Rain in the Richtersveld and refloating the SAS Wildehond

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We arrived in Port Nolloth around 15h30, fully expecting the balance of our crew to be well settled, fed watered, massaged – you get the idea. They had split off from us earlier in the day and should have arrived at least 3 hours ago. But no sight nor sound of them.

Naturally we figured something had gone wrong. Plans were being hatched, search parties arranged, and then after much frantic phoning, texting whatsapping we receive this….

WTF!

It must be typos – should the message read “Pikkie hurt” “Send help”. ……



I am getting ahead of myself.

 

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A group of us who all ride together regularly decided – or more like Gus decided for us, that as JustBlipIt’s Zim trip was off the cards, we needed to get our tyres dirty some other way. Gus had heard of legendary trips linking the Richtersveld to the Cederberg and West coast. Which he threw himself at organising. The resulting route was a quick 2,000km round trip. Were we in?

 

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We all had a myriad of reasons why we should not even flirt with the idea of a 9 day trip, and yet those reasons were exactly why we should head out and get some clear headspace. With some trepidation, we all signed up.

 

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The team was made up of:

The Ring Master Gus “ADV Rider”, 701,

 

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Quartermaster and purveyor of abused bikes* Henry “Muffin Man”, 990,

* A side bar is required for this story.

 

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Pikkie Lord of the clutch “ DustySprocket”, 890,

 

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Super Abnormal Load Mike 701,

Mike being of the medical profession believes in being prepared for every eventuality, and packs accordingly.

 

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Pap wiel Jarod 500,

 

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the Maestro Lohan 500,

 

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and myself Mobile51, 890

 

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Looking at the route and reading ride reports from the areas covered, one thing was evident – other than this is going to be a ride for the record books – sand would feature prominently. Having been taught a lesson on tyre choice on both the Kalahari Rally and Pongola 500 (slow learner), when planning sand wide tyres are good. I dug a set of rubber I had been nurturing for a year (probably longer) out from the garage - Motoz Desert front and back. Ran them at 1.2 bar (Cold) and they performed impeccably.

 

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The usual pre ride banter and discussion took its typical course, what weather to expect, packings lists, not to pack lists, cold gear, wet gear, some sensible kit suggestions

 

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To the downright stupid

 

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jirrrrrre .. this is gonna be lekkerrrr

 

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After successfully navigating all the impediments and crisis that would stop us riding, we set off.

On a Saturday morning at 02h30 – if anyone thought the Headmaster just Blip It was stern, we had to recalibrate our expectations for the rule of Gus. The plan trailer to Klein Pella, leave the cars there and circle back 7 days later.

The required Wimpy breakfast in Vryburg and snatch and on the run lunch snack in Upington.

Henry holding court imparting his words of wisdom.

Trailer loads of treasure

 

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At last the heavenly gates of Klein Pella arrived.

A little time to check out packing of our bikes.

 

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We all tried to get some sleep, some harder than others....

 

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And we’re off!!! Day 1 - Klein Pella to Ganaga lodge.

A stunning morning, clear skies and cool riding weather.

 

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An obligatory photo of the team with the Klein Pella Kookerboom forest.

Other way Maestro!

Out the gates and just as I was about to celebrate the open road I grabbed a bit much throttle and lost the back end. Great start! That’s what not riding for 5 months will do for you. A destroyed ego, bruised confidence and a few scratches, I had the bike back up before too many could notice. Seems like a bike and woman share the same trait, if you ignore them for too long, don’t expect a smooth reunion.

 

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Shortly into the gravel highway we had a thick mist descend, and the temperature dropped.