Pavey revs up for extreme new Beijing Rally - 10 June 2008

Not content with his repeated success at the Paris-Dakar Rally, Simon Pavey, the Chief Instructor at World of BMW’s Off Road Skills school, is now preparing for the start of a brand new challenge. Simon has entered the inaugural Transorientale Rally, covering 10, 700 kilometres, spanning parts of Russia, Kazakhstan and China.

Starting out from St Petersburg on 12 June, the rally will continue through the expansive landscapes of Russia, before heading across the large steppes of central Asia. Simon will then navigate his way around the lakes of Kazakhstan into China, where riders will encounter some of the highest sand dunes in the world, often reaching heights of more than 2,000 metres. Competitors will finally cross the finish line in Beijing on 28 June - 17 gruelling days after leaving St Petersburg.

In addition to his impressive rally credentials, Simon is also known for running the highly-successful BMW Off Road Skills school. The courses, which are run from their World of BMW base in south Wales, have introduced thousands of people to the joys of riding off-road, and the daily physical demands of being Chief Instructor at the school have also helped Simon to keep himself in shape for rally riding. But additional mountain biking three times a week will see him in top physical form at the event start!

Similarly, a great deal of effort has gone into preparing his bike for the rally. Simon will be using a BMW G 650 Xchallenge, a specially adapted version of the enduro bike that his customers ride at the off-road school. Speaking ahead of his latest adventure Simon said, “We’re really pleased with the way the bike has come together, and after all the hours we have put into getting it ready I can’t wait to get out there and properly test the bike for the first time.”

The Xchallenge has a standard engine and chassis but has had a Touratech rally kit fitted, by ace rally mechanic and part time Off Road Skills mechanic Bernie Wright. Michelin will provide tyres throughout the rally and Castrol will be supplying the team’s oil, while Cotswold will be providing the essential camping and outdoor equipment. Further sponsorship has been provided by GlobeBusters and BMW Motorrad UK, who have supplied Simon with the Rallye 2 Pro suit which he will be wearing throughout the marathon event.

For the first time on a rally Simon will be joined by his wife Linley, who will play a key role during the race. A keen rider herself, Linley will be driving the support vehicle that will assist Simon in his efforts to complete one of the toughest rallies in the world.

Simon said, “The idea of this rally really excites me. For the Rally-Raid Marathon competitors it seems that it will be tougher than the current Dakar. It’s a chance for me to ride through different countries and try a new experience. I’ve got high hopes for this event and I’m sure it will live up to it. It’s also the first time I get to share a rally with my wife Linley.”

Simon may be setting off for Saint Petersburg for the Transorientale, but he is already thinking ahead to the next challenge the 2009 Dakar Rally. For the first time Simon will be joining forces with his rally sponsors, GlobeBusters, to create a once in a lifetime opportunity for customers to travel alongside the 2009 Dakar Rally.

In 2009 for the first time, the Dakar rally will be held in South America, with the route running through parts of Argentina and Chile. From 28 December to 22 January this unique two week Tour will watch the start of the race in Buenos Aires before travelling to Valparaiso for the official rest day, and returning back to Buenos Aires for the official finish, meeting the rally at various stages to support Simon as he competes. All participants must be experienced riders and have a suitable bike for covering this terrain.

For further information, or to book a place please call 08452 304 015, or visit www.globebusters.com.

For more information, or to track Simon’s progress during the Transorientale Rally, please visit www.transorientale.com, Simon is riding number 5. The rally will also be screened daily on Motors TV.

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