To Dakar and Back

21 Days Across North Africa by Motorcycle

By: Lawrence Hacking, Wil Clercq (As told to)

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Paperback | 1 February 2008

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The Paris-Dakar Rally is without question the most arduous and notorious off-road motorsports event on the planet. Since its inception in 1979, it has attracted more than 3,000 adventurers from all walks of life. The men and women who have taken up the "Dakar challenge" have at least one thing in common: a desire to measure themselves against the desolate sands of the Sahara. The rally has drawn entries from the international community of motorsport luminaries, the lofty ranks of European nobility and celebrity, captains of industry, as well as common, everyday people. Paris-Dakar is considered to be one of the world's top five adventures, in the same league as climbing Mt. Everest. The human drama that unfolds each January is unparalleled. Tales of danger, blinding sandstorms, endless vistas of towering dunes, incredible hardship, perseverance, tenacity, ingenuity, triumph, and tragedy have greatly contributed to the aura and mystique of the rally. The Dakar is a metaphor for life - a test of common sense, decision-making ability, and the ability to accept complete responsibility for both your actions and inaction.In To Dakar and Back, Hacking - in collaboration with motorsport journalist Wil De Clercq - recounts the three weeks of blood, sweat, and tears that took him on a 10,000 kilometre journey - in the heat of competition - from the glitzy streets of Paris, through the hinterland of North Western Africa, to the triumph of self-realization.

Industry Reviews

"A must read for those impassioned by the rally." --CMG Online
"A riders' perspective unavailable anywhere else in any other form." --"Motorcycle Mojo"
"[I] couldn't put it down until it was done. If you have even a passing interest in the Dakar you should take a look at this book!" --"Canadian Motorcycle Racer"
"If you've ever wondered what it would be like to ride this race as a privateer, this book is for you." --"Racer X Illustrated"
"When Hacking gets cerebral about what he's doing, especially at gut-wrenching moments that test his mettle--bike crashes, mechanical problems that could take him out of the rally, becoming disoriented under the Saharan sun--his writing sings." --"Winnipeg Free Press"

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Sports & Recreation Motor Sports Motorcycle Racing Travel & Holidays Travel Writing Transportation Road & Motor Vehicles in General Motorcycles in General Biographies & True Stories Biographies Sport Biographies

Foreword	p. ix
The rally to end all rallies	p. 1
Becoming an off-road racer	p. 9
Preparing for the Dakar	p. 27
Heading for the City of Lights	p. 39
"Gentlemen and Ladies, start your engines"	p. 47
The real Dakar	p. 69
Reality check	p. 83
Baptism by sand	p. 117
Halfway there	p. 137
Drowning on dry land	p. 163
The show goes on	p. 185
The dream almost comes to an end	p. 217
To Dakar and back	p. 253
Life after Dakar	p. 271
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

To Dakar and Back

21 Days Across North Africa by Motorcycle

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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