In late February, my journey took me to the UAE for the exhilarating Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, a pivotal round in the World Rally Raid Championship. My primary objective was to amass the necessary points for qualifying for the Dakar, in accordance with ASO guidelines. However, alongside this professional ambition, I harbored personal aspirations as well.
Foremost among my aims was to navigate the course without encountering any crashes, while also aiming for a flawless record in terms of penalties. Additionally, I saw the ADDC as an invaluable gauge of my proficiency in handling dunes, providing insight into areas requiring further training throughout the year.
Reflecting on the event, I experienced one unfortunate crash and incurred a one-minute speed penalty, both lapses stemming from lapses in concentration. Despite these setbacks, tackling the ADDC—a race known for its unforgiving terrain—was immensely satisfying. It allowed me to pinpoint specific facets of my performance that demand refinement, enhancing my prospects of a more fulfilling Dakar experience.
Immediately following the ADDC was the much-anticipated SoCal rally in California, held in March. With a record number of participants this year, the event not only showcased remarkable roadbooks but also provided invaluable practice in navigation and riding skills. Moreover, it offered a platform for reconnecting with old friends and forging new friendships, solidifying its reputation as the "Burning Man" for rally aficionados across the United States. I was truly humbled and deeply grateful for the amazing support shown towards Decoding Dakar at this event, thank you to each person who has contributed.
I also had the chance to spend three days riding the new Kove 450. While I'll delve into more details about this experience in the future, it suffices to say that I'm incredibly impressed by the bike and can not wait to spend more time on it.
Throughout April, I'll be focusing on compiling my Dakar application, a task that feels quite daunting.
I'm determined to train rigorously in the coming weeks, with the anticipation building as May approaches, marking the opening of Dakar entries. Then begins the eagerly awaited period of anticipation to hear if I did indeed make the prestigious cut........
