MAYBE NO SHOES, BUT A BIKE AND THE WHOLE OF AFRICA !!

[Nardus]

Just for interest sake - here is a rough idea of the route we took.

 

[Frohan Visser]

Lekker....lekker
Daai kaart is ouer as baie ouens hier op die forum!!!!!!!!!

 

[LuckyStriker]

Just for interest sake - here is a rough idea of the route we took.

What's the story behind the other line through Central Africa?
previously planned route or road back?

 

[Andy 950]

Lekker....lekker
Daai kaart is ouer as baie ouens hier op die forum!!!!!!!!!

En nogal in Afrikaans ook!!!!

 

[LuckyStriker]

Just for interest sake - here is a rough idea of the route we took.

What's the story behind the other line through Central Africa?
previously planned route or road back?

doh!

ek sien nou eers. dis seker die roete van die 1955 overland bustoer

 

[rubiblue]

UNBELIEVABLE! A true adventurer, i am green with envy!

 

[Nardus]

Luckystriker - jy is darem skerp man !!

 

[Tubeless]

Some people's dreams are other people's realities.

Thanks Nardus for sharing - just spent the entire morning and some serious bandwidth enjoying this report.

Nike - just do it!

I can mention a million excuses why I will not be doing this - although I am sitting here drooling all over my keyboard.

Allow me just one question - what background knowledge/experience did you have of bikes (technical or otherwise ) before taking on this trip?? ???

 

[Nardus]

Hi Tubeless

Thanks for the reply. I must admit, 15 years ago I would say that I was fairly clueless and had very little knowledge. If one is just slightly logical and practical it is not too difficult to understand the working of a single cylinder motorcycle. With the help of a manual it is possible to do about any operation on a scooter.

I would suggest one of two criteria: Either do any long trip with an old, but reliable bike (like the XT600, Xt500, DR600), or purchase a very reliable new bike that is not likely to give any trouble (like the BMW650, KTM950). Also, it is "safer" and provides more peace of mind to do any extreme trip with a good buddy or two. Emphasis on the "good" and "or two". Nothing worst than an irritating arsehole or too many people with various ideas and agenda's.

Lastly, South Africa is one of the most "unsafe" countries and it is actually not very unsafe, but most of the rest of Africa is much safer than SA. You need some balls and confidence to deal with a couple of Arabic countries north of Equator, but a lot of bikers do go there without serious consequences.

Have fun !

 

[Yefimovich]

I keep reading this report and it never fails to drop my jaw!!

Thanks again!

 

[Tubeless]

Thanks Nardus

I will not be tackling the rest of Africa but my dream is at least our own country and southern africa. I'm a late starter but with such inspirational reports on the forum , I seem to develope some funny symptoms - something like an itch - Google  calls it restlessness > - the government calls it a MLC  :eek7:

 

[Gee eS]

Wow
This is what dreams are made of.
Gets my vote for best RR.

 

[onderbroek]

ekt dit nou geniet, sjo. O0

 

[Heinrich]

I'm in love with this trip.

Has ALWAYS been my dream to do the big C2C!! Thought the Twin would be perfect for the job (& I'm sure it will be) but I just love the look of these oldies in the wilderness.
And Absolutely LOVE the bit about your parent's bus tour. That is ....wait for it....LEGEND.....& I hope your not lactose intolerant cause the second part of that word is....DAIRY!!!!   
LEGENDARY!

Nardus, we'll def talk again bro! Respect!

 

[TVB]

Hi Nardus
In general I enjoy all RR’s, but this one kicks ass, and I love the way you kicked of as I’m also an Islander. The 1955 adventure of you family was madness, loved it especially the DRC part!!  Just a question, have you ever given the DRC a thought? You know in my opinion the way most guys travel (RACE) through Africa in record times (for obvious reasons like work and time available) they miss out on 95% of what that country actually have to offer. You have done it the right way round; spending time, chat to the locals etc. Like so many bikers report about rushing through Sudan, why? I’ve been working there totaling 2 years and great overall!

My advice, before getting intimidated by gunslingers, rumors etc, get into contact with South Africans that work and live there (like Mechem demining etc), they will give you the real ins and out, all about safety and you might end up in a UN camp as a guest, new friends and a couple cold ones. Amazed to see they report Sudan is a ‘dry’ country, Yes in the northern part under Arabian leadership, but in the South which is ruled by the Dinkas, we bought on a weekly basis even South African branded beer! Sudan is Huge! If one considers doing the DRC some day, it should take at least 2 months; otherwise you waste time and money. So much to see and to do out there, a few simple rules for safety but well worth of the trouble. Any aggressive local or rebel can be turned into a friend by offering a cigarette; don’t make eye contact with rebels etc….but you know!

You are a living DS legend~!!
Salute!

 

[Off-Road-Adventures]

Geez Nardus, I have just stumbled upon your trip report, and MAN what a reall awesome trip and write up!! Thanks so much for sharing it!!

Allan

 

[Laban]

Respect, Respect, my Man!!

 

[TornadoF5]

Thanx a million times

 

[KTM Jagermeister]

Balls of steel!  Well done!

 

[Rock Rabbit]

Wow, although this was written a while back it makes excellent RR reading. Fantastic story of true adventureship. Bloody marvelous ol chap.
And all thos miles aboard a Yamaha!
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