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| Midlife crisis motorcycle trip | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 10:58 am |
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1st Post |
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Graham 3T WIS 
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Two weeks ago myself and a friend went on an epic motorcycle trip here in Southern Africa - something I had been dreaming about for years, but never managed to fit in somehow. This time round we got past the planning stages. Although on/offroad motorcycles are very popular here due to the stunning unpaved roads in remote areas, we decided to stick to paved roads with our road bikes. Me: 2005 BMW 1200LT. My friend, Regis: brand new Honda VFR 1200 with touring package. On average we did 450 miles per day. We were prepared for camping, but also stayed in bed & breakfast establishments. We were LOADED: tent, fold up chairs and table, inflatable mattress, gas stove, flask, pots, cutlery, etc,, etc. The duffle bag I carried on my pax seat weighed 70 pounds! We rode in all imaginable weather conditions, and got drenched a few times. Two days were HOT, with 41 degrees centigrade! (With those "Michelen man" suits it was quite unbearable, but I don't ride without full gear) Our aim was to cover all the "corners" of South Africa, and to travel through the countries of Lesotho and Swaziland. Obviously I cannot give an account of the whole trip, but suffice it to say that it was absolutely fantastic, with great scenery and people we met along the way. Some parts of Southern Africa are simply divine for motorcycling: long, twisty roads with fantastic surfaces. The mountain passes of Lesotho are mind boggling! We rode to the Katse dam: 100 miles of the tightest twisties and steepest passes you can find anywhere in the world. The summit is at 3090 meters! (10140 feet) I'm quite impressed with our half century frames actually faring so well! After 3 days we actually felt less fatigued in the evening... We had absolutely no problems with either bikes, neither any close shaves or mishaps. We each had to replace a tire due to punctures though. OK, so this is a watch forum! Here is a pic of the one and only beater I took along: Orient blue Mako with a model of my bike.  The watch scored a 10! I never took it off once, and it took a beating with a lot of vibration and shocks. It ran +16 seconds in 2 weeks. This shows my bike and the bulk I carried!  On the way, loaded up  The VFR in front  Mountains in Lesotho  ...and more......  .....and some locals admiring these horses........  ..............when they are only familiar with these:  Part of the Lesotho Highlands water project, spanning miles and miles of flooded valleys  No kidding!  I think it said: road signs save your life...  No comment...... (me on the right)  One of our stopovers  Scenic falls  We had plenty of those too!  Fantastic riding  Camping!  Typical African highlands huts  Wide open spaces....  A lonely gas pump high up in the mountains  Look carefully - the road is way down below!  Summit in Lesotho. Note snow marker.  Camp time!  At the ocean on the East coast  One of the many border crossings  Ready for the next trip!  Sorry if this long post bored you!  Last edited on Thu Mar 25th, 2010 11:08 am by Graham |
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 01:29 pm |
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2nd Post |
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Tony Duronio 3T WIS 
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Fantastic Graham...that had to be a ball Beautiful bike and the Camera_photos.gi's are incredible. Thank you so much for sharing them and glad you are home safe and sound
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 02:46 pm |
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3rd Post |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS 
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Very kewl and awesome pics. 
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 03:21 pm |
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4th Post |
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Nabco 3T WIS 
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Sounds like you guys had a blast Graham....Awesome pics too
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 03:33 pm |
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5th Post |
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ivster 3T WIS 
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Looks like it was an epic trip.
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 04:29 pm |
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6th Post |
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Dragnattck 3T WIS
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i am a biker rider as well Graham and that looked awesome!!!!!! wish I was with you :)
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 08:51 pm |
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7th Post |
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natevan70 3T WIS 
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That looked like a fantastic trip! The scenery there is amazing. Glad to see you had such a good ride... So what do you use to remove calluses from your backside? 
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 09:43 pm |
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8th Post |
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Devin 3T WIS 
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Wow Graham! It looks like you had the time of your life! Thanks for sharing, I really enjoy seeing places i have not traveled to myself.
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25th, 2010 09:52 pm |
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9th Post |
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bigrustypig 3T WIS 
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This is an amazing post, Graham. What a trip that must have been. I could never have done it like you did. Your pictures spoke thousands of words and it was great to have an insight of your part of the world. I liked the waterfalls and the watershed photos (you should have stopped to fish, amigo!). Again, welcome back!
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| Posted: Fri Mar 26th, 2010 02:22 am |
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10th Post |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks to all who commented!smile4.gif
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| Posted: Fri Mar 26th, 2010 04:23 am |
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11th Post |
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IanM 3T WIS 
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Graham - I was lucky to visit your part of the world last year. I had a terrific time, with no problems, and I was overwhelmed by the beauty and sophistication of the places I visited - Durban, Phinda Wildlife Park and Cape Town. When you mention wide open spaces, your photographs show that they sure are wide and open and very big spaces! Loved the shot of the falls! Glad you are back in one piece, and happy that you did it all safely. That K1200 of yours looks like the bike to do it on! Cheers, Graham - and thanks for sharing a few pics of a very underestimated and beautiful part of the world! Ian hand6.gif
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| Posted: Fri Mar 26th, 2010 07:45 am |
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12th Post |
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Paxman 3T WIS 
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Fantastic Graham! I really envy you and this trip. What a great and beautiful corner of the world. thanks for posting up the pix and sharing your trip. What a great experience!
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