Rallyraidio

Don Hatton on the line with a report from Day 2.  Sad news in the bivouac as two event staff are killed in an accident on the piste, with others injured.  Don's had a rough go of it but is still hanging in there, while ADV inmate Rick is out with a broken leg.  Don's hoping tomorrow's terrain suits him and the 690 Enduro better than the first two days.Rick, hope you're back to fighting shape by Dakar...!

David's left word from the sweltering bivouac after the first day's stages. Like Don, his mechanics were delayed at sea and so getting through scrutineering was a bit of a crunch. Hopefully they don't have too much to attend to tonight. He's looking forward to faster, longer stages tomorrow.Thanks, David!

An upbeat Don Hatton calls in after scrutineering. They had a bit of a challenge as the bike and team were delayed at sea due to a storm, then needed to rectify some wiring issues, but all is well now and he's looking forward to getting on with things tomorrow.

Our man on the scene, Cummo, catches up with rallye circuit regular Pal Anders Ullevalseter, of Norway. As a perennial front-running privateer, Pal Anders fills us in on his plans for the Dakar this year and gives some thoughts on the 690/450 debate.

David Dickinson rings in from Marrakesh on the eve of the Rallye. From his post on Adventure Rider:I'm in - (No 17) and also being supported by Patsy's Desert Rose Racing. Looking forward to meeting the Canadians and the one other Brit in this essentially French race. I've not had great preparation with my Enduro bike being stolen in May (don't ask )!! and me not managing to replace it until late August. I don't suppose riding my 990 R all summer counts for much. Still I'm really looking forward to it, an English description of the route is here: http://www.npo.fr/maroc2009/pdf/CP5-MAR09-230909EN.pdf The main site for the Event is here, they may have a tracking feature once the Rallye starts: http://www.npo.fr/maroc2009/ And if you fancy supporting the charity I am doing it for please visit this site: http://www.justgiving.com/David-Dickinson/ Many thanks DavidGood luck, David!  Can't wait to hear more updates on the rally.

Mick finds himself not at all where he expected to be half way through his 1000-mile C90 ride, in the hospital after an off.Get well, Mick!

Mick is off on another 1000 mile ride to raise funds for another good cause, this time on a diminutive C90.  He's making steady progress early in the ride.

John Bouwknegt rings in with his impressions on the inaugural Yilgarn Rallye, which proved every bit the challenge (and maybe then some) that competitors expected.  Well done, John!

Garry regales us with the tale of the Yilgarn IronMan -- a competitor who rode his 950se to the event, offroad, and then home again via the same route in time to make it to work again the next day.  Hardcore.

Garry calls in with the comprehensive event report.  Absolutely incredible effort getting this event organized from the ground up, Garry.  Hopefully the first of many successful years and rallies to come!  Your fellow rallye enthusiasts owe you a debt of gratitude.

The quad boys are starting to get into the nav rallye scene, and Garry chats with one of them after the event.

Garry Connell, event organizer for the first annual Yilgarn Rallye in Western Australia, rings in with an overview of the event and some last minute news regarding a necessary change to the format.

Garry chats with perennial front-runner Jacob Smith after day 1.

Garry Connell, from the Husaberg Rallye team rings in.

Greg gets us started with an intro to the two-day navigation rallye down under.

 Out but not down, Youcef and Rob are both tending to injuries suffered in separate incidents.  Rob's circumstances are particularly bizarre.  Get well soon, guys!

Youcef chats with a man who's fast becoming one of my favorite RallyRAIDio storytellers, Simon Pavey.  Hear Simon's take on the Desert Challenge, as well as some riveting behind the scenes stories from El Dakaro.  Pull up a chair. This stuff is better than gold.

Youcef chats with Italian Aprilla works riders Alex Zanotti and Paolo Cici about their unique (in the rallye world) machines and their experiences thusfar.Rally on, guys!

Youcef catches up with the UAE KTM team manager for a chat on Day 2.

Youcef Cummings (Cummo on Adventure Rider) gets us started with the coverage of the 2009 Abu Dhabi (formerly UAE) Desert Challenge, and speaks with members of the UAE KTM team.Good luck, guys, and have a great rally!