I have been fortunate enough to endure the event as a mechanic five times. I attended the last African Dakar in 2007 and four events in South America. I have seen behind the scenes and spoken to the riders at the end of each day to get an understanding of just how mentally and physically demanding this race is. It is certainly harder than what we see on television, for riders, service crew and everyone involved.

If you want to add even more pressure to yourself, try entering the Malle Moto class. In this class you work on your own bike for two weeks as you race across 9500km of mountains, dunes and rocks, traversing three countries. No support, except what you can muster up from fellow, exhausted competitors. Just finishing the Dakar is an achievement. To finish it on your own is an absolutely awesome achievement.

Scott Britnell from NSW Southern Highlands is going to attempt just that. Scott has entered the 2018 Dakar Rally, in the Malle Moto class. With a military background, Scott no doubt has the will and determination to get him through this demanding race. His ability to ride an off road motorcycle is backed up by his recent record ride across Australia. Scott rode from Byron Bay, the most Eastern point of Australia, to Steep Point, the most Western point, off road (approximately 5000km) in 72hrs and 10minutes! On his own…  Now all he needs to do is put it all together, add in some luck and aim for a finish in the 2018 Dakar. Keep an eye out for No 97 in Dakar 2018.