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Race to Dakar
In January 2006, 230 people raced in trucks, cars, and motorbikes from Lisbon to Dakar in the 28th annual Dakar rally—the most challenging race in existence. Taking part was a team of three bikers—Matt Hall, Simon Pavey, and actor and bike nut Charley Boorman. After his celebrated trip round the world with Ewan McGregor, documented in Long Way Round , Charley was keen for another challenge. Racing in the Dakar had always been a dream of his, and so it was the obvious choice for a new adventure. Supported by Australian champion biker Simon Pavey and experienced British biker Matt Hall, Charley attempted to do what many professional bikers have failed to do—to successfully compete in the Dakar rally. His book details his extraordinary adventures and those of his fellow bikers, and also explores the history of this most dramatic and romantic of races. From Portugal through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Senegal, it also provides a unique look at the countries hosting the rally. It is an exhilarating and fitting sequel to Long Way Round .
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
About the author
Charley Boorman
16 books85 followersCharley Boorman grew up in Ireland, spending much of his childhood riding motorcross bikes. From 1998 to 2002, he ran a British motorcycle team with Ewan McGregor, winning the Superstock Series with David Jeffries.
His first film role was as Ed's Boy, Jon Voight's son in Deliverance, directed by his father John Boorman. Since then, he has appeared in Excalibur, The Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory, Karaoke, The Serpent's Kiss and The Bunker.
Married with two daughters, Charley rides a Ducati 748, lives in London and takes part in rallies, if his wife lets him.
His first film role was as Ed's Boy, Jon Voight's son in Deliverance, directed by his father John Boorman. Since then, he has appeared in Excalibur, The Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory, Karaoke, The Serpent's Kiss and The Bunker.
Married with two daughters, Charley rides a Ducati 748, lives in London and takes part in rallies, if his wife lets him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 12, 2009
Race to Dakar exemplifies what I love, and what ultimately attracts me, to the best travel literature -- the stories of people awakening and changing from their contact with other cultures.
Charley Boorman -- son of the famous director of Deliverance, best friend of Obi Wan Kenobi, and motorbike aficionado -- was in the midst of a stuttering, mid-life acting career when Ewan McGregor talked him into taking a trip around the world on their motorbikes. It didn't take much convincing for Boorman to join McGregor and the Long Way Round was born.
The trip took them from London, through Europe, into Kazahkstan, Mongolia, Siberia, then onto Canada and the US. And that's where Boorman's change began. Though he's never officially announced his retirement from acting, Boorman realized he could ride bikes for a living, a very good living, and he began to consider new trips and adventures.
But something else equally important happened. Charley Boorman met children in the Ukraine living under the specter of Chernobyl, met children in Ulan Bataar living under the streets of their home, and traversed the Road of Bones to Magadan. The seeds of a life change were planted with what he saw, and he wanted to help change the lives of the people he'd met in any small way he could.
And then, after Long Way Round came to an end in New York, he opened his big mouth and joked that he was going to do the Dakar Rally -- the world's toughest, most dangerous, most exhilarating Enduro race. The holy grail of riding for anyone who takes their biking seriously.
Well...someone took him seriously, and it suddenly became part of the marketing for Long Way Round, forcing Boorman's hand and breathing life into a second adventure before Boorman had a chance to rest from his first.
He took it on. It has always been a dream of his, and Boorman suddenly thought his dream could be a reality. He had survived the off-roading madness of Kazakhstan, and the broken and battered Road of Bones, so surely Dakar was within reach. He talked to Russ Malkin, the producer of Long Way Round, and in no time at all the pair were on the Road to Dakar.
Boorman went through a year of real training, breaking bones, crushing vertebrae, covering his body in scars and building up his mental strength to leave his inner dilettante behind and become a true Enduro racer. He assembled a team of three racers, including himself, his off-road instructor, a fellow Enduro racer, and a whole supporting cast of cameramen, mechanics, and filmmakers, and he was off.
Five days into the Road to Dakar, Boorman got into what should have been a nothing accident, the sort of fall that happens constantly in the Dakar. But this one was unlucky, and he broke both his hands in multiple places. His dream ended quickly, but the race was still on for his team, and Boorman held strong for them, shifting roles from rider to "mother hen."
In that role, Boorman wasn't just riding through impoverished African nation after impoverished African nation, he was living on the verge of their squalor. He was forced to stop children from slipping into their bivouac to steal precious equipment needed for the race, struggling constantly with the fact that the children were stealing out of necessity not avarice. He faced the ethical dilemma of Europeans riding a race that was as dangerous to the African bystanders (two young boys were killed by cars during the race) as it was to the racers. He watched the super rich bivouac pick up and move from nation to nation, full of food and water and technology, leaving behind only garbage and filth that the locals would dig through for anything of worth or sustenance. He witnessed a riot where police beat demonstrators mercilessly for their opposition to the race itself. And the seeds that were sown in Asia on the Long Way Round took deep root in the deserts and mountains of North Western Africa.
How much have his riding experiences changed Charley Boorman? His career as a travel writer and documentarian will undoubtedly give us a full chronicle of that change and his honesty will make it clear how deeply that change goes, but I suspect the greatest change for Boorman is and will remain the way he sees the world. No longer will he pass along the roads he rides without a care for those living along the side. His mind is open to the harshness of the world, and to his privileged place as a rich European with time and leisure enough to live a dream that few others can attain.
Charley's change is a lesson that Albert Schweitzer wanted the world to learn all those years ago, and a lesson that most of us never truly learn.
Charley Boorman has learned that lesson, and he is doing his best to pass that lesson on in the books he writes about his adventures. I can't wait to engage with the greater world outside my borders. It can't come soon enough, but for now I will read the stories of Boorman and Paul Theroux and other great travel writers and continue to long for my own full awakening.
Charley Boorman -- son of the famous director of Deliverance, best friend of Obi Wan Kenobi, and motorbike aficionado -- was in the midst of a stuttering, mid-life acting career when Ewan McGregor talked him into taking a trip around the world on their motorbikes. It didn't take much convincing for Boorman to join McGregor and the Long Way Round was born.
The trip took them from London, through Europe, into Kazahkstan, Mongolia, Siberia, then onto Canada and the US. And that's where Boorman's change began. Though he's never officially announced his retirement from acting, Boorman realized he could ride bikes for a living, a very good living, and he began to consider new trips and adventures.
But something else equally important happened. Charley Boorman met children in the Ukraine living under the specter of Chernobyl, met children in Ulan Bataar living under the streets of their home, and traversed the Road of Bones to Magadan. The seeds of a life change were planted with what he saw, and he wanted to help change the lives of the people he'd met in any small way he could.
And then, after Long Way Round came to an end in New York, he opened his big mouth and joked that he was going to do the Dakar Rally -- the world's toughest, most dangerous, most exhilarating Enduro race. The holy grail of riding for anyone who takes their biking seriously.
Well...someone took him seriously, and it suddenly became part of the marketing for Long Way Round, forcing Boorman's hand and breathing life into a second adventure before Boorman had a chance to rest from his first.
He took it on. It has always been a dream of his, and Boorman suddenly thought his dream could be a reality. He had survived the off-roading madness of Kazakhstan, and the broken and battered Road of Bones, so surely Dakar was within reach. He talked to Russ Malkin, the producer of Long Way Round, and in no time at all the pair were on the Road to Dakar.
Boorman went through a year of real training, breaking bones, crushing vertebrae, covering his body in scars and building up his mental strength to leave his inner dilettante behind and become a true Enduro racer. He assembled a team of three racers, including himself, his off-road instructor, a fellow Enduro racer, and a whole supporting cast of cameramen, mechanics, and filmmakers, and he was off.
Five days into the Road to Dakar, Boorman got into what should have been a nothing accident, the sort of fall that happens constantly in the Dakar. But this one was unlucky, and he broke both his hands in multiple places. His dream ended quickly, but the race was still on for his team, and Boorman held strong for them, shifting roles from rider to "mother hen."
In that role, Boorman wasn't just riding through impoverished African nation after impoverished African nation, he was living on the verge of their squalor. He was forced to stop children from slipping into their bivouac to steal precious equipment needed for the race, struggling constantly with the fact that the children were stealing out of necessity not avarice. He faced the ethical dilemma of Europeans riding a race that was as dangerous to the African bystanders (two young boys were killed by cars during the race) as it was to the racers. He watched the super rich bivouac pick up and move from nation to nation, full of food and water and technology, leaving behind only garbage and filth that the locals would dig through for anything of worth or sustenance. He witnessed a riot where police beat demonstrators mercilessly for their opposition to the race itself. And the seeds that were sown in Asia on the Long Way Round took deep root in the deserts and mountains of North Western Africa.
How much have his riding experiences changed Charley Boorman? His career as a travel writer and documentarian will undoubtedly give us a full chronicle of that change and his honesty will make it clear how deeply that change goes, but I suspect the greatest change for Boorman is and will remain the way he sees the world. No longer will he pass along the roads he rides without a care for those living along the side. His mind is open to the harshness of the world, and to his privileged place as a rich European with time and leisure enough to live a dream that few others can attain.
Charley's change is a lesson that Albert Schweitzer wanted the world to learn all those years ago, and a lesson that most of us never truly learn.
Charley Boorman has learned that lesson, and he is doing his best to pass that lesson on in the books he writes about his adventures. I can't wait to engage with the greater world outside my borders. It can't come soon enough, but for now I will read the stories of Boorman and Paul Theroux and other great travel writers and continue to long for my own full awakening.
April 8, 2018
The weakest of the three motorcycle adventure books that he has written or co-written. It focused too much Charley being nervous or unsure of himself. Ultimately, it mostly showed that he was not mentally ready for the race. Once the book was split into separate narratives from Charley, Simon and Matt, the book became much more interesting.
January 3, 2012
Amazing how honest Boorman comes across, even puts in the stupid stuff he said and did. I love the way he talks about his fellow adventurers and his wife. He really comes off as a very warmhearted individual. I will never ride the dakar, or even a motorcycle for that matter but as an armchair travellor this is one of my favorites, you really feel the book. Gotta order the DVD.
February 7, 2023
Books like these are exactly what I'm looking for when I say I enjoy reading about things I have no idea about. I hadn't even heard of the Dakar Rally before I picked up this book, not being much of a biker myself (read: I have never even sat on one). It was described to me by a friend as "the Everest of motorbiking," and being absolutely fascinated by feats of idiotic endurance as I am, I thought it would be interesting. I was correct. This was a fascinating glimpse into a culture and an event completely new to me, and I enjoyed every moment of reading about it. Boorman made the right choice in introducing his other teammates as narrators once he had to bow out of the race; while I felt sympathy for him, there was only so long I could read about him tramping around camps worrying and feeling sorry for himself. The drama of his teammates' sections made it possible for this sympathy to remain.
I began the book not really getting it, knowing it was a dangerous and difficult thing to do but not really understanding. Boorman, along with his other narrators, quickly succeed in making it very clear. Their passion and dedication is brilliant to read about and thoroughly convinces the reader of the difficulties, emotional extremes, danger, and drive that goes into a test of endurance such as this. They do so with a great amount of honesty and humour and it's impossible not to be rooting for them. The novelty of it all, it being something that I knew nothing about, made this book a quick read -- I was absolutely devouring all the information, from scenery to logistics to details about the bikes. Quite a feat as before I picked up this book, the most detail I could go into about one was that it usually has two wheels.
Once again, my sincere gratitude to those absolute nutcases who go and do insane shit like this and then come back and write about it. You all do so much for me.
I began the book not really getting it, knowing it was a dangerous and difficult thing to do but not really understanding. Boorman, along with his other narrators, quickly succeed in making it very clear. Their passion and dedication is brilliant to read about and thoroughly convinces the reader of the difficulties, emotional extremes, danger, and drive that goes into a test of endurance such as this. They do so with a great amount of honesty and humour and it's impossible not to be rooting for them. The novelty of it all, it being something that I knew nothing about, made this book a quick read -- I was absolutely devouring all the information, from scenery to logistics to details about the bikes. Quite a feat as before I picked up this book, the most detail I could go into about one was that it usually has two wheels.
Once again, my sincere gratitude to those absolute nutcases who go and do insane shit like this and then come back and write about it. You all do so much for me.
August 12, 2007
This is Charley Boorman's account of his attempt to do he Dakar rally. I enjoyed the book a lot. I would have given it five stars if it had gone into a bit more detail of the history of the Dakar rally. He does a bit of history but I would have liked to hear a bit more since I knew nothing of the rally until I heard he was doing it. Overall, very fun read if you are into motorcylce racing.
November 17, 2019
The book was, at times, entertaining and full of interesting people, places and events linked to the Dakar Rally. I found it to be well worth the read. It touches on the physical and mental demands of the rally, and at times has a reflective mood as to why people would do such a race. The book does not shy away from mentioning the injuries obtained by the riders and even the deaths of some participants (and spectators).
There is a quote on the back of the book by the founder of the Dakar Rally, Thierry Sabine: "The Dakar; a challenge for those who go... a dream for those who stay behind."
I have to agree with the first part of the quote. From what I have read, the rally was a challenge for all those who took part, where they were pushed to their physical and mental limits. However, I am not dreaming of doing it, even though I am one of those people who stayed behind. While I found the story of Charley Boorman and his team to be interesting, and often enlightening, the whole air of the rally seems to be one of barley controlled chaos and a highly corporate event. I have marked a page with a quote from one of the competitors which reads: he "was convinced it was no longer an adventure for normal people. It had become, he said, a hardcore race for professional race teams."
I will leave the review with this: the book is well worth a read, but it did not turn me into a fan of the Dakar Rally. I admire those who take part (especially the vast majority of riders who go it solo), but I am a bit put off with the organizers (considering it is their policy to deliberately set the field to disqualify 70% of the contestants, and where the overwhelming majority of those are people who are not part of the bigger, more professional teams who are back by international motoring companies). Four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
There is a quote on the back of the book by the founder of the Dakar Rally, Thierry Sabine: "The Dakar; a challenge for those who go... a dream for those who stay behind."
I have to agree with the first part of the quote. From what I have read, the rally was a challenge for all those who took part, where they were pushed to their physical and mental limits. However, I am not dreaming of doing it, even though I am one of those people who stayed behind. While I found the story of Charley Boorman and his team to be interesting, and often enlightening, the whole air of the rally seems to be one of barley controlled chaos and a highly corporate event. I have marked a page with a quote from one of the competitors which reads: he "was convinced it was no longer an adventure for normal people. It had become, he said, a hardcore race for professional race teams."
I will leave the review with this: the book is well worth a read, but it did not turn me into a fan of the Dakar Rally. I admire those who take part (especially the vast majority of riders who go it solo), but I am a bit put off with the organizers (considering it is their policy to deliberately set the field to disqualify 70% of the contestants, and where the overwhelming majority of those are people who are not part of the bigger, more professional teams who are back by international motoring companies). Four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
December 10, 2020
I adored this book. Is it a great work of literature? No. Is it about a vitally important subject? No. What it is, is an adventure story and a fine example of healthy masculinity. One of the things I love about Charley Boorman and his adventure travel work with his friends, is the pure joy and bonds between men, even stinky/grumpy/fart lighting/giggling over the word Titicaca/gross boys, all of whom openly express how much they adore being around one another even though they often fight like old married couples and tell each other to f*ck off. The kindness, caring and support they show each other is a delight to read and watch. Seeing them openly hug, tell each other they love one another, worry, fuss and care about each other and sometimes even have a good cry is so healthy.
One of my favourite things is to read Charley talking about his fears, grief, and mental struggles in his life without dressing them up as being "tough". I love reading his love and respect of the women in his life. When I feel like men are all horrible and toxic, I go read something like this and I'm reminded that they can be loving, kind, funny and open about how they actually feel.
One of my favourite things is to read Charley talking about his fears, grief, and mental struggles in his life without dressing them up as being "tough". I love reading his love and respect of the women in his life. When I feel like men are all horrible and toxic, I go read something like this and I'm reminded that they can be loving, kind, funny and open about how they actually feel.
February 4, 2012
Charley Boorman, son of director John Boorman was not a household name until he joined with bike riding mate and actor Ewan McGregor for a ride around the world called Long Way Round. A documentary turned book as well, which is also on my Goodreads shelf. After the success of LWR Charley Boorman was in the spotlight and had a chance to take on a childhood dream of riding in the Paris/Dakar rally. With a team including Dakar experienced rider and off-road trainer Simon Pavey, and cameraman/rider Matt Hall Boorman with film crew, mechanics and BBC in tow takes on the north African desert on BMW motorbikes as 'privateers'. This book is based on that documentary, written by a ghost writer but using transcripts, recordings and daily diaries of the team members to peice together the whole experience. The video series accompaniment to the book is expremely watchable, as is this book is readable.
I like Charley and his tentative approach to the race known to kill the most hardened and experienced riders gives the story an 'every-man' feel. The skills needed to accomplish the race are daunting and even Pavey has his moments of fear and doubt.
It is Matt's story that grabbed me the most as his was all about an unseen side of the famous rally now held in Argentina and Chile due to assumed terrorist threats in Africa.
Charley Boorman is someone I would like to have a pint with, and maybe invite him out for a paddle in my kayaks. A genuine adventure hound is he.
I like Charley and his tentative approach to the race known to kill the most hardened and experienced riders gives the story an 'every-man' feel. The skills needed to accomplish the race are daunting and even Pavey has his moments of fear and doubt.
It is Matt's story that grabbed me the most as his was all about an unseen side of the famous rally now held in Argentina and Chile due to assumed terrorist threats in Africa.
Charley Boorman is someone I would like to have a pint with, and maybe invite him out for a paddle in my kayaks. A genuine adventure hound is he.
September 29, 2010
A very solid 4 stars. You get into this mad race, this madness of men right from the beginning. Charley Boorman is a compelling narrator and a really, really good character to identify with for this ride of a lifetime. Literally.
It could be boring race, motorbike slang and the ego of the star/actor could have ruined the story. Not the case. You hop of the bike along with Charley and when his ride gets interrupted abruptly, you would think the book would lose its appeal. Not so. By then you've gotten to know his crew and got addicted to this insane, deadly rally race in the African Desert.
Boorman goes from racer to team nanny (with two broken arms no less) and sees the Dakar to the end. For the readers and fans of Long Way Around, some of the usual suspects from that are there. Russ Malkin (producer and driver of the support 4x4) is as much an adrenaline junkie as the rest of them.
Unlike the ghost writer (I assume a ghost writer here) for Long Way Down who didn't get Charley's personality, voice and energy, this one did. It's a great 15 days ride across Western Africa, on race bikes, against all odds.
It could be boring race, motorbike slang and the ego of the star/actor could have ruined the story. Not the case. You hop of the bike along with Charley and when his ride gets interrupted abruptly, you would think the book would lose its appeal. Not so. By then you've gotten to know his crew and got addicted to this insane, deadly rally race in the African Desert.
Boorman goes from racer to team nanny (with two broken arms no less) and sees the Dakar to the end. For the readers and fans of Long Way Around, some of the usual suspects from that are there. Russ Malkin (producer and driver of the support 4x4) is as much an adrenaline junkie as the rest of them.
Unlike the ghost writer (I assume a ghost writer here) for Long Way Down who didn't get Charley's personality, voice and energy, this one did. It's a great 15 days ride across Western Africa, on race bikes, against all odds.
July 28, 2011
Having watched the (little) Dakar coverage on TV for many years, this was a real eye opener for me. To see how little help the riders and drivers get is amazing, and to read about Charleys rescue (and at times lack of) and about his injuries which caused him to pull out was just shocking tbh. Well written and when I think Charley must haven written notes about his trek at the same time as doing it, is just astounding! A real story of endurance and I admire Charley even more so now.
June 22, 2008
Subsequent to his trip around the world with Ewan McGregor ("Long Way Round"), Charley Boorman undertook to compete in one of the toughest motorcycle races in the world, the Dakar Rally. Though he didn't finish, this is an honest and entertaining inside look at what the competitors experience in this physically and mentally challenging race.
October 31, 2009
The Long Way Round is Charley's best known book but I really liked this tale of the 2006 Dakar Rally. I also share the dream of doing the Dakar, but Charley actually went and did it, and he made it much of the way his first time through.
September 7, 2010
Boorman decides to go solo this time and tackle the harsh environment of Dakar. Along they way we see how a racer prepares and what the realities are of racing in some of the worst tracks and trails. A great book to read if you are a fan of the A Long Way Around or Long Way Down series.
October 6, 2009
I'm not into motorbikes but I do love Charley. An easy and enjoyable read about the incredible Race to Dakar. I'm glad I only participated in it through someone else.
June 1, 2011
Good book about the Dakar rally. Photos in the book spoil things that have not yet happened at the point they are placed so I suggest you not look at them until afterwards.
July 29, 2011
a good book, really lets you know how tough it is to ride in the paris to dakar race.
Read
August 7, 2011truly amazing inspirational book. I am in love with Charley!!
November 22, 2011
Great support book to the TV series.
January 7, 2012
Loved reading this, a must for all other middle aged couch potatoes like myself who can only dream of participating in anything like this.
Hope to read more of his
Hope to read more of his
November 6, 2012
Would be a 4 star review but the photo sections spoiler later parts of the story. Unforgivably bad editing!
March 9, 2008
Enjoyable, but missing the spirit of Long Way Around, and Long Way Down.
February 17, 2009
Interesting book about the perils, thrills and excitements of the Dakar.
September 13, 2022
A gripping and engaging warts-and-all story of determination to achieve a life long dream.
Well written, with great descriptions of the characters, places, and frustrations, you really experience this tale as close to first hand as you can be - even feeling like you have the sand in your hair.
Most importantly, you do not have to be a motorbike fan to enjoy this superb adventure.
A great read.
Well written, with great descriptions of the characters, places, and frustrations, you really experience this tale as close to first hand as you can be - even feeling like you have the sand in your hair.
Most importantly, you do not have to be a motorbike fan to enjoy this superb adventure.
A great read.
March 29, 2018
Dakar rally is something which every motorcyclist/rallyist dreams of. The book narrates different stages and towards end the POVs of different participants is expressed well. To a certain extent one can say it kind of demistifies the iconic status of the rally and presents a tad cynical and philosophical angle
May 25, 2018
A rather enjoyable read which follows on from Long Way Round, this is the story of Charley Boorman entering the Dakar rally. It tells of the pressure of taking on the race as well as being the lynchpin of the accompanying documentary. I like the last third especially when the team get split up and the narrative splits so they can tell their own story.
Worth a read.
Worth a read.
March 21, 2018
I've been following Charley's adventures forever and the Race to Dakar was one of my favorite series and books. The adventure of running the Dakar Rally is top notch. Charley does not disappoint in this great companion book to go with the TV series. Must read.
September 24, 2020
A fantastic account of the Dakar rally for someone who's only heard of it. Allowed me to live vicariously through the experience of the Race to Dakar team which made it such a fun read. A must read if you want to go on an adventure of a lifetime on one of the wackiest races in the world!
December 16, 2017
Charley Boorman is so much fun to read if you're a fan of motorbikes!
July 1, 2020
Fabulous addition to the TV series; lots of areas are really fleshed out in the book which meant you weren't reading an exact replica of what was relayed on screen.
October 4, 2020
What made this book great? The pace and content kept me engaged and the detail of his feelings which were not sugarcoated was an important part of the narrative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews