Baja Aragon

More photos can be found here

Dakar 2016 Entry Confirmed

Whilst in Spain making my way to the Baja Aragon I got the confirmed news that I will be participating in the 2016 Dakar Rally. I'm ecstatic that I will get another chance to fulfil a life dream.

My training is going well, I have the bike, fantactic sponsors/supporters, and the race clothing is coming on nicely. It's been a busy 6 months but there is much to do. After Spain there is a 500 mile odd cycle ride from Carlisle to Lands End, the Dawn2Dusk 24hr enduro, Beacons Rally, Merzouga Rally, and another 1/2 marathon to get stuck into. Supporter packages have been asked for and will be available from Augaust, along with race jerseys and a few very special one off personal Dakar related items. As always a big thank you to all that help and support - it's really appreciated. All the best for now, Corky

Hellas Rally

This was my 3rd Hellas but my 1st in the twin cylinder class. Things started badly with a big navigational error on day 1 and a crash on day 2 resulting in some discomfort in my shoulder for the remainder of the rally.

The next 4 days was just a battle of wills and pain killers. The terrain was a relentless mixture of rocks, hill climbs, fire track roads, switchbacks, washouts, and mountain descents. Many riders either crashed or were unable to complete the event.

Supported by the good folk at Torque Racing I was very happy to finish 4th in the M3 class and to collect a trophy in the twin cylinder class. It was the toughest Hellas to date and great training for Dakar.

I was pleased to know that my navigation skills are still intact, my injuries recieved during Dakar are giving me no problems, and my fitness levels are getting back to where they should be. It's been a tough 4 months of physio & training to get to this point and a trophy was a good start to my Dakar campaign. Next race is my first FIM Baja. The event is in Spain and takes place in July.

Click here for more photos

Dakar 2016 Bike Found

So after a lot of searching, some help from a good friend, and a bit of luck I managed to pick up a 2015 KTM 450 RFR. The bike completed this years Dakar and has been thoroughly checked over and is ready to race. I've only done a few miles on the bike whilst in the Netherlands but it was enough to be very impressed. It's an amazing bit of kit.

The other great news is that I got the all clear from the physio last week and I'm really excited to be able to start racing again. The last 3 months have been frustrating but I've worked hard with the physio to speed up the recovery and keep fitness levels up. This month sees the 1st wave of riders visiting us for some trail riding and I'm happy to be doing more talks and appearances with sponsors and organisations.

Hellas Rally - 1st race of 2015

I will be racing my KTM 950 SE in the Hellas Rally in May. Work is well on its way with the bike build and my injuries from Dakar are healing nicely. This years racing is going to be on a tight budget so I'll be riding to and from the event in Greece and doing my own service.

 

The bike has been modified with a 2 into 1 exhaust system, rear fuel tank, and a nav tower from Raid Designs. A facet fuel pump has been installed, SAS removed, and the side stand relocated.

Merzouga Rally Confirmed

Was very happy to receive an email today confirming my participation in the pro class of the 2015 edition of the Merzouga Rally. Although I had to battle with a viral infection last year I really enjoyed the event.

This is an excellent rally in its own right and perfect Dakar preparation. With tough navigation and containing much of my favourite dune riding I'm really looking forward to this rally again.

No 2015 Tuareg For Me

Went to Fracture Clinic this morning to get my hand looked at. All was going well when I heard the news that my hand would only be in the cast for another 3 weeks. I was thinking that I could now continue training and have 2 weeks without the cast before the Tuareg. Then noticing I was in some pain they x-rayed my back just to be on the safe side. "You've fractured your vertebrae" said the Doctor. "I guess that explains the pain" I said. The outcome is that I can't ride for 12 weeks. The Tuareg is in 7! I obviously asked the physio for a 2nd opinion. I explained that if I was a Moto GP rider I would be bolted back together with titanium and back riding in a week! Wasn't impressed.

I was really looking forward to the Tuareg's return to Morocco, and riding in the twin cylinder class, but it will have to wait until next year. For now I have find some way of passing the time - knitting? I'm so bored already!