Well, unlike Wally, I think Willem knows where he is. This is Willem Avenant that I am referring to, a fellow who teaches offroad Rally racers how to read a roadbook, that funny paper roll on the tower of a rally bike. So, whilst we know where Willem is, it is not where he wants to be. Willem has had a lifelong dream to compete in the Dakar rally. This was clearly not just a passing fad. As a fellow who has also had a lot of his life dictated by a rather overboard passion for motorcycles I kind of totally get where Willem is at.
As for most of us, life happened for Willem. He met his wife while working in Alaska to save money for a trans-Africa trip on an Africa Twin (which already suggests that he has more than an average sense of adventure), he settled into family life yet has never given up on his dream of riding in the Dakar. On the contrary, he has worked hard at acquiring the skills necessary to ride an event as extreme as Dakar. He has established himself as one of the foremost Rally Raid riders in the country. He will be the first to tell you that he is not the most skilled racer out there, and that too strikes a chord with me. He is certainly amongst the most committed.
No rider gets to Dakar without huge personal sacrifice and commitment. Only the very best get sponsored rides. The rest of us have to sweat blood to make it happen and even then, it will only happen with lots of help from people who can identify with what we are trying to do. Willem needs the help of the biking brotherhood. He has several initiatives going which can be viewed on his website that he has created. One of them is the Cape Roadbook Camp which will take place in Paarl between the 25th – 27th of October where you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to ride a roadbook. This is a chance for you to experience what a real rally is like in a social setting as well as playing a huge role in getting Willem to the Dakar.
Many of us have dreamt of epic motorcycle adventures, but sometimes circumstances conspire against them, and we let go of our dreams. Willem has persevered way past the point of ‘having a dream’. He has put in the hard yards. Let’s join and share in his Dakar adventure. Many small donations make one BIG donation, so let’s open our hearts, wallets and throttles and get Willem to Dakar!
For more information visit: www.wravenant.wixsite.com
