The blur of a long, black ponytail flying through the scrub aboard a roaring 700cc rally bike. 

The bronzed skin and wide, white grin.

The friend, devoted husband and father, local hero, peerless competitor.

That's the picture of Keith motorcycle racer Andy Caldecott that industry legend and historian, Rosco Holden, says is in the hearts and minds of many people every January, as the world's toughest off-road race — the Dakar — once more rolls on.

And Holden is again making his way to Keith to visit Caldecott's family and hometown; a pilgrimage he has made many times since the racer died midway through a 599-kilometre leg of the Dakar Rally in North Africa on January 9, 2006.

"His passing was a tragedy, and yet so many friendships and an enduring legacy have emerged in its wake," he said.

From country kid to King of the Desert

Caldecott was one of Australia's greatest ever off-road riders, and a four-time winner of the Australasian Safari.

Like many of his compatriots, he spent his youth on two wheels, roosting around the back blocks of the Tatiara's Ninety Mile Desert in South East South Australia.

Working in the family business, Caldecott Motors, on weekends and racing VMX (he won two world championships) before starting on mini bikes as a teen.

That's where he and Holden first met, back in the 1970s.

"I remember him, even from those early days," Holden said.

"He had skill, stamina, speed and just this graceful, effortless way of riding. But he was also incredibly humble."

Years later, when Holden was a team manager for KTM motorcycles and Caldecott was on a promotional tour, he remembers an encounter with one of Andy's fans.

The man had followed Andy's career and approached him with his son for a chat.

"Andy leant down to the young fella and said, 'have fun mate, good luck, ride well and stay safe.'

"As they walked away, I overheard the kid say, "Dad, was Andy any good?"

"The father turned to his son and said, 'Andy is the greatest rider I've ever known, and all I wanted to do was be like Andy', and the kid said, 'well, if you want to be like Andy, then I want to be like Andy too.'

Why do riders risk it all?

Reflecting on Caldecott's passing, aged 42, Holden said it was important to "understand the passion" that competitors of extreme off-road events like Dakar have for the sport.

Frenchman Thierry Sabine created the Dakar in 1978 and nearly died after crashing his bike in that first race.

Since 1979, the race has claimed the lives of 76 participants.

"It's part of who they are, it's in their blood, it's a passion that you can't teach or take… They know the risks but aren't afraid of them."

Caldecott's last ride came after 'unexpected call-up'

Holden says Caldecott "got a late call-up" in the 2006 Dakar after his teammate got injured.

Despite not practising and arriving in Africa only two weeks beforehand, he still won a stage.

"He knew the Dakar strategy, it's very difficult terrain and elevation may change 10,000 feet in one day," Holden said.

"The physical demands are extreme. It's blisteringly hot, and bitterly cold all in a day."

The accident, Holden said, was still too hard to talk about.

In the wake of Caldecott sustaining a fatal neck injury, the race has implemented some safety changes, including neck braces for riders.

Close-knit country town rallies for family

In the Keith community, Caldecott Park, and a towering memorial statue, are a tribute and constant reminder of the local legend.

"We spent a decade after the accident raising money and securing his legacy, and that process has been a healing one, for all of us," he said.

"After he died, that community just came together and supported the family, and especially Tracey, who was six-months pregnant with son, Mitch, at the time, and had a toddler — Caitlyn — to look after."

"And the rally community's organised so many rides over the years in memory of Andy and to raise money for the family."

Nearly two decades after his death, Holden said Andy Caldecott would never be forgotten.