Having met Chris Cork several times at events as diverse as dawn to dusk and smeatharpe, I read in this weeks mcn that he is fulfilling his dream and competing in this years Dakar. Chris is a current member of our devon group and comes from Black Torrington, so let's 'make some noise' and give him all our support. He's a lovely chap and has put a lot on the line to compete, I hope he does well and I'm looking forward to cheering for someone I know.
You can now donate to his charity, childrens hospice south west, from the link further down in the thread.
This piece is from the Dakar site,
For many, the dream of doing the Dakar is worth many sacrifices. For Chris Cork it was worth his house. The builder from Devon grew up watching the Dakar never actually thinking he could be on it. But his passion for rallying eventually took him to consider the summit of off road racing. And once he was decided, with the thumbs up from the « misses », he prepared intensively, training with former Dakar rider James West in Dubai, and going on to sell his house for budget reasons. Corky will be on the Dakar with the goal to finish. His other objective is to raise money and awareness for the Children's Hospice South West. Another good reason to support Chris Cork.
The Dakar is something that I watched as a kid. I grew up with it but never thought I could do it. After I started racing, I went to do the Touareg Rally and that got me hooked. I just had to do the biggest of all rallies. I spoke to my wife about it. We eventually had to sell our house. After all, you only live once. Basically my Dakar project started two years ago. My goal now is just to finish it. What I love about such an event, is that you find your inner strength. You find your limits by digging deep. I have no real issues with sand and dunes. I trained in Dubai with James West so I feel ready. What worries me are the cars and trucks overtaking. On the Dakar, I'll be raising money for a local children hospice (Children's Hospice South West) and will carry their logo on my bike and jacket. After all, the Dakar is a pretty selfish event for a privateer. It makes me feel better to fight for something.
-- Edited by jacks on Friday 26th of December 2014 05:49:39 PM
Originally thought this was about the Taffy version and then soon realised it was the real 'Dakar' .... talk about living the Dream and helping out a very worthwhile local charity
That is some dream come true I would never get away with selling the house so will never realise this dream must have married the wrong wife Good luck Chris Cork do us proud
Reckon if he can do a talk ( even if he can't), would be nice to make a donation to he's charity. I would be happy to stick my hand in my pocket, what do others think?
Reckon if he can do a talk ( even if he can't), would be nice to make a donation to he's charity. I would be happy to stick my hand in my pocket, what do others think?
Perhaps we could make a start on your Xmas eve run Steve! Maybe a donation for one of Mr Hoc's mince pies to get the ball rolling?
Was suggested a while back and then 'poo pooed' that we did a sponsored 100 lane type event.......happy to give a few quid but be good to have some fun in the process?
Was suggested a while back and then 'poo pooed' that we did a sponsored 100 lane type event.......happy to give a few quid but be good to have some fun in the process?
Was suggested a while back and then 'poo pooed' that we did a sponsored 100 lane type event.......happy to give a few quid but be good to have some fun in the process?
I think thats a good idea.
What's happened to the 100 lane runs? did two in my first year! nothing since. What happened too T to T just replaced by A to E? Why? Id much rather get involved with these sort of TRF fun raising events as they are lane orientated
We (Chris and I) did a 100 lane run in East Devon in 2013 lead by Steve Harcus. He did a write up, but I can't remember where that appeared. We didn't raise any money for charity doing it, but had a great days riding. I think JT's idea for a sponsored 100 laner is good. Over to you.
T to T was replaced by the A to E to give the South Hams a rest, and inject some new blood, and Ollie and Cubber stepped up to do the organising. I think they are calling for run leaders at the moment.
Well, the Dakar ends without our Chris Cork, so hers a last call to donate to his charity before we send a cheque off to
childrens hospice south west. Many thanks to all who have donated so far, and well done to Chris for getting to South America in the first place, and hopes that he is healing well.
Look forward to hearing his story, and plans for the next Dakar. Sounds, from his blog, that he wants to go and finish his unfinished business there. It will be interesting to hear what happens next.