for privateers during this event . It ’ s just not the same to be a sponsored rider ; of course , you do the same terrain , but there is far less jeopardy , worry , exhaustion or comradery . Every privateer here will lend you any tool , spare part , expertise , or time you need , but try begging a mere bolt off a sponsored outfit and you can be treated like a homeless person . Often at night in the pits , the privateers will do the rounds , until all our bikes are repaired and ready to go out again . This kind of support warms the soul , and there are no logo ’ s , brands or even race rivalries present in this – despite competing , we are all one team doing this .
The main thing that motivates us all , regardless of where we are from , what our politics are , or what bikes we ride is the trails we chase . We become addicts for another hit , and in the evening briefing every night we applaud Manuel , the race organiser for the magic he weaves together for us . Most people think it ’ s magic , but Nicholas often curses the rules and I the terrain . Manuel
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