Just had a call from Paul Green … and …unfortunately it is the end of the rally for Don. The ASO medical car has picked Don up. Apparently he is physically ok. His bike sustained a lot of damage when he was hit by the truck, but he managed to piece it together and inch towards the end of the special. However, at approx. 4 kms from the end of the special he had insurmountable mechanical problems and was not able to get the bike running. Don is headed back to the biouvac with ASO at this moment. Can’t wait to talk to him to make sure he
is ok. Our last conversation was via someones satellite phone at about 5:20 pm(our time)- 12 kms from the end of the section and he was not in such good shape. He was having trouble talking and wasn’t making much sense. I was not sure at that point what was going to happen. He had been out on the course for close to 12 hours. He had no way of contacting anyone from his team and I’m sure mine was the only number he could remember to call on the sat phone.
Luckily, after trying to get ahold of Llel, Simon or Paul, I was able to contact Simon Pavey’s wife Linley who in turn got ahold of Simon and Paul. Simon and Paul went to ASO. ASO called Paris. Paris called Don on his iritrack. By this time it was dark, Don had no navigation, no lights and the bike was broken and buried.
He told ASO he was continuing on and did not need assistance. He managed to struggle to the 4km mark, but the bike just quit and he could not get it going. That is all I know at this point. I am sure Don is very disappointed!
Will keep you posted!
Thank you to all for your posts and words of encouragement to Don. They were very much appreciated.
..natalie
Our hearts going out to you Don. Hope you are okay.
As disappointed as I’m sure he is, we are all really proud of him for attempting to push on. Don is certainly a fighter.
He’s got an iron will. I’m sure it must have been devastating for him to accept. I hope he’s physically ok. Best wishes…..Cord
So proud of Don what a warrior!
Ditto all else that’s been said…very proud of your ‘never give up’ attitude, Don…you accomplished far more that most of us could ever dream of doing. So glad that you are ok physically, that’s the most important thing…take care, mate.
Proud!
It doesn’t matter how things turned out. You have done what most of us could only dream about. Good to hear you’re safe and look forward to seeing what you will do next 🙂
Our prayers and positive thoughts are with you Don. You are such a strong guy and we are all so proud of you.
Wow, what a dramatic day yesterday. I know it’s been your goal for some time to finish this crazy race, but if your performance yesterday doesn’t personify what the Dakar is all about, I don’t know what does. I know you must be gutted, but it’s important to remember that you’re not defined by whether or not you have finished the Dakar. You’re the most successful international rally rider Canada has ever produced, and you’re out there doing it while the rest of us are watching from our living rooms. I’m proud to know you and I’m very glad you’re safe. Hope to ride with you in the valley some time in the near future. Take some time to relax and cheer on Simon.
Full points for effort Don you never go down without a fight.
I hope your physically ok, cus I hope to be chasing you down the trails again soon.
Darryl
Here’s a video with Don from France 4. French commentator but it’s definitely shows the pain.
BTW Johnny Campbell looks so relaxed because he knows Robby Gordon is bringing him parts!
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EprzQQo_X5w
PROUD to know you Don! You’ve given it a great shot over the years! Inspiring.
Heartbreaking news. glad you are OK.
There are no losers in this game. you are an inspiration to us all. Cheers from Ontario.
This link should work for France 4.
http://www.francetvsport.fr/heros-anonymes-135350
Thank you!
I spent a few hours in London Heathrow with Don’s wife Natalie and a bunch of other travellers when our flight got cancelled. It was clear to me how much this race means to Don and Natalie and I am absolutely gutted for you that it has ended this way.
I am also relieved that you are fit and well to ride another day. It takes a lot of guts to do what you have done – all your family and friends must be hugely proud of you. If you ever feel like a trip to the Chilcotin to do a bit of riding you are always welcome. Good luck to Ystalyfera’s favourite Aussie – Go Simon Go !
Jim