
Slakar - Paris to Dakar Challenge
Adventure company Paris Dakar Challenge run a tour each year from England to The Gambia, following a lot of the old race routes.
Next event is 3rd - 24th October 2027, from £12,750. See their website for details.
Below is the planning for the 2026 event, which David had wanted to do, but the planets did not align.
2026 Tour
Costs
tour
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£7,995
travel costs
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fuel – £350 (based on 15mpl)
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spending money – £350 to £1,000 depending on budget
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road/bridge tolls – £150
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one-way flight (Gambia-UK) – £300 to £550
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motorcycle insurance & customs at borders – £250
Stages
Below is the route taken last time the challenge was ran.
England - 425 miles - 1 night
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15 March
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Optional Familiarisation Day to be held in Worcestershire day before the start of the challenge, 130 mile's from David's home
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Start location is the Ace Cafe in North London, 20 miles from David's home
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Make way to the ferry in Dover (97 miles), across to Calais in France to the overnight location of Gauchin-Verloingt.
France - 795 miles - 3 nights
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16 - 18 March
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Calais to Gauchin-Verloingt for the night: 55 miles
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Gauchin-Verloingt to the Eiffel Tower and on to Limoges for the night: 367 miles
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Limoges to Viaduc de Millau and on to Foix for the night: 374 miles
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Foix to the board of Spain: 54 miles
Spain - 792 miles - 2 nights
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19 - 20 March
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boarder to overnight in Dénia: 362 miles
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Dénia to Grenada overnight in via some trail riding: 273 miles
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Grenada to Port of Algeciras, ferry to Ceuta in Africa, then ride on to accommodation in Chefchaouen, Morocco: 226 miles
Morocco - 1,200 miles - 7 nights
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21 - 27 March
Western Sahara - 600 miles - 2 nights
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28 - 29 March
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alcohol is illegal to consume outside hotels and restaurants
Mauritania - 400 miles - 3 nights
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30 March - 1 April
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dry country, alcohol not available
Senegal - 300 miles - 2 nights
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2 - 3 April
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17C - 26C, sunny
The Gambia - 30 miles - 1 night
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4 - 5 April
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19C - 31C, sunny
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Preperation
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18,000 miles service required - £600
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chain and sprockets - £300
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new tires - £350
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chain guard - Acerbis - £56
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spotlights £300?
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large foot pegs £200?
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spares to take
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clutch plate set? - £280
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clutch cable
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gear shifter
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rear brake leaver
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front break lever
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clutch lever
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