Author Topic: Swazi Hardcore adventure (Read 6333 times)

Noneking · « **on:** July 23, 2018, 06:13:58 am »

Still on a high after our Kaokoland trip in June, I didn't think that there would be any riding to match that experience in my near future............ Boy was I wrong!

Noneking · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2018, 06:38:52 am »

Doing a Swazi Hardcore trip with @Just Blip It! has been on my to do list for quite some time, but the stars never aligned and I was always missing out on the next trip. In the days leading up to the trip, I started getting a bit nervous as these Swazi Hardcore trips are known for the challenging terrain that @Just Blip It has a knack for finding on Google Earth.

My Husky still has mousses fitted, so Saay picked me up on the morning of the first day and we trailered to a farm not far from meeting point near Malelane.

The Husky and Saay's Custard slice/Police Van ready to be off loaded

Noneking · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2018, 06:45:14 am »

Straight out of the blocks, the Husky was up to it's old tricks and did not want to start. My heart sank..... It had started easily the night before and I rode it to the gate of our estate not more than an hour earlier........ Saay hooked me up with a tow rope and the Husky came to life.

We rode the 2 or 3 kms to the meeting point.....

Introduced ourselves to the riders we did not know and after a quick coffee, @Just Blip It! lead the way towards Mananga border post.

Kerritz · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2018, 06:49:19 am »

Nog nie eens jou Nam trip klaar gelees nie.....nou begin jy alweer.

Noneking · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2018, 08:07:03 am »

Awesome bunch of guys on this trip.

From left to right:
Johan, Gerald, Saay, Me (Canz), Colin, Henry and Lee

And don't forget about @Just Blip It! Mark, pictured here with Henry.

ClemS · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2018, 08:08:41 am »

Noneking · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2018, 08:17:18 am »

Fast gravel for the first few km before we get onto the cattle tracks.

Gerald's MotoZ rear and heavy duty tube worth their weight in gold.

Noneking · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2018, 08:25:45 am »

Soon after the border crossing, the riding becomes interesting......

First up is an intimidating climb with whoops on the way up.

Mark getting stuck at the top.

Gerald styling it up the climb

Henry going up

Noneking · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2018, 08:26:27 am »

Colin going up on the 990R

Noneking · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:03:54 am »

Noneking · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:06:55 am »

Snack break

chopperpilot · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:18:36 am »

I have done 8 of these Swazi Hard Core Rides over the past years.

4 Of them on my DR 650 SE and another 4 on my Husky 610 TE.

This is not for the faint at heart, but due to the constantly changing and challenging terrain, these rides are the best medicine to up your skills!

Only drawback of these rides is the constant pushing/pulling/riding of heavy 990/1190s of fellow riders! Ok, the "cheat" bikes do need a slight push/pull at times!

Awesome accommodation, food and kuier, awaits one at the end of each grueling day!

Keep it coming Canzius!

Noneking · « **Reply #12 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:26:38 am »

Noneking · « **Reply #13 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:30:01 am »

Quote from: chopperpilot on July 23, 2018, 09:18:36 am

I have done 8 of these Swazi Hard Core Rides over the past years.

4 Of them on my DR 650 SE and another 4 on my Husky 610 TE.

This is not for the faint at heart, but due to the constantly changing and challenging terrain, these rides are the best medicine to up your skills!

Only drawback of these rides is the constant pushing/pulling/riding of heavy 990/1190s of fellow riders! Ok, the "cheat" bikes do need a slight push/pull at times!

Awesome accommodation, food and kuier, awaits one at the end of each grueling day!

Keep it coming Canzius!

I've never been as scared of and intimidated by riding terrain as I was on this ride. At times felt very silly as even with the cheat bike, my skill level was tested to the limit!

Noneking · « **Reply #14 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:32:27 am »

Lunch break at a local fine dining venue..... The best Beef stew and pap I've had in my life.....and all for R20!

Noneking · « **Reply #15 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:33:25 am »

m0lt3n · « **Reply #16 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:39:23 am »

still want to do one of these as well....

Cant make up my mind if I want to be 'the guy' needing the pushing and pulling on the 1190 though

chopperpilot · « **Reply #17 on:** July 23, 2018, 09:43:14 am »

Quote from: m0lt3n on July 23, 2018, 09:39:23 am

still want to do one of these as well....

Cant make up my mind if I want to be 'the guy' needing the pushing and pulling on the 1190 though

If you are young, strong, fit and skilled...you'll be fine!

Even "Road Captain - Just Blip It", needs a pull/push at times, understanding, as he is on a 990!!

Noneking · « **Reply #18 on:** July 23, 2018, 10:45:07 am »

First of many water crossings

@Just Blip It! captured the action......

Noneking · « **Reply #19 on:** July 23, 2018, 10:47:41 am »

Quote from: m0lt3n on July 23, 2018, 09:39:23 am

still want to do one of these as well....

Cant make up my mind if I want to be 'the guy' needing the pushing and pulling on the 1190 though

Everyone needs help on these trips. I think with exception of Johan , we had to push, pull and pick up all the bikes at some point