Friday December 4, 2009 – I had the privilege of attending the Dakar send-off party for Team Pan-Am and Rally Management Services (RMS) in San Francisco, at the invite of co-owner Evan Leong.

Following KTM’s withdrawal from the ASO’s “Dakar” Rally due a ruling limiting motorcycles to 450ccs, the Austrian manufacturer will be supporting customers participating in Africa Eco Race 2010.

On June 4th, 2009 the Amaury Sport Organization, or ASO, the organizers of the “South American Dakar“ changed the face of the rally by announcing from 2010 onwards motorcycle’s would be capped at 450cc displacement. A mandate that forces KTM out of the Dakar and has financial consequences for teams and privateers alike.

For motorcyclists, little things matter. Especially the little things we carry on our bikes. Just about every rider wants their bike to be as light and uncluttered as possible. Even Uncle Ned …

The Tech 10s are a good example of the new trend in premium off-road boots; liberal use of plastic resulting in a ski-boot-like appearance.  The goal here, I suppose, is to make a very safe …

Thanks for following my progress in the Dakar rally. I was certainly thinking of all of you watching on the web and on TV when I was out there. Here’s the short version of …