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
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