SGB said:
Talking about planning....
I suppose the secret is in "planning for the unplanned". The actual route you want to travel is not really what it is about. That varies. It is more about having what you need when the unforeseen happens. Our group was kitted out well. Small things needed attention, but we always had what it took to fix. This group had the right attitude and experience to know what to bring and what not to bring. With that, the route and number of days on the road is not as important as having adequate water, food, tools spares and knowledge to cover the eventualities but not over load the vehicles / bikes. Our planning was about enjoying the ride to the fullest. I believe we achieved that.
I always hear my old Samajoor in the background when "something" happens: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are - and do it NOW".
I don't believe that anything can be added to this excellent RR from Stefan, and some of you out there that knows his sense of humor would have recognise it as you read through it, thanks again Stefan :thumleft:
To me this Expedition was exceptional in especially in one area, LEADER SHIP. This made the difference, changing of plans, routes, planning for food, water and fuel, everything boils down to leadership. In this regard I have to mention 4 names, Jan, Stefan, Gert and Riaan, you made every aspect of this trip work, gel, call it what you like, I just went along on a ride....
As far as skills are concerned, there is enough information out there on the routes that we have done, especially on this forum, study it, be honest with yourself, prepare yourself physically for the kind of terrain you are going to encounter and mentally, you have to except that somedays are going to be harder and longer than other, and mental conditioning is quite important if you ride a adventure bike in sand like this for days on end.
The skills level between the riders differ as it will always do, but there where no pissies and no gromgatte, if you are short on a specific skill required on a specific terrain, you had to keep going until you understand what is required, and then you will have enough practice to master it, more than 3000km and 14 days.....
As far as the enjoyment of riding my 990 concerns, everything about the roads, tracks, 2spoor, sand, rocks, dunes, that we have done is what adventure biking is for me, I haven't done anything as good as this ever before in my life, and it was for thousands of km's non stop for days on end, without the handicap of luggage and added weight. Stefan said he could do do this for the rest of his life, yes so can I. The highlight/s of the entire expedition is something/s very personal, as far as the best riding is concerned, South Western Angola's roads including the Desert, Swartboois drift leading into the roads to Van Zyl's. Stefan was singing in his helmet, I was crying in mine riding down Van Zyls.....Go do it, you will see it is a totally overpowering experience. Man I can not describe in words what enjoyment there is in riding these roads :mwink:
If you want to go with, get to know Jan, buy in to his perception of adventure riding and general view on life, and be prepared to undergo a "makeover" of morals and life skills...... Thanks to all
