RallyRAIDio

Ned calls in from the windy (gave the sat phone a few fits, apologies) bivouac in Peru following Stage 12, the conclusion of the "marathon" stage -- which Ned found to be a bit of a farce since the factory teams basically got a full service along the liaison route after the special. A few mechanical gremlins overnight for Ned, his training paid off through the dunes and he made it in to camp where they'll overhaul the clutch on the bike tonight. Last big stage tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed for a clean run. Goooooo! Ned!!

The Birthday Girl wishes everyone out there a happy F5 day!

Having surmounted some unusual challenges on Stage 11, Ned Suesse has his "Dakar Moment" while on the liaison to the moto-only marathon bivouac. Ever-giving of himself, he pulls over to call us "in the moment". The seemingly unflappable Neduro brought to tears, this has to be one of the most heartfelt calls in RallyRAIDio history. Do not miss.

Neil calls in with a man-on-the-scene report from the entrance to the Moto Bivouac after having followed Ned Suesse in on the liaison. Sounds like there are some stories to be told!

ADVrider's own roving reporter, Bluebull2007, meets up with Darryl Curtis at the start of stage 11 for a quick interview and an update on his rally thusfar. Thanks, Neil!

Ned calls in after a fun stage, having navigated his way out of the dunes with a flock of sheep (riders) behind him. Another great Robbie Gordon story along the way, too. Enjoy!

"Great day! Fun on the bike, the hill was AWESOME! Watching my bike float away in the river was not..." Listen in to hear Ned's epic stories from stage 9, including his underwater incident, close call with a mine, and Johnny Campbell's comments on Robby Gordon. Goooooo! Ned!

Ned calls us after what would turn out to be a very controversial stage for the frontrunners. He had his own challenges, including a stage that was very fast and admittedly not his most comfortable zone. A followup call reveals that his steering damper had become disengaged, a sketchy prospect when running 120kph through fesh fesh embedded with hidden rocks!  "This isn't racing, Ned says, it's praying!"  Well-done to bring it home safely, Ned.

Another great 20 minute conversation with Ned, we catch him in the bivouac on the rest day.

Photocredit: webventure.br

Team FrontRowGB rider and front running Brit, Stan Watt, rings in at the rest day to update us on his rally so far. For a team built with ambitious goals, it hasn't all gone perfectly to date. But he's looking forward to taking advantage of the grueling second half to move further up the order.