Stage 8 – Antofagasta to Copiapo, January 10th
Stage 8 complete! Philip had two full nights sleep on Friday and Saturday night in the local Holiday Inn in Antofagasta. He’s averaging 4 hours sleep a night in a bivouac so the rest day was never more welcome. In his own words “the body is in bits but the spirit is still fighting”. He managed to make it to Stage 10 last year so in some ways it’s a psychological barrier for him to get to Stage 10 and beyond to the finish line. His speed was quick today and he was happy to leave the fog and get into glorious visibility across some of the most breathtaking dunes in the world. The day wasn’t without its challenges as usual with lots of tricky rocky terrain and then back into sand as he closed back in on Copiapo……a road travelled by Philip twice before! Tomorrow brings another long special test and the last day in the Atacama desert so no doubt Philip will make the most of the dunes before he hits the mountains, river beds and rock again. The machine is holding up well. Brian and Barry have been looking after him “just like his mammy” and the mechanical team are providing sterling support. Fingers crossed for some long days ahead with eyes focused on Sunday, the final day of this gruelling rally race.
January 10th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Nice riding today Phil….Keep your adrenalin flowing because it is for us back here. You know you can do it!
X
January 10th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Another day at the office Philip! You’re not in britas bay now eh? Well done, good timings again today and safe riding for the next few days.
cheers, Tom.
January 10th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Keep it up Philip from your support team in Australia ( you mad bastard ! )
January 11th, 2010 at 12:11 am
well done philip keep up the fighting spirit,and give us something to smile about
January 11th, 2010 at 12:39 am
hi phil rocky today delighted your doing so good hope everything goes well tomorrow..stay safe.mark
January 11th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Go Team Ireland from West London Irish…Keep the faith. We are all right behind you…. (and Kitty!)x
January 11th, 2010 at 5:31 am
keep it up u da man.great pic of phil on adv rider under racing cliff notes page 14.
January 11th, 2010 at 6:42 am
Roll on Sunday.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Keep up the great work. I’m keeping tabs on your progress as I’m riding around Oz. Do Ireland proud and more importantly do yourself proud.
All the best,
Will
January 11th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Hi Philip,
Wihing you all the best. We are all, in 10 sefton grenn, behing you, keep it up!!!!!!!
Peter, Elena, Marc and Nicholas