So the bike is apparently wrapped in bubble wrap and loaded in a container snug and safe on her way to Buenos Aires. The nav kit was apparently fitted and tested and all works fine.

Spoke to Duncan T this evening and we both agreed there’s no going back now.

Of greater concern, the full route has now been published on www.dakar.com. Most days are 600k or more. The longest special stage has 600k of race speed off road. Just reading the descriptions of the stages has been a 2 glass of wine experience. Race number 141 will do his best to get to the end of day one…