Paris Dakar by Bike starts Sunday September 6th, 2009 at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Ten weeks later, and 7.200 kilometres ( 4.500 miles ) further, you arrive with a great feeling of satisfaction on November 14th in Dakar. The kilometres, mostly paved, you cover with your own strength and in a speed you prefer. You can compete with the other participants and try to cover the distance as fast as possible, or you can choose to enjoy the beauty of the European and African landscape thoroughly. Paris-Dakar is more than just a normal bike ride. Its a combination of the physical challenge, the appreciation of the natural beauty, the view of the cultural inheritance and above all a mental freedom.