Video: Scooter shootout in Burkina Faso

Back in 2004, as the Dakar Rally passed through the city of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, the locals changed the date of the Ramo, a traditional moped race featuring the most reckless riders from around the country, so it could be held during the Dakar rest day and attract a greater audience.

The annual race is attended by riders from all over the country, who hit speeds in excess of 100 kmh on their 50cc machines in the race for victory. To get the most out of their little machines, it’s all about aerodynamics; riders lie horizontally on their bikes, with their heads down and legs straight out behind them, with just t-shirts, shorts and flip flops for protection.

For the 2018 running of the Dakar Rally, off-road adventurers will set off on the 6th January on a 9,000km adventure through South America, across some of the most hostile terrain on the planet.
This year, the Dakar Rally returns to Peru’s extensive desert plains for the opening six stages, before heading to Bolivia to tackle three stages at extreme altitudes – and the final hurdle for the 2018 Dakar is the unforgiving heat and perilous terrain of Argentina, as riders race to the finish line in Cordoba.

The 40th edition of the Dakar Rally takes place over 15 days in January 2018, kicking off on the 6th. For more information on the Dakar Rally, click HERE.