“Riding Morocco: Chasing the Dakar” to Premier on National Geographic Explorer
Ever wonder what its like to ride a course of the Dakar Rally, which is considered the “world’s toughest race?”
National Geographic is making this possible – with the help of an Australian fashion model, a former Dakar Rally rider, and two Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L adventure motorcycles.
The show, titled “Riding Morocco: Chasing the Dakar,” will premier on National Geographic Explorer in America at 6 p.m. ET Friday, June 17.
Honda has supplied the Honda Africa Twin motorcycles – one with a standard transmission, that will be piloted by experienced rally rider Christophe Barriere-Varju, and the other a DTC (automatic transmission) piloted by model Laura Csortan.
As for Barriere-Varju, born in France and raised in South America, he is no stranger to the camera. Barriere-Varju was the star in the documentary film Dream Racer, which tracks his privateer entry into the Dakar Rally. He has competed in the Dakar four times – twice in Africa, and twice in South America.
With his experience, Barriere-Varju will provide some unique insight into the course in Morocco that hosted the former Paris-Dakar Rally (no staged in South America as the Dakar Rally).
Joining him is Csortan, who brings not only looks to the production but also a different perspective – she had never ridden off-road before the making of the series.
Speaking of “Riding Morocco: Chasing the Dakar”, Honda says “On their extraordinary journey they will experience breathtakingly beautiful valleys and expansive vistas, making new friends along the way. The duo will introduce to the viewer, the bike ride of a lifetime.”
Will they make it to their final destination of the Sahara Desert or will the journey of a lifetime be too much for an off road novice? Find out Friday, June 17, on National Geographic Channel. For now, here’s a teaser!
