AltRider Taste of Dakar Reviews

I have been to all four of these events so I should be about as informed as anyone as to the quality and value of this "Taste of Dakar."  It began back in 2012 and was held at Shoshone, CA as an attempt by AltRider to not just get together to ride, have a good time, showcase their array of various aftermarket adv bike protection parts, luggage, etc... but to actually give a rider a feel for what a real Dakar stage might throw at them.  Each year's event seems to get better than the previous.

Taste of Dakar has a "special guest" each year and the very first was Manuel Lucchese who was the youngest ever Dakar racer.  The year after that was Johnny Campbell.  I'm looking forward to this year's special guest who will be Simon Pavey.

I have not participated in the training sessions (an extra $225) but have attended the same sessions outside the event on different dates and it was top notch.

The food/beverage has also always been very good.  Last year the caterer showed up a bit late with the breakfast but other than that hiccup, the food and drink service has been very high quality.  The lunch stop at the historic Pioneer Saloon in Good Springs is unforgettable with its bullet holes and sordid past.  Last year there was a fantastic band (Brad Barker, Owen Balduf, Evan Firstman, etc...) after dinner that added a new dimension to the event.

There are various vendor tents (AltRider of course) set up that riders can shop and view product.  It's nice to be able to look, feel and touch something before you buy it and even engage in a dialogue about which products might be best for you and why they're important.  That's something you can't get online.

But my absolute favorite part is the RIDING!  I always do the intermediate course and have always been challenged by the terrain and finished each day exhausted but with a huge smile on my face.  There are so many great photo ops as well in dunes, riding by the Ivanpah solar plant or up in the local mountains amidst snow.

Killer tip:  Since you're right next to Death Valley, consider extending your trip by riding a few days in the park before you go home.

What you're paying for:

• GPS led tracks for scenic, intermediate and advanced riders
• 5 gourmet catered meals with adult beverages
• 2 nights of camping at Wine Ridge RV resort (wi-fi, hot showers, jacuzzi, etc...)
• Optional off road training on Friday and Sunday
• T shirt, stickers and other prize giveaways

Pro's:

• Fantastic riding
• Food/beverage
• Great special guests

Cons:

• Tent stakes difficult to pound in the gravel spaces at RV resort
• Choice of beer in year 4 not as good as years 1-3