**Adventure Motorcycle Magazine got a chance to chat with Ricky Brabec after the 2017 Dakar Rally to learn about the physical and mental strength it takes to compete in the world's toughest rally raid. This article was originally published in the May/Jun17 Edition of ADVMoto Mag.**

The Dakar Rally is the most physically demanding motorsport competition in the world, racing nearly 9,000 kilometers over the course of two weeks. While 167 motorcycle competitors gathered from around the world, this year only one rider signed up to represent the U.S.

At just 25, Honda Racing Corporation’s Ricky Brabec already has an impressive portfolio of wins under his belt, including the Baja 500, San Felipe 250, and the Baja 1000. Although 2017’s Dakar didn’t go as Ricky had hoped, he has now set his sights on dominating the world by winning the next Dakar Rally.

ADVMoto:  You've seen quite a bit of success at such a young age. Can you tell us a bit about your early days of riding and how you got into racing?

Ricky Brabec: I have been very fortunate to be successful. As a young kid that came from bicycles, I always knew I wanted to race dirt bikes. After graduating high school I went to work and stopped racing so much because it got expensive. One day I decided I didn’t want to work anymore and wanted to ride dirt bikes to have fun for as long as I could. As a result, I had to train my butt off and it’s paid off ever since.

AM: Was there anyone in your early days who influenced your success? Role models or childhood heroes?

RB: In my early days of racing I looked up to many racers, but had no idea how to follow in their footsteps. I would watch Dust to Glory multiple times a week trying to teach myself how to be a Baja racer. Little did I know, all I had to do was find a way to get there and practice. I have had many heroes, some that I still look up to. Johnny Campbell is one of them, and has become a mentor for me. I look up to Kurt Caselli, always and forever. Now that I’m in rally racing, I look up to all the top guys as well. Marc Coma is the man! Someday I’d like to be more like him and win the Dakar multiple times.

AM: How does racing in the Dakar compare to being a spectator of the sport?

RB: Racing in the Dakar is tough for everyone on the team, which most people at home don’t see. Compared to anything else I had done, it was a whole new ball game. The Dakar Rally is the most intense body-beating race in the world. On TV it looks simple enough, until you’re actually in it as a competitor. It has helped me tremendously in the U.S. racing as well.

AM: How do you keep mentally and physically fit? What do you think about during your races?

RB: I keep fit from mountain biking and going to the gym four times a week, as well as eating clean. Sometimes I think of crazy things during the races because I’m on the bike for so long. What are you supposed to think about? I sing, I think of food, etc.

AM: In the heat of the battle, most riders are focused on surviving the stage, and you’re singing and thinking of food?

RB: [Laughs] Yes! When you’re on the bike for so long you tend to run out of things to think about and songs to sing. Of course, my favorite food (if I don’t want to cook or go out) would be pizza. If we go out I like Outback Steakhouse and Mexican food.

AM: You and your team were formidable contenders in this year's Dakar. What are your thoughts on HRC's CRF450 Rally race bike?

RB: The rally bike is the best it’s been since the idea of Honda building a rally bike. I feel like [Johnny Campbell] and I have made a huge step in making it handle way better, especially going through big bumps. The team is comfortable with it and pleased with how good the bike and team are.

AM: What are your thoughts on navigating with a road book? Do you think this style of racing will become more popular in North America?

RB: I think we’ll see more road book racing in North America soon. I like it; it’s hard to race and read, so it helps create a whole new respect for rally racing. You get to mark it with whatever colors you feel will help you read it. I’m getting more comfortable with it, but at first it was such a mess!

AM: Describe this year's route and the physical strain the Dakar had on your body.

RB: This year was wild for sure! From the high altitude to the scorching desert, it was tough. Then you add rain as a factor. Dakar is not for the weak. It was hard getting up every day at 3 a.m. and gearing up for a 10-hour day in the rain and cold. Some days I didn’t even get to see my assists which made it very difficult to prepare and stay focused.

AM: Americans were excited to see you win a stage and en route for a top 10 finish at this year's Dakar. Our hearts sank when you didn't cross the finish line after leading the race at Stage 10. What was going through your mind when your bike broke down?

RB: When the bike broke, I knew my Dakar was over. I felt as if I let the team and the USA down. I was bummed and my heart sank as well. It’s a dream come true to be in the Dakar and to see myself improving. It hurt to not finish the stage, or even the remainder of the race. But next year, I will come back stronger and faster with more experience!

AM: How is Dakar different from any other rally raid in the world?

RB:  Dakar is different in several ways. The rules are stricter, the weather is insane, and the race is more demanding. Road books are usually more difficult. Some rallies are fast and fun. Others (like the Dakar) are technical and make you so mad sometimes that you can’t figure out which way to go.

AM: Do you have advice for someone who aspires to compete in the Dakar Rally?

RB: The Dakar Rally is the most grueling type of racing in the world. The weak will not survive and even the strongest get taken out. You can never be overly prepared for a two-week race going through every element of life and weather. It’s demanding, with little to no sleep.

AM:  As rally racing becomes more popular in the U.S., a younger generation of riders has your posters hanging above their beds hoping to one day follow in your footsteps. Any words of wisdom for the kids?

RB: Stay focused on your dreams and have fun with it. Life’s a great adventure so don’t waste it doing something you don’t enjoy. Riding motorcycles is the best thing life has to offer. When you weigh money and fun, I think having fun is more important, but obviously we need money at times to have fun. Stay healthy, get strong, surround yourself with great people and you’ll be successful.

https://Rally.HondaRacingCorporation.com/

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