Machine: HONDA CRF450RX Rally
Boots worn: GAERNE SG-22

"I successfully completed the Dakar Rally, covering a grueling 7,983 km across the desert.
Throughout that long and arduous challenge, it was Gaerne's SG-22 that protected my feet until the very end.

The Dakar Rally, held in Saudi Arabia, covered 4,737 km in competitive sections alone, a relentless series of challenging obstacles including dunes, deserts, wadis, and rocky terrain, where a single moment of inattention could be fatal. There were days where we rode 200 km through rocky riverbeds, and stages where we traversed over 200 km of dunes. These challenging sections were not at low speeds, but at high speeds.

During the competition, there were moments where speeds reached up to 160 km/h, and many sections where the average speed exceeded 100 km/h. In such extreme conditions, I repeatedly suffered falls and crashes, sustaining serious injuries such as an orbital floor fracture in Stage 2 and a fractured collarbone in Stage 5. Doctors told me it would be difficult to continue, but I persisted and managed to reach the finish line, battered and bruised.

Despite these circumstances, there was no damage whatsoever to my boots, and being able to continue riding without any worries about my feet was a huge advantage for me. I am truly grateful to the SG22 for protecting my feet until the very end.

Furthermore, I was able to achieve this challenge thanks to the immense support I received from Japan and around the world. I would like to express my deepest gratitude once again to everyone who supported my dreams and goals."