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PACKING THE BIKES - 2007-02-12 to 2007-02-12
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Diary: Jet Park South Africa 12 January 2007
The motorcycles were packed and crated, ready for shipment. What a task, reassured that it would take 10 min flat to pack and ready to go. This is not the case. We eventually spent 5 hours stripping bikes modifying crates and then waiting for the Dangerous goods certificate. We had to take off petrol tanks to get every last drop of petrol from the tanks. Disconnect and tape battery terminals, no flammable, pressurized articles were allowed. What a job. The crates were quick and fast weighed in at an average of 330 for the Hondas, the BMW came in at 370 Kg. These weights include crate, panniers with all equipment from riding gear, helmets, spare tyres and other necessary stuff.
Thank you to the people of SDV International Logistic, for the help and Oom Johan, your help is appreciated
The next two weeks we will tackle Sudanese Visa, carne and international drivers licence. Till then
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Namibia Run 10 Dec 2006 - 2006-12-10 to 2006-12-10
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We left a windy Luderitz - a place out of this world - Refilled in Aus, had a brief encounter with Johan Bakkes and side kick Pop Bakkes off to Walvis. A brilliant breakfast at the Dries & Mara’s hotel in GOAGEB. Don’t miss out on their hospitality true to that of Southwest. It was dirt roads all the way to Onsseepkans, we tackled them with the flair of old dirt road riders. The last few days on dirt roads has truly given us the confidence to tackle most roads. Again we were met with friendliness and great hospitality by the staff of DE WERF in Keimoes. Atitie & Amanda julle het ‘n stunning plek, baie dankie. Till the next adventure..
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Namibia Run 9 Dec 2006 - 2006-12-09 to 2006-12-09
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It was a stunning trip through t the Visriver canyon. GO AND VIEW THE PHOTO’S The bikes performed like true off-roads and the riding skills are being honed as we dance the kilometers away. The 1150 true to form sprung a leak on the front fork, thus cutting the dirt road excursions to a minimum.
Then there was wind, wind and wind with sand. Luderitz blew us away. The sand dunes are forming on the tar road and the landscape is unbelievable. In the Obelix lodge tonight off to Keetmanshoop tomorrow. Till then
Ps. Sarel African stuff thank you for welcoming us to Luderitz, the tracker is working!
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Namibia Run 8 Dec 2006 - 2006-12-08 to 2006-12-08
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We left Keimoes heading for Augrabies and the renowned dirt roads of Boesmanland. The newly tarred road lasted all way the other side of Augrabies. Our mission dirt roads- and they were dirt roads, with lots of sand puddles with nowhere to go but through, with dancing motorcycle and riders in tango. Breakfast @ Pofadder, and what a breakfast. We met with Dave and his group of riders tackling the routes of the Northern Cape.
The Africa Twin had to go in for cosmetic repairs and the friendly folks of the local Shell Garage repaired the side stand with precisions welding.
Good house…. The photo tells it all!
N14 and its traffic. Pretoria and its driving trough traffic with a motorcycle finally paid off. A 110 Landrover overtaken by an 18 wheeler on a blind rise….Marius up for a head on with a truck…. Truck went to the shoulder of the left side of the road 110 still n the right hand lane two motorcycles negotiating the middle line between to vehicles and a white dust storm of dust and gravel all over. We made it to the Border, off to Orange River lodge, sat down with a truly Southwest steak and chips!
Tomorrow it is off to Luderitz and we heard from the locals that the roads are something to write home to.. So tomorrow you will hear from us again…
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Preparation 7 Dec 2006 - 2006-12-07 to 2006-12-07
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It was an early morning, two motorcycles loaded on a trailer ready for the Kalahari & Boesmanland. Within the confines of an air-conditioned bakkie, the trip was quick and mostly uneventful. We pulled in to Keimoes and checked in to a stunning De Werf Lodge;. The evening spent repacking and testing equipment, preparing for the ride to Pofadder. The challenge: “Will the camel bladder stay cool in the Rally II jacket?
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TEAMBUILDING SESSION AT KWALATA - 2006-12-01 to 2006-12-01
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What a great place to spend some time out in nature; Kwalata must be one of the most beautiful settings in the northern part of our country. We spent Friday evening there to sort out the small issues. The get-together was also meant for the spouses to meet each other and to find some mutual grounds! Anyway, check these nerds - Trevor with an Appletiser, Soon with a double Coke Light and Marius (thank goodness) with a KWV and Tab!
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PLANNING OF PREPARATION TRIP - 07/12/06 - 2006-11-19 to 2006-11-19
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Dave Cilliers will be our main guide and assistant during this trip which will start on 07/12/06. Don't miss our dairy during this trip!!
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PREPARATION TRIP 03/11/06 - 2006-11-03 to 2006-11-03
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The three of us decided to do a dirt road trip through the Kwalata and Cullinan area. We never realised that there were so many dirt roads within the 50 km radius of Pretoria. And boy, the conditions – perfect for us!! At one stage Trevor indicated that something was wrong with his front tyre (please note – front tyre!!!!) After a brief inspection we told him everything seems ok. Trevor took off but came to a screeching halt after 20 meters. One bolt of his REAR wheel has already fallen out and two others were also stripped.
Soon and I took off (with the AFRICA TWINS! Jan and Ronald, take note!) and left Trevor to look after his broken BEE EM.
The day ended well when we delivered the bike at Bavaria into Simon’s trustworthy hands. It seemed as though the damage was not too serious.
We did the trip loaded with the equivalent weight we will eventually carry; Soon carried bags of dogmore and charcoal (odd for a guy who does not particularly like dogs)! Trevor carried 10’s of magazines (positively no Playboys)!
The photo on the right was taken when we had a brief stop. Positive proof that our new satellite technology works well!
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TEST of SATELLITE EQUIPMENT - 2006-10-29 to 2006-10-29
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Our first test of the satellite equipment is now in progress. The BGAN technology supplied by Fluxcon seems to be working great!!
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