It has been lots of work, but things are coming together.  Last week we spent five days in the desert for the first real test of our three KTM 525 Rally bikes.  We were nervous because we’re trying a combination never tried before: combining the light weight and nimbleness of the 525 EXC with the reliability, stability, and long range of the KTM 660 Rallye.  We think we hit the nail on the head!  The bikes rip in the dunes and are rock solid in the fast stuff, even with nearly eight gallons of fuel.  Superplush Suspension helped immensely with our test by supplying five different shock combinations and multiple fork settings to test.  Of course, there are still enough minor fixes to fill a month of late nights in the garage, but that’s exactly what we have.  Everything must be shipped to Lisbon on November 1 in order to make our scrutineering date in late December.

Our Ford F350 is looking good too.  Driver Robb McElroy got the play in the sand, getting the truck good and stuck but not breaking anything. 

For 3 days during our test, we ran some long Dakar-style practice rally routes.  Thanks to Scott and Duane of Hog Wild Racing for putting together a nice and tricky bit of navigation for day 2! James Embro, another privateer headed to Dakar, rode with us for a few days as part of his rally preparations.  A film crew from OLN was on hand, and Robb shot some pictures for several magazines.  Even Ronn Bailey came out in his buggy, but was unable to complete the rally route because his pre-runner is not road-legal.