Hi Erik, thanks a lot for the donation Much appreciated as I'm entering more expensive countries where camping costs $20 in some places. Glad you're enjoying the story. Once I get to India, will get to work on writing the book Hey Matt, I'm using the EZ Tire Guage. It's a bit bulky but very accurate readings and I love the release feature allowing me to set the pressure exactly how I want it. The rubberized case keeps it protected. Cheers
Just started on your report and was pleasantly surprised to see you studied in Kodai! I did too - though at Kodaikanal Public School. We envied the "hot chicks" at KIS when we used to visit for cultural activities or football matches!
January 22, 2013 Camping at Spitzkoppe, a prominent granite massif rising from the flat desert plains of Namibia. The light at sunset and sunrise against the big rocks was magnificent. I felt privileged to spend a night on these grounds where humans have walked for eons. Bushmen paintings around the site indicate that this was a spiritual place for our ancestors who once roamed these plains. In the 21st century, I come here on a motorcycle. How might our descendents come here in the centuries to come?
Hey man, haha, oh yeah, we did have the nicest looking girls around I used to live in Swedish House when I first joined and that's near KPS, right? ___________________ I've been resting up in Windhoek at a family friend's house, washed everything, filled with so much dirt and have been planning my route around South Africa. My sponsored tires from Heidenau are waiting for me in SA but my rear tire has given up on me. I've been riding on a Kenda K271 from Nairobi and that tire's seen me through quite some good riding and there's a bit of tread left but bubbles are forming in the canvas, which means the ply is separating. No good. I have some more off road riding left in Namibia, so time to swap tires. Seems like 18" tires are easy to find but 17" are rare. I've found a 17" Golden tire (from Italy) at the local Yamaha dealership and it's going on tomorrow. Been brushing up on my tire changing notes from Neduro and all set I've been running on a Golden front tire from northern Namibia and that tire's more like a 80/20 moto-cross tire but it's going to see some pavement until I get into SA and pick up the Heidenaus. I couldn't get the timing down to have the Heidenaus shipped to Windhoek, oh well. In other bike news: I've lined up a free shock rebuild for sanDRina once I get to Cape Town. Friendly guys on WildDog.za.net have reached out and offered to sponsor me the rebuild. Sweet! Many of them have come forward and invited me to stay as I loop around SA. I've already met so many friendly Namibians and South Africans And here's how my route looks now. I'm working on shipping options from Cape Town to India. Trying to find a ship that'll let me go as a passenger Click on it to go to the interactive version.
January 28, 2013 Some sunrise yoga in the desert country of southern Namibia. After a few days rest in Windhoek, am back riding through desert lands. Colorful mountains with flowing terrain through wide valleys make up for the oppressive heat, strong crosswinds and sandy corrugations. Camped at a little town called Solitaire, which comprised of a petrol station, a lodge with camping and a bakery. These cements benches, out in a field of brush, made for an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset and sunrise... in solitude.
Not sure about Swedish house. KPS is near Zion school and past Moonjikkal junction. Not sure if you would remember all that I've donated a small amount towards your trip. Have a beer on me!!
January 29, 2013 The shifting dunes at Sossusvlei. These giant orange dunes cover an area the size of Belgium and are said to be millions of years old. Being there and experiencing this immense scale of nature at its rawest, humbles me and gives credence to the idea that humans are insignificant on the grand scale of things. But instead of belittling me, it generates great respect for the forces that shape our world As I cruise through the arid landscapes of the Namib, my Desert Playlist plugs me in. Some of the music on there: Demure by The Koniac Net A Horse with No Name by America Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits Dreams by Fleetwood Mac Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap Ixtapa by Rodrigo y Gabriela U2's Joshua Tree album Bossa Nova from Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfa and others...
January 31, 2013 Soaking in the hot springs pool at Ai-Ais, the perfect remedy for aching muscles after desert riding. From Sesriem, I rode around the southern edge of the Namib Desert, taking in the vast views. I swung by Fish River Canyon to gawk at the huge gash in the earth caused by a little river. It's second in size to the Grand Canyon. And then south to the hot springs at Ai-Ais, a wonderful end to my journey through Namibia.
What an adventure your trip has been. It's far from over but it's definitely coming to an end. How do you feel this trip has changed your outlook on the world? Especially in a country like Africa where there is so much poverty and need for help? It seems like the gap between those who are better of and those at the bottom is extremely wide. Later John
February 1, 2013 Hello, South Africa! And that was the last land border crossing of this trip. I have 30 days to get to Cape Town and there's a lot to see and many friends to meet along the way. I got to Upington and am staying with a biker from the local riding community, WildDog.za.net. sanDRina got treated to some new shoes, a set of sponsored tires from Heidenau, along with a new chain and sprockets, oil change and air filter cleaning.
My feelings, exactly. When I hear people arguing about global warming and someone says "man is destroying the earth" I think, man is not destroying the earth, it will be here long after us, but what man is really destroying is man. And that alone should press us to make sure all our respective govts take a reasoned approach to pollution and major environmental impacts.
excellent news J. welcome to SA. perfect time to arrive - we're having a spectacular summer this year. looking forward to meeting you when you get to JHB, been following your thread for a hell of a long time.
February 3, 2013 That was a day out of my norm: rode 775 kms (482 miles) straight into Johannesburg, met up with Riaan, a biker setting off on his round-Africa journey soon and he had a spare ticket for a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. Wow, great show! I'm smiling thinking about how I was listening to them on my desert playlist all thru Namibia and then I get to seem them in concert Life, you gotta take it as it comes... Strange how I was in wilderness for so many weeks and then I'm in a stadium (Soccer City) with 90,000 rocking fans! Now, I'm at a local cricket league match and Riaan is bowling. Here's an old video from a tar ride through Utah set to RHCP's Snow: vimeo.com/8305260
Dave, Riaan's having a braai Monday night and you should come. I'll be leaving on Wednesday. He lives in Roodeport. My number is 083 738 2312. If anyone else is in Joburg, you're invited too, give me a call.
I just found your thread. Its quite epic. I should be reading threads about Siberia because that's where I'm going next.. but instead I'll be catching up with yours. Well done. Rubber side down!
Doesn't the upcoming departure from Africa make you feel melancholic in some way? It's been your home for quite a long time now... I can imagine you'd have trouble leaving it.