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Day 14 - Jan 13
STAGE 13 - BAMAKO to KAYES
The blowing windy conditions that have plagued us since our arrival in Africa were replaced today by no wind at all and thick, choking dust for 350 miles. The track today shared the same course that the late arriving big trucks were still arriving on, from Stage 12. It was an absolute mess. Lots of holes, rocks - very slick and dangerous. It was both extremely technical and high-speed at the same time.
Today the first riders left the line at 4:40am and shortly there after I was on my way. It was good to again get back our bikes for the ride to Kayes but an entire day spent inhaling choking dust is really miserable. As soon as you think it's getting better you're into a different kind of hell.
I’m happy to have this stage behind me. None of us crashed or had mechanicals today, which is excellent, but I am quite sore and really looking forward to getting some sleep. My leg is still hurting from the pulled groin a few days back and my wrists are very sore from the constant pounding of today’s section – no doubt from several days in the saddle.
Chris Blais did very well with a 3rd place, his best finish of the Red Bull USA team on a long stage. He’s got a nice time cushion built up and if all goes as planned he should finish the rally within the top 10.
Kellon Walch had another bad day. The poor guy started 101st and rode in constant dust – thicker than any I have ever seen. He’s a hard charger, though, and managed a pretty good finish by the end.
I suspect more of the same conditions tomorrow. The main directive for our team, and the other riders in the paddock is to stay safe, ride aware. We are so close to Dakar, Senegal. Finally. Our positions are pretty well set for the finish.
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