September 2020
We had debated traversing the West Coast of South Africa for years and after weeks of hard lockdown we emerged all the more hungry to tackle it.
The plan was to follow the coast North, before hitting the border on the Orange River and then head inland along the Namaqua eco-trail through the Richtersveld, before heading back home.
We travelled for days without seeing any other people, true isolation in a magical environment. Spring weather meant we were blessed with warm days and nights - with the cold only catching up with us on the last day.
Eight nights and 2000km on the bikes, fun technical riding and amazing environments made for an awesome trip!
Tapping off fuel to transfer into Bernards' bike.
We realised early on that Bernards fuel tank wasn’t working properly and essentially could only access 80% of it’s fuel capacity.
After detouring around a diamond mine we found our first coastal campsite, West of Lutzville.
Sand riding - the perfect blend of stress and stoke!
Namaqua National Park
Hondeklipbaai
Archie / Honda XR600R
Bernard / Honda XR650R
Scotty / Suzuki DR350
(lost his moto goggles on the first day and opted for the hardware store edition)
Refuelling in Koingnass.
We had grand plans to tackle a 4x4 trail heading East from Kuboes over the mountains. Our loaded bikes and broken bodies meant we covered little ground and with limited water, we knew we were in for some challenging times!
I dropped my bike twice in the first 100m and luckily not again thereafter, sadly my right pannier rack snapped at the weld. Potentially disastrous, but in reality, not that bad.
Type 2 fun!
After many hours of tackling the trail we were losing light and pitched our tents on the flattest section we could find.
Many debates later we made the call to turn back. Weigh up the risk and reward - make the call.
After getting off the mountain, cold Cokes and route discussions back in Kuboes.
Flat tyres in the sun.
Africanis
Discovering fresh and clean water in the desert never felt so good, after a day of overcooking in the sun.
Pure Magic.
Back in the mountainous Richtersveld en route to the Orange River.
Luxury campsite on the Orange River - after many days of wild camping.
Scoring fuel from the rafting camps along the Orange River.
The only shade for miles.
Snapped clutch cable for Scotty and his DR350.
We camped along the Orange River on the Namaqua eco trail.
Archies second and final flat tyre, our only 2 flats for the trip.
We bumped into a crew of Series 1 Land Rovers along the eco trail, they were very kind to help us out with some fuel.
Rain and cold weather caught up with us outside Loeriesfontein, the local hotel opened up & sorted us out. Small town hospitality at its finest.
Departing Loeriesfontein, we rode hard back to Cape Town. Avoiding as much weather as we could - it was a long and cold day on the bikes.
Click the image for more info on the route.
Be sure to check out Archies photos for another perspective on the trip