Post by: WDT on January 17, 2017, 06:11:54 pm
Massive congratulations to our hero Joey Evans! You really kept us all on the edges of our seats. I am so glad for you, and hope even bigger things come from this. Thanks for all the help you already gave me. Walter and David, bad luck! At least I will have buddies next year!
Dakar 2018
As some of you know, I received the great opportunity to have won an entry for Dakar 2018. With this thread I will try and keep everyone up to date on what is going on. I really want to give you guys a real behind the scenes day to day (OK maybe weekly) account on what goes into a Dakar program, a normal oke`s story.
Where to begin?
Up till now it has been slowish, after the Amageza rally blues subsided, there was a quick flurry of activity, then it was holidays and Dakar 2017 started. Let me tell you, I really followed this year`s race much more attentively!
I met with Darryl Curtis in December, where he gave me a few pointers and his presentation on Dakar and the prep going into it. A lot of info, thanks for your time Darryl!
At Joey`s fund raiser me and Alex RG had a good chat with Brian Barragwanath, they are planning on assembling a team for 2018, so to hear what he had to say and talking about his past experience was great.
Then came Christmas and New Year and I tried to drink 2 month`s beer in 1 week, not a good idea if you need to get fit!
On the physical preparation side of things I started MTB`ing again, after I promised myself in 2015 after finishing the Cape Epic, that I am finished with vehicles without an engine. The Mocke brothers (of West coast Baja fame) offered to help me with training. Had my first session at M Fitness Limited on Monday morning, I didnt think I was this useless! Had to lie down for 15 minutes before showering, tomorrow is the next session, cant wait
My short term planning / to do list is as follows:
Compile a sponsorship proposal (not as easy as you might think)
Decide on a project title (need some input from you)
Finnish repairs on my Amageza bike and sell it
Finnish repairs on my old race bike and sell it
Finnish my preliminary budget
Get fit for the national off road series
Mid term:
Decide on which support team to use
Start getting my sponsorship proposal out there
Decide on bikes, practice bike, race bike, renting a bike?
I will write in more detail about these in the near future, if you guys have any questions, comments or suggestions please feel free to comment.
Cheers
Post by: Rynet on January 17, 2017, 06:24:57 pm
What a massive opportunity you have and you deserve it . :thumleft:
Behind you all the way . :ricky:
Post by: seankriel on January 17, 2017, 06:28:18 pm
Following this for sure!
Keep the updates coming - what do I have to do to become a Dakar team member candidate? Lol
Post by: MaxThePanda on January 17, 2017, 06:38:13 pm
Post by: JustBendIt on January 17, 2017, 06:51:57 pm
Post by: SteveD on January 17, 2017, 07:52:20 pm
Post by: Rooies on January 17, 2017, 08:02:55 pm
Post by: Minxy on January 17, 2017, 08:05:27 pm
Post by: Ace Venture on January 17, 2017, 08:08:14 pm
Post by: darthvader on January 17, 2017, 08:10:47 pm
Post by: alanB on January 17, 2017, 08:27:28 pm
Post by: Draadwerk on January 17, 2017, 09:19:22 pm
Post by: Oubones on January 17, 2017, 09:20:35 pm
Post by: Kortbroek on January 17, 2017, 10:03:47 pm
Post by: Crossed-up on January 17, 2017, 11:22:38 pm
Post by: KiLRoy on January 18, 2017, 06:57:16 am
Post by: dirtyXT on January 18, 2017, 07:16:55 am
Post by: DEE 1150 on January 18, 2017, 07:23:02 am
Wat 'n avontuur !!!
Ons is agter jou !
Post by: WDT on January 18, 2017, 08:43:51 am
good luck and following this with interest! how did you win this?Hi DirtyXT
Won the Dakar challenge. This year Alexander Nel organised that the Amageza rally was part of the Dakar Challenge series of events. So by winning the Amageza i`ve won a Dakar entry. In Rand end cents that is a massive prize, only downside is you have to spend about 3 times that amount extra to participate.
Post by: dirtyXT on January 18, 2017, 08:53:52 am
Post by: Cdp13 on January 18, 2017, 09:29:26 am
Groete
Post by: MickeyT on January 18, 2017, 09:38:44 am
Post by: Mooch on January 18, 2017, 09:50:37 am
Post by: WDT on January 18, 2017, 12:31:47 pm
There has been Races to Dakar, journeys to Dakar etc. so I am thinking about something else.
Anyone who has been to a Amageza race briefing will recognize this: "The objective for the day is" followed by a vague discription like "keep heading West till you get to a big blue wet thing, and then turn North"
To keep in touch wit our local Rallying herritage, what do you think of the DAKAR OBJECTIVE?
Post by: Dwerg on January 18, 2017, 12:40:03 pm
Post by: Snafu on January 18, 2017, 12:42:31 pm
But thats obviously only my opinion, I am sure there is some great marketing guys around here that can provide input
Post by: seankriel on January 18, 2017, 01:34:27 pm
Ek bestel sommer solank 'n paar supporters tshirts :thumleft:
Ek ook!! Ek het al n collection..
Darryl's
Riaan's
Joey's
David's
soon Willem's... lol!
Post by: Rynet on January 18, 2017, 01:36:17 pm
I dont think it says enough of you as a person, in other words, to general
But thats obviously only my opinion, I am sure there is some great marketing guys around here that can provide input
yes agree Snafu , it ought to be personal
what about :
Willem jy moet Wikkel . :biggrin: >:D :biggrin:
Or just "Willem se Dakar ". or similar , I like the idea of it having your name in it .
There probably won't be a lot of other Willlems who do the Dakar .
Post by: charliepappa on January 18, 2017, 01:42:45 pm
Post by: ChrisMann on January 18, 2017, 01:52:58 pm
From Amageza to Dakar.
De Amageza ΰ Dakar.
Post by: 1190 on January 18, 2017, 01:56:48 pm
Post by: Draadwerk on January 18, 2017, 02:05:11 pm
Post by: Morph on January 18, 2017, 02:55:19 pm
Post by: roxenz on January 18, 2017, 04:07:40 pm
Sjoe Willem! Wens jou alle sterkte en voorspoed toe en sal alles dophou. Dit klink vir my of dit amper meer van 'n persoon verg om alles voor te berei vir die Dakar, as om die Dakar self te doen! So miskien kan jy jou veldtog iets doop soos: "DAKAR: riding is the easy part".
Post by: Scrat on January 18, 2017, 04:26:40 pm
Lekker Willem!! Ek en (ek is seker die hele) West Kus Malle Moto team is agter jou ! skree net... ons sal help waar ons kan!!
wat van: "Boetie Gaan Dakar toe!" :biggrin:
or "Boetie aller a Dakar" (french)
:thumleft: :thumleft:
Post by: seankriel on January 18, 2017, 04:32:33 pm
:imaposer: :imaposer:
Post by: Kortbroek on January 18, 2017, 05:12:17 pm
wat van: "Boetie Gaan Dakar toe!" :biggrin:
:imaposer: Dit is 'n great titel. Tye verander :ricky:
Post by: WDT on January 18, 2017, 05:19:51 pm
Dis moer cool!!!!
wat van: "Boetie Gaan Dakar toe!" :biggrin:
:imaposer: Dit is 'n great titel. Tye verander :ricky:
Post by: lpj on January 18, 2017, 05:30:17 pm
Ek bestel sommer solank 'n paar supporters tshirts :thumleft:
Ek ook!! Ek het al n collection..
Darryl's
Riaan's
Joey's
David's
soon Willem's... lol!
subscribed
Waar het jy Joey shirts gekry? Ek soek my gat af
Post by: Tony the Boney on January 18, 2017, 05:38:24 pm
all the best Willem! we all will take one! go 4 it!Ek bestel sommer solank 'n paar supporters tshirts :thumleft:
Ek ook!! Ek het al n collection..
Darryl's
Riaan's
Joey's
David's
soon Willem's... lol!
Post by: seankriel on January 18, 2017, 05:42:18 pm
Ek bestel sommer solank 'n paar supporters tshirts :thumleft:
Ek ook!! Ek het al n collection..
Darryl's
Riaan's
Joey's
David's
soon Willem's... lol!
subscribed
Waar het jy Joey shirts gekry? Ek soek my gat af
By Amageza 2016 in Springbok na die rider briefing.... net so na 9uur die aand... Lol
Post by: Weedkiller - Adie on January 18, 2017, 05:59:01 pm
DaBike, not DaKar... :biggrin:
Dit is 'n idee DaBike2DaKar
Adie
Post by: seankriel on January 18, 2017, 06:30:28 pm
Willem se grondpad Dakar toe...
Willem se "tracks" Dakar toe....
Willem gaan Dakar gondpad langs...
Boetie van Upington tot Dakar...
Lol
Post by: AlexRG on January 18, 2017, 07:03:25 pm
100% behind you!
When you are committed the right things will happen at the right time and everything else will fall into place... however slow it may seem.
You have the benefit of staying in the best area to train... Upington... endless tracks of desert around you... you also have the benefit of Joey, Vinnie and Walter's fresh in the mind experience... better get that note pad and a few pens!!!
Campaign name idea: "Amageza to Dakar | Willem du Toit"
See you at the Baja!
Post by: seankriel on January 18, 2017, 07:19:08 pm
Campaign name idea: "Amageza to Dakar | Willem du Toit"
I second that! Lol
Post by: Brink on January 18, 2017, 07:42:23 pm
is
Amageza
2do
DAKAR
Post by: DEE 1150 on January 19, 2017, 07:56:54 am
Post by: Bill the Bong on January 19, 2017, 08:34:49 am
Post by: weskus on January 19, 2017, 08:44:28 am
Chuck Norris is Willem du Toit's Water CarrierLekker Willem, ons gaan dophou, ek't nogal gewonder oor die een :)
Post by: Crossed-up on January 19, 2017, 09:24:14 am
(Naturally, because we can't overtake you!)
Post by: bud500 on January 19, 2017, 09:25:47 am
All the best with this life changing adventure.
Post by: Rickus on January 19, 2017, 09:35:16 am
Post by: Snafu on January 19, 2017, 10:25:07 am
Post by: DEE 1150 on January 19, 2017, 10:41:41 am
Willem du Toit / Continue North of the Kalahari
Post by: Bill the Bong on January 19, 2017, 10:47:55 am
Post by: WDT on January 19, 2017, 10:52:36 am
Kalahari2Dakar?
Dit klink nogal goed!
Dankie vir al die voorstelle.
I think it is important to include my name, and to choose something with broad appeal, for that multi million Rand sponsorship deal (wishfull thinking)
Post by: WDT on January 19, 2017, 10:53:46 am
Willem du Toit - Intercontinental Desert MissileBill hou op om jouself stupid te hou, is jy verveeld? kom doen eerder my fork seals vir my!
Post by: Bill the Bong on January 19, 2017, 11:14:05 am
Post by: bud500 on January 19, 2017, 11:18:21 am
Kalahari2Dakar?
I think it is important to include my name,
Maybe for nostalgic value, but otherwise I disagree. Unless your name is Alfie Cox or Darryl Curtis, it won't make a difference.
Para to Dakar and Races to Places have no name on it. Although after their respective heroics the rider's name inevitably gets connected to it.
Post by: Avontier on January 19, 2017, 12:23:01 pm
Post by: Camelman on January 19, 2017, 01:33:03 pm
I am a firm believer that you need to ride for 12-14 days continually so you can know what you are going to feel like on day 10. Your decision making etc. It won't be easy to get all the permissions, and organize some basic sweep and medic, but the objective will be not to race, but to ride and navigate for 12 days.
We could try and get a bike shop involved for some back-up and mechanics. Very basic. We ride, we sleep, we do it for 12-13 days. One rest day. The more you know what you'll feel like on day 9, the better prepared you will be for Dakar. You don't train for the Comrades by doing 100m hurdles. The Off-Road series may be too short and too risky.
I would train in the gym until I can train continuously for 4 hours. 1 Hour max heart rate, 2 hours med heart rate, and 1 hour low heart rate. Every day, 5 days a week. Ride your bike on weekends as stated before. You need to train your body to recover quickly. When you are fit, you do the same on your bike. 4 hours a day. Ride with a heart rate monitor. It works.
For weekend rides. Port Nolloth and back. There on tar, back on gravel. There on gravel, back on tar. Liaisons are part of the plan. Its not random. They wear you down, day by day. The more you know how your body and bike will respond and what you need to be drinking supplement wise, the better you will be prepared for Dakar.
Or wing it... :biggrin:
Post by: Rooi Wolf on January 19, 2017, 02:05:03 pm
Post by: donovanwho on January 19, 2017, 04:32:19 pm
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: gser on January 19, 2017, 04:35:28 pm
Post by: Rynet on January 20, 2017, 06:38:58 am
:thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:That's a great catch phrase :thumleft:
Lekker Willem!! Ek en (ek is seker die hele) West Kus Malle Moto team is agter jou ! skree net... ons sal help waar ons kan!!
wat van: "Boetie Gaan Dakar toe!" :biggrin:
or "Boetie aller a Dakar" (french)
:thumleft: :thumleft:
Most South Africans have head of :" Boetie goes to the Border " and " Boetie goes to Dakar" ( or similar ) connects the SA element and it's cute so people will remember it , even if they are not South African .
If you use it you would have to find out about copyright etc but it is really a catchy name .
Post by: WDT on January 30, 2017, 01:00:58 pm
Training is going OK, going to the gym 3 times week. Gavin is doing a great job, usually the nausea stops at around 10am. Today`s workout was a little bit over an hour, average heart rate 130, with a 190 max.
Besides going to the gym I try to ride twice a week, usually over weekends. This weekend I only had time for 1 session, Sunday afternoon. We have a nice wooped out rough sand loop of about 4km. If you go slow, 10 laps is possible, but when you push it really hard 2 laps is murder! avg heart rate 147, max 195! At least I have good company! thanks Chrismann and Nico
I had to make a few decisions regarding my bikes. I have to sell some to help with the funding. Currently i have my Amageza bike, a 2014 450 KTM xcw full rally conversion, a 2013 KTM 450 xcw standard and a 2016 KTM 350 SXF. That is too many (my wife agrees). I am going to race the senior class in the national off raods, and a few regional races, and some MX in between. The decision was either to race off raod with my old 450, and keep the 350 for mx or sell both and buy a 450 xc-f or Husky 450 fx on witch i can do both. The XC-f and FX models is very hard to find, but I got lucky and got a FX from Eddy2Race. I will get it propably this weekend. Cant wait! I had a ride with one e few weeks ago and man that thing is fast! 63hp if I remember correctly.
I cant remember if I already mentioned it, if so it is worth mentioning twice. Chriss Oppermann (Chrismann) loaned his 450rr for me for the year to practice on! Thanks a million! That will be the bike I race the Baja on. I had a little mishap with already, but it will be fixed shortly. (Sorry Chris)
That means I have a few bikes for sale, i will post in the for sale section as soon as the recon on the bikes is done, I want them t obe in good condition. Any one interested in a bike for the Baja, contact me!
Regarding funding / sponsorship, this is where I struggle the most. I have to finnish my proposal, but I am useless trying to design something. Looks like I will be needing p[rofessional help.
I got a call from Joey last week, very nice of him, got a lot of info and tips from him. he main thing is: its going to be hot, its going to be cold and its going to be wet and its is going to be high up, be prepared!.
If you can, go to one of his talks, it will be worthwile. I believe there is one in Joburg as well as Cape Town.
For the next few weeks it will be more of the same. Fisrt regional race is 25 February, then the West Coast Baja the 18th, 19th and 20th March, and the first national 31 March. Cant wait to get racing again! Hope to see you there, especially at the Baja
Cheers
Post by: evansv on January 30, 2017, 01:28:53 pm
Post by: ChrisMann on January 30, 2017, 03:59:45 pm
Post by: Crossed-up on January 30, 2017, 07:14:59 pm
I started to write some advice, but it seemed a bit silly. I just want to see you on the starting line next year. You'll handle the rest.
Post by: Rolling Stone on January 30, 2017, 09:27:59 pm
Those are some of the brands you need to incorporate in your marketing plan, logo etc. Or should I say those are the brands that should include you in their marketing plans.
It is something that can get everyone some mileage and you some sponsorship.
It is something that can be built on in the years to come when the next and the next and the next Amageza winner goes to Dakar
There will not be another Joey story and raising funds will be harder.
good luck
Post by: WDT on February 10, 2017, 11:13:18 am
A short update.
I got my race bike for the year! (not for rally) Its a 2017 Husqvarna FX450, one of very few in SA. Was nice dealing with Brett from Eddy2Race.
The FX is somewhere between an enduro bike and a mx bike. Same engine as the MX, with suspension for off road. These bikes, together with the KTM XC-F is popular in USA, where they race it in GNC`s harescrambles etc. I wonder why it is not officially distributed in RSA?
I just finnished with the break in, and only did 1 lap at reasonable pace. The power is awesome, they claim 63hp plus something for the full FMF exhaust. Really nice motor, lots of grunt and power throughout the rev range.
This bike has traction control, which I thought is a bit of a gimmick, but actually is quite nice, you get better drive out of the corners. It does not work with wheel sensors like on a car, but monitor throttle position with engine revs, and when the revs spike without the throttle opening it limmits power.
This weekend I will start sorting the suspension. currently its a bit on the hard side for me, but will sort it out.
Training is comming along, gym sessions has been increased from 3 to 4 sessions a week, and I am starting to feel the difference, slowly.....
First race for me will be a CSA race end of Feb. CSA (Central South Africa) races is organised by the Kimberley Off road club, and caters for the Northern cape and Free state. Usually its fun races, with nice well marked courses. Will be the first time in about 2 years ive raced there, so we`ll have to see how it goes!
Funding is still my biggest challenge. I have to get my s#$&t together and do my sponsorship proposal.
That is about it for now, looking forward to the weekend getting some time on the new bike and get the suspension dialed in.
Cheers
Post by: bud500 on February 10, 2017, 11:26:17 am
Post by: husky on February 10, 2017, 01:02:00 pm
Also, I am sure you are onto it but Ingo Waldschmidt in Nam cam maybe offer some riding variation for you (and advice about funding etc etc).
Post by: BlueBull2007 on February 12, 2017, 09:49:12 pm
I like the "Boetie gaan Dakar toe!" but am not sure how sponsors would take to it! ;D
Great to see how much support you are getting. Dont be nervous to ask us for help, there are some really talented people in this forum. If its something specific just make a new post in the General Bike related banter section - there are a lot of non racers there who might be able to help who dont normally come to the racing section to read posts. :deal:
So cool that ChrisMann has helped you out. Chris, WELL DONE :hello2:
Also really cool to hear you have a sweet race bike for this year. I guess we dont have to tell you to take it easy....you can't afford to be injured this year. The Dakar is a marathon event so pacing yourself and riding smooth is much more important than speed.
I have sticky'd this thread so its on top. :deal:
Post by: T9ER on February 13, 2017, 10:11:05 pm
Post by: Rynet on February 14, 2017, 06:50:16 am
Good input from Blue Bull and Joey . :thumleft: :thumleft:
Lucky for you Willem that our hero Joey attracted so much attention as a South African taking part in the Dakar and I think that will help you in your sponsorship bids and I think Joey is right , to start riding that wave early while the Dakar 2016 is still fresh in our minds .
Perhaps get some professional input about a marketing campaign for the Dakar . The earlier sponsors start contributing the more value they will get . If you get someone to help you with that and with posts on social media you can focus on your training .
Have you chatted to Daryl Curtis of assisting with the marketing / sponsorship ? He must know a thing or two by now.
Yes on 2nd thoughts I like Amageza 2 Dakar or Kalahari 2 Dakar as names .
Great news about the bike and at least we all know you have the riding bit down and that is kinda the most important thing. :biggrin: :biggrin:
Ps perhaps as a start let us have your bank account , then people will have less pressure to donate and can donate in a good month earlier in the year and not at the last minute . At least with us here you don't need a fancy name or marketing ploy because we know you as the boy'tjie from Upington WHO CAN RIDE :ricky: :ricky: and when it comes down to to it that is the most important part . :biggrin: :biggrin: You have already proved that you have what it takes . All you have to do now is show up at the start ( and at practice every day till then ) ,
I get so proud of you as I type this Willem that I sommer get a tear in my eye. You will be great . :3some:
Post by: WDT on February 17, 2017, 07:51:36 am
How the hell can I get the pdf to show in my post!?!?!
Post by: Crossed-up on February 17, 2017, 08:03:53 am
You're going to make us all proud.
Post by: gser on February 17, 2017, 08:11:33 am
Ons volg jou al die pad . . .
Post by: Rokie on February 17, 2017, 12:00:15 pm
Post by: YamaV on February 17, 2017, 01:34:56 pm
Post by: BlueBull2007 on February 17, 2017, 01:44:14 pm
Post by: Rooies on February 17, 2017, 02:40:14 pm
Post by: BlueBull2007 on February 26, 2017, 09:00:47 am
Post by: J-dog on February 26, 2017, 09:21:50 am
Post by: WDT on March 06, 2017, 12:03:11 pm
Cant wait to do some nice desert racing. If we can get into the dunes at Oranjemund it will be awesome, holding thumbs.
Since my last post quite a bit has happened, I got my suspencion sorted on th eHusky FX450, raced that bike for the first time, started sorting out my Amageza bike for the Baja, and o yes, bought a KTM RFR.
I took the bike to Bill the Bong ( off road bike zen master) to help me with the setup, it is a lot easier when somebody watch from the side what the bike is doing. The AER fork is tricky to set up, as you have infinite setiing on the "spring rate". We got a usefull article the americans did on an MX bike, so we used their setiings as a base and worked from there. after a few corners, drop off`s and whoops we got the front and rear to work together. The bike has no surpises and with the traction control on you wont beleive the drive you get out of corners.
The first race for me af the season was the Hopetown 150, very well organised race with a nice well marked route, maybe not as technical but fun. Some high speed sections around the pivots. The race went OK, i got a 3rd place in OR1, but that was only because 2 of the favourites dnf`d. My firness training is tarting to pay dividends, my heart rate never maxed out and i was feeling great after the race. Thanks MFitness!
With only 2 weekends left for prep for the Baja I really needed to start this past weekend. First I had to finnish the jungle gym I started building in Decemeber 2015! Got that finished, so now I have full permission to race. I previously removed all my nav equipment from my Amageza bike, as was planning to sell the bike without it. The plan was to race with Chrissman`s RFR but after further inspection they found more damage, which required more parts etc. so now the bike will not be finished in time for the Baja. Luckily I was dragging my feet getting my "baster rally bike" raedy for sale, so now I have a bike to race with. So I had to fit al the nav gear again. Took it for a quick test Saturday evening, joined by Noco and Mark Kapnoudhis, the guy that crashed and broke his pelvis on the last day of Amageza 2016. Glad to treport he is back on the bike and planning his Amageza 2017 assault! I only need to fit the ICO pickup cable and GPS bracket (managed to brake a bolt during the race, had to cable tie it each morning to the handle bars) then the bike would be sorted for the race.
Did I mention that I bought a RFR? well i bought Walter Terblanche`s Dakar bike. At the time the bike was still on the ship en route to Europe. Currently it is with Bart van de Velden, servicing th bike and getting it race ready again. Unfortunately the bike will not be here in time for the Baja. Our deal included the import and all the paperwork, which made it very attractive for me.
This gives me another option regarding a bike for Dakar 2018: The options are to do what Joey did, buy a new RFR in Europe and getting it prepper over there, and depending on my finance shipping it back to SA after the race or selling it. Second option is to rent a bike for the race. THird option is to practice with the biek I bought for the year, and ship it to Bart to do a complete rebuild / service / prep and do the race on my bike. That decision dont need to be made now, so I just want to get the bike over here and start riding it!
I see the entry list for the Baja is growing, great stuff! get that last minute entries in!
I need some help with my sponsorship proposal, my efforts up to date will only get me pitty, not funding! Any one with contacts or that know of some one that can do this for me would be great. I need something professional, and I beleive all the money i spend on it will be a sollid investment.
Thanks for reading, any suggestions on what you guys want to know or see, please let me know. Yes I know you need pictures!
Post by: WDT on March 06, 2017, 12:14:58 pm
And one of the FX450
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170306/53d0d0231c48bddc753273b73d88e4df.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ChrisMann on March 06, 2017, 06:51:01 pm
Post by: Bill the Bong on March 06, 2017, 10:08:28 pm
Post by: BlueBull2007 on March 07, 2017, 06:21:29 am
So awesome you got Walter's bike. I would go for the rental or buy another one if I was you Willem. The cost of shipping up and down is crazy from RSA, and the hassles are also tremendous. If Bart can get it ready and to Le Havre you know you will be fine, and be practicing on a RFR which will be good.
Have you spoken to Darryl Curtis? (Bandit Signs) I recon he will help you with marketing and maybe Alfie Cox as well. Who knows? You have to keep knocking until someone helps you.
Please keep us updated and all the best for the Baja! :thumleft: :ricky:
Gooooooo WDT! :ricky:
Post by: Rynet on March 07, 2017, 07:14:48 am
:3some:
GOOoooooo Willem :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:
Post by: Rokie on March 07, 2017, 02:59:06 pm
+ 1000
GOOoooooo Willem :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:
Post by: Koos van den Heever on March 07, 2017, 03:12:01 pm
Ek is seker jy sal ons naam gestand doen.
Post by: Koos van den Heever on March 07, 2017, 03:12:49 pm
Willem. Maybe we get all the 2018 Dakar guys together. I can stitch together 14 days worth of Amageza routes (2011 - 2016). As there is likely no Amageza this year, we can work something.
I am a firm believer that you need to ride for 12-14 days continually so you can know what you are going to feel like on day 10. Your decision making etc. It won't be easy to get all the permissions, and organize some basic sweep and medic, but the objective will be not to race, but to ride and navigate for 12 days.
We could try and get a bike shop involved for some back-up and mechanics. Very basic. We ride, we sleep, we do it for 12-13 days. One rest day. The more you know what you'll feel like on day 9, the better prepared you will be for Dakar. You don't train for the Comrades by doing 100m hurdles. The Off-Road series may be too short and too risky.
I would train in the gym until I can train continuously for 4 hours. 1 Hour max heart rate, 2 hours med heart rate, and 1 hour low heart rate. Every day, 5 days a week. Ride your bike on weekends as stated before. You need to train your body to recover quickly. When you are fit, you do the same on your bike. 4 hours a day. Ride with a heart rate monitor. It works.
For weekend rides. Port Nolloth and back. There on tar, back on gravel. There on gravel, back on tar. Liaisons are part of the plan. Its not random. They wear you down, day by day. The more you know how your body and bike will respond and what you need to be drinking supplement wise, the better you will be prepared for Dakar.
Or wing it... :biggrin:
Alex, as jy dit gedoen het, laat weet my. Ek kom ry saam vir 14 dae. :deal: :deal: :deal:
Post by: WDT on March 07, 2017, 09:04:38 pm
Willem, alles van die beste en sterkte met die voorbereiding met Dakar!!!Dankie Koos, sien jou vlgde week!
Ek is seker jy sal ons naam gestand doen.
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Post by: WDT on March 07, 2017, 09:06:56 pm
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Post by: Charel on March 09, 2017, 11:19:47 am
Post by: WDT on March 13, 2017, 03:10:55 pm
Went for a quick test sunday morning, mainly to see if everything will hild up and to calibrate my ico. Difference between gps and ICO was out by 0.7%, which means about 15mm on the circumference I think. Rally cap lost signal, so I have run a wire directly from the battery for the negative.
I must say it was abit of a wakeup call riding the bike in very tight wooped oit deep sand tracks after only practicing with the FX450 the last few weeks!
Now to start making lists of the lists that need to be made to get everything sorted.
Cant wait to go racing, see youn there!
Some random pics
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170313/9b8c7dbc5f6f05caf46c0b1ff1282426.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170313/9e4fb884fec2f0f8be1c57fe2d4356b0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170313/d3055c9dae518ef9f6003e9954a81579.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170313/05cdfbf5c5dd25ee8837002105a79514.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170313/e361ba193d1df97795cd079c35dfa172.jpg)
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Post by: seankriel on March 13, 2017, 09:45:55 pm
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Post by: White Rhino on March 14, 2017, 01:59:53 am
Post by: WDT on March 14, 2017, 11:40:15 am
Are you sure you going slow enough? 166 seems a bit slow of the mountain tracks... lol
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Daai is darrem best case scenario!
Sien jy hoe vinnig is my bike, hy staan stil teen 1.7KM/H
Post by: seankriel on March 15, 2017, 09:48:28 am
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Post by: BlueBull2007 on March 16, 2017, 05:26:54 am
Enjoy the ride this weekend, please let us know how it went.
Post by: Grolls on March 16, 2017, 07:05:09 am
I will be following your efforts towards the Dakar
Good luck WDT
Post by: T9ER on March 16, 2017, 07:44:48 pm
Post by: XT JOE on March 21, 2017, 03:34:04 pm
Post by: Herklaas on March 21, 2017, 08:30:53 pm
Post by: 1ougat on March 22, 2017, 01:10:33 am
Have a great BAJA
I will be following your efforts towards the Dakar
Good luck WDT
Eish :(
Good till the end
Post by: WDT on March 24, 2017, 05:00:43 pm
This was my first Baja, and I must say I really enjoyed it! I liked the relaxed atmosphere, and not having to wake up at 05:00 and start racing at 06:00!
Prologue
Saturday mornings time trial was exciting, Le Mans start and all! I was in the second bunch, had a good start, and got out first. Lead the way to I think the 3rd or 4th corner, overshot, got passed, but luckily took the place back quickly. Navigation was OK, stopped once when I was uncertain, and Hentie (my team mate) caught up to me. We concluded that we were ont he right track and carried on. The terrain was brilliant, much like we are used to back home. First lap went OK, with me and Hentie leading. We caught up to some guys, the dust was bad in some places, but managed to pass them. I think I got through easier than Hentie and won the first heat.
Then it was the final, the first ten guys, one lap race. We all set off, Hentie got to the turn first with me in second place. Superman nearly colided with Donovan, but both luckily came out OK! Hentie lead for about half the lap, overshot and gave the lead to me. We came to the pan neck in neck, and I managed to beat him by a fraction (when I beat himn it is only because he had bad luck!) So a good result for the Upington Rally team, starting out on the first stage in 1st and second place.
There was not a lot to do on the bike that afternoon, cleaned it up a bit, new air filter and that was it. Scrutineering was a breaze, except for my helmet. I replaced one of the plastic visor bolts, which broke, with an aluminium one. That can be viewed as a modification and could compromise safety. Lesson learned!
Stage 1
We sarted of at 07:00 (a respectable time as mentioned before) had a short liason and got to the special. I lead the way, and manged to cock up within the first 15km`s! Hentie caught up to me and the Donovan wo was in third place passed us both. As we were heading East at that time the sun was quite bad, but I managed to pass Donovan, who was riding very conservatively, unlike his normal self! The lead swopped back and forth a few time between me and Hentie, till we got lost when I was leading the way. my navigation was not on the number! we lost a hel of a lot of time till we found our way, up the pass. Now I must confess, in the sand and on the fast twisty stuff I am OK, but not in the rocks! I struggled to keep up. We caught back up to about 4 or 5 guys, went the wrong way again, back tracked, found the right route and went down the other side of the mountain. We kept going like this for a while, riding, stopping, finding the route, going again, till a certain mr Ellis came flying by! He was doing the off road class and made 1 hour up on us! That guy is seriously, or maybe dangerously, quick. We got to the dsp aproximately 90km before Alexander bay, and got some fuel. Thanks Chrstelle! I did not fill up, partly it is only 90k`s left, and partly because I wanted to keep the bike light. I knew i would struggle to keep up with Hentie. David Ellis was also in dsp, apperently he had GPS issues. We set off, doing about 135km/h when David came by..... on his back wheel. have I mentioned that he is quick? Hentie chased after him, and it became apparent that the pace is going to be hectic! I tried to keep up, when with about 40km to go to Alexander bay, I had a look at my fuel situation, or lack thereof. I gues I had about 2 litres left, maybe a bit more. Shit! I tapped off and started going very conservatively. With about 10km to go, I ran out, flipped the bike to get all the fuel to the left side and set off again, very carefully. Right at the beginning of the speed zone, about 3km from the refuel I ran out for the final time. Stopped, got my tow strap out and waited for the first guy to come in. Lucky for me it was Donovan who stopped, I got hooked up and we set off, not wasting any time. Thanks Donovan, really appreciate it! at the turnoff to Alexander bay I went wide, trying to keep the strap out of the wheels, overdid it and the strap broke. I told Donovan to go. I thought I remeber it to be down hill to the gas station. NOT. started pushing, and breathing hard and sweating. One of Kobus Potgieters guys came running up to me, and helped push the last 300m about. Thanks a lot, I did not get your name, but at that moment you were Superman!, the good deeds didnt stop there. the shop was closed and we could not get any water. Annelize and Jeanine luckily had water, and they gave me noughto fill my camelback. Thank you, without that the rest of the day would have been brutal!
After the refuel I set off again, only seeing Hentie and David`s tracks. I went on steadily, it must have been around 11:00, 11:30 and it already was very hot! the track got sandier and looser the farther it went. The 2 Mocke brothers caught up to me, and passed me. At 1 point I reset me ICO when I stopped to open the fuel valve for my rear tank. I did not axactly know where I was and went of behind the Mockes. Things did not add up to the raod book, and when I went over a dune, there the finish of the off road class were. Idiot! I had to back track a few km`s going next to the track, didnt want to connect a off road guy! Eventually I found the way and got going. At that point i was hot and a bit tired, even felt nauseous for a while. I caught up to a few guys just as we got to a 6okm/h speed zone. the speed zone ends when we turned off that road. The guys in fron of me missed the turn or was slow on the gas and I slip[ped by, for the last 3km`s or so to the end of special. I must say I was spent. It was one of the tougher days I had on a bike.
Got back to our lodgings, drank e few cooldrinks, showered and started on the bike. Luckily there was nothing to fix, so it was only an oil change, air filter, back wheel and general checking of everything.
Riders briefing started a bit late, as we had to whait for Alex. Then the shocking news dropped. When you hear about the death of a rider it gets to you, and you reconsider a bit what you are doing. Alex asked if we wanted to race the next day, and Gary`s teeam mates said that they felt he would have wanted us to coninue.
The emergency personel had an info session about hydration, which I listened to very attentaivley for once.
Hentie won the stage by a massive margin, I came in at about 7th place.
Stage 2
The next morning all the rally class riders came together and we decided that we are only going to race to Alexander Bay and do a liason back. The forecast for the day was something like 37degrees at the sea, so you can only imagine what it will be in the sand and mountains. There were talk of over 50 degrees in stage 1.
To be continued....
Post by: seankriel on March 24, 2017, 05:25:38 pm
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Post by: BlueBull2007 on March 25, 2017, 06:43:39 am
I hate it when I accidentally reset my ICO while leaning on the bars. Its the worst thing! ;D
We armchair racers are riding the rally in your words,
Please keep it coming! :deal:
RIP Gary
Post by: Crossed-up on March 26, 2017, 01:19:55 pm
Post by: billy-joe on March 26, 2017, 07:39:16 pm
Post by: WDT on March 28, 2017, 11:57:34 am
We set of on a short liason and got to the start. the first few km`s was the end of the first day, so no surprises. The big story of the day was the dunes, and we got to them after a short section that was very close to being off piste. we were about 3 or 4 guys getting to the dunes at the same time and all went in the general direction of the CAP shown in the roadbook. I think I got the entry point wrong and started oof east of the direction shown. Went down some massive slip faces, just for fun, and got to the end of the dune field. I stopped and spotted a road leading out, on a heading which seemed good.
I stopped again after a short while, as I was not 100% sure of the way, when Hentie stopped alongside. He started of first, so I was quite surprised seeing him there. Apparently he got his waypoints on his GPS mixed up! We set off together, and quickly caught and passed some guys. From there on there was only one rider in front of us. I suspected that it must be Roger Kane-Berman. The terrain remained sandy, but much faster, and between myself and Hentie we swapped being in front and continued onwards. We got to the infamous sand climb, which name I cant remember, and gave it a go. 4th gear and a changt to 3rd and we were at the top. Was a bit of an anti climax. We got to the first refuel, and we only had about 70km`s to go to the end of special at Alexander bay. I stil had a reasonable amount of my fuel left and toyed with the idea to skip the refuel. Hentie, who was leading stopped, and I bravely decided to stop as well.
I reasoned that for 70 kms I only needed about 7 to 8 litres of fuel, and had at least that amount left. the guys waiting there told me Roger was about 5 minutes ahead of us, so to catch him would require quite a high pace. So I poured in some fuel, must have been about 5 litres and set of. Hentie was having trouble with his fuel can, but told me to go, he will catch up. When he tell you he will catch up, you better beleive him!
Off i went, had a moment with a "spoel sloot" in the road and got to some nice fast sandy sections. Recognised it form the 2016 Amageza. I gave it my all, trying to catch up to Roger. The last 30kms about was the same as stage 1, so I new what to expect, especially one nasty sand whoop section, with a big sand mound that caught me out the previous day, nearly braking my roadbook with my head. Surpise surprise I went in to fast, hit it again, and same result, closeup look at my rooadbook. Idiot!
That was not the only peace of de ja vu. Remember I ran out of fuel with 3 km`s to go on stage 1? Well I beat my record and had to stop to flip the bike over again, but this time with about 10km` to go. At that point Hentie caught up and he offered to stay behind me and help. I only managed to go 3 km`s or so before running out.
When I opened up my rear tank, there was still about 3 litres of fuel left, which did not feed to the main tank, so i removed the inline filter and started blowing in the tank to force the fuel through. Hentie started draining fuel from his bike into a bottel (which i filled the previous afternoon with water and Rehidrat as backup after the days big scare). We lost some time doing this, and with me having to flip the bike over, but going again, with nothin major happening till we reached Alexander Bay.
The few minute we were stationary, you really can feel the heat! It was going to get very hot!
We reached the fuel stop, filled up and rested for a bit. Got a nice cold coke from Alex Ruprecht, which tasted heavenly! thanks Alex. Then it was only about 90kms worth of liason left, and we got to the school, handed in our trackers, gps`s etc. Had a few beers showered rested and that was it.
Hentie won the rally class, with Roger in second place and myself in 3rd, only just beating Donovan, who towed me into Alexander bay the previous day, so that was bad luck for him!
Alex had one last surprise left, he gave the guys doing Dakar in 2018 the "opportunity" to say a few words. For me that was even a bigger desaster than running out of fuel!
When thinking back the first thing that comes to mind is the very unfortunate death of Gary Rowley. I cant imagine what his family must go through, RIP.
The second thing is reality of the danger of this sport, and the calculated risks we take, and that whatever precautions or safety is in place from the organisers side, we are ulitmately responsible for our own safety. By that I not only mean gear and equipment like sat phones etc. but also our mindset and keeping in mind we ultimately do it for fun, and adjsuting your acceptable risk there to.
Third, on a more positive note, what a great race this was, really enjoyable and a more relaxed atmosphere than a full blown rally. The terrain was awesome, and had a nice variety between rocks sand, fast sections and technical bits.
I really hope that this race and Amageza as well can continue. The rate number one is making k@k the exchange rate will be so bad that the international riders would not able to miss it!
Post by: Rynet on March 29, 2017, 08:20:02 am
One of my favourite photos of this Baja . I was in the Jeep with Alex , sitting on the wrong side and took this pic through the front window. Shew we struggled to keep up with you . Looking at you riding next to that fence took my breath away. It was like looking at a gazelle , a thing of great beauty .
Looking at this photo now reminds me of so much that is good and special about the Amageza /Baja . The high caliber of riders that we have . It was a very tough race in extremely hot conditions and very soft sand . Respect to all finishers. You guys are made of iron . :thumleft:
Post by: Bill the Bong on March 29, 2017, 08:39:05 am
Post by: Rynet on March 29, 2017, 09:19:16 am
Willem is from now on a thing of great beauty :biggrin: I will make sure that this gets repeated often, far and wide.
haha, are you jealous Bill ? >:D :biggrin:
But I said his riding is a thing of great beauty . And it is . You will see that when you see the Dakar footage of him riding :ricky: :ricky:
Post by: WDT on March 29, 2017, 09:24:25 am
Lekker om te sien mense lees die gebabbel!
BIll is jaloers, maar daai thing of beauty is als daarmee heen die oomblik as ek my helmet afhaal!
Post by: Bill the Bong on March 29, 2017, 09:36:00 am
Willem is from now on a thing of great beauty :biggrin: I will make sure that this gets repeated often, far and wide.
haha, are you jealous Bill ? >:D :biggrin:
Nope, I taught him his beauty regime. :laughing4:
Post by: WDT on March 29, 2017, 09:38:47 am
Me and Hentie is competing this weekend in the national off road in lichtenburg. Both in the senior class. a time trial of 20km and 2 loops of 170km each. This will be a good test of where my fitness level is at the moment.
This weekend and evenings were spent prepping the FX 450 for the race, service, new tyres etc. I also got some new footpegs that is a bit lower than stock, which helps alot for us tall guys. Word of warning, be carefull when removing the stock footpegs, the spring is under same tension and can fly out and hit you right on the forehead, if you are an idiot like me! Also fitted the steering stabiliser I got with the bike.
Also had to wash my kit. I dont about you guys but that sap from that bushes from the WCB is a bastard to remove! I used alot of prepsol, sparying everything with it, letting it soak in and repeated a few times before pressure washing it. Then it was manual labour with a brush and handy andy.
I had a chat yesterday with Bart van de Velde (BAS rally team) and he informed me that there is no more new customer RFR`s available for sale. That narrow my decision down on which biek to do Dakar with. Either Walter`s old bike I bought as practise bike, or hire one from Bart. I am thinking more of hiring, which will save a lot of time and money.
I apologise again for the lack of pictures, I will have to get into the habit of taking pics as I go along! I do however have footage of the Prologue from the WCB, which I will edit and post.
Cheers
Post by: seankriel on March 29, 2017, 03:36:32 pm
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Post by: AlexRG on March 29, 2017, 06:07:03 pm
I recorded 42degC on the road next to the Atlantic on my car... easily above 50degC a few km's inland.
Post by: BlueBull2007 on March 30, 2017, 03:16:01 am
WDT: You go, you thing of beauty! :biggrin: O0 :ricky:
Quote
Word of warning, be carefull when removing the stock footpegs, the spring is under same tension and can fly out and hit you right on the forehead, if you are an idiot like me!
I love this advice, thank you! :laughing4: Just the sort of thing that would happen to me.
A hire bike from BAS sounds like a good idea, and does work out a little bit cheaper in the end. I think. :patch: Hopefully they have thrown in all the spares on the price, but its something to think about beforehand. Sometimes guys hire race bikes with spares included, but it might be cheaper (or more expensive) to hire just the bike plus spares.
Safe riding this weekend!! Goooo WDT!!
Post by: weskus on March 30, 2017, 08:17:00 am
Post by: Rokie on March 30, 2017, 08:53:12 am
you mention in a reply to Rynet that you are glad that people read the gebabbel . . .
Luister ou - we don't just read it, we lap it up like the thirsty dogs we are!
Thank you for the labour of love in putting hands to keyboard. I was on one of the other support crews at the WC Baja and it was an insane experience to be close to the action. But to get a first hand account from the okes who did the riding (things of beauty or not :biggrin:) is like drinking that ice cold coke you got from AlexRG!
Keep going strong for Dakar 2018 - I'll be following . . .
Post by: AlexRG on April 02, 2017, 08:47:30 pm
Willem created a Facebook page - please go and like/follow it and please share it with all your friends too so they can also like/follow it.
Here is the link:
https://web.facebook.com/willemdakar/?ref=bookmarks
Cheers,
AlexRG
Post by: WDT on April 04, 2017, 03:13:05 pm
Short update.
The sponsorship proposal and website is in process. A first draught will be available soon. Really looking forward to get it so I can start in earnest to try and gest some sponsorship.
As Alex R has mentioned, the facebook page is also up and running. BEtween Alex and myself we will try to post regular content, consisting of general rally news, and of course any developments regarding my program.
Bart is still busy with my bike, should be finished any day now, and then shipped to SA. I really cant wait to start training on it.
On the subject of bikes, I finished yesterday evening prepairing my 2016 KTM 350 SX-F to sell. I will post an Auto Trader link as soon as my guys finished loading it, if any one is interested.
The weekends race was a moerse disaster! Me and Hentie did the Lichtenburg National Off road. Qualifying went OK, qualified in sixth, with Hentie third if I remember corectly. Then the race started! after having 3 BIG moments in the first 40km`s I decided to back of and just try and finish without any mishaps. The track consisted of 170km`s of lurkers! few of the top guys crashed out with broken collar bones, arms etc. I was too conservative and missed the time bar!!! actually I am not sure as the organisers extended it as well as hortened the second loop to under a hundred kms. No excuses, i was to slow and not brave enough.
Hentie finished 4th, he came very close to getting a podium, but he also decided it is not worth hurting himself. We will be back for the next one!
That is about all the news I have at the moment
A picture or 2 will follow
Post by: WDT on April 04, 2017, 03:15:57 pm
Our grand pits this weekend, setting the standard for the pro teams...
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Post by: bud500 on April 04, 2017, 03:48:35 pm
The weekends race was a moerse disaster!
NOT!
Would be a disaster if you got hurt...
Post by: BlueBull2007 on April 04, 2017, 08:30:42 pm
You dodged a bullet. Good stuff! :thumleft:
Post by: ChrisMann on April 04, 2017, 08:35:03 pm
So, how does it feel to race with red numbers... >:D
Post by: WDT on April 05, 2017, 06:40:47 am
Well done Willem, you made it back in one piece!Jaja, al berskil is dat die ouens wat my nou weg ry ouer is!
So, how does it feel to race with red numbers... >:D
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Post by: WDT on April 05, 2017, 06:42:03 am
Well done Willem, you made it back in one piece!Jaja, al berskil is dat die ouens wat my nou weg ry ouer is!
So, how does it feel to race with red numbers... >:D
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Bud500 and Bb, thanks, I should look at it that way. Cheers
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Post by: B.V. on April 05, 2017, 07:02:53 am
Post by: Kortbroek on April 06, 2017, 11:07:09 am
Post by: weskus on April 06, 2017, 11:11:48 am
Post by: WDT on April 07, 2017, 04:27:40 pm
Camera was chest mounted, not a good view, but all i have
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Post by: ChrisMann on April 07, 2017, 07:12:14 pm
Post by: Bill the Bong on April 07, 2017, 11:00:31 pm
Post by: XT JOE on April 10, 2017, 07:52:57 pm
Nice one!
Post by: 2StrokeDan on April 10, 2017, 08:29:45 pm
Cool video- must be inspired by Metalica's music :thumleft:-- looking at the mere mortals being overtaken- looked like moegoes from my riding group
Nice one!
Who's your moegoe? :peepwall: :pot: :imaposer:
Post by: XT JOE on April 11, 2017, 06:26:01 am
Cool video- must be inspired by Metalica's music :thumleft:-- looking at the mere mortals being overtaken- looked like moegoes from my riding group
Nice one!
Who's your moegoe? :peepwall: :pot: :imaposer:
:biggrin:
Post by: WDT on April 11, 2017, 06:42:23 am
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Post by: Dirty Fun on April 11, 2017, 01:26:25 pm
Eers was daar Superman, nou is daar Ironman.
IRONMAN DOES DAKAR :biggrin:
Post by: WDT on April 21, 2017, 11:31:23 am
Mehola logistix, the local supplier of Fuchs Silkolene lubricants were some of the first guys that confirmed their support for this little adventure.
Fuchs supplied me with motor oil, chain lube, brake cleaner, filter oil and cleaner for the wholr year! The best part is that this is the oil I normally use, and trust.
Even after a long Amageza stage no discoloration is evedent in the oil.
I can really recommend any Fuchs Silkolene products, and encourage everyone to use it.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170421/9017f4d8abbf92dd6f304ffdc17d0e3d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170421/715a14d91829b25e6904335b995c94ba.jpg)
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Post by: Cdp13 on April 21, 2017, 12:19:43 pm
Post by: Bill the Bong on April 21, 2017, 12:40:40 pm
http://www.fuchsoil.co.za/silkolene/comp-2-plus-sx/
Al wat ek gebruik
Post by: BlueBull2007 on April 21, 2017, 01:14:38 pm
Post by: J-dog on April 22, 2017, 05:55:20 pm
Good afternoon!
Short update.
The sponsorship proposal and website is in process. A first draught will be available soon. Really looking forward to get it so I can start in earnest to try and gest some sponsorship.
As Alex R has mentioned, the facebook page is also up and running. BEtween Alex and myself we will try to post regular content, consisting of general rally news, and of course any developments regarding my program.
Bart is still busy with my bike, should be finished any day now, and then shipped to SA. I really cant wait to start training on it.
On the subject of bikes, I finished yesterday evening prepairing my 2016 KTM 350 SX-F to sell. I will post an Auto Trader link as soon as my guys finished loading it, if any one is interested.
The weekends race was a moerse disaster! Me and Hentie did the Lichtenburg National Off road. Qualifying went OK, qualified in sixth, with Hentie third if I remember corectly. Then the race started! after having 3 BIG moments in the first 40km`s I decided to back of and just try and finish without any mishaps. The track consisted of 170km`s of lurkers! few of the top guys crashed out with broken collar bones, arms etc. I was too conservative and missed the time bar!!! actually I am not sure as the organisers extended it as well as hortened the second loop to under a hundred kms. No excuses, i was to slow and not brave enough.
Hentie finished 4th, he came very close to getting a podium, but he also decided it is not worth hurting himself. We will be back for the next one!
That is about all the news I have at the moment
A picture or 2 will follow
A race track with lurkers is unpleasant and unprofessional of the organisers. Glad you stayed in one piece!
Post by: Bill the Bong on April 25, 2017, 02:26:17 pm
Aha - Important info here, it's the secret to the NC guys being so fast...Its all in the oil they use!! :laughing7: :thumleft:
I can organise you a crate...
Post by: Geel Kat on April 25, 2017, 02:28:25 pm
Aha - Important info here, it's the secret to the NC guys being so fast...Its all in the oil they use!! :laughing7: :thumleft:
I can organise you a crate...
Another "this is why I am so slow" excuse removed... :pot:
Post by: Rynet on May 02, 2017, 08:53:22 pm
Aha - Important info here, it's the secret to the NC guys being so fast...Its all in the oil they use!! :laughing7: :thumleft:
haha I also wondered why the Upington riders are so fast, yes it must be the oil they use then . :ricky:
Glad to see the sponsorship is coming along nicely Willem . :thumleft:
Post by: WDT on May 08, 2017, 12:19:10 pm
Quick update on what happened the last few weeks.
2 weeks ago I was invited by Century racing (the guys that build my class P off road race car, the CRT) to the testing of their new FIA spec race car, the CR6. Mark Corbett (owner) finished in 17th place overall in Dakar 2016 with one of the previous models, the CR5. These guys know what they are doing! We went to Goerapan, about 90km North of Upington, nice big pan, luckily not salt, with typical Kalahari dunes. This is the same place Toyota do their final testing before Dakar. A lot of the footage of their tv commercial that runs during Dakar was shot there. The client, Geoff Olholm of Coconut Racing in Australia, with his team were there to sort the last few things out before racing in the silkway rally. They were also joined by Hein Uys, who bought one of the CR5`s and is also going to the Silkway rally.
While these guys were tinkering and doing some clever stuff that I dont understand I took my CRT out for a few laps (about 25km`s), I have forgotten how much fun racing off road cars is! I did close to 200km`s without realising! I took the FX450 along as well, to do a bit of training, and managed 7 or so laps before dark.
One of the best days I had in a while! Pics will follow.
Training is going OK, I had few lazy days, but made up for it with a bit of MTB together with normal gym training. I remembered why i dont particularly like bicycling... Unfortunately it still is some of the best training to do for long distance racing.
The guys doing my sponsorship proposal finished last week, so that is ready to send to prospective sponsors. If anyone have contacts that I can try, please send me the info!
As i have mentioned earlier in this thread, I bought Walter Terblanches`s rally bike. Well, after a bit of a wait for it to be prepped, shipped and cleared through customs, it arrived last Thursday! Connected the battery, filled up with oil and fuel, checked the coolant level, and it started ont he first try!
Hentie, Nico and myself went for a ride on Saturday, to Riemvasmaak. the Amageza guys will know it from day 1 of 2016, and I think the second last day of 2015. Brilliant place to ride, with lots of tracks and varied terrain. Was a good opportunity for me to get to know the bike. Just after 14:00 and 403km later we were back home. The bike is brilliant, you get the feeling that this thing was built specifically for long distance off road racing. These bikes are built really tough, and you feel like it will survive many days of hard terrain. The rear tire is a bit worn, Walter did gave me new ones together with spare wheels, which meant a few moments with the back stepping out and the braking distance that is a bit longer than what I am used to, but nothing to serious.
On Sunday I went riding with the guys at our sand track, and as I already washed and started prepping my FX450 for the Dundee race, it was the perfect excuse to go with rally. The first lap or so was hectic, but after a while I started to get the hang of it, and the bike actually handles very well in the twisty sand tracks. The deep slow whoops is difficult, and the 25 litres of fuel on board didint make it any easier!
As mentioned above me and Hentie os racing in the national at Dundee on Friday. So I am busy prepping the bike and getting everything sorted to leave on Thursday. Hopefully this race will be better that the LIchtenburg fiasco!
Thats about it, I will post some pics now.
Cheers
Post by: WDT on May 08, 2017, 12:24:47 pm
Some photos of my bike, CRT, the Century racing setup and the new CR6
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170508/993bc637557bfe441f1ca1abea3e6492.jpg)
The rally bike when I got it from Walter
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170508/ea73b7a99644fea724387cb8812b0566.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170508/a973c92c7759ed4ab896e6d79a4ed85f.jpg)
Some photos of the Riemvasmaak trip
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Crossed-up on May 08, 2017, 01:48:01 pm
And thanks for taking the time to tell us of your progress.
Post by: WDT on May 15, 2017, 04:30:52 pm
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170515/9b55a178b097b431dd369d024562c8f4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170515/f8907f7d67d32f9a05b4b1445bbd4cc8.jpg)
Using only the best!
It was again Hentie and me from Upington that raced, driving close to 1 100km on Thursday.
After the previous race in Lichtenburg, were i didn't finished, we were hoping for better terrain and a proper race.
The day started of overcast and cool, which was actually very nice. The time trial started smoothly, and went OK, except for getting lost a bit. I am supposed to be good at navigating, but apparently useless at reading stickers!
My qualifying time was not very good and I started quite far back in the field. Hentie also had a few problems during qualifying, and was only about 6 or so places in front of me.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170515/e7125792d89f33c8234c4425466c013f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170515/b7aef643b0f1095d75ef3f9a9beba153.jpg)
The race started and it was a relieve, the terrain was much better, with a good variety. First lap went smoothly, apparently a bit to smoothly as i was caught halfway through the lap. Gert catch me in the technical stuff and me catching him again in the open parts. He was on a 250 two stroke, and there were flat out straights on closed of district roads, so it was a bit unfair to him
.When I got tomthe dsp after the first lap ate everything I could find, and crammed my cheecks full of biltong to eat on my way tomthe start line. Unfortunately i started chocking right when Inhad to start the 2nd lap! I nearly died! Had to stop shortly thereafter just to get everything sorted out. Idiot! Got passed by 2 guys there
.Rest of the race went better, it started to rain and got quite cold and very slippery. Managed to complete the race without any crashes, had a few close ones though! Bent my rear wheel a bit.
Unfortunately no photos from here on as we had to pack everything in the wet and cold.
I managed to get a 5th place (I thought Gert beat me as he started behind me and finished in front of me?) and Hentie a very good second place, both in the senior class. Bolly van Rooyen better whatch out for him at the dessert race!
All in all it was a good weekend, with good racing. Next up will be a practice day in the Kalahari, a 4x4 event and bike race there after, and then the big one, the Dessert 1000! Thats the one we are looking forward to! O yes and my wife have to give birth, I just hope its not going to interfere with one of the races!
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Post by: Crossed-up on May 15, 2017, 05:51:08 pm
Fifth is great, but riding within yourself and staying out of trouble is even better.
Post by: Rynet on May 16, 2017, 07:08:29 am
haha I can just picture you with the Biltong in your cheeks :imaposer:
Good luck with your wife's birth and yes hope the kid-to-be respects your racing time table :biggrin:
Great about the Silkolene sponsorship . :thumleft:
Post by: gser on May 18, 2017, 09:05:44 am
Post by: BlueBull2007 on May 19, 2017, 06:40:03 am
Thanks for the update and congratulations to you & your Mrs!! :thumleft: She must be a keeper.
Post by: XT JOE on May 19, 2017, 06:57:53 am
Post by: weskus on May 19, 2017, 08:17:40 am
Post by: ChrisMann on May 25, 2017, 08:01:50 am
Mens kan die harde werk sien wat jy ingesit het. Halfpad daar pella!
Sien uit na die Botswana 1000 saam met julle.
Post by: BlueBull2007 on May 28, 2017, 07:35:32 am
Post by: WDT on June 06, 2017, 04:30:15 pm
I hope this works, here is a link to my facebook page were I have posted 2 clips of our sand track, the one one the Husky 450FX and the other on the KTM 450 RFR.
Spot the difference http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/Smileys/default/ricky.gif
https://www.facebook.com/willemdakar/videos/684008481788574/
https://www.facebook.com/willemdakar/videos/683353665187389/
Cheers
Post by: ChrisMann on June 06, 2017, 07:27:05 pm
Post by: Bill the Bong on June 07, 2017, 09:27:51 am
Post by: WDT on June 13, 2017, 05:32:08 pm
Hurt my back last week Monday, so i have not trained or rode my bike for more than a week. Luckily the back is feeling much better, will go for another torture I mean physio session tommorow and I will be sorted.
We have a local race on Friday, so I am realy looking forward to that. Nice dune course. Will try and make a video and post some pics of that.
Dakar sleep deprivation training will commence on Thursday, thats when my wife is supposed to give birth. I really hope the little guy will keep to the schedule and not interfere with Fridays race! Now that I think of it, its nice of my wife to let me race, or is that normal?!
Next week will be spend prepping the bike for the Botswana Desert race. I am really looking forward to that. Will be myself and Hentie (as usual) and Donovan will also be joining us if all goes to plan.100km time trial on Friday and somewhere between 400 and 450kms for Saturday and Sunday. Its going to be tough, an Amageza Special stage of 400km`s is hard, but this will be worse. Apparently 80% of the route is brand new, so we`ll have to see.
I have spent quite a bit of time on fund raising the past 2 weeks. Sean du Toit is helping me massively with that. He gest contacts and helps getting my proposal out there. Thanks Sean, I really appreciate your help. Unfortunately most of the replys were not possitive, as Sean said if we could get R5 for evryone that wishes me well but can not help we would be half way there!
My new motto is: be like a postage stamp, stick to it till you get there! So thats what I`ll be doing.
Thats it, little sleep and lots of racing.......Nice!
Post by: gser on June 14, 2017, 08:17:24 am
Ek hoop jy/julle breik julle doel met BDR !
Post by: Rynet on June 14, 2017, 08:31:47 am
Ps ,het jy al jou bank details vir ons gegee ?
As elke sent help kan ons ook inspring . :thumleft:
Sterkte met Vrydag se resies en die geboorte van jou baba . Jou vrou klink na 'n super ster. :3some:
Post by: Crossed-up on June 14, 2017, 08:46:42 am
Sterkte Willem :thumleft:
Ps ,het jy al jou bank details vir ons gegee ?
As elke sent help kan ons ook inspring . :thumleft:
Sterkte met Vrydag se resies en die geboorte van jou baba . Jou vrou klink na 'n super ster. :3some:
+100 on both scores.
Post by: lpj on June 14, 2017, 11:55:09 am
PS: Gaan julle T-shirts etc verkoop?
Post by: Bill the Bong on June 15, 2017, 11:27:50 am
Post by: XT JOE on June 23, 2017, 05:18:32 pm
Also thinking of a saturday to sunday out ride with Willem from Ct out in the Klein Karoo lead by Andy 660 showing some of his routes - of interest to like minded faster travelling hooligans- i will/can arrange a back up vehicle for extra stuff taken with- saturday night some time around the fire with Willem to compare notes- and a few prizes. Working on dates but late August before Amageza in September was his thoughts. Premium prized tickets as a donation towards his Dakar fund more the thought-
My day job is just a bit sapping at the moment - any thoughts - please chip in
Post by: Cdp13 on June 23, 2017, 07:09:07 pm
Working on shirt for sponsoring and hope to have a sample available here shortly. Cold calling sponsorship in these time are pretty difficult with all the excuses from BEE to only donating to the underprivileged and so forth for the 10% that do respond
Also thinking of a saturday to sunday out ride with Willem from Ct out in the Klein Karoo lead by Andy 660 showing some of his routes - of interest to like minded faster travelling hooligans- i will/can arrange a back up vehicle for extra stuff taken with- saturday night some time around the fire with Willem to compare notes- and a few prizes. Working on dates but late August before Amageza in September was his thoughts. Premium prized tickets as a donation towards his Dakar fund more the thought-
My day job is just a bit sapping at the moment - any thought - please chip in
Klink befok :thumleft: eks in
Post by: WDT on July 04, 2017, 05:42:32 pm
The Dessert race. (also known as the Toyota 1000 desert race, but I choose to ignore it due to my allegiance to Mercedes Benz and Mitsubishi Motors)
As usual for the national races it was me and Hentie, but this time we would be joined by Donovan, who you propably know, is also entered for the 2018 Dakar. He drove from Cape Town to Upington, slept over and we all set of the Thursday before the race.
The trip went quite OK, except for the customary run in with these guys
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462981693744965&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
The next morning we had to do documentation, and for once it was not at 05:00 in the morning! Afterwards Xavier Gavory of ASO gave a Dakar Challenge prsentation as this event was a Dakar Challenge round for the cars
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462981743744960&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
Afterwards we kitted and that is when I realised that I left my inner booties of my Tech 10s at home. Not the type of thing you want to realise just before you are about to set of on a 1000km off road race! I put on as much socks as possible and went of.
Qualifying went OK, and I finished 3rd in Seniors, Hentie 4th. He had problems with arm pump, which continued to plague him for the rest of the weekend. Donovan was 1 st in the WOW class (he had some issues with licenses etc. and could only enter in that class. Ryan Bland (also entered for Dakar) managed a 7th. His results got better as the weekend continued.
We had a bit of a runaround that afternoon as there was some confusement regard the number of fuel cans each competitor needed. The shops here is nothing to look at from the outside, but they do stock everything, and so we managed to find a few more jerry cans.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462981897078278&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462981830411618&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
Saturday
We started a bit after 07:00 and from the go the pace was high. I soon started to get arm pump and did not manage to get into a rythm. As the day went on it got better, with the terrrain varying between twisty bits, fast flowing sections and sand straights were you keep it pinned and just hold on!
The day went OK fo rall of us, and all agreed it was quite enjoyable. I thin kthe quad guys and okes on 2 strokes were not impressed, they just lacked the top speed of the bigger bikes. That all changed the next day. One big problem was side by sides as well as quads that all started in front of the bikes. Not easy to pas those guys in the dust!
Results:
Hentie 2nd in seniors
Me 6th in Seniors
Ryan 11th in seniors
Donovan 1st in WOW
Rest of the day was spent prepping bikes and getting ready for the last day
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462981910411610&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462981997078268&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
Only the best for our bikes!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462982007078267&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462982063744928&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
Sonday we set of in the order we finished on Saturday, which meant for me 29th, with the 1st quad right behind me. I am very ashamed to report that he and another one caught up to me and passed a few kms before the first refuel. This day was much tighter and rougher, as it was the loop that the cars did the first day. This and the aches and pains carried over from the Saturdays +-450km of racing meant that it was HARD. I had a nice off after refuel 2 on the second loop, and from there on changing from a comfortable pace to a cautious one.
All of us managed to get through the day (with varyinfg amounts of Myprodols and other pills)
Hentie 3rd Seniors
Me 5th Seniors
Ryan 7th Seniors
Donovan 1st WOW
Overall
Hentie 2nd Seniors
Me 5th
Ryan 7th
Donovan 1st WOW
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462982087078259&set=a.1462981633744971.1073741827.100000994462108&type=3&theater
We were all a litlle tired and sore!
All in all it was a great weekend and a HARD race. Some lessons was learnt like remember your booties, and look after your butt, so it was a good for Dakar prep.
PS thannks to Donovan for the pics!
Post by: Kortbroek on July 04, 2017, 06:54:22 pm
PS, daai photos in die fb links werk nie
Post by: XT JOE on July 09, 2017, 07:47:25 pm
Were planning a fundraising day ride as well towards the end of August /early September- Kobus Potgieter is working on a Westcoast /Swartland route and Andy 660 a Swartland /Stonehenge plus minus 300 km day trip. This is to cater for medium to bigger bikes and medium to good skill levels and where it get s a bit gnarly there will be a alternative route. It will include a breakfast/boerie roll stop or three.
We will be joined by Joey Evans, Kobus Potgieter and Willem Du Toit ( if his schedule gives him time) who will do some en route show and tell on how to handle different situations and share their experience. We hope to have a few small prizes on the day as well. It will not only cater for the fast and furious and also us regular Joe's. I'm also working on a back up vehicle following the trip.
As its a fundraiser tickets are R350.00 each and Kobus and Joey both offered as well to have a talk the night before or on the day if we shorten the ride sharing their Dakar experience. This ride can only take place if there is sufficient support/interest.
Budgets are tight but i feel this is some unique company sharing many of our's dreams. Dot your name down if interested and pm me if you wish to add anything.
As alternative we might have a gala evening with nice talks-watch this space !!
Post by: BlueBull2007 on July 10, 2017, 01:12:03 am
Keep going WDT - you are half way to the start now. You will be there before you know it.
Post by: Ventana on July 10, 2017, 10:25:31 am
Post by: WDT on July 21, 2017, 03:35:59 pm
Thanks for the fotos Donovan!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: WDT on July 21, 2017, 04:04:48 pm
I rode the rally bike there the morning, was a very nice 3 degrees.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170721/dd8c4ce61efd965b50e8bf5d45d428c4.jpg)
The race consistd of 8 laps of about 8kms, through typical Kalahari dunes. The rally bike took some man handling, but ended up in 4th place after Bernard, who is one of young guns that is becomming seriously fast, and the 2 Mocke brothers.
The ride back was good liason training, and I decided to send most of my cold weather gear back with Kelvin, so by the time I arrived back home i was shivering like something that was poisoned!
This weekend I will start prepairing for the next national off road at Harrismith on the 29th of July. This will be the last one I race, as Idont want to take chances closer to Dakar time. The plan is to do the Harrismith race with the rally bike, partly to get more seat time with the bike, but also by riding thenrally bike I am automatically out of contention, so no reason to take chances. My only objective will be to finish, and try to make the time bar.
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Post by: WDT on July 21, 2017, 04:11:24 pm
Sorry for Ryan Bland, you will get the necessary experience according to there criteria, and go to Dakar. You have the right stuff!
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Post by: BlueBull2007 on July 22, 2017, 07:16:03 am
Its awesome news about Donny & Gerry! :hello2:
I heard David Thomas also entered Dakar, do you know?
Post by: Rokie on July 28, 2017, 10:38:48 am
Congrats to Donnovan van den Langeberg en Gerry van der Byl on getting their competitors letters from ASO! I am really excited that we will take on this adventure together.
Yea! A strong SA field to support during those first 2 weeks of Jan 2018!!
I'm hooked already! BlueBull, I think it is time to start the Dakar 2018 thread!!
Post by: TinusBez on July 30, 2017, 06:24:58 am
Post by: WDT on July 31, 2017, 05:24:55 pm
Friday morning we had the usual early start, arriving at the dsp at 05:00. Only this time it was freezing cold, -3 to be exact!
The time trial started at 07:00 and i think at that time it might have been even colder. It was only 16kms but by the end of it I couldnt feel my hands. When you hold the exhaust you know your hands are burning, but cannot feel it!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/bbd877d41d17a2def2e3f3a3a3508f66.jpg)
There was some confusion at the start of the main race race regarding the time trial results. They couldnt find my name on the starting list which meant I started stone dead last.
I decided that most of my racing for the next of the year would be done on the rally bike. This time it worked out OK as the track was nice and fast.
I quickly started catching up and overtaking some guys and got in a nice flowing rhythm. The bike handled everything quite well, except the slippery grass, a rally tyre isnt the best option for that type of terrain!
In the end I ended up in my usual 5th place in senior class, but I have to mention that both Dale and Gert was not there. We usually have a good dice and they probably would have beaten me on the rally bike.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/96980b577835eb899414ac49684e3b59.jpg)
Hentie finished in 3rd place, only 6 seconds behind 2nd!
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Post by: gser on July 31, 2017, 06:00:13 pm
Post by: BlueBull2007 on August 01, 2017, 06:00:42 am
Are you doing that 3 day event Alex is holding next month?
I heard Wessel is going to be in Dakar Malle moto next year. Remember, he broke both his hands in Bolivia on the11stage in 2016. Good guy.
Post by: ChrisMann on August 01, 2017, 01:13:21 pm
Baie geluk pella. :thumleft:
Post by: WDT on August 02, 2017, 12:35:16 pm
I will be doing a series of posts about things like the bike, kit, support options etc.
First one will be the support options you have in the Dakar
The options riders have is either malle moto or being a supported rider. A supported rider is as the name implies someone that have a support team. There is quite a few companies that can provide these services and it may be a difficult decision to make. Of the South African privateers in recent years have opted for BAS trucking / Van de Velde motoren. They are based in the Nethrlands and have a very good track record. Superman, Joey Evans and Walter Terblanche used the the last 2 years, and all of them had only positive things to say. This made my decision very easy and I booked a place on the team early in the year.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/4f757655c3f9cfa6f08b0aa36b0977d3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/887c1db109f93393ff690707159cab0c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/8a1c37acca24e3572f68b1631edb8277.jpg)
Support packages is quite expensive, especially in ZAR terms, but it increases your chances of success dramatically. They sort everything, from entries, acommodation, bike hire, spares, wheels and tyres, mechanics etc. you only have to ride the bike, eat and mark your road book.
As mentioned before the other option is to go Malle moto. This is MUCH cheaper, about 50%, but your chances of success is also much smaller.
Being a Malle moto rider means you have to do all the maintenance on your bike yourself, and all your spares tools kit etc have to fit in one steel box supplied by ASO and a kit bag. These guys usually have longer days on the bikes as they have to be careful of damaging things that then have to be repaired by themselves. Longer days means less time to do maintenance and even less time eating and sleaping. Guys finishing the Dakar in the Mallo moto catagorie is a special type of tough!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/0e7ccb4e3e9c65fd9289617d872c20bd.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/297d2fca5f7bbb0f9dd964815cb7e80b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/48ff30883ff160a40073ec267ddda16f.jpg)
I bravely decided to be a supported rider, as this might be the only chance I have of doing a Dakar. I would rather have the extra costs and stack the odds in my favour.
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Post by: ChrisMann on August 02, 2017, 01:40:15 pm
What kit are you taking with you for the 2 weeks?
Post by: WDT on August 02, 2017, 02:06:44 pm
Awesome, thanks for keeping us informed. :thumleft:14 onderbroeke
What kit are you taking with you for the 2 weeks?
Post by: Crossed-up on August 02, 2017, 03:10:51 pm
All the best!
Post by: BlueBull2007 on August 03, 2017, 02:25:42 am
Malle moto on something like the Amageza is one thing, but you have to be a special kind of crazy as well to do Malle moto on Dakar.
Post by: gser on August 03, 2017, 07:22:54 am
I have seen close up what you are capable of as your Amageza Malle Moto marshal.
You have the most important ingredient doing Malle Moto ; the right attitude and the adaptive execution of your overall plan. . . .
Sterkte Willem , well done !
Post by: TinusBez on August 04, 2017, 04:47:23 am
I have a lot of respect and look up to you rally racing guys. This is a story about a privateer entering the Dakar and all I can say is respect.
Other than the financial matters to get past it really puts the Dakar into perspective in what you typically only see a few seconds of in the tv highlights.
I'm sure Donnie also reads this and there is no prejudice to posting it here or on his thread.
Godspeed to you both no matter how you do it.
One can also download an app called Shift72 which allows you to download it and watch on your TV. One must buy/rent the video though.
Keep the stories coming.
Post by: WDT on August 17, 2017, 04:07:16 pm
As posted on my facebook page, the "Team edition" T shirts and caps is now available.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170817/8b81a54421ec25ff1b9673fe21aa0759.jpg)
T Shirts @R350 and caps @R300
If you would like to buy one (or rather a few) send me a mail with your size, quantity and delivery adress to dakar@zelco.co.za
The shirts and caps will be available by the end of the month.
A logo or 2 (if I can close a few deals in time) might be added, but it will remain stylish.
Cheers
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: XT JOE on August 29, 2017, 04:46:21 pm
Post by: Mooch on September 06, 2017, 04:45:44 pm
Post by: WDT on September 06, 2017, 05:01:22 pm
As some of you may know next weekend it is the Badlands rally. I am really looking forward to that, its going to be great to go longs distances, navigating and on top of that its going to be a great group of guys.
Ihad a bit of a scare this weekend, I went for a ride and on my way back decided to do the 2016 Amageza time trial route. I overshot a fork in the road, hit a rock, went over the bars and landed hard on my back. My wind was completely knocked out, and I was crawling in the dust cursing and wheezing. My chest didnt felt to great, especially when i picked up the bike!
I was worried that I might have fractured a rib or 2, but luckily the X rays showed only bruising of the ribs. It hurts well enough!!
So the good news is that I am still doing the Badlands, the bad news is that my brand new Bell helmet is all scratched!!
The weekend after Badlands it is the Tankwa 500, for which I have entered as well. Looks like it is going to be a great race on brilliant terrain. 2 rally races in 10 days is going to be good training!
Cheers
Post by: WDT on September 06, 2017, 05:07:32 pm
Will keep you updtaed
Post by: Mooch on September 08, 2017, 08:13:12 am
On the sponsorship front there is something very exciting brewing!
Will keep you updtaed
:thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:
Post by: B.V. on September 08, 2017, 08:23:08 am
Post by: BlueBull2007 on September 11, 2017, 12:55:12 am
Also, take a new helmet with you; if they see the scratches at scrutineering they will not pass it.
Post by: WDT on September 13, 2017, 09:26:34 pm
That is the bad news
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Post by: WDT on September 13, 2017, 09:43:29 pm
I have a sponsor for my riding gear!
As you may know, Sandi Pitchers Keel is launching a new online store, selling FXR kit. FXR , together with Xhale Xtreme is providing kit for Dakar 2018!
The website www.xhalextreme.co.za is going live on Friday 15th September. Go check it out, as well as the facebook page.
FXR Moto is a Canadian company, well known in that part of the world for their snowmobile kit, outdoor gear and naturally mx and off road gear.
The company was founded by Milt Reimer, who was a racer and later on owned a motorcycle dealership. With his racing back ground he started designing high quality kit. The company expanded to where its products is sold internationally and is experiencing a huge increase in popularity due to the quality and design of their products.
Watch this space for reviews and info on the products!
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Post by: WDT on September 13, 2017, 09:50:50 pm
At least my bike is sorted
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170913/1ec0880b1644e7c079ad909e1b8adbd6.jpg)
Tomorrow I will sort the last few things and Friday morning we'll set of for a nice and easy 4 day ride through the Northern Cape
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Post by: Crossed-up on September 13, 2017, 09:53:14 pm
As BB07 said, take it easy. There's so little to be gained and too much to lose.
See you tomorrow.
Post by: WDT on September 13, 2017, 09:54:58 pm
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Post by: BlueBull2007 on September 14, 2017, 04:34:54 am
Go Willem. That broken rib is probably a blessing in disguise. Just don't puncture a lung! So crashing is absolutely something you cannot afford to do.
Post by: gser on September 14, 2017, 07:35:43 am
Please Willem , don't go and ride alone . . .
Sterkte . . .
Your raider looks good , well done !
Post by: Offroad2 on September 14, 2017, 06:01:40 pm
Thank you for your Tankwa Entry keep safe at Badlands and we see you soon
Post by: weskus on September 15, 2017, 08:19:59 am
Post by: Mooch on September 15, 2017, 08:38:43 am
Post by: BlueBull2007 on September 17, 2017, 03:47:48 pm
Post by: WDT on October 10, 2017, 04:12:29 pm
I will do a separate post for the Badlands, the Tankwa 500 and the fund raiser me and Donovan had and some inbetween stuff.
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Post by: WDT on October 10, 2017, 05:08:21 pm
Alexander arranged the Badlands especially for us guys going to Dakar to get some proper navigation practice and nice time in the saddle.
We started in Upington, which made it very convenient. If I remember correctly we were 13 at the start.
This was not a race, just a great group of guys doing some navigation riding on excellent routes.
The first day in Upington and ended in Springbok. We started of with a liason to Pofadder, and from there the racing section was mostly on the Oranje 4x4 route, more or less the same as day 2 of the 2016 Amageza. This place is one of my favorite places to ride a rally bike, with fast sweeping tracks. My bike started a fuel leak on the way to Pofadder. The rear tank had a crack in it, which I thought must have happened during my off the other day. After speaking to Bart (van de velden racing) i heard that it was a problem with the earlier efi rally bikes. One of the bolts on the inside of the battery bay push through and the tank cracked. Anyway I set off with fuel leaking, but it stoppd soon, as I drain the the rear tank first. The pace was quite high as I chased after Donovan and Jethro. Both me and Donovan had the same strategy for the Badlands, to be in front so we can navigate! This ended up in lekker racing, with Koos mixing it up with us. Through out the 4 days it was usually one of us in the lead, with the other 2 chasing and taking over the lead when one made a nav error. I made a mistake or 2, but found the way again and was first in.
I tried to fix the tank with steel epoxy that afternoon, and it looked like it would last.
Two of the perks of the Badlands was the we slept in beds, and was allowed to have beer at dinner! The cameraderie between the guys was brilliant. We really had a chance to get to know one another, even though a lot of us raced together quite a few times.
Day 2 was from SPringbok to Port Nolloth. We started off with a tra liason, and the special started at the pipeline climb of 2016.
The previous evening there was a discussion about the ridabillity of the last bit, wich Alex warned us last year not to try....
I started first and pushed hard to try and get away from the other guys. Iwent OK up to that last section. Icant remeber exactly, but the next moment I was on that section, without even realising it! I got stuck, and as I was trying to push, walk force the bike up, Donovan came past me, only to get stuck a bike lenght further up. A lot of sweating struggling followed. The next moment Thomas Eich came past us both, easily making the climb! Not good for one's ego!
Eventually i got to the top, but not without damaging my still tender ribs from my crash 2 weeks prior. I popped a Mybulin and carried on. I amaged to get to thre front once again and was opening the road for nice long way, till I made an error and Koos and Donovan caugth up. The lead swapped between us to Alexander bay at wich point I was hurting quite bad. I took another pill (2) and sat for a while, even contemplating taking the tar road back to Port Nolloth. DOnovan set off, with Koos a short while behind him.
Eventually i got on my bike and decided to just cruise the ruote to Port Nolloth. After a few kms I caugth up to Koos, who had issues with his nav equipment, and he decided to follow me. I was really slow, and it must have been frustrating for him! As time went by and the meds started working I got a bit of pace back. Amazing how effective pain meds is, happened a few times during the race where I felt bad and sore only to be close to nromal a short while after taking pills!
Me and Koos went a long, and at one point Donovans tyre tracks went left at a T where we should go right. At that point I realised that we were in front, but had to push as he would figure it out and be chasing hard! Me and Koos got to the finnish together, and had a short liason to the hotel.
Bikes was serviced and rehydration started! A few guys, whos names will not be mentioned (Bill, Charl and Petrus) came in quite late, but they made it. Unfortunately Jethro got caught up in a peice of fence, was thrown off his bike and injured his ankle. Alex RG had a issue with his shock and also was out of the rac.... sorry meant adventure
Days 3 and 4 to follow
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Post by: Rokie on October 11, 2017, 01:03:02 pm
(and thanks for a great fund raiser :thumleft:)
Post by: BlueBull2007 on October 13, 2017, 05:40:56 am
Post by: WDT on October 17, 2017, 05:03:58 pm
Pic of my bike just before Badlands
I had fuel coming out of the rear tanks breather which anded up on my bum. End result was nice chemichal burn and a very tender bum for the start of day 3!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171017/0c81a0d991d7bac0a90901df716cf83d.jpg)
We set off that morning on nice fast sand routes, which turned into rocky passes and mountains, not my favorite. Donovan was in the lead most of the time, with me behind him. We didnt know at the time but Koos had ICO and nav issues again and was back in the field.
I had a small stupid crash while turning around after overshooting a turnoff and was hurting again. My batteries was flat for the last section before the refuel in Alexander bay.
Koos cauaght up with me and Donovan at the refuel, and they set off, me a little while after. The final section of the day was the same as day 4 of ast years Amageza, not to tricky, except for one turnoff outside Eksteensfontein (I think). My trip was not 100% on the book and I turned off about 200m early, saw it was wrong, went back took another road, which ended up on the same big gravel raod. The DZ for that section was 100km/h, and although the cap was not 100%, I decided to push on. My reasoning was that the river was North and i was going east and Fioolsdrift was next to the river I would eventually get there. Apparently not. That was about the same reasoning Jacques, Petrus, Carl nad Bill had!
The road got smaller, later going around a security gate and then just about vanished in some pretty remote mountains nad river beds. After going more than 20 kms I decided to take my medicine and go back. Eventually finding the correct route and had a rather uneventful ride to Vioolsdrift and the end of the special.
From there it was a tar liason of about 120 clicks.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171017/143f8a5e0ba4289bb38de9457b98f6e0.jpg)
The other 4 guys decided to push through, eventually finding a way across some mountains in the dark and got to Vioolsdrift, only arriving at Springbok after 10 o clock! They were quite upbeat after their adventure!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171017/2898a6acf9dc3e1595c0da239f8dbc61.jpg)
Me giving Alex RG some intensive hands on maintenance training
Day 4
We started with the same liason as the previus day, with the special starting a few ks before Vioolsdrift. We set off in a type of reverse order, to try and bunch up the finish. Me and Donovna started last, with Alex sweeping as usual. The pace was high and we started carching up with some guys. Thomas and Chris fell in behind us and we made short work of the special, arriving in Pofadder before noon. Only a liason of about 250km left, luckily most of it was gravel! We arrived in Upington just before 15:00, had a few beers and a small ceremony.
As I have mentioned this was not a race, just a trip loosely held under rally rules, meaning you had liasons with speed zones, special sections etc. I am not someone that like bike tours, think this will be as close to a tour for me for the foreseeable future
Thanks to Alex and all of the volunteers it was brilliant, and thanks to all the other participants, truly enjoed your company!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171017/da2ee459e4c28dc66a11de9a8bfa9736.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171017/9e530f08dadc2c395af2f5c01cc9a935.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171017/52af56d9cc421a877806c71176e0603a.jpg)
Me and the man Donovan
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Post by: WDT on October 17, 2017, 05:06:04 pm
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Post by: Cdp13 on October 17, 2017, 05:36:34 pm
I forgot to mention, the shitty photos is Sean Kriel and the nice ones is Lie-Ann (Oakpics), thanks!
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:laughing4: :laughing4: Mooi report was lekker om nou weer trip te herleef
Post by: WDT on October 17, 2017, 05:39:36 pm
The Thursday after Badlands I was on my way to the Tankwa 500, a 3 day race with a rally class included. We were a few guys from Upington (not the usual suspects) that entered.
Day1 consisted of a prologue as well as a short river section. The Prologue started out OK for me, only to stuff it up completely near the end. We only had a gps track for the prologue, and mine kept switching off, so me and Izak Mans got lost completely, doing a section of the next days route. His reasoning was who better to follow than a guy on a rally bike thats suppose to know what he is doing!!! Sorry Izak
The stages timing got neutralised there were a lot of confusion among the riders.
The afternoons river section didnt go a whole lot better. I started of at the back end of the field, as they used the times of the prologue only for starting positions. In the dust and overtaking I managed to miss a clipper and got a 30min penalty, well done...
Day 2 was about 270km, which the locals and race organisers described as nice and fast. I beg to differ.. Pushing your bike down a mountain ober bolders is not fast
. I am not good in the rocks, and the day was rather tough for me. I think I ended up second in the rally class,with Martin Lourens kicking my ass completely!The last day was shorter, about 100ks, with revir beds, mountains and some nice tracks. The previous evening I got some suspension tips for the rocks, which paid dividends. I had a much better day on the bike and felt that I could ride aggressively. Martin had some bike issues which cost hima massive amount of time, which made the end result quite close, he beat me by 3 mins on the clock, but it was much more considering his brake down!
We all had a ball, with now major incidents, apart for some small crashes and broken wheels.
Thanks again to Clive and his team for a great event, Ican highly recommend it to anyone!
Photos to follow, i am looking for a teenager to help me
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Post by: BlueBull2007 on October 18, 2017, 08:21:42 am
Loving these reports Willem, thank you so much for your labour of love. :thumleft:
So its just over 2 months to go. How do you feel? You certainly have been riding a lot. Great you are getting good practice in the rocks, some Dakar stages are only rocks and rocks hiding under fesh fesh. The sand in Peru is also different to that in South Africa. A bit finer. In some ways easier, in others not.
What are you plans going forward?
Please shout if you need any local help. A few basic phrases on a piece of paper will be useful etc. that kind of thing.
Post by: gser on October 18, 2017, 10:02:03 am
only about two months to go for your departure . . .
Sterkte Willem . .
Post by: WDT on October 18, 2017, 10:17:02 am
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Post by: WDT on November 02, 2017, 05:07:03 pm
Here are a few fotos of the bike i will be riding at Dakar being prepped. Bike only did 5 or so days, so just about brand new! Only thing that wil change is the roadbook. Ive used an Aurora roadbook for some time now, and Dimitris offered to give me one for Dakar!
Look closely, see if you can spot the best part
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171102/3d84ea60d6778dc15ae21866ce47056c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171102/8c168d028dc0e698580b6dcfd0c8daf7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171102/e96b860b6d3a8ace21176fe6b3960511.jpg)Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: seankriel on November 02, 2017, 05:54:19 pm
Look closely, see if you can spot the best part
Nice Bike!! Best part the hole bike? lol...
Post by: Crossed-up on November 02, 2017, 06:13:55 pm
Post by: Crossed-up on November 02, 2017, 06:16:13 pm
Post by: WDT on November 02, 2017, 06:16:29 pm
It must be that miniature blue brush and pan hanging from the nav tower. Tremendously thoughtful, these guys.Hahaha, look a bit lower
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Post by: WDT on November 02, 2017, 06:17:37 pm
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Post by: WDT on November 02, 2017, 06:25:30 pm
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Post by: Crossed-up on November 02, 2017, 06:57:02 pm
But, then, you'll do them justice.
Post by: AlexRG on November 02, 2017, 07:06:22 pm
Post by: Bill the Bong on November 02, 2017, 08:18:43 pm
Post by: Kamanya on November 03, 2017, 07:53:25 am
Post by: WDT on November 03, 2017, 08:38:59 am
What was the story that was behind that bike getting a set?Nothing really, just a few Euros and asking nicely ;D
Post by: BlueBull2007 on November 03, 2017, 03:18:29 pm
It must be that miniature blue brush and pan hanging from the nav tower. Tremendously thoughtful, these guys.
:laughing4: :laughing4: John.
Seriously though that bike is a real beaut, and its is gonna fly. :drif: So excited for you WDT!!
Post by: WDT on November 09, 2017, 05:26:42 pm
The support part is finished, so lets look at training.
Please keep in mind that training is a very personal subject which might very according to your skill level, fitness level and available time, so this what I did.
My training started mid January and at that point i was not very fit, okay I was completely unfit. Even during the 2016 Amageza it was bad, which maybe helped me in a way. I had to ride at a very steady controlled pace, which helped me minimize mistakes. My season racing cross country cars didn't help either. You work on the car for 3 weeks, drink bear during that time, go out and test the car the weekend before a race, go race and repeat.
Back to the point...
I started my training with Gavin Mocke at M Fitness in January, and the first month or 2 we gradually improved my fitness (cardio work) and core strength. Usually I have 4 sessions during the week. Most weekends I practised with my off road bike on a wooped out sand track we have here in Upington. I have a video clip on my Facebook page of that. Real good workout that! A few laps at more than 170bpm heart rate and you are cooked!
During the second phase we started working on strength training, especially leg strength, but also upper body, back and core.
On the riding side I got my rally bike in May if I remember correctly, and started doing a lot more riding on that, getting to know the bike. As I have mentioned earlier in the thread me and Hentie did the national off road season and let me tell you, the best way to get faster is to race. Especially against proper fast guys. Its a real eye opener to see what is possible, you think you are OK till you see the likes of Ross Branch and even Bollie van Rooyen int he senior class race.
Speaking of racing, you have to keep a fine ballance between racing, and keeping safe. You cannot go flatout and risk crashing. You have to keep the bigger picture in mind. I got a lot of flack from certain people who I will not mention (AlexRG in particular
) about racing, but you have to do what you feel comfortable with and at a pace you can safely manage. That on its own is a valuable skill to have in the Dakar, I think...I did a few local races on the rally bike, again, you really learn to ride a bike when it is in a race scenario. The last national race I also went with the rally bike, and by that time I was very comfortable on the bike and even managed to pass a few guys.
In August I planned to really up the training, but just as i got into it Ihad a crash, broke a rib and ended up not doing a single training session for 5 weeks or so. I did race the Badlands and the Tankwa 500 during that time, so at least I got some training in.
When i got back to training after that period, Gavin had to be patient, as some exercises were still not possible.
I have a bit of a love hate relationship with cycling, I promised myself after the Cape Epic in 2015 I will never be seen again on a bicycle in my life! that is the reason I did not do a lot of cycling during the first part of my preparation as I knew the chances of me losing interest was to great. I only started after the Tankwa, and I have to say up till now I still enjoy it!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/d469a836cb377f2e4fe840070fd4a1c7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/a0264ac419a1ac38a803d4b2094cabff.jpg)
I got a few audio books that I listen to while riding, which makes the time go by much quicker!
At this point in time my weekly program looks something like this:
Monday - Gym training - upper body
Tuesday - gym - cardio and core
Wednesday MTB around 50km or 2 and half hours
Thursday gym -Legs and balance
Friday gym - usually some kind of cardio workout like in this picture
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/2f5cc1acc0a7100eccb4a6935dafe5ba.jpg)
Saturday mtb 80km plus
Sunday - training on the rally bike
As you can see I dont do a lot of bike riding anymore. At this point the reward vs the risk is not worth it to do races or hectic rides. Me and Donovan plan a dune training session and I will probably do a few long rides in the coming weekends. I wont be doing "liason" training as I feel it is just as good to do a 5 hour bicycle ride, with fewer risk of injury and the added bonus of good fitness training.
So thats it! I worked hard on fitness and strength, not as hard on bike riding and skills, and could have done much more in the way of diet!
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Post by: Andy660 on November 10, 2017, 06:14:13 am
Post by: BlueBull2007 on November 11, 2017, 06:09:43 pm
Dakar liassons are really wearing on the body because they are so long. I think it is hard to train for these but if you are fit they should be no issue. Take a couple of audio books for them! :deal:
Post by: XT JOE on November 28, 2017, 10:07:01 am
Looking Good Willem !
ditto --min dae now
:thumleft:
Post by: Kenisis on December 08, 2017, 01:48:44 pm
Not sure this helps but a lot of the pros stop training 3weeks prior to the Dakar. That way they get fit and stronger as the rally goes on without burning themselves out.
Post by: BlueBull2007 on December 08, 2017, 04:55:25 pm
I heard they stop riding but still train heavily up to the last 5-7 days before the race.
Post by: Kenisis on December 08, 2017, 09:42:55 pm
Kenisis! :wave:
I heard they stop riding but still train heavily up to the last 5-7 days before the race.
Hey B.B.!
I suppose there are many schools of thought on this subject. Two of the top riders I know cannot sit still for 2seconds so they are flat out all the way.
My main concern would be overdoing things prior to the start, so would try and keep calm before the storm so to speak!
Post by: BlueBull2007 on December 28, 2017, 07:10:17 pm
Im guess WDT is getting very busy right about now...
Good luck ou maat, ons is met jou die hele pad.
Post by: gser on December 29, 2017, 10:22:51 am
. . . MIN DAE . . .
Post by: DEE 1150 on December 29, 2017, 10:30:37 am
Post by: Mooch on December 30, 2017, 05:14:08 pm
Post by: BiG DoM on December 30, 2017, 08:05:55 pm
Post by: Would I? on December 30, 2017, 09:20:05 pm
Post by: saklx650c on January 01, 2018, 08:27:04 pm
Post by: landieman on January 02, 2018, 06:05:32 am
Post by: Rokie on January 23, 2018, 08:44:34 am
Post by: Mooch on January 23, 2018, 09:26:53 am
Post by: gser on January 23, 2018, 12:15:47 pm
Sy se dat jy mooi gejaag het !
WILLEM !
Post by: Snafu on January 23, 2018, 12:38:40 pm
Post by: BlueBull2007 on January 30, 2018, 07:23:33 pm
You always write so well. :sip:
Post by: WDT on January 31, 2018, 10:11:57 am
Quick word to say thanks for all the support, you wont beleive how much it actually means to me!
I will most definately do a write up, with pics, as soon as possible. At the moment I battle a bit to get up to date at work.
Cheers!!
Post by: SteveD on January 31, 2018, 12:03:14 pm