This is her fourth attempt at the race but her first finish. In past years Patsy was forced to quit after rupturing her spleen and suffering mechanical problems. Injuries and even deaths are not uncommon, so it’s no surprise that she will not be entering again.
“It’s the only race left of its kind in the world and four years ago I wanted to become the first woman to compete in the rally and the first to complete it. Now I have achieved my goal,” she said.
The motor-mad Toad of Toad Hall would have been proud…
From Toad Hall to Senegal – the first dame of the Dakar Rally
An antiques dealer from Heathfield in Sussex has become the first British woman to complete the punishing Dakar Rally. The appropriately named Patsy Quick, owner of Toad Hall Antiques, set off on the 16-day trek on January 1 in Portugal, crossing Spain and Africa in the 5600-mile trip to Dakar, Senegal. She crossed the finish line on her motorbike one place ahead of her partner, Clive Town.
