The choice was head south to Antofagasta where there is a BMW dealer and get the bike fixed but miss the Dakar or go north to Iquique to catch the Dakar.
We left Calama heading north for the first time in about four months. Due to the condition of the bikes we decided on the 5 which is a fairly new road inland in the desert. I kept the speed to 60mph and we rumbled along. The bike feels better after having all the salt and mud washed from all the brake calipers and wheels but the vibration is still there so I'm hoping we can manage to get back to the dealers after the Dakar.
Rode into Iquique from the desert dropping quickly from 10000 feet to sea level, spectacular dunes and blue sea. The city is much bigget than I imagined and we drive into holiday inn our home for next 3 nights.
Meet some guys with a guide heading out into the dunes to watch Dakar.