Anyone here going to see the Dakar Rally?

[R Doug]

I have been thinking about going to see the start of the rally over New Year's weekend.  I could fly into Buenos Aires and then take a bus to Mar del Plata, Argentina but the cheapest roundtrip flight I could find is $2,000.  That's a little much for me right now when you add on the hotel, food, and other expenses.  If I can find a cheaper flight, I am highly considering attending the start of the race.  If anyone else is going, it would make my decision a little easier as we could hook up down there.  

[motodog650]

Would be very cool but to close at hand for this go around. Really want to see that part of the world. Gonna consider starting to look into it for 2013.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I looked into flights and couldn't find anything even remotely reasonable, otherwise I would have been planning/scheming a way to get us down there for it.


Maybe next year, right?  

[black hills]

I be too poor

[R Doug]

Yeah, the prices of the airline tickets are killing this for me.  If I could get a round trip ticket for around $600 to $800, there's a very good chance I would be there.  

It's got to be a LONG flight.  But, it would be worth it to see this part of the world and celebrate New Years with the locals.  

[black hills]

Hmm... maybe I could ride there???

[R Doug]

That would make for an epic ride.  

[black hills]

That would make for an epic ride.  

yes it would, maybe someday..........

[Orson]

Just playin' devil's advocate but   it doesn't strike me as a spectator friendly event.

besides watching the departure/arrival and walking around the pits, and traveling by bus, it would seem that spectating points would be limited.

not that I wouldn't mind visiting Buenos Aires   the tender steaks supposedly melt in your mouth  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Just playin' devil's advocate but   it doesn't strike me as a spectator friendly event.

besides watching the departure/arrival and walking around the pits, and traveling by bus, it would seem that spectating points would be limited.

You think I'd travel all that way just to spectate? Hellz no! I'd be on a bike of some sorts and doing my own rally

[kendenton]

Doug I'm not sure what dates you're looking at, but I found flights MIA-EZE for $1404, 12/26 - 1/3.  Prices about the same for +/- 3 days.  

[R Doug]

I did find places in Argentina to rent a motorcycle and would highly consider renting one to ride around.  For me, I would like to be part of the kick off to see the equipment in person and have the opportunity to pat some of the riders and drivers on the back and wish them luck.

Plus, there are worse places to party in the New Year.  

Ken, that flight is still pretty pricey and I would still need to get to Miami.  

[kendenton]

I did find places in Argentina to rent a motorcycle and would highly consider renting one to ride around.  For me, I would like to be part of the kick off to see the equipment in person and have the opportunity to pat some of the riders and drivers on the back and wish them luck.

Plus, there are worse places to party in the New Year.  

Ken, that flight is still pretty pricey and I would still need to get to Miami.  

Sorry my friend, there's virtually no chance you'll find a ticket that cheap.  Christmas holiday is peak travel time, and you're out of the 21-day advance booking window for most deeply discounted fares.  If you want to plan for next year you could monitor ticket prices earlier (there are websites that do this for you automatically).

You could also do the trip with FF miles next year.  R/T to South America via Star Alliance (Continental/United, US, Air Canada, more) can be had for 60,000 miles and $66.50.  You could generate 50,000+ miles with one Chase Sapphire credit card bonus.  PM me if you're interested in pursuing that.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'm thinking that we need to charter a cargo plane to take us and our bikes down there  

[black hills]

I'm thinking that we need to charter a cargo plane to take us and our bikes down there  

Yea!! best idea ever!!!

[R Doug]

So, perhaps we need to start a new thread...

"STN Group Trip to See Dakar"

Ken, we may need to talk.  Planning for a trip next year may be the thing to do.  We could get less expensive airfare and work in a motorcycle rental for our time there.  

It sounds like Me, DD, Ken, and Blackhills are interested in this type of trip.

[Kraz]

I'm thinking that we need to charter a cargo plane to take us and our bikes down there  

Man - wish I were around and the boss would let me borrow one for a bit...

 

I could probably fit a 6-10 bikes or so in the back...





Would love to hang around the "Dakar" for a bit.  

[X1Glider]

Price always held me back from going to Argentina and Chile.  I'd love to adventure tour those places for a couple weeks.  Could probably do it now.  Getting a hold of a good bike for that long is another matter.