Race to Dakar [Paperback]

Charley Boorman (Author), Ewan McGregor (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2008

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. After his celebrated trip round the world with Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman was keen for another challenge, and racing in the Dakar had always been his dream. Supported by Australian champion biker Simon Pavey and experienced British biker Matt Hall, Charley attempted what many professional bikers have failed to do: successfully compete in the Dakar rally. His account details his extraordinary adventures as well as 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Replete with colorful characters, hair-raising action and enough raw machismo to knock over an elephant."  —Kirkus Reviews

"Boorman is well on his way to becoming the Michael Palin of motorbikes."  —Times2

"The history of the rally and Boorman’s own personal experience of this great endurance test makes for an exhilarating read."  —Waterstone's Books Quarterly

About the Author

Charley Boorman is an actor who has appeared in such films as Excalibur and The Emerald Forest. He took part in Long Way Round, a motorcycle trip from London to New York via Europe and Asia with his friend, actor Ewan McGregor, in 2004. Their trip was made recorded and turned into a successful television series and book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group (July 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0751538175
• ISBN-13: 978-0751538175
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #575,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Travel > Africa > Gambia & Senegal
  • #66 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Miscellaneous > Motorcycle Racing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give it a chance!, November 14, 2007

By 

David A. Stokes (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Race to Dakar (Paperback)

I must say I really enjoyed this book. The DVD was good, but the book is great. You really get the feeling you are along with the racers. IMO I have read the LWR and feel that the Race to Daker is a better book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed Race To Dakar very much., August 17, 2008

By 

A. Lee (Ash Grove, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Race to Dakar (Hardcover)

Race to Dakar

I first found Charley Boorman through his trip Long Way Round. I read that book and devoured the DVD TV series. And found out Charley was going to try the Dakar rally.

I ended up reading Race To Dakar in one day. It was so engaging I could not put it down. I liked everything about it. Its shown me places I'm sure I'll never see.

Then I bought the Race To Dakar DVD through Amazon.Ca. And it was just as amazing as the book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, May 1, 2011

By 

BMWLloyd - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Race to Dakar (Paperback)

Race To Dakar kept me on the pegs the whole way through. Just like in a Dakar I could not go fast enough.... Great reading. All the inside scoop. All the falls and flaws that Charlie had. You wont want to put it down.