"A challenge for those who go, a dream for those who stay behind"

Thierry Sabrie founder of the Dakar.

I'm Tamsin Jones and in January 2010 I will ride 9,000km (approx. 5600 miles) over 17days in a bid to be the youngest UK woman to complete the hardest motorcycle rally in the world.

Only one other British woman has completed this gruelling race. Riding up to 16 hours per day, under a scorching South American sun, riding 200ft dunes, battling dust, tiredness and the onslaught of super fast cars and trucks, it will be a test of endurance, stamina and push my sense of humour to the limit.

This race is going to require:-

DETERMINATION

BELIEF

COURAGE

PREPARATION

SUPPORT

With less than 2 months to go, preparations are going well.  You can see updates on the building of the bike on my blog.  I am also beginning to strip the spare bike and pack it all as we are shipping the bikes from La Havre on Nov 23rd.

The race is ridicously expensive and although i have saved for years to do this race and have a number of financial supporters i have still not hit the financial target.  If you are able to offer your support, however small, have a look at the sponsor me page.  There are still over 5 days left with kilometres to sponsor!

 

 

PREPARATION

I have been preparing for this race for the past 6 years, participating in desert rallies and training in the Sahara.  In 2008 in rode with an expedition company 'Beast of Burden' part of the African Dakar route from Mauritania to Timbuktu.  I've also finished 2 Red Bull Romaniacs Xtreme 5 days enduros and countless enduros in the UK.

SUPPORT

Without a good support team finishing the DAKAR would be virtually impossible.  I am lucky enough to have a great deal of help and support from previous DAKAR competitors.  I work for Simon Pavey a the BMW off road skills school, i ride with Matt Hall and Nick Plumb and Patsy Quick is helping with training and building the rally bike. 

 

CHARITY

 

This venture is dedicated to the young people and staff at TRAX Motor Project where I have worked for the past 10 years. The staffs dedication and commitment has encouraged over 5,000 young people (over 17 years) to turn their lives around. By doing this challenge I want to encourage others to put their body, mind and soul into what they love doing and follow their passion. Any proceeds from this adventure will go to TRAX Motor Project, which is now and always will be dear to my heart.

 

BLOG

If you want to know what is involved in preparing for the Dakar, then follow my journey by subscribing to weekly updates on my blog.

Blog address is:  http://tamsinjones.wordpress.com