Cummo chats with ADV Inmate Rick Hatswell whose Dakar plans for this

year are in dire jeopardy after breaking his leg on the Rallye

yesterday. In fact, if you'd like, you can buy a ready-to-go package

for El Dakaro in January...

Rick sounds in better spirits than I'd expect to be...

David Dickinson catches us up to speed as well as sharing a "day in the life" on

the rallye. For those who wondered why he wasn't show on the starting

list today, he explains that as well.Good luck tomorrow, David!

Cummo tracks down Sherco pilot Philippe Jacquet to hear how development

of the Sherco Rallye Bike is coming along. KTM 690 pilot Stephane

Hamard also fills us in on his experiences thusfar.

Cummo on the phone with quad rider Lionel Laine, who is leading the Overall Cross-country rallye standings for the year.

Don Hatton on the line with a report from Day 2.  Sad news in the bivouac as two event staff are killed in an accident on the piste, with others injured.  Don's had a rough go of it but is still hanging in there, while ADV inmate Rick is out with a broken leg.  Don's hoping tomorrow's terrain suits him and the 690 Enduro better than the first two days.Rick, hope you're back to fighting shape by Dakar...!

David's left word from the sweltering bivouac after the first day's

stages. Like Don, his mechanics were delayed at sea and so getting

through scrutineering was a bit of a crunch. Hopefully they don't have

too much to attend to tonight.

He's looking forward to faster, longer stages tomorrow.Thanks, David!

An upbeat Don Hatton calls in after scrutineering. They had a bit of a

challenge as the bike and team were delayed at sea due to a storm, then

needed to rectify some wiring issues, but all is well now and he's

looking forward to getting on with things tomorrow.

Our

man on the scene, Cummo, catches up with rallye circuit regular Pal

Anders Ullevalseter, of Norway. As a perennial front-running privateer,

Pal Anders fills us in on his plans for the Dakar this year and gives

some thoughts on the 690/450 debate.

David Dickinson rings in from Marrakesh on the eve of the Rallye. From his post on Adventure Rider:I'm in - (No 17) and also being supported by Patsy's Desert Rose

Racing. Looking forward to meeting the Canadians and the one other Brit

in this essentially French race.

I've not had great preparation with my Enduro bike being stolen in May (don't ask

)!! and me not managing to replace it until late August. I don't

suppose riding my 990 R all summer counts for much. Still I'm really

looking forward to it, an English description of the route is here:

http://www.npo.fr/maroc2009/pdf/CP5-MAR09-230909EN.pdf

The main site for the Event is here, they may have a tracking feature once the Rallye starts:

http://www.npo.fr/maroc2009/

And if you fancy supporting the charity I am doing it for please visit this site:

http://www.justgiving.com/David-Dickinson/

Many thanks

DavidGood luck, David!  Can't wait to hear more updates on the rally.

Mick finds himself not at all where he expected to be half way through his 1000-mile C90 ride, in the hospital after an off.Get well, Mick!