Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride - Africa 2021

[DASKOP]

New Dunlop Trailmax Missions fitted at Sharwoods in PE.
Odometer 115699 km.

just for info , not sure how long your toolkit has been fitted, i did the same, used downpipe brackets , they snapped off an di lost a tool kit like that a while back ..

It is actually not used for my tool kit. I made it out of 110mm sewer pipe, glued on screw on end caps and covered it with carbon fibre type stick on vinyl and attached it with metal screw clamps. A 2 liter Coke bottle filled with water, (emergency rations) fits in there perfectly.

I am not sure how long ago I put it on, but it has been there for at least over 40 000 km. The only thing that I am going to do to it, is fit a thin metal sheet covering on the tyre side as the stones shot up from all my gravel riding has broken the PVC.

 

[DASKOP]

Before I go any further, some advice please, the first photo of the tyre fitment, did not come out a taken. It was a vertically taken photo and seemed to have been compressed. I have many photos taken like that and will actually be useless if this happens. I rotated the original to see if it comes out in the correct ratio with this post. I would like to get them right side up and in ratio. Comments?

 

[DASKOP]

Just to avoid any confusion, I am back from the trip. During the trip I had a few people following me on Whatsapp, I was not ready for a bigger platform, which I still am not really 100% ready for, but knowing, from my previous Ride Reports on WD, that I am dealing with kindred spirits, I am going to share my experiences with you.

In return, there are going to be some very personal moments, which I am going to share, I am just asking for sensitivity and consideration, if you decide to reply on any of these posts.

aw:

 

[DASKOP]

The reason for this journey.

 

[DASKOP]

12 May 2021

As I did in 2014, when I did a solo ride to Tanzania, I start my trip at Katz Camera World. Jules did all the printing for me, the top box, T-shirts and stickers and his work would form an integral part of my trip and this was my way of saying thank you.

From PE, I travel to J/Bay to see my youngest brother, Reuel, who has been my rock during this time, fill up at Mentorskraal and head to Sutherland.

PE - J/Bay – Kareedouw – Joubertina – Uniondale – De Rust – Klaarstroom – Prince Albert – Prince Albert Road – Matjiesfontein - Sutherland

A 681 km trek for the first day and as I had left later than hoped, not many photos were taken.

My first night's accommodation is a room at the Whitehouse Inn. I have not done this for a while and my 61 year old body is feeling the affects. Nothing a cold beer cannot fix. And, at least I am not camping, yet.

 

[DASKOP]

Lets try this

 

[DASKOP]

And again

 

[DASKOP]

I got some advise from Ri and here goes

 

[DASKOP]

Seems only one by one works

 

[DASKOP]

Last try, surely there must be an easier way

 

[DASKOP]

My accommodation for the night, the room at the far left.

You are going to have to bear with me for a while. I have 8000 photos and about 40 videos to sort through, but I would like to place the photos within the text and write about each of them, especially when I cover certain sections of my trip. I have not done this for quite some time and would appreciate input from those who are adept at this.

 

[Ian in Great Brak River]

I stayed in the same room in May.

Following along and thank you for sharing this trip with us.

8)

 

[Man from Nam]

Hi Daskop
Trust you are well, I have been on the Whatsupp group since day one and still is. Been looking forward for this rr  although I followed on the Whatsupp updates. We have just returned from a trip to Namaqualand and Westcoast and stayed over at Oewerbos on our return. You were in our thoughts as I know you also stayed there with Neville and Diane.
Strongs Marius you are still in our prayers and thoughts

 

[DASKOP]

Hi Daskop
Trust you are well, I have been on the Whatsupp group since day one and still is. Been looking forward for this rr  although I followed on the Whatsupp updates. We have just returned from a trip to Namaqualand and Westcoast and stayed over at Oewerbos on our return. You were in our thoughts as I know you also stayed there with Neville and Diane.
Strongs Marius you are still in our prayers and thoughts

Hi Man from Nam.
It is great to hear from you and you are part of the story still to come. The Oewerbos people are wonderful, hope you enjoyed the trip.
I will just say thank you for now. God bless.

 

[Grunder]

Just to avoid any confusion, I am back from the trip. During the trip I had a few people following me on Whatsapp, I was not ready for a bigger platform, which I still am not really 100% ready for, but knowing, from my previous Ride Reports on WD, that I am dealing with kindred spirits, I am going to share my experiences with you.

In return, there are going to be some very personal moments, which I am going to share, I am just asking for sensitivity and consideration, if you decide to reply on any of these posts.

aw:

I am so sorry for your loss.

I hope you found the closure you were looking for.

Will follow your report; thank you for taking us into your confidence.

 

[punisher]

hi

sorry for your loss
huge respect and massive thank you for allowing us the honor of following your epic memorial ride

 

[Tony the Boney]

Tony.

Go well and enjoy the Brandon trip 

 

[jogi_c]

I am so sorry for your loss.

And I am sorry that I did not follow your ride, but I understand your reasons for keeping it private.

Be assured that whatever you share will be respected and handled with sensitivity. Despite all the other things going on, most people here are decent human beings and will support you in whatever way or form that is needed.

Strongs to you

 

[DASKOP]

13 May 2021

Morning coffee x a few, update journal and a last look at the map at the route, Sutherland to Vredendal. The initial plan was to stop at Vredendal Pathcare for Rapid Antigen Covid tests, they would send the results, takes about two hours, to Springbok Pathcare and I would collect it there on my way to Bushwacked Adventures on the Orange River.
Minor spanner in the works, last night after supper, I had some of the biltong present my mom gave me and ended up with a chipped front tooth. There is no way I am doing this whole trip with a chipped tooth which makes me look like a redneck. On the group, find me a dentist please!!
I settle my bill, saw that my filter coffees were on the house, it does not seem like much, but it was a blessing nevertheless, the first of many to come, thank you very much, and I take some photos inside. Unfortunately they were all out of focus, still trying to get the hang of this new camera.

Brandon's first sticker goes up.

 

[DASKOP]

The first section of the route today is Sutherland, Middelpos, Calvinia, Nieuwoudtville, Vanrhynsdorp, Vredendal.

Just outside of Sutherland, start of the gravel, no better way to start the day.