Desert warrior: how Toni Mulec finds comfort in the chaos of Dakar

AM: Toni, what ignited the fire within you to conquer the Dakar Rally? What's the driving force behind this incredible challenge?

TM: It's those childhood dreams that lead to an amazing and unforgettable experience, the freedom you get while riding the bike in the middle of the desert. To touch the places that most of the population will never see. It's hard to describe with words…

AM: When you picture yourself on that starting line, what emotions and thoughts flood your mind?

TM: At the start of the first stage of Dakar, I always say to myself, "Now is the time to enjoy all your hard work from the long year…make your valuable sponsors and fans proud." My thoughts are calm but excited, adrenaline starts to take over my body, which I must control to not overreact…

AM: Freedom is at the core of the Sun Living philosophy. How does the concept of freedom resonate with you personally, and how do you experience it during the Dakar Rally?

TM: Freedom is my fuel. It's a very important thing in my everyday life, and with the Sun Living motorhome at Dakar, I'll get very valuable freedom.

AM: How does your journey in the Dakar Rally connect with the broader sense of adventure and exploration that Sun Living represents?

TM: Freedom and privacy at the same time. To be in nature and be independent from civilization.

Focus on the Preparation

AM: Toni, how are you preparing your Sun Living motorhome for the grueling demands of the Dakar Rally? Any cool customizations or must-have gear?

TM: I feel like a child receiving a gift. I can organize my stuff in the motorhome. I take care that all liquids are there, like water, fuel, etc., because in the desert, far away from civilization, it can be a problem. With the Sun Living motorhome, it's very good that I don't need to take care of electricity and heating/cooling because it's all set up in the motorhome. For the Dakar Rally, being in the desert, a must-have is an extra can of diesel, AdBlue, and a rope.

AM: We know space is precious in a race like Dakar. Walk us through the essentials you're packing in your Sun Living motorhome. What are your must-haves for comfort, convenience, and self-sufficiency on the road?

TM: It is quite a lot of stuff. I have a pit bike for easier and faster moving in the big bivouac. Riding gear for two weeks of racing, casual clothes, hydration food, supplements, medicine in case of need, a lot of food. Must have a good sleeping and resting place, energy self-sufficiency, shower, and toilet.

AM: How does your Sun Living motorhome become an extension of your "Freelosophy" mindset during the rally?

TM: When I get to the bivouac after long days on the bike, I can find my freedom in the Sun Living motorhome and a bit of privacy, being away from the frenzy of the bivouac.

AM: For those who dream of embarking on their own adventures, what tips do you have for personalizing and equipping a Sun Living motorhome for maximum freedom and exploration?

TM:To have a fridge full of food and drinks; the rest, Sun Living has. ;)

Embrace the Unexpected

AM: The Dakar Rally is notorious for its unpredictable nature.1 How do you mentally prepare for the unexpected challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise?

TM: As a privateer who wants to compete with factory riders, it is more or less an everyday challenge/preparation, which leads to a different mindset from average people.

AM: In the face of adversity, how does your Sun Living motorhome help you maintain a sense of freedom and keep your spirits high?

TM: I can be more organized with everyday stuff, I can find my own space to rest, I can have my stuff in one place ready to use. Those are just a few things, but they mean big freedom for me.

AM: Can you share a past experience from a race where you had to adapt and overcome a significant obstacle? How did your motorhome play a role in that experience?

TM: At the last Dakar, I was sleeping in a camper trailer with a small bed, almost zero space for my stuff. Sleeping together with other guys means that someone is always moving in or out. After half of the race, they moved me to a motorhome, and then I realized how big a difference it is to have your own space.

AM: What advice would you give to aspiring adventurers on how to embrace the unknown and maintain a sense of freedom even when things don't go according to plan?

TM: Relax and enjoy, especially enjoy the small things. If something goes wrong, take it easy, because all things happen for a reason, and it is just an opportunity for a new adventure, a new story in life.