What Its Going to Take to Succeed

The Preparation

The length and demanding nature of the Dakar Rally requires that each part of the team is prepared for anything we may encounter. This preparation could be the difference between life and death.

Training ($14,000)

Don’s training regime started at the beginning of February and will continue until the day we leave for Lisbon. Joe McCullum, BSc., of Level 10 Fitness, specifically designed the training program to make sure Don is ready for the grueling task ahead. As a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of Utah Joe knows how to get a body in shape and for Don he’s pulled out all the stops. Given this dedication we know Don will be ready when the starting gun sounds for the 2010 Dakar.

Bikes ($50,000)

1. 2007 KTM 525 XC Single Cylinder

If you are going to attempt the hardest race in the world you want to make sure your bike is up to the challenge. KTM motorcycles have not just survived the Dakar they have laid claim to it with more wins and finishes than any other motorcycle! This is why we have purchased two KTM 525 XC motorcycles to get our rider to Dakar. The actual race bike is currently being outfitted with an enhanced oil cooling system, special protection pieces, oversize radiators, illuminated road book system, two ICO rally computers, reinforced rider support equipment, Cush drive rear wheel, larger fuel system, double head lamp system, and Mecasystem fairing. The second KTM 525 is being used as a training bike until it’s time to leave for Lisbon. At that time the training bike will be dismantled and the parts shipped with the support vehicle to be used as spares for the race bike.

Support Vehicle ($90,000)

Our truck will be chosen for its ability to survive the toughest conditions and capability of hauling a lot of stuff.  Additional Modifications to this vehicle will include: FIA Roll cage, 4 Recaro Rally seats, 4 point safety harnesses, intercom system, fire suppression equipment, cargo container, compressor, work lighting, power system, radio and navigation equipment, auxiliary fuel tank, welder and loud horn. Additional costs include shipping, registration and insurance, fuel, and emergency parts

Medical ($6,000)

Making sure the bike and support vehicle are in top running order is the job of our mechanical team, making sure Don stays in top running order is the job of our therapist, Isabel. Given that Don is going to be riding upwards of 10,000 kms through Argentina and Chile, it’s going to take more that the odd bandage. Some of the things Isabel will be packing include: Sam Splints, Analgesic creams, Leukotape, Mefix, Tuff Skin, Second skin, Tensors, Non adhesive pads, Massage oil, Cinder suds, Flexiwrap, Duct Tape, Lightplast, Athletic Tape and variety of bandages.

Transportation ($40,000)

In November all the equipment will be loaded into a forty-foot container and shipped to Argentina. November is not a long way off and the push is on to have everything tested and ready to go by the time November rolls around.