These marathon days can really test both the skill of the rider and reliability of the machine and the double marathon day well, what can I say. The whole concept here is that there are no service stops during the day (only re-fuels) and ther is limited service at night where all the competitors vehicles are placed in Parc Ferme and only the riders/drivers are allowed to work on them, in a half an hour window, to service. Any time taken over half an hour results in time penalties and if you dont go into Parc Ferme and elect to go into the bivouac instead there is an intant 5 hour penalty imposed. The next day there is also no service until the bivouac in the next town. this makes it doubly important to get the machines well prepeared for these days.

Smity went out a minute behind Colin this morning but soon passed him in the first selective section, Col had more tyre troubles today eventually dropping him back behind John. Meanwhile Smittys map roller (a new one at last nights service) broke down and he had to follow another rider but, without any other problems was able to gain around a half hour lead in the Quad division. In Parc Ferme when the rider had to do thier own service Smitty only changed the air filter and made some minor repairs (with cable ties mostly) as he had taken it pretty easy on the 700 knowing that it had to do 2 days of this before I can work on it again. He will have to make do wth a broken map roller again tomorrow though.

To add to Col's trye dramas his exhaust system also broke, the header pipe on the rear cylinder of the Renegade cracking through and the consequences of two flat tyres being two bent rims. Col electet to take th 5hr penalty to get the Renegade going for tomorrow. Adam, Chris and Lisa have all been working feverishly since Col's return to the bivouac and have a new exhaust installed and new wheels and tyres on for Col to continue tomorrow.

John had a few moments today also, getting himself beached on a rock, which lost him more than a few minutes and breaking a linkage for his rear sway bar which has a major handling effect on and IRS quad, John went into Parc Ferme though and will also have to spend tomorrow living with the problems that his quad has until bivouac at Coolgardie.

With there being no service today most of the service crews stayed here at the Leonora bivouac and got some tidy up work done and a little rest before what will probably be a busy night tomorrow.

Dont forget to keep an eye on www.australasiansafari.com.au for official timing and results.

Colins broken header pipe

Smitty in Parc Ferme, at least we could stand on the other side of the fence and give instructions.....

Mrs B doing a video interview with Smith for a thumbpump.com video of our 2010 Safari

Col's bent Renegade wheel

Yesterdays rear tyre on the left.... brings back memories of our first Safari in 2008

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