Dakar 2018: My privilege. My pleasure.

I have always loved motorbikes, cars, 4X4 vehicles, boats – basically, anything with an engine that could move. Ever since I can remember, the Dakar Rally has been one of those events that one can only dream about.

Shortly after my mom passed away last year, I went on a bike rally in the Tankwa, Karoo with a close friend. During the rally, I got horribly lost and destroyed my motorbike (Victor – now resurrected), but thankfully not myself and all things considered, I had the most wonderful, healing time with my friend. The divine interventions and circumstances that lead to my going to the Rally are just truly bizarre.

It was at this rally that I first met David Thomas. Dave and I connected instantly. I followed him on social media and kept in touch as he prepared for Dakar 2017 (the race I grew up obsessing over). Sadly, Dakar 2017 didn’t present the fairy-tale ending he had hoped for and due to an injury, Dave was unable to finish. I was tasked with helping him recover from the injury, and our friendship grew through this tough time until I received the phone call I had literally always dreamed of: “Angie, will you help me get ready for Dakar 2018?” I remember where I was, why I was there and how I felt receiving that very special call.

Soon after helping Dave get confidently on his feet again, I had my next big moment when my place as part of Team David Thomas, Journey to Dakar was solidified. I am going to Dakar 2018 as part of Dave’s support team.

What does Dakar mean? The ultimate test of human endurance, one of the most dangerous races in the world, the spirit of extreme motor racing steeped in 40 years of glorious petrol-fuelled history. The most amazing conversions to family favourite motorbikes and vehicles that makes every petrol head not only buy the stock standard version but also boast about its pedigree at Dakar. A race that adapted effortlessly and shifted to South America when Africa became too dangerous and here we are. 2018 Dakar in our sights. The 40th edition of Dakar and the 10th edition in South America and I am a part of it!

I’ve had little time to adapt and prepare myself for Dakar. It’s in three weeks. I work 12 hours a day, my Dad is not in perfect health and my Germanic roots are in hyper stress at the thought of so little time and so much to do. Yet, I feel so alive. My clients, most of whom have been friends for many years are all egging me on and have shown nothing but support, despite losing me for the month of January 2018. How privileged am I?

To add to the lifelong emotion that is Dakar, I’ve had signs and signals from my Mom, who would tell me to, “just do it.” My Mom communicates with me through many mediums but her final say in this Dakar experience was David’s random racing number allocated a few days ago, Number 45. My Mom’s birth year.

I prepare cautiously, pedantically, professionally and with love for my mom, my family, friends, and clients for their support – and of course David, for the bucket list opportunity. I am grateful, privileged and hopeful beyond words.

Please follow David Thomas (a true legend and inspiration in every sense of the word) team manager Peggy (an incredibly positive, capable and multilingual woman who needs an entire blog dedicated to her), and myself, as we tackle Dakar 2018.

This dream of mine is born from love, obsession and heart that I just cannot explain. Dakar 2018. You are my privilege, my pleasure. I can’t wait to meet you.