In January 2006, 230 people raced in trucks, cars, and motorbikes from Lisbon to Dakar in the 28th annual Dakar rally, the most challenging race in existence. After his celebrated trip round the world with Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman was keen for another challenge, and racing in the Dakar had always been his dream. Supported by Australian champion biker Simon Pavey and experienced British biker Matt Hall, Charley attempted what many professional bikers have failed to do: successfully compete in the Dakar rally. His account details his extraordinary adventures as well as those of his fellow bikers, and also explores the history of this most dramatic and romantic of races. From Portugal through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Senegal, it also provides a unique look at the countries hosting the rally.
Race to Dakar Reviews:
Great read. 
2009-11-10 - Yet another page-turner. I couldn't put this book down. Charlie takes the reader along, on his adventure of a lifetime.
Any motorcyclist who has ever felt that the going got tough, can empathize with the writer as he tackles the toughest challenge of all. Will he be successful? Read the book and find out.
Adventure of the fast kind 
2009-03-29 - I liked Charlie's book but with reservations.
I was keen on learning about the training of a Dakar rider and the rigors of the race. This book gave me that insight and I enjoyed it from that aspect. I didn't so much enjoy the part of the book that deals with Charley. Like the Long Way books I think his family and personal details become intrusive in the story. I needed to feel the pain in this book when he fell and left the race, I don't need to know about the hugs when he met his wife and children at the end in Dakar.
Why do we do these things?
2009-02-09 - We get to hear Charley Boorman, fresh from two motorcycle adventures, decides to enter the Dakar Rally. He gets sponsors, creates a team, trains, and then finds the hard part is still ahead. Would this book excite a non-rider? Probably yes for a fan of adventure.
A central theme of the book is why people put themselves through such a thing...a race designed to have about 30% finish and a good number of the others get hurt. Each competitor keeps thinking thoughts like "this is insane, I'm not going any further, how will I ride this next year?"
He also touches on the more controversial aspects of a race where 25,000 pound sterling motorbikes pass though countries where the population earns perhaps 500 per person per year and locals being killed by race vehicles it is not unheard of.
I particularly liked his comment that only the French, with their laissez-faire attitude could put on such an event.
Downsides? I quickly grew tired of "at X:YY AM we were Z km to go but at Y:ZZ PM we were still W km" measurements. Maybe a picture of a map would be more helpful? I'm not sure the other facts were as well researched. Still, more on the human side than the technical.
Charley Boorman book
2009-01-13 - I bought this book for my husband after we began watching "Long Way Down" with Charley and Ewan McGregor. He thoroughy enjoyed reading this book. He owns 2 motorcycles and enjoys reading about other people's motorcycle adventures. Soft bound book but it has held up well. Pics are excellent.
a long way all around
2008-11-03 - Having read "A Long way round" and "A Long way down" , this book is facinating to read and just another part of the story. Charley knows what a motorcycle rider wants to hear to makes sure you get it. If you liked either of the "Long Ways" you will love this book. I rate it above long Way Down and as good as Long Way Around. Buy it, you won't be disapointed
