There are 12 Stages
The Dakar Rally is one of the toughest and most insane races in the whole world. However, lately, the race has had a hard time finding a home. Last year, we reported that the race would go to Saudi Arabia. I had mixed feelings about this choice for several reasons. But my thoughts don’t account for a hill of beans in the world of the Dakar Rally, so here we are. The Dakar 2020 route has been finalized.
The route will start in Jeddah. Then it will go through Al Waja, Neom, Al Ula, Ha’il, and pause in Riyadh. Then it’s on to Wadi Al-Dawasir, Haradh, Shubayth, and end in Qiddiyah. A couple of the spots listed will be hit more than once on the route if I’m reading the map right.
Overall, the race will cover nearly 5,000 miles. The first half of the race is a maze of tracks and the second half will be the big desert landscapes and dunes that many people will expect and want to see. According to MoreBikes, 2020 comes with some changes. There are new road books that will be distributed right before the start of the timed sector and something called a Super Marathon stage where riders get only 10 minutes to work on their bikes. Regardless of what you think of the location or the race, you can’t deny it should be an amazing thing to watch.
I’ve driven out on some of those desert roads when I lived there with a GMC K-5 Blazer. Broke the frame and driveshaft – never go out in the desert alone.
Just remember, that you have no “constitutional” rights. There are two independent police forces, one religious and one civil. Getting into trouble for being western is quite easy. Penalties are severe. I rather liked the place and people, but would never personally visit again.
I bet that was a great experience all the same. I’ve had others tell me the people there are very nice and good to be around too.
I’d love to experience it myself, but in light of what allegedly went on with Jamal Khashoggi, I as a member of the media feel the need to boycott anything to do with this event so long as it happens in Saudi Arabia.
Thanks for sharing your story though.