Two French motorcycle journalist from the weekly magazine Moto-Journal decided to "do" the Paris-Dakar themselves. Except they didn't go on their KTMs or Bombardiers, nor did the drive a Mitsubishi or Nissan rally car, nor did the drive a Kamaz or Daf truck..... instead they drove the distance on 50 cc mopeds(mobylettes) !!!
Calculated to arrive at the same time as the "official" Paris-Dakar race, the two mopeds and their riders rode at an average of 50 kph, often 17 hours per day. Riding through similar roads as the real race; sand dunes, jungles roads and small villages, and despite multiple breakdowns and problems well known to all Paris-Dakar riders, they persevered and arrived the same day the race arrived in Dakar, Senegal.
I think we all know that it's very tough and difficult to compete in the Paris-Dakar race, even as an amateur (or specially as an amateur), but at least you can use the organizers' infrastructure and assistance. Tents are transported, food is made, medical assistance is available around the clock.
These two journalists "raced" on their own, and they did it on vehicles that were anything like real motorcycles. Only one word comes to mind: Respect !!
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