Kayesport - A Typical Dakar Day

These timings are based on a theoretical day for a motorcycle competitor.

5:00 Wake-up call, stowing tent and belongings into trunk.

5:20 Breakfast (ample!!)
Collect rations and water for the day (possible to make yourself a take-away sandwich, to eat at fuel stop).
Organize your rations, dividing up the food items you need between the pockets of your jacket (for motorcycle riders).
Check start time on the notice boards at the Motorcycle trunks or at the dining area. Memorise the numbers of the competitors starting ahead of and behind you, so that you can take up the right position.

5:50 Head for the start TC, 10 minutes ahead of time.
Turn on GPS and enter the code.
Turn on Iritrack and Sentinel.
The various service providers are on hand, in the event of equipment malfunction.
Officials are on hand to check safety equipment.
Get into position behind the competitor who is before you in the starting lists.

6:00 Pick up card and start liaison.

7:30 Arrival at Liaison finish TC prior to Special Start.
Hand in your card. If you are very early, try to catch a little sleep. If the road book is thick, remove the liaison part so it won’t be a hindrance during the special (motorcycles).
Check operation of GPS, Sentinel, and Iritrack, and notify any malfunction to the TC team (an Iritrack technician is present at the special start).

8:30 Recover card and start on the special.

11:30 Arrival at fuel stop (motorcycles).
Hand in your card.
Fill up yourself using jerry-can and funnel.
Eat and drink.
Check bike over: any external help is forbidden.
Lighten your road book if necessary.

11:40 Recover your card and set off again on the special.

17:00 Arrival at the liaison TC (bivouac).
Hand in your card, and recover your Road Book for the next day + the opening notes.
Try to fill up with fuel right away.
Then go and find your backup or the Motorcycle trunk plane.
Any questions: Competitors’ Service or officials, by the Race PC.
For medical problems: medical tent on the tarmac.
For any problems with safety equipment: Safety Center.
Don’t waste too much time:
Pitch your tent right away, change and get your things ready for the next day. Watch out for pilfering!!
Many competitors sleep in the organization’s dining tents, to avoid having to pitch their own. It’s up to you…

18:00 Go over your vehicle and carry out any repairs needed.

19:00 Prepare the road book and mount it on your bike.

20:00 Go and eat.

21:00 Briefing.
Collect your GPS code, to be noted in your road book.
Go and check your start time and note that in your road book.

21:30 Time for bed!! Don’t forget your ear-plugs.

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