Honda Quest, the incredible adventure!

[WildWood]

I'm not sure why I haven't read the reports of the Quest as I'm a frequent visitor to Kaokoland but I've spent the best part of Friday evening and today taking in the entire thread.

Wow what a feat to pull this off as an event with so many bikes, unknown skill levels and for starts anyway mostly strangers.

Hats off to True Adventure, Honda, Specialized Adventures and the team.

And most of all that the guys (and gal) managed with the big twins in some really gnarly terrain.

If reading this thread dosen't get a hole new bunch of riders fired up to ride Northern Namibia then nothing will.

I've loved the different perspectives from the different teams and even the between the two team members.

Salute to all.

 

[WildWood]

I just think that Minxy let the side down by not growing a beard to match the others. Definitely not a team player ......

 

[WildWood]

And sadly one serious gripe and something that could effect all future trips in the area.

On the sand tracks to Brandberg the guys were riding off track for long sections and properly destroying the landscape.

I once posted a tour pic on Facebook 2 years ago with a client simply parked alongside the tracks and I received a string of emails and comments from Namibians and local guides freaking out . These included threats of banning etc.

I guess the riders were unaware and the organizers slipped up in passing this on. If not penalties should have been issued.

For the sake of the greater ride community it might be a good idea to remove all the incriminating footage before we get into trouble with the green brigade.

 

[Hardy de Kock]

And sadly one serious gripe and something that could effect all future trips in the area.

On the sand tracks to Brandberg the guys were riding off track for long sections and properly destroying the landscape.

I once posted a tour pic on Facebook 2 years ago with a client simply parked alongside the tracks and I received a string of emails and comments from Namibians and local guides freaking out . These included threats of banning etc.

I guess the riders were unaware and the organizers slipped up in passing this on. If not penalties should have been issued.

For the sake of the greater ride community it might be a good idea to remove all the incriminating footage before we get into trouble with the green brigade.

HI Johnny

I instructed them to ride next to the track, where the dwarf shrub Tephrosia monophylla, short-lived, pioneer species, such as the herbs Gisekia africana, Limeum argute-carinatum and Tribulus terrestris as well as the grass Anthephora schinzii were dominant in the the stretches of endless sand next to the track. None of the above mentioned is protected flora (classified in the same category as the Mopane tree that we all use for firewood in the north.)

Like yourself, I know the area well and the flora in that area is not what you would call holy.

Despite the above, I agree with your sentiments, and you are correct. I will probably, in future, plan the last day when I am in a joyful mood.

My mistake and my apologies if I did upset anyone.

Cheers
Hardy

 

[WildWood]

Thanks Hardy, good to know.

As I mentioned I've been kakked out on social media and email when my lot were seen riding there.

I've also been told not to go near the canyons and river beds by the local guides. Some pretty touchy guys around, especially the lodge owners.

Cheers
John

 

[WildWood]

And once again congrats on putting on what seems like the trip of the century.  Must have taken some planning to get that show together.
I run small groups of no more than 6 in a simpler format and that gives me grey hairs.

 

[Hardy de Kock]

Thanks Hardy, good to know.

As I mentioned I've been kakked out on social media and email when my lot were seen riding there.

I've also been told not to go near the canyons and river beds by the local guides. Some pretty touchy guys around, especially the lodge owners.

Cheers
John

Johnny - They have no right to ask/tell you to stay out of anything except their private property.

I discussed this very issue with several tourism and wildlife officials in WH and the answer was unanimous:

Of course they don't want you there - their guests will find out that you don't need to spend 12k a day to see (and sleep) in the area.
You contribute a lot more where it matters compared to any of these so-called lodges. Wilderness Safaris and most of the other operators have dollar and euro accounts which means the money never sees Namibia.

 

[BiG DoM]

Saw a fishing program recently on 'Yellow's' in the Orange River which also had local guides and property owners trying to 'regulate' the river and access - same story couched in conservation and goody goody stuff ... all the way to their bank.  :

 

[Hardy de Kock]

Saw a fishing program recently on 'Yellow's' in the Orange River which also had local guides and property owners trying to 'regulate' the river and access - same story couched in conservation and goody goody stuff ... all the way to their bank.  :

True that

 

[ON-RNR]

So I've added loads of photo's on Facebook and made the albums public. You don't need a facebook account to open these, just click the link and you should be able to view everything

Part 1

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155733938956972.1073741924.730936971&type=1&l=3b77302628

Part 2 (My favourtite album with us riding along the Kunene River, the technical approach to Van Zyls and the pass itself)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155734011176972.1073741925.730936971&type=1&l=10d2b5e3b6

Part 3 (Sandy riverbeds and the Purros Canyon)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155734194336972.1073741926.730936971&type=1&l=65972b329b

Part 4 (Twyfelfontein and riding the red dunes to Brandberg)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155734233086972.1073741927.730936971&type=1&l=3e1e840f5d

Thanks for the pics and the links

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