As part of the search into previous riders, I happened across a blog kept by Chris Emerson (www.dakardiary.org).

Chris, a privateer, took a crack at the Dakar in 2004 with less riding experience than I have. Incredibly fit ("bionic" in his words), and astride a BMW 1150 (nicknamed "the Beast") he was taken out by a buggy in Stage 4 (Tanger - Er Rachidia).

Sadly, it was a case of Buggy 1, Bike 0 and Chris's Dakar came to an end at that point.

Thankfully, he lived to tell the tale (a tale involving being thrown through a fence of razor wire).

Chris, if you're out there mate - I am trying to get in touch. I am sure that you have much helpful advice you can share.

Yamaha Training tomorrow. Work were very very nice about it. Despite being short-handed, their view was "we cant sponsor you, but we can support you - take the day off and go ride your bike".

Kind of nervous and excited at the same time. I have an awful lot to learn, and the more things I learn then the more I need to practice. Learning is only the start of it - it's the practice that counts. The whole purpose of training is, IMhO, to show you what to practice. You don't go on a couple of courses and then emerge, matrix style, saying "I know Kung Fu!".

I was told by an old friend who has ridden motocross for many years (Chris Robles) that the secret is to pick one thing - e.g. berm cornering and practice it till your fingers bleed and you could do it in your sleep. Then practice bump braking. Then practice them together until they are smooth.

Every technique you learn is another tool in the box of tricks you need to take with you to survive the Dakar. Every technique you master improves the chances of surviving the Dakar.

Thank you to Chris Emerson for taking the time to post his blog (and its a great read).

Am I ready for this? Physically - no. In terms of offroad experience - no. Mentally - yes. I am absolutely committed to it.

Am I scared of it? You betcha. The fear gives me a healthy respect for what I am taking on.

So its off to the gym this weekend to start working on a fitness plan. My hunch, based on Chris's blog, is that I need to be aiming to be running 100 miles every week, plus an awful lot of work on arm, leg and upper-body strength.

I know I am a rank outsider - what is known as a "tourist" entrant, but every single Dakar entrant - and finisher - had to start training for it at one point in their life. We are all born, unable to ride motorcycles (or to walk and talk) and we practice it till we become excellent at it.

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