Bilmbling around the Lima bivouac at the Magdalena beach on my DR650 today, I was taking it all in and talking to everyone who said hi – or were willing to sign my tank. Today‘s atmosphere seemed relaxed but anticipation was in the air: while most riders and drivers were away dealing with registration, certification and all of the other paperwork, teams of mechanics stayed behind to work on the vehicles. The Malle Moto area was still busy with riders prepping their bikes – in the Original by Motul class, no assistance is allowed.

As I rode around, I was greeted by a rider on a KTM that seemed familiar. Bright colors, native Andean patterns and number 104 – Nathan Rafferty! "I just filled up at the gas station up the road and local Peruvians absolutely loved my bike“, - Nathan laughed as he stopped for a chat. The Dakar is a massive fiesta here in Peru, so no wonder Nathan‘s bike, covered in traditional Peruvian patterns, is a big hit.

All day today, riders were talking how they are ready to go now and how the long registration process is putting everyone on edge. Nathan was no exception. "I was ready to go two weeks ago! All this paperwork is just added stress“, - he said.

According to Nathan, he‘s here to race, to do his personal best, and to have some fun. "Being here at the Lima bivouac already feels like an end of a big journey, but I know it‘s just the beginning. It‘s so exciting – I‘ve been thinking about the Dakar for so long, and now, it just feels so good to be here on a bike. I hope to stay healthy and upright on two wheels and just have fun!“.

Stay tuned for more updates on Nathan's progress! For up daily recaps and rankings of the 2019 Dakar,