Stage 7 – Mendoza to Valparaiso
Well, it’s been an eventful 24 hours. Gary is storming ahead completing every day so far successfully even after a horrendous Stage 5 and he currently stands 113th in the race – amazing since he started at 206th out of a total of 230th riders. Philip meanwhile had mechanical problems with his clutch breaking and his engine failing and he slept in the desert alone on January 7th. Eventhough Philip didn’t make it back to the Bivouac in time to start Stage 6 he was one of many motoriders, car drivers and truck drivers so given the circumstances the organizers met and arranged for those who were able to make to the start of the Special test to be allowed to race today. Both Gary and Philip have now finished Stage 7 successfully and they have a well deserved rest day tomorrow in Valparaiso. Philip now stands at 95th in the overall rankings – probably slightly biased given that he couldn’t ride yesterday. – but nonetheless they are both still in the race and we are gunning for them to finish the race next Sunday. This will allow them to recover a little bit, with half the race under their belts, and will allow their mechanics to get working on their bikes for the day to get them ready for Part 2. Back on Sunday with more news when Stage 8 begins. In the meantime listen to Philip’s radio interview about his adventures on horseback in the back end of Argentina!! http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417706&page=108 or http://rallyraidio.net.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Hello! we are an argentinian family and my parents, Bety and Nachi, and me tried to help Philip to continue normally in race, but his engine broke and could no longer continue. Philip we are very pleased to know you continued in the race, we wish you good luck and we’ll be in Cordoba, our city, hoping to view you crossing our ways at january 16th and 17th. I could not take his mail to tell him our joy to know that he still in the race. Please give him our message and give my mail. Greetings to all of Ireland and good luck to all members of the Dolphin Rally Team in the Dakar!
January 10th, 2009 at 4:01 am
Hi philip. You are doing great . Enjoy your days rest. Have been watching the race online since you have left ireland. You and gary are Great reps for ireland and you in particular are great for the ktm name in ireland. Ps. I know your up to your ——-it but my 640 adv needs a good tune up on your return. Dave.
January 10th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Mary,
Thank you for helping Philip, I’m sure he appreciates it very much. Let’s hope you will see him at the finish line!
All the best.
Team Dakar Ireland
January 10th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Fantastic to see your progress, you even got an mention on Eurosport . Best of luck with the next stage!
January 10th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Delighted with how you are both doing. Wish we were there to cheer you on in person, but believe us we are with you both in spirit. Enjoy your day off! Good Luck to you both for the remainder of the rally.
Take Care – Bob & Ann
January 10th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Hi Philip from your cousins in the States. Can’t believe what you’re doing. The stories are unreal! Great to be able to follow you from Pennsylvania. Best of luck to you both for the remainder of the race.
Stay safe. Kathy & Doc
January 11th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Philip,
PA and NJ are on your side. Give it your best and then come to America to celebrate. Tom Noone will host the party!
January 11th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Well done lads on making it halfway! Eurosport is mentioning you two every evening to let us know you are still in it. I’ve managed to convert two of my housemates into Dakar fans. Keep it up and best of luck to both of you.
January 11th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Keep it up Gary and Philip, all your U.S. connections are watching and rooting for you.
Tracking live daily on line.
Love the RallyRaidio interview.
See you in Buenos Aires.
Tom Noone
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I enjoy this site, it is worth me coming back
October 4th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Hi Kelli,
It certainily is as we start the Quest for Dakar January 2010. All the training is underway.
Rgds.
Phil.