Dakar

Chris is now halfway through Dakar 2012! He had a really good, fun day on the Copiapo loop, he was a bit nervous and think he expected it to be much longer than it was for him.

Chris finished 34th today which sees him now sitting in 41st overall, after making up about 6 places today.

Chris says 'Long day, sore ass! Crew still not there when I arrived. I have some pens so I can mark my route book. And I've eaten! They say tomorrow is a monster, a big loop, massive dunes! At riders briefing they told us "don't panic if the sun comes down, just sleep where u r and get going the next day, as cut off will be 6pm the following day which is a rest day!" Should be a long interesting day that's for sure!

I've had a few more people ask how they can help foot the bill for the Dakar bike that Chris is hiring for the race. As you may know we're running an auction on Trade Me but for those of you who aren't in the running for that, there is a easy way to contribute below! A huge thank you to all who have contributed, it has meant that Chris can just get on with getting there and racing without stressing about a looming credit card bill too much...

With stage 6 cancelled and a convoy organised, some may think that it is a 'day off' in Dakar. While they aren't racing, they still need to travel some 650 from Argentina to Chile, through below-zero temperatures. It won't be as stressful as  racing that's for sure though, just a big adventure ride. I am sure Chris and Darryl will love it!

A shorter day and stage today, the bike stage was cut a bit short due to rain (must be pretty bad then!)

Chris started 100^th off the rank and ended in 42^nd. And 47^th overall. So he has made up a few places on yesterdays lost time.