Incredibly Steve Gurney is able to rejoin them just as they cross into Dakhla to equal the existing Kite Buggy distance record of 1000 kilometres. They push on relentlessly and next 1160 kilometres are ferocious. The day time temperature consistently rises to 50C. Water supplies begin to run low and the teams are forced to travel at night to take advantage of the northerly winds. In a welcome change of scenery, the buggies power down the spectacular coastal strip of Mauritania before crossing heavily guarded checkpoints at Nouakchott. The sight of Kite Buggies navigating the terrain attracts constant attention from locals. For the team, this provides wonderful opportunities to embrace new cultures and customs.
After 26 days, the buggies and the entire team literally crawl into Senegal. A total of 2,160 kilometres have been covered. Together they’ve established two new records - the first individuals to cross the Sahara by wind power and the longest distance covered by Kite Buggy.
The Sahara Challenge is a fast-moving documentary – pure adventure television with great characters, extreme sand-jumping Kite Buggies, spectacular locations, desert dramas, and a triumph of the human spirit.
Want more? Here's a link to Steve Gurney's Journal entry on the trip, along with some video clips.