Pierre Masset, after two days away from the possibility of communicating with the outside world, continues his journey and puts the emphasis in this new column sent from the desert on life outside the race. The one at the heart of the bivouac, where the participants spend a lot of time.
The bivouac, a mini-society
”From the outside, we don't always realize this. But in a Marathon des Sables, you end up spending a lot of time in your tent, in the heart of the bivouac.”
“When it comes to hygiene and modesty, it’s not always easy to manage.”
This bivouac is set up every day at the finish of the stage. “Each time, it is the Bedouins who set up the tents, each time with the same arc shape. The infirmary tent is in the same place, the information tent too, the same for the staff tent. It’s like a mini traveling society.”
Within this mini-society, special bonds are quickly created.
”With the time spent together and the promiscuity, strong bonds were created with the people who share my tent. Obviously, for hygiene and modesty, it is not always easy to manage. There are eight of us in the tent, both men and women. This of course requires adaptation and respect. But above all, these are great moments of sharing and exchange. It was also what I had come to seek in this adventure. Going away and sharing moments with people I would never have met in another setting. After a few days, I feel like I’ve known these people for years, even though I had never seen them just a few days ago.”
No time to get bored
A timeless experience for all participants.
”You might think that after running in the morning, you would be bored in the afternoon. But in the end, that’s not the case at all. There is a whole life on the bivouac and many things to do given the destitution. You already have to spend a lot of time taking care of yourself after exercise. To take care of your feet or try to wash what you can with the little water you have, or simply to rest. A daily life that is timeless and fun to live.”
