phantym_56 | (no subject)

So here goes, the second adventure chronologically, but the last one to be picspammed. This is Race to Dakar, which is about, well, a race to Dakar, capital of Senegal. So many people drop out that it's a pretty big achievement just to make it to the finishing line and for a lot of people, that's all their goal is, not to finish first but just to finish. Part one, as usual, is the planning and preparation.

"This is my co-partner, Russ." "What do you mean, co-partner?"

This is meeting Matt Hall, the third member of the bike team. You haven't met the second, Simon Pavey, yet but you will.

I have a bit of a weakness for Russ driving.

That little skull-and-crossbones flag marks the place where he rolled the Animal in Mongolia. He has never been allowed to forget it and even the mechanics who put this car together tease him about it.

In Dubai, doing sand training.

The shirtless young gentleman at the front is one of their mechanics, Gareth. He pretty much built Charley's bike.

I would just like to point out the sunburn.

This seems very out of character but I love it. That's Matt on the floor next to them. Also, another (very fine and delicate) bracelet.