Country TRAX Angola and Namibia Expedtion 2012

[SGB]

Stefan

Baie dankie vir die moeite met die rr en die trip, dis 'n voorreg om in jou span te ry.

Dit was nou baie sinvol.

Gert

Gert, sonder jou sal die span net nie volledig wees nie.  Dit sal wees soos 'n rugyspan waarvan die beste slot met 'n geel kaart agter die pale staan tydens 'n lynstaan op die 5m lyn....

 

[SGB]

Nice RR! :thumleft:

I see there was a mix of bikes and i don't want to start comparing the different bikes as the capability of the individuals propably made the biggest difference.

In your opinion, how did the 990's compare to the 690's. Obviously the 990's would be nicer on the long open stretches and the 690's easier to ride in the technical bits. But after 3000 km's it will be interesting to hear your observation between those 2 types.

Thanks,

I don't have Stefan's ability to ride a 990 on these roads, (bakkies in lowrange 1st gear), but from a "gewone ou" perspective:

Before we left I owned both a 990 and a 690, and most advice from experienced friends was to take the 690, until I phoned Stefan, his words was that it is only Van Zyls that is on the limits of a 990's paramaters of design. Van Zyls was a breeze on my 990, the continuous sand was hard work, not difficult but hard work, ride a 2track road with lots of curves(draaie) for eight hours, you got to have some state of fitness and of course experience.

I owned various bikes from various makes and models, the continuous debate about the ideal adventure bike is over, I will never partake in any discussion ever again, my biggest concern is what will happen the day that there is no more 990R.

In want to repeat what I said before, I can not describe what pleasure I experienced riding my 990R on these roads, the complete package of power, balance, forgiveness with an upgraded front suspension from Hilton, there must be a law against something as good as this, my values for the previously important things in my life are now in a process of reevaluation :ricky:

PS, I am very very very glad I listened to Stefan and not ride my 690 :mwink:

Serf, I happen to ride the same bike as Alwyn.  I think he knew the answer before he phoned me.....  ;D

All the bikes performed very well.  Every rider came with the bike of his choice for the terrain conditions as Jan described it to the them before the trip and personal preference.  And everyone happily lived with his choice in the condtions less suited to his bike.  Yes, the 690 is easier to ride in sand and the 990 is more comfortable on the open road.  There are many other pro's and con's to each bike.  Everybody knows that, and make choices with all the available info in mind.  It is just important to understand the limitations of every bike (in the hands of its own rider) and ride it within those parameters.  Then things go smoothly, and continue to go smoothly for 3500 km in this terrain in 12 riding days.

 

[SwannieBraai]

Stefan, Jan en span . . . julle is ysters, manne met passie, droomwaarmakers, pioniers, voorlopers . . en meer . . . en erge inspirasie vir sovele ander manne en vroue! :salut:

Dit was nou LEKKEEEE!!!!!Nog vele meer vorentoe!!

Seen en voorspoed ouens! :thumleft:

 

[Serf]

Nice RR! :thumleft:

I see there was a mix of bikes and i don't want to start comparing the different bikes as the capability of the individuals propably made the biggest difference.

In your opinion, how did the 990's compare to the 690's. Obviously the 990's would be nicer on the long open stretches and the 690's easier to ride in the technical bits. But after 3000 km's it will be interesting to hear your observation between those 2 types.

Thanks,

I don't have Stefan's ability to ride a 990 on these roads, (bakkies in lowrange 1st gear), but from a "gewone ou" perspective:

Before we left I owned both a 990 and a 690, and most advice from experienced friends was to take the 690, until I phoned Stefan, his words was that it is only Van Zyls that is on the limits of a 990's paramaters of design. Van Zyls was a breeze on my 990, the continuous sand was hard work, not difficult but hard work, ride a 2track road with lots of curves(draaie) for eight hours, you got to have some state of fitness and of course experience.

I owned various bikes from various makes and models, the continuous debate about the ideal adventure bike is over, I will never partake in any discussion ever again, my biggest concern is what will happen the day that there is no more 990R.

In want to repeat what I said before, I can not describe what pleasure I experienced riding my 990R on these roads, the complete package of power, balance, forgiveness with an upgraded front suspension from Hilton, there must be a law against something as good as this, my values for the previously important things in my life are now in a process of reevaluation :ricky:

PS, I am very very very glad I listened to Stefan and not ride my 690 :mwink:

Serf, I happen to ride the same bike as Alwyn.  I think he knew the answer before he phoned me.....  ;D

All the bikes performed very well.  Every rider came with the bike of his choice for the terrain conditions as Jan described it to the them before the trip and personal preference.  And everyone happily lived with his choice in the condtions less suited to his bike.  Yes, the 690 is easier to ride in sand and the 990 is more comfortable on the open road.  There are many other pro's and con's to each bike.  Everybody knows that, and make choices with all the available info in mind.  It is just important to understand the limitations of every bike (in the hands of its own rider) and ride it within those parameters.  Then things go smoothly, and continue to go smoothly for 3500 km in this terrain in 12 riding days.

:thumleft:
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[SGB]

OK, some final reflections:  (Personal perceptions)  :mwink:

• This trip was another one of those memory makers that I will repeatedly tell the stories about in the old age home, with the same audience listening  :bueller:
• We have said enough about the bikes and the riders.  I don't need to repeat what has been said above.  Each one of you  is a champion in your own right, I will ride anywhere with you guys.
• The backup team deserves special mention.  Riaan and team - Johan, Danie, Dirk, Swies, Martin, Edmund and the other Martin - you made it easy for everyone to focus on the right things and it was amazingly comfortable and easy travelling with you guys.  Following a bunch of bikers is hard work and this team did the job excellently well.  When the next war breaks out, I know who is my A-Echelon.....  We salute you!
• My days riding alongside Jan in these kind of tracks have always been incredible learning experiences and still my best riding moments ever come from these experiences.  The communication is what makes it work, we cannot talk to each other - but we communicate.  And I trust Jan that when I make a mistake, he will ride us out of it.  We have an agreement that the outside pegs of the 2 bikes are private, but it is OK if we spend a bit of time on the inside peg of each other's bikes, just to ensure proper weight displacement.....    I make more mistakes than Jan, and I will continue to take the other track for as long as he tolerates me there.  8)  Dankie Jan!
• Jan's way of making these trips work always amazes me.  He surrounds himself with people and allows them to take responsibility for stuff.  Watching the dynamics from the side line is some of my best pastime.
• Francois, the doctor....  Having him on thse outings just makes a lot of sense.  He knows his game and is able to diagnose and treat all aliments and pains on the spot.  He is well connected through his profession, and the best help is on hand a phone call away.  I do not under estimate the value of this peace of mind that we get for nothing.
• It was good watching Johan and Francois (the other one) operate together with Louis.  The 3 of them are old friends and it was clear that they spent lots of time planning every little detail.  "Team Van der Walt Racing" takes the prize for the best organized one.  Louis is also a KTM technician, and his knowledge about the bikes was valuable.  His sense of humor caused the bikes to develop very few technical problems....  :biggrin:
• We received some sponsors in the form of food, clothing, lubricants, Potuguese and other Bibles, etc.  All of this made the trip more meaningful.  Thank you to all the donors!
• Trevor did the admin relating to the visas and stuff before the trip.  We have never had the same person volunteering for this job twice.  You don't have to do it again Trevor, we will catch someone else next time....  :deal:  We had our Visas on time - thank you!
• The evening discussions around the fire were meaningful and most enjoyable.  Nobody in the group needed alcohol or other substances to get their personalities to a level where they were able to contribute to the discussion.  Yes, those who wanted had a beer or a whisky when the occasion justified it, but it was never the focus and it went unnoticed except for the enjoyment of a drink.  The logical consequence was people who could focus on the trip and each other during the day.  I am convinced that it prevented a whole lot of "issues".
• Most of the guys used "Biker Swags" for accommodation.  They work well, but my MSR Hubba Hubba tent is still my personal choice.  I fit in there with all my kit.  All my personal luggage fitted in 2 soft saddle bags.  If I had to travel without backup, I would use the exact same setup.
• All my gear worked extremely well.  I used a BMW Rally 2 suit, Gearne SG12 boots, Leat Brace, Arai Tour-X helmet, Richa Magma gloves, a Camelbak backpack and yellow Co-op type polycarbonate safety glasses.  If we go again tomorrow, I would not change anything.
• The Nikon AW 100 camera worked well.  It has good "switch on to shoot" time and it did the job.
• I have been wanting to ride with a GoPro video camera for a long time.  But the fact that you cannot see what the camera is doing always prevented me.  Then they announced the remote and Wi-Fi connectivity.  It was launched just before the trip and I gave John Briscoe (Gear-Up) the challenge - get one to me in time for the trip and I buy it.  It arrived the day before we left.  The last thing I did before I left the office is to update the firmware.  It is a nifty gadget.  I will use it more and better in future.  The only draw back is the battery life.  You only get about 3 hours.  I will post some video here once I have been educated in how to do it.
• I used to only use penlight batteries.  Now my camera and the GoPro, the Wi-Fi backpack, the remote and my phone use USB chargers.  I need to get better organized by installing 4 USB power outputs in my bike's glove box.  Then I will be able to mange all the batteries....
• The Garmin Montana 600 GPS is the business.  It worked flawlessly every time I wanted / needed to use it.  I had the navigation responsibility and did not get it wrong very often.  This piece of kit along with the latest Tracks4Africa made it easy.
• My little tool kit on the back of my bike in a custom bag made by Safari 4x4 with tubes, tools, compressor made it easy to access and use.  I was lucky enough to never have a puncture, but the kit was easy to get to, and pumping wheels was quick and easy.
• My family allowed me to go, and my brother looked after the business.  Without them it would not be possible.  You rock!!
• I also appreciate my physical health and ability that enables me to be part of this kind of thing.  My only fear in this life is that it has to stop at some point.  In the mean time, I will boldly try and make a difference for as long as my Lord allows me.  :thumleft:
• To all the members and others who read and made comments, thank you!  It is good to see others enjoying the journey with us.  Thanks also for all the PM's and e-mails!  Nothing is a secret, just ask if there is something I did not cover....

Just to repeat the disclaimer - All of the above is my personal perspective.  You are welcome to agree or disagree.  I am a great advocate of "Live and let live", so if you do things differently, you are not excluded in any way.  Join the discussion and share the passion!  Dit was SINVOL....  Until next time....  :thumleft:

 

[wildside]

Thanks for a super RR . Namibia is simply 'magical' and Angola looks very tempting as well.
What an awesome experience.
Well done to all of you.

 

[Kaboef]

Thanks for the ride report and detailed info on the routes you took.

Although these kind of supported trips is not my thing, it looks like you had lots of fun.

 

[Hentie bm]

Nice RR en ek dink ek sal maar volgende keer moet saam gaan  :biggrin:  :thumleft:

 

[BlueBull2007]

That was an outstanding read, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us! :hello2: :hello2: :hello2:

Are you still going to post the video?

One thing for is for sure - You guys can ride very well, much better than most of us.

..."Normale Naweek Ryers" wat lewens veranderende ervarings kan deel met 'n groep manne, omdat 'n passie wakker geword het.  Dit is die sinvolle gevolg van Jan se ekspedisies (en Country TRAX se opleiding) wat maak dat ons dit weer en weer doen. Dis anders as om net 'n roete te ry met 'n klomp "goeie" ryers. Dis belangrik om die span reg te kies.  Dis 'n lang proses.  Dit begin met 'n ou wat uit sy comfort zone wil wegbreek en deel raak van die gesprek om die aandete tafel by ons kursusse.   Dis jou paspoort na die ekspedisie.   Ons wil PASSIE sien.  Vir bike ry en vir ander mense.  Want ons weet as 'n ou passievol kan raak oor bikes, sal die passie op ander gebiede ook deurkom.

Daar is baie redes hoekom verskillende spanne sulke rides aanpak en doen.  Ek skiet geensins ander se motiewe af nie.  Daar is ook niks verkeerd daarmee nie.  Ek (probeer) beskryf hoe ons werk. Dit gaan vir ons eers oor die ryer, dan oor die bikes, en laaste oor al die die "brands (bikes en andersins)".  Ons leef dit presies so uit tydens die ekspedisies en sommer elke dag.  Ons bikes is 'n voertuig wat ons 'n verskoning gee om met mense interaksie te he op baie terreine. Die ekspedisie ding is een so 'n geleentheid.  En Jan se passie daarvoor het ons maar aangesteek oor tyd.

AS jy wil he 'n ekspedisie moet "misluk", kry 13 goeie ryers wat die bikes uitstekend kan hanteer, maar self "centered" is.  Elke ou ry dan net sodat die ander moet sien hoe "goed" hy is. Jy het 'n disaster op jou hande voor jy uit die wegspring blokke is en niemand se lewe gaan anders wees na die trip nie.

:thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:

This comes out in that video Jan did of "Dorstland Trekkers" in 06 or 07 (still one of my favorites), that covered part of the same route, and also in all his courses. I  first learned how to ride properly at Country Trax Amersfoort, and would love to go back and do it again next time I am in RSA. I cannot recommend it enough.  :deal:

 

[SGB]

I still have not "done" the video's - but here are some screen shots from the GoPro footage.  It takes a good video....

 

[Sandban(g)k]

:drif:

Stefan, as daar een ou is wat na hierdie Ride Report nie lus is vir ry nie, dan weet ek nie!

Vir my is hierdie regtigwaar die "ultimate".  Die plek waar al die Countray Trax "lesse" werklik word, en waar 'n mens leer waaroor dit gaan om werklik te lewe!  Dankie vir die inspirasie, wanneer is die volgende kursus?  :mwink:

 

[ALLAWYN]

Stefan werklik mooi foto's, ek hoor sommer die Leo Vince BRUL :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:

 

[JustBendIt]

Unbelievably awesome !

Thanks for sharing

Congratulations on an epic trip and an inspiring RR

 

[Trevor-the-Rever]

The word epic is the only way to describe this journey.

Thanks to Jan and Stephan for their ability to lead from the front, for their inspiration and experience. This memory will stay embedded in me for time to come, and i wont miss out on the future rides. Thanks to the log team, you guys served us while we recovered from hard days of riding, you guys are legends.

To each person that i became acquainted with, i have gained many new friends and riding buddies (I hope ;D), what a honor its was to spend 16 days with awesome men of God.

Thanks to Louis for repairs to my bike along the journey, you are a gentleman and im sure you will enjoy the "Black"

Thanks to Oom James (VARK) for the chats and insparation.

Thanks to Francois (Doc) for taking care of my had after the cactus attacked me at Omaruru.

La Vita e Bela

 

[Desert Boy]

Doodsakker and Van Zyl's Pass in one trip?

Fantastic trip and a wonderful achievement!! Congratulations to the whole group.

I have completed 2 Country Trax courses (Intermediate and Sand) but I shudder to think that I have the skill to do what you guys did. As the instructor drummed into us - "95% is in the head!!". If you can keep focussed on that, your limits are far beyond what you imagine.

Thanks for setting the bar way up there!!

 

[Plothond]

Doodsakker and Van Zyl's Pass in one trip?

Fantastic trip and a wonderful achievement!! Congratulations to the whole group.

I have completed 2 Country Trax courses (Intermediate and Sand) but I shudder to think that I have the skill to do what you guys did. As the instructor drummed into us - "95% is in the head!!". If you can keep focussed on that, your limits are far beyond what you imagine.

Thanks for setting the bar way up there!!

Baie dankie Stefan

You were the first person I ever spoke to about the (then) 950 in 2005. You were the inspiration to get back on the bike after my big accident, you were the helping hand in Lesotho in 2007 and will continue to inspire me.
I know that when things in my life settle down again our paths will cross again someday and I will be the richer for it.

Go well !  :thumleft:

 

[2StrokeDan]

Ek reken die normale naweek ryer sal dit nie maak nie.

Sal graag SGB se opinie wil hoor ?

Fellie, al wat ek wil byvoeg by vriend Allawyn se beskrywing van die ry deel is dit: 
Ons het gevind dat die een ding wat ryers suksesvol maak op so 'n ekspedisie is PASSIE.  Dit werk nie as 'n man se bike vir meeste van die tyd in die garage staan met 'n pap battery en dan wil hy skielik so iets aanpak nie.  Mens kan ook nie in 'n gym leer bike ry nie.  Ouens met passie ry die bike (nie noodwendig die "beste" ryer nie), weet wat aangaan in en om die bike en spandeer energie op die regte goed.

Die "normale naweek ryer" is nie 'n baie beskrywende term nie.  As dit die ou met die bike (en persoonlikheid) is waarvan die pap battery gereeld vervang moet word, is jy reg.  Alwyn is 'n voorbeeld van 'n ou wat besluit het hy wil die trip doen, en passievol alles wat met homself en sy toerusting te doen het oordentlik gaan regkry het, en dit baie suksesvol gedoen het.  Dit is die lekkerste vir ons om te sien en beleef.  "Normale Naweek Ryers" wat lewens veranderende ervarings kan deel met 'n groep manne, omdat 'n passie wakker geword het.  Dit is die sinvolle gevolg van Jan se ekspedisies (en Country TRAX se opleiding) wat maak dat ons dit weer en weer doen.  Dis anders as om net 'n roete te ry met 'n klomp "goeie" ryers.  Dis belangrik om die span reg te kies.  Dis 'n lang proses.  Dit begin met 'n ou wat uit sy comfort zone wil wegbreek en deel raak van die gesprek om die aandete tafel by ons kursusse.  Dis jou paspoort na die ekspedisie.   Ons wil PASSIE sien.  Vir bike ry en vir ander mense.  Want ons weet as 'n ou passievol kan raak oor bikes, sal die passie op ander gebiede ook deurkom.

Daar is baie redes hoekom verskillende spanne sulke rides aanpak en doen.  Ek skiet geensins ander se motiewe af nie.  Daar is ook niks verkeerd daarmee nie.  Ek (probeer) beskryf hoe ons werk.  Dit gaan vir ons eers oor die ryer, dan oor die bikes, en laaste oor al die die "brands (bikes en andersins)".  Ons leef dit presies so uit tydens die ekspedisies en sommer elke dag.  Ons bikes is 'n voertuig wat ons 'n verskoning gee om met mense interaksie te he op baie terreine.  Die ekspedisie ding is een so 'n geleentheid.  En Jan se passie daarvoor het ons maar aangesteek oor tyd.

AS jy wil he 'n ekspedisie moet "misluk", kry 13 goeie ryers wat die bikes uitstekend kan hanteer, maar self "centered" is.  Elke ou ry dan net sodat die ander moet sien hoe "goed" hy is.  Jy het 'n disaster op jou hande voor jy uit die wegspring blokke is en niemand se lewe gaan anders wees na die trip nie.

Ek "over share" dalk nou so bietjie - sorry, hoop jy "kry my drift...."   :thumleft:

Ek laaik daai eerste paragrafie sommer baie.....

 

[alanB]

Fantastic RR SGB  :thumleft:

Thanks for all the time and effort in sharing what was clearly a really well organised and happy expedition - something to aspire to.

I rode exactly the same tracks south of VanZyl's when I was up there a year ago.  Its hauntingly beautiful - something I will remember for the rest of my life.  I was the only biker with 4 other 4x4's.

We had a very special evening camping near that tree in this photo of yours

We had prawns and champagne under those incredible stars without another soul anywhere - it was fantastic!

We were supposed to do Van Zyl's as well but two of the Landies had had issues on the way up there and the group decided not to chance it, so we went on the road just to the south.  In the end we probably could have because both Landies went well from then on!

I hope to get up there again one day in the not too distant future.

Thanks for stirring all the memories  :thumleft:

 

[SGB]

Thank you for all the feedback - nice to see all the positive responses!  :thumleft: 
I still need to do some work on those video's - time has just been few.....  This weekend we did a ride at the Bethlehem Air Show, and next weekend is Alfie Cox Dual Sport Festival.  Will get there eventually....

 

[Heimer]

Thanks you so much for sharing this inspirational trip