Well that’s it Dakar 2011 is over and while I make IB6844 my home fore the next 10 hours I figured this would be a good place to write.
The last few days felt good, I lost my phone on a bus which really annoyed me, especially as I knew it was on our transfer bus from San Juan to the Airport. We had had a particularly dreadful nights sleep after gales had wipped through the bivouac. My tent suffered just structural damage but others weren’t so lucky, especially those ‘real Dakar’ heroes who chose just to sleep under the stars. We were walking Zombies the next day and my 3 minute reaction time was not enough to stop the bus driver taking off with iPhone, grrr .
Programme wise I managed to get ASO to send a second feed once we knew about the cars result (they came in 2 hours late). This was reluctantly organized but a lifesaver for sure. Carlos Sainz rally aspirations evaporated as I was on air, no chace to show what happened in the original feed. Hopefully a lesson learned.
Bivouac life relaxed the last couple of days, I hung about making the features and living the Bivouac by night. I was a bit confused why the camera crews enjoy it so much but now I understand. There is so much life, people fighting to keep cars and drivers in the rally and those who return in the night hours always have a great story to tell. Mattais Kahle who was 9th at the time in the cars, lost all electrics 15kms into one of the longest stages and was towed for 800kms before arriving in the Bivouac at 2 in the morning. We were there to get the interview. The most amazing thing is he completed the whole stage and only lost two hours!
It was that night I most appreciated the Dakar adventures. The race at the front was a forgone conclusion, VW and KTM but every day we would hear of incredible stories behind. Sadly, with only 6 roving camera on stage and the Editors reluctance to show ‘stories’ rather than pretty pictures, we very rarely are able to convey these amazing feats.
The final stage finished 200kms outside of Buenos Aires and provided the real end to the rally, competitors covered in mud, helmets scratched, overall covered in dust, their cars showing war wounds. Everyone knew when they crossed the finish line, they completed the Dakar. Once more there was huge emotion for the winners, Nasser Al Attiyah is normally pretty smiley, but he was glowing. Marc Coma had been there before but a new team mate made sure he shed a few tears. Then there was a few dozen competitors, glad it was over, fed up with the experience, like they’d been dragged along and forced to do it. Yes they hadn’t been competitive but they had complete a Dakar, and seen some spellbinding sights. Mark Miller and Alain Duclos were two such people.
After that the real emotion followed, less than half the entrants finished the rally and so for those using less competitive machinery, finishing was truly an achievement and the emotion was nothing like I have ever felt, Le Mans times ten.
Its for that reason I was quite skeptical about the podium ceremony the day after. Red Bull held their party on Saturday between the finish and podium and we all had a night in a hotel room. Our bodies and minds said Dakar was over. We had to make a programme as well and the editors were not in a good state. Having not been informed of the departure time to the party, I missed out, but still felt dreadful having slept for 5 hours more than my usual 5.
I must say I was wrong. La Rural put on a real party atmosphere and while the raw emotion had gone and the Podiums seemed slightly out of place in the centre of Sand school, everyone seemed to have a good time, and what more, with every boss I could imagine watching the feed, I totally nailed it!
Next year the Rally will also take in Brazil, Paraguay and Peru, and like a Dakar Adventure, I cant wait to explore.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Dust and a Monkey Thorne
Copiapo was the scene of the Miners tragedy last year and while we were able to see Fenix 3 (a replica of the capsule), sadly the mine itself was 50kms away…while the rider and bikers went close, it wasn’t going to be something I saw.
Its been rather uneventful the last couple of days. We moved from Antafagasta where I went out with the team from Versus in town and ate steak and scallops (amazing!) to Copiapo which once again felt very ‘Dakar’ Surrounded by massive dunes and set in a bowl the stage would end right on the TV compound doorstep. This was a rare opportunity to go and see some cars in the stage!
Having finished my feed (with just 3 cars over the line) I headed up passed the finish and beyond the ‘Safe area’ While these safe areas are good, you don’t get ANYWHERE near enough, and out in the sand there are no rules. Chilian kids played chicken with trucks while some of the later cars bounced through the dunes toward the parked cars that I was using as sheilds.
What struck me was just how amateur most competitors are. The TV coverage’s focus’ on the top 10 mainly and most of those are Pros in the bikes, but there really are only 4 pros in the cars. And in the stage it shows. Yeah ok its never going to be easy but most were really chilling out behind the wheel.
The Sand was incredible! We have all walked on sandy beaches I am sure, but real sand dunes? The way it sits massively varies. Some can be like concrete where as the fesh fesh is like dust, just tonnes of dust. It does provide any grip to walk on let alone drive.
As I was climbing I notice one of the leading riders being towed by an amateur the bike of Villadoms a real mess….so I got my camera out and started filming! I then offered it to the editor who said it was good enough to use and so one day I was in the background and the next was a cameraman! The chief editor then out did me and filmed a full 30sec on his Panasonic which went into the next days programme!
Having taken loads of photos and totally warn myself out, I was presented with an invite to the ASS Party. This happens once a rally and is a bit like going night skiing! We plodded back up the hill at 8 to be presented by Pisco (a great Chilian drink), Empenadas (think Pasties) and some top quality steak. The idea is to welcome in the final few competitors who will have spent all day in the dunes. Its really just an excuse for a party! But a lot of the Dakar is about that, doing crazy things with your mates!
Because the rally stayed in Copiapo for the following day it meant a lie in (till 8:30 when the generators wirr into life) and have a slightly lazy morning.
The cars stage was short and that meant the Edit and voice over was well planned…I actually could face watching it as they played the programme to the Bivouac. Still I wasn’t totally happy, but it was certainly an improvement.
Having walked up the dunes to ‘cheer down the sun!’ I had an early night ready to head back to Argentina
Chilecito or little Chile is right on the boarder and was going to be the site of my 4th shower…never good to rely on the facilities after a second day in Copiapo…..But the when I arrived there was just 4 shower heads lined up with no curtains and an assortment of French genitalia enjoy the cold water. Call me pathetic but I would rather not…especially when its your boss! Behind the shower was a swimming pool so I thought I would give that a shot. It was super hot now we are back in Argentina…really really unpleasant, so the pool was great to cool off. I made a major error by not cutting my hair and its starting to turn to straw.
On my way back to the tent I stood on a thorne, 5-6cms long it went through my flipflop and into the heel of my foot, right in. Normally it doesn’t hurt when I damage that bit of the foot because the skin is solid but not this morning…. Having janked out the thorne and thrown it away (having been told it was to stop monkeys attacking the trees) I had to get to work. That also proved tricky! The edit truck had filled with sand on the trip across the Andes and every computer was covered. It took a good hour to clean up and even when the machines were fired into life some still overheated, others smelt horrible. It was worrying that the server that holds ALL the footage may fail at any moment.
Thankfully we seem to have survived. I took a trip to the Medical centre where they spent an hour digging the rest of the thorne out my foot, and plenty of dirt. I am bandaged up and hopfully the feeling will return soon, am just hobbling about pathetically at them moment!
Very excited to nearly have finished the adventure….I am told everyone goes a bit mad tomorrow, so will report back if that is the case….Till then….
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty
Its been rather uneventful the last couple of days. We moved from Antafagasta where I went out with the team from Versus in town and ate steak and scallops (amazing!) to Copiapo which once again felt very ‘Dakar’ Surrounded by massive dunes and set in a bowl the stage would end right on the TV compound doorstep. This was a rare opportunity to go and see some cars in the stage!
Having finished my feed (with just 3 cars over the line) I headed up passed the finish and beyond the ‘Safe area’ While these safe areas are good, you don’t get ANYWHERE near enough, and out in the sand there are no rules. Chilian kids played chicken with trucks while some of the later cars bounced through the dunes toward the parked cars that I was using as sheilds.
What struck me was just how amateur most competitors are. The TV coverage’s focus’ on the top 10 mainly and most of those are Pros in the bikes, but there really are only 4 pros in the cars. And in the stage it shows. Yeah ok its never going to be easy but most were really chilling out behind the wheel.
The Sand was incredible! We have all walked on sandy beaches I am sure, but real sand dunes? The way it sits massively varies. Some can be like concrete where as the fesh fesh is like dust, just tonnes of dust. It does provide any grip to walk on let alone drive.
As I was climbing I notice one of the leading riders being towed by an amateur the bike of Villadoms a real mess….so I got my camera out and started filming! I then offered it to the editor who said it was good enough to use and so one day I was in the background and the next was a cameraman! The chief editor then out did me and filmed a full 30sec on his Panasonic which went into the next days programme!
Having taken loads of photos and totally warn myself out, I was presented with an invite to the ASS Party. This happens once a rally and is a bit like going night skiing! We plodded back up the hill at 8 to be presented by Pisco (a great Chilian drink), Empenadas (think Pasties) and some top quality steak. The idea is to welcome in the final few competitors who will have spent all day in the dunes. Its really just an excuse for a party! But a lot of the Dakar is about that, doing crazy things with your mates!
Because the rally stayed in Copiapo for the following day it meant a lie in (till 8:30 when the generators wirr into life) and have a slightly lazy morning.
The cars stage was short and that meant the Edit and voice over was well planned…I actually could face watching it as they played the programme to the Bivouac. Still I wasn’t totally happy, but it was certainly an improvement.
Having walked up the dunes to ‘cheer down the sun!’ I had an early night ready to head back to Argentina
Chilecito or little Chile is right on the boarder and was going to be the site of my 4th shower…never good to rely on the facilities after a second day in Copiapo…..But the when I arrived there was just 4 shower heads lined up with no curtains and an assortment of French genitalia enjoy the cold water. Call me pathetic but I would rather not…especially when its your boss! Behind the shower was a swimming pool so I thought I would give that a shot. It was super hot now we are back in Argentina…really really unpleasant, so the pool was great to cool off. I made a major error by not cutting my hair and its starting to turn to straw.
On my way back to the tent I stood on a thorne, 5-6cms long it went through my flipflop and into the heel of my foot, right in. Normally it doesn’t hurt when I damage that bit of the foot because the skin is solid but not this morning…. Having janked out the thorne and thrown it away (having been told it was to stop monkeys attacking the trees) I had to get to work. That also proved tricky! The edit truck had filled with sand on the trip across the Andes and every computer was covered. It took a good hour to clean up and even when the machines were fired into life some still overheated, others smelt horrible. It was worrying that the server that holds ALL the footage may fail at any moment.
Thankfully we seem to have survived. I took a trip to the Medical centre where they spent an hour digging the rest of the thorne out my foot, and plenty of dirt. I am bandaged up and hopfully the feeling will return soon, am just hobbling about pathetically at them moment!
Very excited to nearly have finished the adventure….I am told everyone goes a bit mad tomorrow, so will report back if that is the case….Till then….
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty
Sunday, 9 January 2011
We are Rolling again
Rest Day - What do you think that means?
Well the idea is that being no stage gives everyone a rest after a long first week on the move.....in truth nothing changes, The mechanics work just as hard, we work harder, only some of the drivers get a chance to relax....most are still flat out either still getting through the dunes or working on their own car.
Before the 'Rest Day' - it deserves brackets for the absurdity of the title - we had a large meal in Arica. Everyone of the TV team were invited and it was really good to get out of the bivouac area....We went to a restaurant called Mojito, overlooking Arica beach and the Pacific, which was stunning and the food very special indeed. I was dubious having been offer either Fish or Meat (i went Fish having lost the ability to chose meat pleasurably!) but the whole experience was great. I didnt speak that much rather communicated with impressions or wild hand movements! One observation i did make was everyone, male or female is Fat! I am told it is because there are so many different cultural influences, but i am not really convinced....Argentina was polar opposite so why should it change just as you get over the big hill!
After the meal, at which i was nodding off, i was dragged to Soho, the official Club of Dakar. Most of the team were already there, a lot of the Bivouac were there and had all been treated to bottle of Vodka. The place was packed to the rafters with women, perhaps 3000 women to 1000 men (mostly from Dakar!), and every single one was going mental, dancing, changing Dakar, sweating on each other and singing along Chilian Pop. Monster had infiltrated giving out thousands of flashing 'M's" which came in particularly handy when the power failed..... This signalled my shlep home.....
That became a journey in itself because only 1 taxi company could get anywhere near our bivouac and they didnt seem to exist..... Eventually myself and fellow Journo Alex found some girls to help us get home, i remember thinking they were mean not to ask us back to their apartment but having now reviewed the photo taken to break the ice, i'm extremely glad we didnt!
This Photo tactic was being used quite readily in the club to break ice and plenty of fat little Arican were wanting 'their photo taken'. This never happens in the uk, but i figured it was down to me looking a mess! Haven't shaved since i left and i didnt manage to get my hair cut before i came out here, so i am now SUPER shaggy.....my hair i mean.
Due to the drinking, no-one was very operational the next day, I was feeling good after a can of Monster but i think everyone else needed one too. The morning was a good opportunity to get out and chat with some of the drivers and in turn get a cracking tan but it meant i wasnt baby sitting the editors. By the time i got back to the truck with 3 hours to script...nothing had been done......I mean we not waiting for Helicopters to land to cars to finish, everything was there. Try as i might, no-one was being geed up and soon it was clear i would have NO idea what was going on the programme. I was mad even before going into the voice truck. I had no Script, structure or any idea...... except for 6 built points which are written on the wall each day.
I got through it and was happily holding back my inner anger until the co ordinater asked for the script.....I flipped and then plugged into to ITunes to stop a full on strop. I have this mantle......get drunk, have a wicked night, whatever as long as you can still pull your weight the next day. It was very apt on my Yachtmaster and here the same. The French hadnt.
Having spoken to the Production Manager 'its always like this, every year' i trotted off to the beach and watched a stunning sunset. There were thousands of little bird on the waters edge hilariously following the break as each waved forced them back towards the beach, and then back towards the sea. I think they were looking for little fish getting washed ashore but the way they scuttled soon put a smile on my face. I had a quick dinner with the Versus team and hit my tent at 9.
I needed the sleep....I felt a lot better today and everything went swimmingly, they even took my feature idea!
We are in Antafagasta once again sandwiched between huge dunes and the Pacific ocean. The Shower were good (not hot but thats asking way too much) and the toilets arent overflow....they even smell nice. The food is varied, we had sausages with sweetcorn last night and Chile is really doing itself proud! Contento!
Well the idea is that being no stage gives everyone a rest after a long first week on the move.....in truth nothing changes, The mechanics work just as hard, we work harder, only some of the drivers get a chance to relax....most are still flat out either still getting through the dunes or working on their own car.
Before the 'Rest Day' - it deserves brackets for the absurdity of the title - we had a large meal in Arica. Everyone of the TV team were invited and it was really good to get out of the bivouac area....We went to a restaurant called Mojito, overlooking Arica beach and the Pacific, which was stunning and the food very special indeed. I was dubious having been offer either Fish or Meat (i went Fish having lost the ability to chose meat pleasurably!) but the whole experience was great. I didnt speak that much rather communicated with impressions or wild hand movements! One observation i did make was everyone, male or female is Fat! I am told it is because there are so many different cultural influences, but i am not really convinced....Argentina was polar opposite so why should it change just as you get over the big hill!
After the meal, at which i was nodding off, i was dragged to Soho, the official Club of Dakar. Most of the team were already there, a lot of the Bivouac were there and had all been treated to bottle of Vodka. The place was packed to the rafters with women, perhaps 3000 women to 1000 men (mostly from Dakar!), and every single one was going mental, dancing, changing Dakar, sweating on each other and singing along Chilian Pop. Monster had infiltrated giving out thousands of flashing 'M's" which came in particularly handy when the power failed..... This signalled my shlep home.....
That became a journey in itself because only 1 taxi company could get anywhere near our bivouac and they didnt seem to exist..... Eventually myself and fellow Journo Alex found some girls to help us get home, i remember thinking they were mean not to ask us back to their apartment but having now reviewed the photo taken to break the ice, i'm extremely glad we didnt!
This Photo tactic was being used quite readily in the club to break ice and plenty of fat little Arican were wanting 'their photo taken'. This never happens in the uk, but i figured it was down to me looking a mess! Haven't shaved since i left and i didnt manage to get my hair cut before i came out here, so i am now SUPER shaggy.....my hair i mean.
Due to the drinking, no-one was very operational the next day, I was feeling good after a can of Monster but i think everyone else needed one too. The morning was a good opportunity to get out and chat with some of the drivers and in turn get a cracking tan but it meant i wasnt baby sitting the editors. By the time i got back to the truck with 3 hours to script...nothing had been done......I mean we not waiting for Helicopters to land to cars to finish, everything was there. Try as i might, no-one was being geed up and soon it was clear i would have NO idea what was going on the programme. I was mad even before going into the voice truck. I had no Script, structure or any idea...... except for 6 built points which are written on the wall each day.
I got through it and was happily holding back my inner anger until the co ordinater asked for the script.....I flipped and then plugged into to ITunes to stop a full on strop. I have this mantle......get drunk, have a wicked night, whatever as long as you can still pull your weight the next day. It was very apt on my Yachtmaster and here the same. The French hadnt.
Having spoken to the Production Manager 'its always like this, every year' i trotted off to the beach and watched a stunning sunset. There were thousands of little bird on the waters edge hilariously following the break as each waved forced them back towards the beach, and then back towards the sea. I think they were looking for little fish getting washed ashore but the way they scuttled soon put a smile on my face. I had a quick dinner with the Versus team and hit my tent at 9.
I needed the sleep....I felt a lot better today and everything went swimmingly, they even took my feature idea!
We are in Antafagasta once again sandwiched between huge dunes and the Pacific ocean. The Shower were good (not hot but thats asking way too much) and the toilets arent overflow....they even smell nice. The food is varied, we had sausages with sweetcorn last night and Chile is really doing itself proud! Contento!
Friday, 7 January 2011
The big Switch
Over the last 2 days the rally has taken us into Chile and while riders and drivers enjoyed the Paso del Jama over the Andes we had to make do with flying!
Not that was actually a bad thing because we flew in an normal plane, normal seast and everything!! Having spend a night in the mountains from where I last wrote we then flew to Iquique which is the spot where Top Gear filmed the end of there South American adventure. It was an awesome bivouac, sea behind and infront of us a 2.3km dune which would be the final part of the days stage….finally we get to see some cars at speed!
And what a sight, 200km/h down a 3/10 slope, just this black dot with sand flying up behind, it was spectacular. I couldn’t stay and watch for too long but fair to say it was like watching the red arrows with the smoke on, or the Kilometre Lance, Speed Skiing!
You felt the excitement and overall everything was better, cleaner toilets, better showers, nicer food and finally the Dakar put a smile on my face!
I think the feed showed it too, I was more relaxed, enjoyed the programme and with a slight delay because of satellite problems I was better educated on the days actions. I allowed myself to relax a bit in the evening with some Pisco – Chilian Caschasa, very easy to drink but rather too alchoholic for little me with no food! Think I fooled the Versus girls who just thought I was very friendly!
Today has been the same, we are now in Arica, the furthest north we’ll go at the best place to surf in Chile! Weird to see signs saying ‘Tsunami evacuation route…..’ Surely its just away from the wave?! They did have a big one in 1868 and apparently another one is due, but I am assured Dakar have put a risk assessment together in the even of a freak wave….there have been 2 earthquakes in the region over the last month!
Feed again was good, although it started with a shower….i grabbed some water as I headed to the voice booth and wanted a sip before I started, problem was I had grabbed ‘con gas’ and like champagne in a podium I sprayed everything! Its ok now, no damaged caused, trying to dry out in the sun (and maybe get a bit of tan!)
Rest day tomorrow, means nothing too us, still got to make a feed of nothing, but these guys are experts at that so, should be fun! Monster Party tonight, perfect place to have a cool party!
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty
Not that was actually a bad thing because we flew in an normal plane, normal seast and everything!! Having spend a night in the mountains from where I last wrote we then flew to Iquique which is the spot where Top Gear filmed the end of there South American adventure. It was an awesome bivouac, sea behind and infront of us a 2.3km dune which would be the final part of the days stage….finally we get to see some cars at speed!
And what a sight, 200km/h down a 3/10 slope, just this black dot with sand flying up behind, it was spectacular. I couldn’t stay and watch for too long but fair to say it was like watching the red arrows with the smoke on, or the Kilometre Lance, Speed Skiing!
You felt the excitement and overall everything was better, cleaner toilets, better showers, nicer food and finally the Dakar put a smile on my face!
I think the feed showed it too, I was more relaxed, enjoyed the programme and with a slight delay because of satellite problems I was better educated on the days actions. I allowed myself to relax a bit in the evening with some Pisco – Chilian Caschasa, very easy to drink but rather too alchoholic for little me with no food! Think I fooled the Versus girls who just thought I was very friendly!
Today has been the same, we are now in Arica, the furthest north we’ll go at the best place to surf in Chile! Weird to see signs saying ‘Tsunami evacuation route…..’ Surely its just away from the wave?! They did have a big one in 1868 and apparently another one is due, but I am assured Dakar have put a risk assessment together in the even of a freak wave….there have been 2 earthquakes in the region over the last month!
Feed again was good, although it started with a shower….i grabbed some water as I headed to the voice booth and wanted a sip before I started, problem was I had grabbed ‘con gas’ and like champagne in a podium I sprayed everything! Its ok now, no damaged caused, trying to dry out in the sun (and maybe get a bit of tan!)
Rest day tomorrow, means nothing too us, still got to make a feed of nothing, but these guys are experts at that so, should be fun! Monster Party tonight, perfect place to have a cool party!
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Eco fights back
4 days into the rally which only means 1 thing, less than 10 days before its over!
In terms of the work, its not got better, yes it is easier because I am used to being thrown curve balls now, but it doesn’t make it right nor allow me to perform at my full potential. I know I am so much better than I sound at the moment.
Theres a great myth and perhaps struggle with the Dakar, its one of the biggest adventures in the world but also a race. While most of the media have adapted from discovering new grounds (a reece team sets these course spending 3 months on the exact ground, the competitors are supposed to discover) TV still think its simply a beauty tour. Gone are the days where you can get totally lost, you must pass between 30 odd gates or waypoints per stage. So it’s a pure competition over some nice geography…. Surely the importance for me to educate viewers on the positions and why certain people are slow or fast? Instead I have been saying….i think this person is this fast today, but I don’t know! You’ll be more knowledgable to wait until the day is over and check the results on the website.
BUT I have to accept this is the way its done…if it making me too stupid then 2011 will be my only Dakar, best enjoy it!
It’s a shame we fly to each destination, we really don’t get to see where we are at all, you get no feeling of your surroundings apart from the TV pictures. Ok that’s a little fib… Last night we flew from Jujuy – who-hoy – over the Andies to Calama. Although we seem to be on a flat desert plain we are actually 2,400m up and my god did we notice. Having slept in at least 20 degrees for the first 2 nights in Argentina it was certainly single figures last night, in a tent I was fully clothed. Apparently because its so dry here (driest place in the world – Top Gear Stylie!) even if you do sweat it soon disappears. My tent is replacement number 2, they keep snapping when in transit… and what is good about tent number 3 is it is a 2 person camp…..now totally full of Sand! We’ve had dreadful storms today and while Dakar experts have wiped out their skiing goggles, I have taken to just walking round with my eyes shut!
I am slowly locating various English voices to speak to and being the Dakar there are genuine English accents out there! However what has really lifted my spirits has been the contact from home. Never thought I get home sick nor genuinely feel missing people, but this rally I really have and I got so much longer to go! By the way I don’t have a tan because work requires me to be inside and while I try to top up once I am done at about 5, its not working.
Next up is Iquique, the arrival site of the Top Gear special last year (the big dune Hammond ‘let’ his car roll down) beside the sea with a view of the special, looking forward to that and to perhaps something than other than Steak for dinner? too much to ask perhaps......
In terms of the work, its not got better, yes it is easier because I am used to being thrown curve balls now, but it doesn’t make it right nor allow me to perform at my full potential. I know I am so much better than I sound at the moment.
Theres a great myth and perhaps struggle with the Dakar, its one of the biggest adventures in the world but also a race. While most of the media have adapted from discovering new grounds (a reece team sets these course spending 3 months on the exact ground, the competitors are supposed to discover) TV still think its simply a beauty tour. Gone are the days where you can get totally lost, you must pass between 30 odd gates or waypoints per stage. So it’s a pure competition over some nice geography…. Surely the importance for me to educate viewers on the positions and why certain people are slow or fast? Instead I have been saying….i think this person is this fast today, but I don’t know! You’ll be more knowledgable to wait until the day is over and check the results on the website.
BUT I have to accept this is the way its done…if it making me too stupid then 2011 will be my only Dakar, best enjoy it!
It’s a shame we fly to each destination, we really don’t get to see where we are at all, you get no feeling of your surroundings apart from the TV pictures. Ok that’s a little fib… Last night we flew from Jujuy – who-hoy – over the Andies to Calama. Although we seem to be on a flat desert plain we are actually 2,400m up and my god did we notice. Having slept in at least 20 degrees for the first 2 nights in Argentina it was certainly single figures last night, in a tent I was fully clothed. Apparently because its so dry here (driest place in the world – Top Gear Stylie!) even if you do sweat it soon disappears. My tent is replacement number 2, they keep snapping when in transit… and what is good about tent number 3 is it is a 2 person camp…..now totally full of Sand! We’ve had dreadful storms today and while Dakar experts have wiped out their skiing goggles, I have taken to just walking round with my eyes shut!
I am slowly locating various English voices to speak to and being the Dakar there are genuine English accents out there! However what has really lifted my spirits has been the contact from home. Never thought I get home sick nor genuinely feel missing people, but this rally I really have and I got so much longer to go! By the way I don’t have a tan because work requires me to be inside and while I try to top up once I am done at about 5, its not working.
Next up is Iquique, the arrival site of the Top Gear special last year (the big dune Hammond ‘let’ his car roll down) beside the sea with a view of the special, looking forward to that and to perhaps something than other than Steak for dinner? too much to ask perhaps......
Monday, 3 January 2011
Welcome to Grumpsville
Wow this is going to be a long 2 weeks…
As explained in the last blog, the feed goes out at 3:45 with me commentating but the trucks have never finished by that point so I had to do a second feed later that evening. I had literally been non stop since 10am when we landed.
BTW the plane we are traveling in is a Hercules. We sit, lined up as though each one of us is about to go on a parachute jump sitting on stretchers. More hang above our heads acting as a sort of luggage compartment but at 6am, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep and the netting was not really supporting me.
During the feed commentary there was an almighty banging outside, it really put me off and once that section was over I quizzically looked at my audio editor… rain! Eh? What? I knew the cars had had some on stage but this was serious golf ball style. Regardless we continued (I wonder if you can hear it on the feed?) and while there was some silly errors I was satisfied.
It really is a ridiculous way of working, making a magazine style show without well prepped voice over. I had never seen the pictures of the main car and bike feeds and although I thought I knew an order it turned out, It didn’t correspond….and as for how long each subject is up!?! 24 hours later, on feed 2 I was presented with some scribbled numbers whilst voicing the cars….this was my script for the trucks which was FAR to long. There was no story at all and whats more the script wasn’t even a resemblance to what I was voicing.
There is a power struggle, everyone is concerned the script is right and I work on this all morning but I NEED to sound like I know what I am taking about. People in America and Australia will hear me. Its embarrassing to transmit something substandard, and winds me up no end but as long as the script is ok and they tick the boxes its fine. I 2 days no-one has mentioned anything about the VO, just bugged be about sending my script before even the pictures are decided.
You might be able to tell I am a bit grumpy, I hardly slept in my tent thanks to the constant commotion in the Bivouac (and the fact my tent was sodden – oh btw, they forgot to even supply me with one so that was interesting.)
Interesting I found a few bits of feedback on the internet….my love affair with South Africans continues “Although the rally has yet to get underway there has been one casualty – Toby Moody the commentator for the last ten years. The replacement is Ben Constanduros. Very ap surnamet Ben… I Can’t Stand U.”
This was posted after the first feed! I mean come on!
Plus points – haven’t yet stopped eating awesome steaks, I think I have had one every day… it might get boring but right now its all good! Also the shower wasn’t quite as bad as expected, quite refreshing after a sticky night. Oh and also making friends with a few English speakers….the team from Versus (US tv) and great to see Joe from Monster again, one more day in Argentina as we fly to JuJuy tomorrow morning… Best go put up the tent before it gets too dark, oh and early bed.
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty
As explained in the last blog, the feed goes out at 3:45 with me commentating but the trucks have never finished by that point so I had to do a second feed later that evening. I had literally been non stop since 10am when we landed.
BTW the plane we are traveling in is a Hercules. We sit, lined up as though each one of us is about to go on a parachute jump sitting on stretchers. More hang above our heads acting as a sort of luggage compartment but at 6am, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep and the netting was not really supporting me.
During the feed commentary there was an almighty banging outside, it really put me off and once that section was over I quizzically looked at my audio editor… rain! Eh? What? I knew the cars had had some on stage but this was serious golf ball style. Regardless we continued (I wonder if you can hear it on the feed?) and while there was some silly errors I was satisfied.
It really is a ridiculous way of working, making a magazine style show without well prepped voice over. I had never seen the pictures of the main car and bike feeds and although I thought I knew an order it turned out, It didn’t correspond….and as for how long each subject is up!?! 24 hours later, on feed 2 I was presented with some scribbled numbers whilst voicing the cars….this was my script for the trucks which was FAR to long. There was no story at all and whats more the script wasn’t even a resemblance to what I was voicing.
There is a power struggle, everyone is concerned the script is right and I work on this all morning but I NEED to sound like I know what I am taking about. People in America and Australia will hear me. Its embarrassing to transmit something substandard, and winds me up no end but as long as the script is ok and they tick the boxes its fine. I 2 days no-one has mentioned anything about the VO, just bugged be about sending my script before even the pictures are decided.
You might be able to tell I am a bit grumpy, I hardly slept in my tent thanks to the constant commotion in the Bivouac (and the fact my tent was sodden – oh btw, they forgot to even supply me with one so that was interesting.)
Interesting I found a few bits of feedback on the internet….my love affair with South Africans continues “Although the rally has yet to get underway there has been one casualty – Toby Moody the commentator for the last ten years. The replacement is Ben Constanduros. Very ap surnamet Ben… I Can’t Stand U.”
This was posted after the first feed! I mean come on!
Plus points – haven’t yet stopped eating awesome steaks, I think I have had one every day… it might get boring but right now its all good! Also the shower wasn’t quite as bad as expected, quite refreshing after a sticky night. Oh and also making friends with a few English speakers….the team from Versus (US tv) and great to see Joe from Monster again, one more day in Argentina as we fly to JuJuy tomorrow morning… Best go put up the tent before it gets too dark, oh and early bed.
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty
Sunday, 2 January 2011
One for the Techies
Happy New year, we are underway! This morning we began traveling and the racers started the 222km stage. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to explain how the TV gets put together.
The bit I am working on is the main world feed, 26 un-bias minutes of the best images and stories of the rally. Peterhansel said on Friday the rally has become less of an adventure and more of a competition over the years but the TV still very much see it as a tour. Christophe and Giles are concerned to get the best images rather than report directly on the race.
We have 3 helicopters, 4 camera crews on stage and then 2 in the bivouac or at the end of the stage to capture the interviews. The cameramen are responsible for asking the questions rather than anyone else. A large truck houses 20 Avid edit machines, 4 of which are responsible for the World feed. The rest are for private hire…for instance France Television have 5 to make their separate programme, Versus have 1 for make the features that surround the world feed.
Everyday the edit will begin when the first pictures arrive via satellites at CP1 and CP2. Helicopters drop their XDcam footage when they have done their section. Due to getting the programme to air for the evening, the programme must be finished by 3:30 Rally time. This makes life pretty tricky as some days the rally wont finish till well after that time, don’t expect to see a lot of the truck race! Due to these time constraints we try to make the features (which are less time dependant) and ‘What you Missed’ nice and long.
As well as trying to read the rally to steer the editors I also have to write a script on what the best stories are……the editors like pretty pictures and care little for me which can be tricky! The scripts are used for the various countries that don’t take my voice over to understand what is going!
My voice over gets added at the very last minute, well in fact as it goes to air with very little chance to see the finished product.
Once that is over the truck packs up and heads off to the next bivouac while myself and Alex go and chat to the drivers over dinner when they arrive. We can use this information for the VO the following day. Once the service park calms down then its time to put the tent up and sleep before an early wake up to fly to the next destination. Thankfully every day we fly rather than previous years where coach rides were common.
So my tent is up and I have logged on to Dakar.com to follow all the latest news for this years rally, fingers cross our first ‘live’ feed goes ok….
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty and SBS oz are kindly uploading the programme via
http://is.gd/jXXHy
The bit I am working on is the main world feed, 26 un-bias minutes of the best images and stories of the rally. Peterhansel said on Friday the rally has become less of an adventure and more of a competition over the years but the TV still very much see it as a tour. Christophe and Giles are concerned to get the best images rather than report directly on the race.
We have 3 helicopters, 4 camera crews on stage and then 2 in the bivouac or at the end of the stage to capture the interviews. The cameramen are responsible for asking the questions rather than anyone else. A large truck houses 20 Avid edit machines, 4 of which are responsible for the World feed. The rest are for private hire…for instance France Television have 5 to make their separate programme, Versus have 1 for make the features that surround the world feed.
Everyday the edit will begin when the first pictures arrive via satellites at CP1 and CP2. Helicopters drop their XDcam footage when they have done their section. Due to getting the programme to air for the evening, the programme must be finished by 3:30 Rally time. This makes life pretty tricky as some days the rally wont finish till well after that time, don’t expect to see a lot of the truck race! Due to these time constraints we try to make the features (which are less time dependant) and ‘What you Missed’ nice and long.
As well as trying to read the rally to steer the editors I also have to write a script on what the best stories are……the editors like pretty pictures and care little for me which can be tricky! The scripts are used for the various countries that don’t take my voice over to understand what is going!
My voice over gets added at the very last minute, well in fact as it goes to air with very little chance to see the finished product.
Once that is over the truck packs up and heads off to the next bivouac while myself and Alex go and chat to the drivers over dinner when they arrive. We can use this information for the VO the following day. Once the service park calms down then its time to put the tent up and sleep before an early wake up to fly to the next destination. Thankfully every day we fly rather than previous years where coach rides were common.
So my tent is up and I have logged on to Dakar.com to follow all the latest news for this years rally, fingers cross our first ‘live’ feed goes ok….
Over the rally I will be blogging on this site and on my new website www.benconstanduros.com where I will give you an in depth look into the workings of the rally and also keep up to date on the race itself at Dakar.com, I am at twitter to @Benconsty and SBS oz are kindly uploading the programme via
http://is.gd/jXXHy
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