Dakar in 1979 was different.

Before Dakar was a race dominated by big brands, money and slick organisation it was a raw adventure. A test of survival, toughness and endurance that motorsports had never seen before. 10,000km across the Sahara with a map, a compass and a dream.

The tales of immense character and braveness in the early years captured the hearts and minds of the motorsport world and gave birth to the race we know and love today. Like everything in life though, Dakar has changed.

It is still tough, gruelling, dangerous and a test of character, but it is a race first and foremost. GPS has made it easier to navigate, the machines have improved immeasurably and desert camps have been replaced with motorhomes.

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The Outline

I was fortunate finish the Dakar in 2015. It was an unforgettable experience. Remote, self reliant and self affirming. But, it was a different sport to the events of the early years.

Navigating in the open Sahara with just a map and a compass that doesn’t work near your bike is whole different game. Pre GPS. Pre Sat phone. Pre on-site field hospital. Pre everything we take for granted in 2023.

The entire plan is to recreate that feeling of the early years. To return to North Africa on original era bikes, and ride long days in an original era way. It’s a story of respect, understanding and nostalgia. To remember and recreate the incredible stories of the early adventurers who paved the way for riders like myself.

Llewelyn Pavey

Dakar is in my blood. I grew up watching it on a rented TV. It was the only TV our family watched. Once a year, VHS tapes of Dakar would click on and we’d sit with these now iconic images of the early 90’s.

In 2015 I realised a decades long dream. I crossed deserts and mountains, froze in -13ºC and boiled in 50ºC. I got my medal, learnt about myself and sowed a seed. I understood the stories and I yearned for more. Since then I have fallen deep into telling these stories. My love of empty places, big skies and riding motorcycles has helped me see the world with a camera in my hand and develop a unique skillset.

Isaac S JOhnston

Isaac Johnston is the perfect partner for this film. He is an adventurer by nature. He’s a farm kid, a mountain kid and a true outdoorsman. Raised in Montana, his entire life has been spent wandering the mountains and finding the fun in the wilderness. Horses, motorcycles, mountain biking, skiing, hiking. If it’s possible, Isaac can do it.

He’s also incredible with a camera in his hands and in his face. His boundless enthusiasm where others crumble, his love of 1980’s era motorcycling and his superb ability to tell stories make him idea to ride into the desert in the name of adventure.

PROJECT OUTPUT

Potential Deliverables

The aim of this project is to produce a single piece of outstanding film content for social media accompanied by a selection of stunning photographic content.

OUTPUT

• One ten minute, unique, short film.

• Instagram Reels specific content.

• A library of stunning images for use on social, product brochures and other marketing campaigns.

• All deliverables can be tailored for content and budget requirements.

• A Public Premiere at The Bike Shed, London to coincide with Dakar

Advertising Options

• Logo placements.

• Personal Edit with Branding for Trade Show Promotion

• Product Placements.

• Description Links.

• Collaborative Posting on Instagram.

Estimated Cost | POA