La Rioja-Fiambala, January 4th
After a liaison of 259km a tough special test of 182kms followed – fondly known as the ‘white pit’ – and the real first test of the competition. Philip said he experienced “some of the toughest dunes and river beds I have ever seen” and a lot of riders were out as a result. Philip ran out of fuel TWICE because the dunes were so deep and he burned so much fuel along the way. He refuelled in a small village with the help of the locals for €5 and again 50kms before the end with the help of a friendly quad driver closeby. He stopped to help an overturned car along the way and re-routed himself around the accident which cost him two way points but he’s hoping they won’t penalise him for that this evening. Today was a switch from earth to sand with a large portion of white dunes to contend with. There was no better way for Philip to spend his birthday than wrangling through the dunes of Argentina! His battery was low so the mechanics will work on this and the rest of the bike overnight while Philip sleeps. He’s very dehydrated but in great spirits. Tomorrow he hits the infamous Atacama desert and four serious days of tough riding before the rest day on Saturday which will be most welcome, both from a physical perspective as well as a psychological one! Onwards and upwards…………literally!
January 4th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Keep her lit son!! Happy Birthday too Phil! Greetings from Dublin.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Just watched todays coverage and you did well to get through it where lots of others unfortunately failed,Tough tough stage- Going great Best of luck for the atacama desert stages..well done
January 5th, 2010 at 12:30 am
Well done Philip! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!
January 5th, 2010 at 1:58 am
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHILIP,
WE ARE ALL FOLLOWING YOUR PROGRESS,
TOM, MARY, MICHAEL, CLAIRE & TOMMY.
January 5th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Good luck Philip! We’re cheering you on!
January 5th, 2010 at 4:03 am
Happy Birthday, Phil. Philomena
January 5th, 2010 at 5:49 am
Happy Birthday.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Brilliant Philip.. One day at a time.. Stay Strong, Stay fast and stay Safe..We’re Proud of You.. Keep it Lit Nooner..
January 5th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Happy birthday and great result.Keep the flag flying
Dan
January 6th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Well done and I gather its your birthday…so happy birthday. dont know you personally but have seen you on the irish enduro scene over the years..only for a few fleeting seconds here and there if you get my drift. Its a terrible pity that the irish media dont give you some tv coverage. Lets all fire off a few emails to the sports depts of the irish tv stations to alert them of this crazy irishman competing on a world stage.Keep focused and keep her lit..welldone again.
Ken Mc G