Our Story of the Honda Quest 2017
- Thread starter Kamanya
- Start date
throttle jockey
Race Dog
I am in!
GRyPH
Race Dog
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2008
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- 1,512
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- 1
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- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Scrat said:
count me in as well!!!
hierdie keer moet ons net afspreek wie waneer afneem met die gopros :imaposer: ek en jy het dieselfde plekke afgeneem en op dieselfde plekke met batterye of memory kaarte gesukkel... :
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
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- 12,138
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- 5,579
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- Cape Town, deep in the lentils
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- KTM 990 Adventure
Day 12 and home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taU2xYDAwIw
It was the last day. Effectively the competition was over but none of us knew who’d won yet.
But, nonetheless, the old routine was followed and clocked into.
Room with a view
Disturbed by some exotics
Still smiling
Starting the coffee
I was order to give her a hug from Hondsekerrie via Whatsapp
The evening before, these were what kept the bums on the seats. It’s a hugely effective way to sit around when its cold
The wives had also ordered that I give a hug to them too.
The office
Kak praat
And breakfast
Gerrits legend boots
Riders Breifing
22 bike fuel shuffle. By now, we were slick and quick
The bill
From then on it was a puncture fest and open roads
For some reason, the rears were going too now.
There were many stops, I don't think we'd get 30k's before another tube would pop.
So some of us offered our support by not getting involved and mucking up the slick tyre change routines. This is the true function of a neck brace
The final tar bits into Windhoek was some of the most dangerous riding I’ve ever done. I saw Marcel and SP nearly driven off the road when a crazy car tried to overtake them into oncoming traffic.
My trusty steed had got me home safely. I was very sore to have to give it back!
So was everyone
Done, now just to polish up and get our winners ticket!
Phil and I really did fancy our chances, we were both nervous and then quite disappointed!
But, the right guys won…. Dammit!
There was apparently a big night out on the town later, but fortunately, judging by how pooped some where the next morning, I missed it.
Then it was the long drag back home. At least I didn’t have to endure a stinky snorer
Final goodbyes where it all started
Thankyou Barend from Honda SA and Hardy from Specialised Adventures and his crew. Of course, many thanks to my fellow competitors for making something truly memorable. And finally to Phillip, I look forward to clinking glasses from time to time for many years to come.
On reflection, I’m reminded of something that’s a repeating narrative in many stories films and myths that is called the Hero’s journey. It goes like this;
There are 3 parts to it. First the calling;
An ordinary person gets called out to do a great journey, a quest if you will. It starts sometimes, quite by chance and others because of an unavoidable invitation or challenge.
Then the initiation or the journey; This ordinary hero then leaves the comfort and safety of their known world and enters the extraordinary unknown on a journey of great trial and adventure. It’s never all plain sailing, there’s tests and ordeals where there is both failure and success. There is also always help and support. It comes in many forms from mentors to magic. At some point, through the transformative power of the challenges a new world view comes to our hero. You could say there is a re-birth. This is the “holy grail”, the point of a Quest in the first place.
Finally, there is the return; The needing to step over the threshold from the unknown back to the known world. There is often much challenge here too, because all in this old comfortable world were not part of the journey. Now comes the assimilation of the old and new ways, a freedom from before, the quiet knowing.
I don’t think it was by accident that this was called Honda Quest. I know for a fact that all my fellow competitors and crew are changed by this great adventure, some profoundly. I certainly am a grateful recipient of that too.
If you have at all the opportunity to hear the call for the next one, I would urge you to answer it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taU2xYDAwIw
It was the last day. Effectively the competition was over but none of us knew who’d won yet.
But, nonetheless, the old routine was followed and clocked into.
Room with a view
Disturbed by some exotics
Still smiling
Starting the coffee
I was order to give her a hug from Hondsekerrie via Whatsapp
The evening before, these were what kept the bums on the seats. It’s a hugely effective way to sit around when its cold
The wives had also ordered that I give a hug to them too.
The office
Kak praat
And breakfast
Gerrits legend boots
Riders Breifing
22 bike fuel shuffle. By now, we were slick and quick
The bill
From then on it was a puncture fest and open roads
For some reason, the rears were going too now.
There were many stops, I don't think we'd get 30k's before another tube would pop.
So some of us offered our support by not getting involved and mucking up the slick tyre change routines. This is the true function of a neck brace
The final tar bits into Windhoek was some of the most dangerous riding I’ve ever done. I saw Marcel and SP nearly driven off the road when a crazy car tried to overtake them into oncoming traffic.
My trusty steed had got me home safely. I was very sore to have to give it back!
So was everyone
Done, now just to polish up and get our winners ticket!
Phil and I really did fancy our chances, we were both nervous and then quite disappointed!
But, the right guys won…. Dammit!
There was apparently a big night out on the town later, but fortunately, judging by how pooped some where the next morning, I missed it.
Then it was the long drag back home. At least I didn’t have to endure a stinky snorer
Final goodbyes where it all started
Thankyou Barend from Honda SA and Hardy from Specialised Adventures and his crew. Of course, many thanks to my fellow competitors for making something truly memorable. And finally to Phillip, I look forward to clinking glasses from time to time for many years to come.
On reflection, I’m reminded of something that’s a repeating narrative in many stories films and myths that is called the Hero’s journey. It goes like this;
There are 3 parts to it. First the calling;
An ordinary person gets called out to do a great journey, a quest if you will. It starts sometimes, quite by chance and others because of an unavoidable invitation or challenge.
Then the initiation or the journey; This ordinary hero then leaves the comfort and safety of their known world and enters the extraordinary unknown on a journey of great trial and adventure. It’s never all plain sailing, there’s tests and ordeals where there is both failure and success. There is also always help and support. It comes in many forms from mentors to magic. At some point, through the transformative power of the challenges a new world view comes to our hero. You could say there is a re-birth. This is the “holy grail”, the point of a Quest in the first place.
Finally, there is the return; The needing to step over the threshold from the unknown back to the known world. There is often much challenge here too, because all in this old comfortable world were not part of the journey. Now comes the assimilation of the old and new ways, a freedom from before, the quiet knowing.
I don’t think it was by accident that this was called Honda Quest. I know for a fact that all my fellow competitors and crew are changed by this great adventure, some profoundly. I certainly am a grateful recipient of that too.
If you have at all the opportunity to hear the call for the next one, I would urge you to answer it.
RyC
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2014
- Messages
- 368
- Reaction score
- 71
- Location
- West Rand
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1100L Africa Twin
Thank you all for sharing. Truly sounds and looks like the trip of a lifetime (and dreams). Something you can never forget. Bonds with people, bikes and good old mother earth.
Been a pleasure to live this through your eyes [emoji106]
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Been a pleasure to live this through your eyes [emoji106]
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2013
- Messages
- 424
- Reaction score
- 19
- Location
- Cambridge, Waikato, NZ
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
DAY 11: Brandberg to Windhoek
Browsing Wilddogs the one day I came across a thread about some Honda Quest True Adventure and I thought to myself: Hell why not, I’ve got nothing to lose. Then one Monday morning I wake up to an e-mail saying: Congratulations, you made the semi’s. Then I think: Wow, that’s awesome, if I could only be one of the final 20… And the next thing you know the final day arrived within the wink of an eye and I think: What an adventure! Did Tyre and I do enough to go all the way…?
After the low level flying I did the previous day, I was quite surprised how well I felt that morning. The meds supplied by our adventure doctor Ockie helped a lot, but a lot must be said for wearing the right gear. One of the non-negotiables stipulated by Hardy & Co. was a neck brace; and I must confess that if I didn’t wear my neck brace, I’m quite certain I would not have gotten up from that crash.
Even though it was the last day, all the same drills were repeated, but with a bit more vigour as everybody were eager to get back to Windhoek for various reasons; with the biggest being to end this adventure on a high with our fellow riders.
On our way back the rear tubes decided to get in on the act and I alone had 2x rear flats and 1x front flat that day… The day was starting to get long and with all the road works on the main asphalt road back to Windhoek it got even longer…
When I knew I was going on Quest I thought: Well I’m already in Namibia and my wife has clients here, so why not extend the trip a couple of days and go hang out in Swakopmund. Her waiting for me in Windhoek was a big reason to get back to Windhoek…quickly.
Finally the moment arrived and all of us were waiting patiently for all the formalities to finish. The Honda boss, Toshiaki Konaka, got on stage and did his best Afrikaans impression and greeted us all. He said that he could remember the names of the winners so he wrote it on his hand. He started: The winners are Charl….and he paused for what seemed like ages….. Now you must remember there are 2x Charl’s on this trip and I’m sure other Charls’ heart was sitting in his throat just like mine…. He continues…Potgieter and Hennie van Heerden.
I’m not sure how to describe the feelings that went through me; excitement, relieve? It’s been such a build-up since receiving that first e-mail, going to Bootcamp not knowing what to expect, preparing the presentation, mentally & physically preparing for this type of trip / competition that I’ve never even thought about really until about 2 months’ prior, to standing there on stage with Hennie as the winners of Honda Quest. ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT WAS A BLAST!
Massive thanks must go to all involved: HONDA for sticking their necks out and putting their money where their mouths are; giving us their bikes to do this trip on and then having 22 bikes with 55,000 mechanical failure free kilometres between them; that speaks volumes. Thanks Barend!!
SPECIALISED ADVENTURE for putting together a trip of a lifetime. I can’t even start to imagine the logistics that had to happen long before we even heard of Quest, but they did it and we are all so much richer after this experience. Thanks Hardy!!
To all the other support staff; food, petrol, camp equipment, medical, instructors, the video crew, which helped make this a trip one that I’ll remember and be talking about until the day I die.
To the other 18 competitors; I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and I’ve learned something from each of you. Hopefully I’ll get around to travelling the country and to visit each of you on my Africa Twin.
And to Hennie; who would’ve thought that morning at Spitzkoppe when we prepped our bikes that 11 days later we would leave Namibia as winners of Quest?
I AM TRULY BLESSED!! :ricky:
Browsing Wilddogs the one day I came across a thread about some Honda Quest True Adventure and I thought to myself: Hell why not, I’ve got nothing to lose. Then one Monday morning I wake up to an e-mail saying: Congratulations, you made the semi’s. Then I think: Wow, that’s awesome, if I could only be one of the final 20… And the next thing you know the final day arrived within the wink of an eye and I think: What an adventure! Did Tyre and I do enough to go all the way…?
After the low level flying I did the previous day, I was quite surprised how well I felt that morning. The meds supplied by our adventure doctor Ockie helped a lot, but a lot must be said for wearing the right gear. One of the non-negotiables stipulated by Hardy & Co. was a neck brace; and I must confess that if I didn’t wear my neck brace, I’m quite certain I would not have gotten up from that crash.
Even though it was the last day, all the same drills were repeated, but with a bit more vigour as everybody were eager to get back to Windhoek for various reasons; with the biggest being to end this adventure on a high with our fellow riders.
On our way back the rear tubes decided to get in on the act and I alone had 2x rear flats and 1x front flat that day… The day was starting to get long and with all the road works on the main asphalt road back to Windhoek it got even longer…
When I knew I was going on Quest I thought: Well I’m already in Namibia and my wife has clients here, so why not extend the trip a couple of days and go hang out in Swakopmund. Her waiting for me in Windhoek was a big reason to get back to Windhoek…quickly.
Finally the moment arrived and all of us were waiting patiently for all the formalities to finish. The Honda boss, Toshiaki Konaka, got on stage and did his best Afrikaans impression and greeted us all. He said that he could remember the names of the winners so he wrote it on his hand. He started: The winners are Charl….and he paused for what seemed like ages….. Now you must remember there are 2x Charl’s on this trip and I’m sure other Charls’ heart was sitting in his throat just like mine…. He continues…Potgieter and Hennie van Heerden.
I’m not sure how to describe the feelings that went through me; excitement, relieve? It’s been such a build-up since receiving that first e-mail, going to Bootcamp not knowing what to expect, preparing the presentation, mentally & physically preparing for this type of trip / competition that I’ve never even thought about really until about 2 months’ prior, to standing there on stage with Hennie as the winners of Honda Quest. ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT WAS A BLAST!
Massive thanks must go to all involved: HONDA for sticking their necks out and putting their money where their mouths are; giving us their bikes to do this trip on and then having 22 bikes with 55,000 mechanical failure free kilometres between them; that speaks volumes. Thanks Barend!!
SPECIALISED ADVENTURE for putting together a trip of a lifetime. I can’t even start to imagine the logistics that had to happen long before we even heard of Quest, but they did it and we are all so much richer after this experience. Thanks Hardy!!
To all the other support staff; food, petrol, camp equipment, medical, instructors, the video crew, which helped make this a trip one that I’ll remember and be talking about until the day I die.
To the other 18 competitors; I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and I’ve learned something from each of you. Hopefully I’ll get around to travelling the country and to visit each of you on my Africa Twin.
And to Hennie; who would’ve thought that morning at Spitzkoppe when we prepped our bikes that 11 days later we would leave Namibia as winners of Quest?
I AM TRULY BLESSED!! :ricky:
Attachments
DjfLoYd
Pack Dog
So I couldn't keep up with Kamanya's relentless schedule in terms of the ride reports. :biggrin:
So I just made this video. I used commercial music so it may or may not be viewable on mobile devices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aQwRsjHCqc
So I just made this video. I used commercial music so it may or may not be viewable on mobile devices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aQwRsjHCqc
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
- Messages
- 12,138
- Reaction score
- 5,579
- Location
- Cape Town, deep in the lentils
- Bike
- KTM 990 Adventure
DjfLoYd said:
Jusssusususus!
Epic.
Bugger the writing! Gooi Nog!
DjfLoYd
Pack Dog
Last part from my side......Hope you enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGwex0R9Pws
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGwex0R9Pws
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
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- 12,138
- Reaction score
- 5,579
- Location
- Cape Town, deep in the lentils
- Bike
- KTM 990 Adventure
You've got a gift there with video!
Great edit.
Great edit.
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nice videos. who is the artist singing. Deep very deep. :thumleft:
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2012
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- 1,654
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- 874
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- BMW F800GSA
heinzz said:
Pilchie
Race Dog
awesome videos
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2013
- Messages
- 424
- Reaction score
- 19
- Location
- Cambridge, Waikato, NZ
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Finally worked through all my footage as well and made some videos...ENJOY ;D
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psIWMKZ732Y
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPcg_KiO_2A
Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWCwOYoxt5Y
Day 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZo_WHjCMRo
Day 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbvN4ZjYFbE
Day 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr5NkAg98Ps
Day 7 & 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRXYiioozQU
Day 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLJIgrcX_54
Day 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXKKV1lVas4
Day 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ1dCmEEPkU
:ricky:
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psIWMKZ732Y
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPcg_KiO_2A
Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWCwOYoxt5Y
Day 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZo_WHjCMRo
Day 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbvN4ZjYFbE
Day 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr5NkAg98Ps
Day 7 & 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRXYiioozQU
Day 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLJIgrcX_54
Day 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXKKV1lVas4
Day 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ1dCmEEPkU
:ricky:
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
- Messages
- 12,138
- Reaction score
- 5,579
- Location
- Cape Town, deep in the lentils
- Bike
- KTM 990 Adventure
Mooi!
Shit between you and Dakar, there's not a lot going on workwise!
Shit between you and Dakar, there's not a lot going on workwise!
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2013
- Messages
- 424
- Reaction score
- 19
- Location
- Cambridge, Waikato, NZ
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Hehehe. >
