Single Cylinder
Race Dog
Baie lekker thnks :ricky:
Kaokoland: I was tired of reading about it!!!
- Thread starter stroke her
- Start date
winters
Race Dog
Andre, jou legend!
Baie mooi gedoen, dit was moer lekker om te lees en baie bly jy het dit op jou eie gedoen...
Respect :thumleft: :thumleft:
Baie mooi gedoen, dit was moer lekker om te lees en baie bly jy het dit op jou eie gedoen...
Respect :thumleft: :thumleft:
stroke her
Race Dog
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,110
- Reaction score
- 397
- Location
- Durbanville Boerewors Curtain
- Bike
- Yamaha T7
Dankie MiniDan...eks nie legend nie...net Will Smith en jou pa is regtig "Legend" >
Aan die res baie dankie vir die goeie wense en waardering...laat die 3 dae se verlof wat in die skryf ingegaan het darem minder brand.
Weet nou nie van boek skryf nie manne...met my 2 vinger hoeder pik tikkery sal ek athritis kry teen hoofstuk 3!
Vandag was ek eerste keer weer by die werk...Dag 1; Wat maak ek hier?!!!
Nuwe werksfoon, kannie passwords onthou vir helfde van die kak nie, rekening van doktor 5 maande na die behandeling ens ens ens...my moer is al weer gestrip :dousing:
Ek be-oog om n kaart of 2 met bietjie statistiek en probably nog n paar useless observations hier te gooi as mense belangstel.
Aan die res baie dankie vir die goeie wense en waardering...laat die 3 dae se verlof wat in die skryf ingegaan het darem minder brand.
Weet nou nie van boek skryf nie manne...met my 2 vinger hoeder pik tikkery sal ek athritis kry teen hoofstuk 3!
Vandag was ek eerste keer weer by die werk...Dag 1; Wat maak ek hier?!!!
Nuwe werksfoon, kannie passwords onthou vir helfde van die kak nie, rekening van doktor 5 maande na die behandeling ens ens ens...my moer is al weer gestrip :dousing:
Ek be-oog om n kaart of 2 met bietjie statistiek en probably nog n paar useless observations hier te gooi as mense belangstel.
Slim Jim
Race Dog
Dude you make me giggle, hope you fined your pass words ..... :imaposer:
Rickus
Race Dog
Stroke Her said:Dankie MiniDan...eks nie legend nie...net Will Smith en jou pa is regtig "Legend" >
Aan die res baie dankie vir die goeie wense en waardering...laat die 3 dae se verlof wat in die skryf ingegaan het darem minder brand.
Weet nou nie van boek skryf nie manne...met my 2 vinger hoeder pik tikkery sal ek athritis kry teen hoofstuk 3!
Vandag was ek eerste keer weer by die werk...Dag 1; Wat maak ek hier?!!!
Nuwe werksfoon, kannie passwords onthou vir helfde van die kak nie, rekening van doktor 5 maande na die behandeling ens ens ens...my moer is al weer gestrip :dousing:
Ek be-oog om n kaart of 2 met bietjie statistiek en probably nog n paar useless observations hier te gooi as mense belangstel.
Dit sal hoogs waardeer word :thumleft:
stroke her
Race Dog
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,110
- Reaction score
- 397
- Location
- Durbanville Boerewors Curtain
- Bike
- Yamaha T7
stroke her
Race Dog
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,110
- Reaction score
- 397
- Location
- Durbanville Boerewors Curtain
- Bike
- Yamaha T7
I have gpx files for the navigation but I will only share by PM.
Reason: Although my trip sounds like a barrel of laughs and roll-out of good fortune, Karma etc... Truth of the matter is the route goes through some pretty remote areas. Not crossing the Sahara remote...but remote enough that things can get out of hand in a bad way if you are not paying attention or are not quite prepared for what you are getting yourself into. I did my research, I was prepared and by the time I had the gpx files created (most myself and only that which required Tracks4Africa from Beserker) I pretty much could recite the route from memory.
If you are planning on going without someone that has been before I cautiously heed you to do the same.
Some may wonder about the technicality of the riding...
Let me put it this way, as was told to me when I asked the same thing. Rocks and sand, and nothing in between. And this was pretty much accurate. Also keep in mind the season you are going in (heat) as well as overlap with National Holidays in RSA (my maatjies in hulle 4x4 het die paaie ordentlik moer toe gery). Another consideration is what the weather was like 6 months before...I could clearly see evidence of flooding and water presence in the area was abnormally high, veld also very green for mid-winter.
If you want to see if you are ready then take the bike you plan on using with approx the same luggage and go do Namaqua Eco 4x4 and Weskus sand (Groenriver/Spoegriver)...if by then you are still keen on sand and rocks then you will be just fine grasshoppa :thumleft:
Choice of bike:
Now like most here I lust after Rally bikes...KTM 690 Rally Replica :drif:...problem is:
My blood runs Orange but my budget runs red
Any mid sized single cylinder with about 600km range will be fine...lighter the better. You do not need Rally level suspension...the Giraffes will still win. You are touring...not racing.
But then again...what is the best bike? In my humble budget strained opinion in order of presence:
1. A bike that is paid for
2. A bike you have the keys for
3. A bike you don't mind leaving behind
Common denominator in above..."A bike"
Enige donnerse fiets...gaan net!!!
If your bike is heavy...take some mates along to help lift/push etc.
If your bike is softly sprung...just go slower.
If your bike is underpowered...ideal. You will go slow and appreciate the scenery. My Baby Ten apparently makes 48hp...not once did I use even half of it.
If your bike is still owned by Wesbank (or any other bank)...ask them nicely if you can take their bike on holiday :
Let me put it like this...by Day 7 I was not even aware anymore I was on a bike trip. I was merely on a trip...the motorcycle has simply become the method of transport.
Areas like Kaokoland will not forever be accessible by motorcycle...so go before it is to late. The Himba girls really do not care if you are on the latest and greatest uber adventure machine!!
Reason: Although my trip sounds like a barrel of laughs and roll-out of good fortune, Karma etc... Truth of the matter is the route goes through some pretty remote areas. Not crossing the Sahara remote...but remote enough that things can get out of hand in a bad way if you are not paying attention or are not quite prepared for what you are getting yourself into. I did my research, I was prepared and by the time I had the gpx files created (most myself and only that which required Tracks4Africa from Beserker) I pretty much could recite the route from memory.
If you are planning on going without someone that has been before I cautiously heed you to do the same.
Some may wonder about the technicality of the riding...
Let me put it this way, as was told to me when I asked the same thing. Rocks and sand, and nothing in between. And this was pretty much accurate. Also keep in mind the season you are going in (heat) as well as overlap with National Holidays in RSA (my maatjies in hulle 4x4 het die paaie ordentlik moer toe gery). Another consideration is what the weather was like 6 months before...I could clearly see evidence of flooding and water presence in the area was abnormally high, veld also very green for mid-winter.
If you want to see if you are ready then take the bike you plan on using with approx the same luggage and go do Namaqua Eco 4x4 and Weskus sand (Groenriver/Spoegriver)...if by then you are still keen on sand and rocks then you will be just fine grasshoppa :thumleft:
Choice of bike:
Now like most here I lust after Rally bikes...KTM 690 Rally Replica :drif:...problem is:
My blood runs Orange but my budget runs red
Any mid sized single cylinder with about 600km range will be fine...lighter the better. You do not need Rally level suspension...the Giraffes will still win. You are touring...not racing.
But then again...what is the best bike? In my humble budget strained opinion in order of presence:
1. A bike that is paid for
2. A bike you have the keys for
3. A bike you don't mind leaving behind
Common denominator in above..."A bike"
Enige donnerse fiets...gaan net!!!
If your bike is heavy...take some mates along to help lift/push etc.
If your bike is softly sprung...just go slower.
If your bike is underpowered...ideal. You will go slow and appreciate the scenery. My Baby Ten apparently makes 48hp...not once did I use even half of it.
If your bike is still owned by Wesbank (or any other bank)...ask them nicely if you can take their bike on holiday :
Let me put it like this...by Day 7 I was not even aware anymore I was on a bike trip. I was merely on a trip...the motorcycle has simply become the method of transport.
Areas like Kaokoland will not forever be accessible by motorcycle...so go before it is to late. The Himba girls really do not care if you are on the latest and greatest uber adventure machine!!
stroke her
Race Dog
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,110
- Reaction score
- 397
- Location
- Durbanville Boerewors Curtain
- Bike
- Yamaha T7
Accommodation and other ramblings:
I went in peak school holidays. I did not book anything beforehand...merely scouted potential digs and then sorted it out when I arrived. Not once did I luck out. This approach is fine when alone or only 2 or so in the group...larger parties may wish to book ahead of the time in peak season.
Accomodation:
Night 1
Amanzi River Trails on Orange River. Around N$160 per night, wood, bar, clean and green. Basic snacks but not a restuarant.
Night 2
Riverside Chalets Marienthal. Friendly owner run place. Clean with good ablutions and hot showers. No lawns and not on a river as such but dirt cheap N$70 Right in town so food etc is close.
Night 3
Oppi-Fokken-Koppi Kamanjab. Free for overlanders with everything you could possibly want including free Wi-Fi. I would make this my base if I trailer up...not that I condone traileringot:
Night 4
Kunene River Lodge
Luvverly around N$200 with bar, restuarant and free (not so great) Wi-Fi...right on the riverbank!! Ideal for an illegal border hop into Angola as they have boats as well >
Night 5 Opupu Falls Lodge
Koos used to own Camp Syncro but now has this lekka joint. As you drink your Tafel on the deck by the bar the noise of the Falls is quite loud :thumleft:. Restuarant, pool, Wi-Fi, Bar...nice spot for a rest day. About N$150 if I recall?
Night 6
Camp Syncro at the top of the Marienfluss. N$150 ish.. Good fascilities and ice cold beer and cold drinks. No food...bring your own. Hot showers and unlimited water straight from Kunene River. Another ideal spot to hop into Angola unseen...just mind the crocs.
Night 7
Marble Camp N$100
Basic with water but no hot water, food, drinks etc.
Night 8
Omenje Camp Purros.
Basic. Hot water and very clean. Possibilities of ellies in Camp at night as you are right on the bank of the river with no fences. Had signs for Petrol but was out of stock. N$100 or 150. Bargain. No food but booze and basic canned food available at Shebeen Manchester United in the village a couple of kays away.
Night 9
Ongongo Warmquelle Community Campsite N$150
Clean with hot water and the "warm water" pool right in the campsite. No food at campsite but spaza shops in Warmquelle.
Night 10 & 11
Palmwag N$ 225 I think per night. Touristy with everything that goes with it. Good spot to take in some calories. No Wi-Fi. Food ok and beer is cheaper than Coke.
Night 12
Tommy's Lodge Karibib...for that authentic trucker experience. N$100 ish. Place is falling apart but you will live...cheap...and chearfull perhaps 20 years ago. Staff was friendly with a sense of humour. Authentic tarentaal rump steaks :thumleft: :laughing4:
Night 13
Amanzi again for the win :thumleft:
Distances:
On a normal weekend jol to the Karoo I have no issue with 500-800km days...dis mos lekker grondpad ry :thumleft:. Kaokoland....forget about it. Plan for less distance as terrain is slow going when loaded. 100-200km for a day is plenty. Do even less if you have the time...more time for pics etc.
Tyres:
50/50 will do but a 90/10 (Mitch Desert, Dunlop D606 etc) would make your life easier. In my opinion tyre carcass is as important as tread pattern. The sturdier the carcass the less issues you will have with pinch flats, cuts and thorns. The D606 provided plenty traction and drive in the sand so I did not have to constantly scream the engine ...that would just wast fuel and you are already stressed about fuel.
Fuel:
Only mayor "fuel" leg is Okangwati to Sesfontien. 550km from relatively reliable fuel depot to first fuel pumps. I had 35.6 liters and a theoretical 600-650km range.
Ruacana Puma Fuel station is last petrol pumps...next is at Sesfontein. N$10.90 p/l at pumps.
I found fuel as well at:
1. Opuwu Falls Village. Owen is the man :thumleft: N$20 p/l
2. Okangwati N$18p/l
3. Marienfluss Spaza Shop north of Orupembe Shop 1 and then some shacks 10-15km from Marble Camp
4. Purros (They were out but normally have)
Fill up everything at Ruacana and then top up at above depots (fuel from plastic bottles) only when needed and save yourself some dineros.
I carry a Mr Funnel to filter any fuel obtained from a depot or jerry can...your fuel filter will thank you.
Water:
Carry purification tablets as many of the campsites use river water
There are 4 permanent waterpoints in the Marienfluss (Solar with pumps pumping groundwater to plastic tanks) put up by NGO's to assist local people.
Fill up whenever you can...carry at least 6 liters as emergency stash. Yes its heavy but if you get stuck you are either in for a bleddie long wait...or bleddie long walk. Palwag down to Brandberg West is proper desert....soos in dis fokken droog boet...if you get stuck there without water you are dead. Klaar. So take water. 6 liters is a start...8 is better
I went in peak school holidays. I did not book anything beforehand...merely scouted potential digs and then sorted it out when I arrived. Not once did I luck out. This approach is fine when alone or only 2 or so in the group...larger parties may wish to book ahead of the time in peak season.
Accomodation:
Night 1
Amanzi River Trails on Orange River. Around N$160 per night, wood, bar, clean and green. Basic snacks but not a restuarant.
Night 2
Riverside Chalets Marienthal. Friendly owner run place. Clean with good ablutions and hot showers. No lawns and not on a river as such but dirt cheap N$70 Right in town so food etc is close.
Night 3
Oppi-Fokken-Koppi Kamanjab. Free for overlanders with everything you could possibly want including free Wi-Fi. I would make this my base if I trailer up...not that I condone trailering
ot:Night 4
Kunene River Lodge
Luvverly around N$200 with bar, restuarant and free (not so great) Wi-Fi...right on the riverbank!! Ideal for an illegal border hop into Angola as they have boats as well >
Night 5 Opupu Falls Lodge
Koos used to own Camp Syncro but now has this lekka joint. As you drink your Tafel on the deck by the bar the noise of the Falls is quite loud :thumleft:. Restuarant, pool, Wi-Fi, Bar...nice spot for a rest day. About N$150 if I recall?
Night 6
Camp Syncro at the top of the Marienfluss. N$150 ish.. Good fascilities and ice cold beer and cold drinks. No food...bring your own. Hot showers and unlimited water straight from Kunene River. Another ideal spot to hop into Angola unseen...just mind the crocs.
Night 7
Marble Camp N$100
Basic with water but no hot water, food, drinks etc.
Night 8
Omenje Camp Purros.
Basic. Hot water and very clean. Possibilities of ellies in Camp at night as you are right on the bank of the river with no fences. Had signs for Petrol but was out of stock. N$100 or 150. Bargain. No food but booze and basic canned food available at Shebeen Manchester United in the village a couple of kays away.
Night 9
Ongongo Warmquelle Community Campsite N$150
Clean with hot water and the "warm water" pool right in the campsite. No food at campsite but spaza shops in Warmquelle.
Night 10 & 11
Palmwag N$ 225 I think per night. Touristy with everything that goes with it. Good spot to take in some calories. No Wi-Fi. Food ok and beer is cheaper than Coke.
Night 12
Tommy's Lodge Karibib...for that authentic trucker experience. N$100 ish. Place is falling apart but you will live...cheap...and chearfull perhaps 20 years ago. Staff was friendly with a sense of humour. Authentic tarentaal rump steaks :thumleft: :laughing4:
Night 13
Amanzi again for the win :thumleft:
Distances:
On a normal weekend jol to the Karoo I have no issue with 500-800km days...dis mos lekker grondpad ry :thumleft:. Kaokoland....forget about it. Plan for less distance as terrain is slow going when loaded. 100-200km for a day is plenty. Do even less if you have the time...more time for pics etc.
Tyres:
50/50 will do but a 90/10 (Mitch Desert, Dunlop D606 etc) would make your life easier. In my opinion tyre carcass is as important as tread pattern. The sturdier the carcass the less issues you will have with pinch flats, cuts and thorns. The D606 provided plenty traction and drive in the sand so I did not have to constantly scream the engine ...that would just wast fuel and you are already stressed about fuel.
Fuel:
Only mayor "fuel" leg is Okangwati to Sesfontien. 550km from relatively reliable fuel depot to first fuel pumps. I had 35.6 liters and a theoretical 600-650km range.
Ruacana Puma Fuel station is last petrol pumps...next is at Sesfontein. N$10.90 p/l at pumps.
I found fuel as well at:
1. Opuwu Falls Village. Owen is the man :thumleft: N$20 p/l
2. Okangwati N$18p/l
3. Marienfluss Spaza Shop north of Orupembe Shop 1 and then some shacks 10-15km from Marble Camp
4. Purros (They were out but normally have)
Fill up everything at Ruacana and then top up at above depots (fuel from plastic bottles) only when needed and save yourself some dineros.
I carry a Mr Funnel to filter any fuel obtained from a depot or jerry can...your fuel filter will thank you.
Water:
Carry purification tablets as many of the campsites use river water
There are 4 permanent waterpoints in the Marienfluss (Solar with pumps pumping groundwater to plastic tanks) put up by NGO's to assist local people.
Fill up whenever you can...carry at least 6 liters as emergency stash. Yes its heavy but if you get stuck you are either in for a bleddie long wait...or bleddie long walk. Palwag down to Brandberg West is proper desert....soos in dis fokken droog boet...if you get stuck there without water you are dead. Klaar. So take water. 6 liters is a start...8 is better
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2010
- Messages
- 3,605
- Reaction score
- 174
- Location
- I would rather be in Great Brak...
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Wow, that was quite a trip, you got a "all in one" that's for sure!
This has my vote for RR of the year. Thanks for sharing.
8)
This has my vote for RR of the year. Thanks for sharing.
8)
Slim Jim
Race Dog
Mine to :thumleft: :thumleft:Ian in Great Brak River said:
Rickus
Race Dog
Would you say the river road between Ruacana and Swartbooisdrift is worthwhile ?....I was thinking of skipping that part and shooting straight up past Opuwu into Swartbooisdrift onto Epupa....?
stroke her
Race Dog
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,110
- Reaction score
- 397
- Location
- Durbanville Boerewors Curtain
- Bike
- Yamaha T7
From a technical challenge point of view then no... not worthwhile. From a scenic touring point of view... yes worth it.
Woestersous
Race Dog
Fokkit van Rooyen, my voete het gevrek op die troon, klaar gelees op die deksel, LZ en die boksers snork laaaankal eepwall:
My 04:30 run is ook uit!!! Great RR, jy skryf nogals nie te kak nie :thumleft:
eepwall:My 04:30 run is ook uit!!! Great RR, jy skryf nogals nie te kak nie :thumleft:
stroke her
Race Dog
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,110
- Reaction score
- 397
- Location
- Durbanville Boerewors Curtain
- Bike
- Yamaha T7
Fokkit Woestersous...toe ek jou die Wassap stuur en se "Lees hier...dis lekker kakhuis lessstof" het ek nie gemeen jy moet dit in een "sitting" lees nie :laughing4:
Jou poephol :biggrin:
Bly jy het dit geniet. Groete vir LZ en die boys.
Jou poephol :biggrin:
Bly jy het dit geniet. Groete vir LZ en die boys.
Awesome RR, thanks for taking the time to share :thumleft:
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