This morning, Wednesday 21 September means the 2011 Safari ceremonial start is less than a day away now. The last members of the team arrived at Perth airport yesterday. Most of the heavy equipment and rolling workshop was driven over by road earlier in the week.

2011 Australasian Safari entrants:
Jacob Smith – Condobolin, NSW
Todd Smith – Condobolin, NSW
Charlie Ball – Katanning, Perth, WA
Stuart Bowen – Valley Heights, NSW
David Geeves – Condobolin, NSW
Glen Grundy – Witbank, South Africa
Don Lark – Condobolin, NSW

While originally listed to start the event, Brett Cummings has withdrawn from event due to injury. However he has still travelled from his home town in Witbank, South Africa to accompany his compatriot Glen Grundy.

Preparations have been running smoothly, but sadly team owner and manager Glenn Hoffmann had to return to the east coast due to personal circumstances only 3 hours after landing in Perth. It’s hoped that he will be able to rejoin the team at some point.

Yesterday all riders did rode shake-down sessions to finalise jetting and suspension settings. The bikes have been cleaned and final preparations performed. This afternoon at 3.00pm Perth time, the riders and bikes will proceed to scrutineering. Thursday 22 September will see the ceremonial start open the event and the prologue on Friday 23 September will determine the start order for the first stage of the Safari the following day.

 

Not to be outshone by the Factory Boys, David Geeves finishes off Don Lark’s custom clutch cover.

More to come later in the day!