Northern Gravel Adventure Riding Club

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 08:56

Originally Posted by suzieq

Chris finished today in 42nd and so overall 45th. caught a few places then, just keep picking them off boyo!! xxx sweet now I can go back to sleep!

Good times for Chris Birch and Ned, congrats guys... as for the Minis, 5 out of the top 6 goes to them today! http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/...all-bikes.html

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http...LE7eYdFZuRAwIw

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 10:46

“What a day! I had a really great day, but what chaos with Iain’s bike burning – all that is left is a wheel and frame. My USA mate here had a crash and hurt his leg but he’s still in it coz he’s a tough ... person! Someone else’s engines blew up today, but my bike is going strong, Memo Tours got it all fixed up for me after my crash.

I really enjoyed today, really soft dunes, big mountain pass, fesh-fesh – that talcum powder dirt – it was like riding in clay ruts in Riverhead in winter but can’t see where u going!”

Tomorrow (well tonight!) we go over to Chile, the Copiapo pass... that will be interesting!”

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 10:52

http://www.youtube.com/user/dakar/featured

**george formby** · 6th January 2012, 11:52

Just to make matters interesting for the riders... It's snowing above 3500mtrs in the Andes. Pass MAY be snowed in.

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 13:11

Originally Posted by george formby

Just to make matters interesting for the riders... It's snowing above 3500mtrs in the Andes. Pass MAY be snowed in.

Very interesting indeed Will be interesting viewing once again

**george formby** · 6th January 2012, 13:13

Originally Posted by suzieq

Very interesting indeed Will be interesting viewing once again

It's official now. No racing tomorrow.

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 13:14

Originally Posted by george formby

It's official now. No racing tomorrow.

OH NOOOOOO must be bad

http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/...rall-lead.html

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 13:17

Originally Posted by suzieq

OH NOOOOOO must be bad

http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/...rall-lead.html

http://bc2dakar.com/

**george formby** · 6th January 2012, 13:21

For once I really need a Twitter account. Most of the info I'm reading is being twatted from the bivouac by the riders. Mad!

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 13:31

Originally Posted by george formby

For once I really need a Twitter account. Most of the info I'm reading is being twatted from the bivouac by the riders. Mad!

Twitter/twatter away hilarious What will the next best thing be out there?????? madness has it............... LOL

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 16:21

Originally Posted by suzieq

Twitter/twatter away hilarious What will the next best thing be out there?????? madness has it............... LOL

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

IN FROM MONICA.................

ah I see ...

this was on the website so I know as much as you

Due to the bad weather continuing over the Andes Cordillera (rain and snow), the Chilean authorities were forced to close, for the night, the border at Paso de San Francisco, situated at 4700m.

For the 7th time, the Dakar is about to cross over the Andes, and because of very unfavourable conditions, added to the fact that the course has been hit by rain and snow, in order to guarantee the security of the competitors and those following the rally, the organisers have decided to organise a convoy for all vehicles tomorrow. The itinerary has been changed after the border (follow the main road on the right which goes to Diego de Almagro).

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 17:02

Originally Posted by suzieq

IN FROM MONICA.................

ah I see ...

this was on the website so I know as much as you

Due to the bad weather continuing over the Andes Cordillera (rain and snow), the Chilean authorities were forced to close, for the night, the border at Paso de San Francisco, situated at 4700m.

For the 7th time, the Dakar is about to cross over the Andes, and because of very unfavourable conditions, added to the fact that the course has been hit by rain and snow, in order to guarantee the security of the competitors and those following the rally, the organisers have decided to organise a convoy for all vehicles tomorrow. The itinerary has been changed after the border (follow the main road on the right which goes to Diego de Almagro).

Turns out they are changing the liaison stage of Day 6 by looks of it as the weather forced Chilean officials to close the border post... so my understanding is that they will convoy (Connn-voyyyy!) the riders etc to Chile but the actual special stage will stay the same... man, Chris was looking forward to that one!!

**suzieq** · 6th January 2012, 18:14

Originally Posted by suzieq

Turns out they are changing the liaison stage of Day 6 by looks of it as the weather forced Chilean officials to close the border post... so my understanding is that they will convoy (Connn-voyyyy!) the riders etc to Chile but the actual special stage will stay the same... man, Chris was looking forward to that one!!

Today's stage has been cancelled as the weather on top of the mountain is too bad we are now starting a 650 km liaison at 8 .... Still going over the pass it will be colder than -5 3 bikes burnt out completely today Iains and 2 others he will leave for home today.