28 Nov 09 - Mountain Bike
I took off at 11am under a temperature of 32 degrees in the shade and hit the fire trails of Port Stephens on Gostoso (my Mountain Bike). The first incident happened... ...25 minutes later when i rode on top of a snake. I didn't see it. I turned around to have a closer look and the snake was already dead (i swear it wasn't me). The second incident happened turning around in the sand, i have clip on pedals to help me work on different legs muscles but could not take my foot fast enough. The result, a few hip scratches and a bruise inside my hand. Thirty minutes later, i saw a "friend" -- a big Iguana crossing the path. I talked to say hello, he told me "nice to

27 Nov 09 - Rock Running
In exactly 30 days I will arrive in Buenos Aires. Between now and until the end of the event, you can check this section to follow my daily preparation for the Dakar Rally, and read daily updates of each stage in Argentina and Chile. 27 Nov 09 -- Rock Running I like to run on rocks to work on my balance and reflexes. Hopping from rock to rock at a fast pace helps with mind focus and reaction time. It is not easy to do especially when you start getting out of breath, you then realise how important it is to be fit to avoid mistake. In this case putting your foot in the wrong place, coming up to short or sliding.  

Introducing CBV's 2010 Dakar Bike
This is not the actual bike, but her twin sister. We will all get introduced to the actual "mighty blue and boxing 'roo" on 28 December when Christophe picks her up from the port in Buenos Aires. The bike is a heavily modified 660cc. The upper frame is lowered and there is a single smaller front tank as one unit (instead of two) for a lower centre of gravity. More details on Christophe 2010 Dakar bike on 28 December from Buenos Aires.  

2010 Dakar Stages & 2011 Dakar Prospects
NOT ALL DESERT: The world's highest desert, the Atacama in South America, is not all rocks and sand dunes but also home to beautiful landscapes, crystal lakes, hot springs and snow-capped peaks. Dakar Rally chief Etienne Lavigne won't rule out the possibility of the race returning to Africa but, if it did, it would be in the east or south of the continent - not in the troublesome north-west.In 2008 the organisers

Christophe Barriere-Varju to tackle scorching temperature of driest desert on Earth, the ...
Friday, November 20, 2009 - Team Rally Australia On Christmas Day, privateer Christophe Barriere-Varju will once again represent Australia and depart to compete in the cruellest and most mediatised motor sport event in the world, the Dakar Rally. As Australia’s Dakar expert, Christophe is scheduled to attend live television and radio interviews across the country to give fans and supporters an inside view of what it really means to prepare and compete in this famous event. There is still a small windo