My first AER was with "Zaira", a lighted KTM LC8, but basically a production bike. After that we worked on "Elvira" a prototype based on another KTM LC8 with a Meoni Chassis and a Pro-Link rear suspension. Main modifications were made to save instruments from overheating. The two-cylinders are powerful and therefore overheat easily. Working on the cooling system is crucial.

Every evening we do maintenance in the assistance park. It takes from 3 to 5 hours. Apart from special breaks, you have to tighten all the bolts. You loose at least 30% of it during the stage, and the remaining part gets loose. Single cylinders need a daily engine oil change, while we change the engine oil of our twin-cylinder every 2.000-3.000 km of stages, so once every two days.

Athletic preparation is totally needed! Especially if you are over a certain age like I am (he smiles). If you hope to achieve something you need to train 4-5 months before with a professional athletic doctor or trainer. Mentally speaking the challenge is to stay focused. The true problem when you're there in the desert is that your mind tends to digress from instruments and from the situation. It happens that you start following other's traces and that's the easiest way to fail. This risk for me is high on Moroccan stage 2 and 3 of Africa Eco Race which are pretty monotonous. Mental presence is everything.

Somebody fears the soil, the unexpected changes in the surface which make the desert tricky by definition. They slow down cause they fear the unknown. I was in speed competitions on circuits when I was young, so I've never had this fear. Many also fear to loose themselves in the open desert. GPS systems are fantastic now in comparison with those of the 1980s, so you can't really loose yourself, but still the fear of being isolated is a burning issue. I use to sail a lot in open sea and I've already reconciled with the sensation of not exactly knowing where I am. My biggest fear? Honestly it is breaking the motorcycle! I'm always trying to save the bike, not falling! The biggest satisfaction would be doing a desert motorcycle adventure with no technical concerns from the beginning to the end. Never say never.