From Para to Dakar

Overcoming Paralysis and Conquering the Dakar Rally

By: Joey Evans

Narrated by: Joey Evans, Meredith Evans

"I’ve realised that when things are really tough and there seems no hope for the future, it’s sometimes just Chapter One of a really cool story, and the ending is entirely up to you."

Joey Evans has always loved bikes, from his first second-hand Raleigh Strika at the age of six to the powerful off-road machines that became his passion later on in his life. His dream was one day to ride the most gruelling off-road race in the world, the 9000km Dakar Rally.

In 2007 his dream was shattered when he broke his back in a racing accident. His spinal cord was crushed, leaving him paralysed from just below his chest. Doctors gave him a 10 per cent chance of ever walking again.

Many would have given up and become resigned to life in a wheelchair, but not Joey Evans. Not only would he get back on his feet and walk, but he would also keep his Dakar dream alive. It was a long and painful road to recovery, involving years of intensive rehabilitation and training, but he had the love and support of both family and friends and an incredible amount of determination.

Joey shares the many challenges he and his family faced, relating the setbacks, as well as successes, along the way to the Dakar start line. But the start line was only the first goa. His sights were set on reaching the finish line, which he did in 2017, the only South African to do so.

From Para to Dakar is so much more than the story of one man reaching the Dakar finish line. It is a story of friendship and respect, compassion and kindness. It is about defying the odds to reach a dream, it is about grit, endurance and raw courage, and it is inspiring in its true heroism.

©2017 Joey Evans (P)2019 Joey Evans

Fantastic book

What a story, filled with emotions, inspiration, and optimism.
Anyone who love the Dakar race should read it. Anyone who likes dirt bikes and off road motorsport should read it.

Joey and Meredith, thank you for this book.
I wish you all best this world has to offer :)

Great Book

First heard of Joey from watching Races to Places on YouTube. He mentions Lyndon in this book. Joey also ran the African Eco Race 2020. Such a great entertainer I had to find more and found his book. Joey did not disappoint! 6 stars if you had it!!

An inspiring story if there ever was one

I'm so glad I bought this as a book to listen to rather than read Because as I drive around or sit at home or whatever I'm doing , Joey's with me I've seen Joey in the African Eco race with Lyndon poskitt and his duel with a camel and know that this was a special guy but the story is truly an inspiration for someone 74 years old still trying to swing a leg so Joey I rode with you. thanks for letting me ride.slong.

We are what we think

Thank you for never giving up and doing the impossible. Such an inspiration to so many people.

Phenomenal!! Two thumbs way up!!

This is a story about oneman's courage snd determination to conquer insurmountable odds. you will NOT be disappointed.