There are a few bikes from the UK this year too, look out for Simon Pavey, Craig Bounds and Jenny Morgan all from the welshside and entered as privateers. All are also asking for small donations to help pay service/travel/entry costs as it’s hideously expensive to enter, you should be able to find their sites pretty easily.
For all the (internet) dakar coverage you can stomach have a look at http://www.advrider.com under racing. There are several threads on personal and bike preparation, updates from the road etc. Jenny in particular has done a thorough job describing what is involved.
Love the Dakar, doubt I’ll ever be brave enough to enter but will be closely following the progress and may go and see it in person if it returns to Africa (rumoured for 2012/2013).
Brrrrmmmmmmm.