Namibia: An Endless Lesson in Sand Riding

[johanp]

Awesome report, thank you.

What crash bars are those and was the initial failure because of a previous fall?

[CRH]

Great RR and congrats in concurring that sand

Allan I just leave your special "brew" at home

[justaguy]

Awesome ride report , really enjoyed it !
Glad to see a few tigers were there 

[weskusklong]

What a pleasure reading this RR
We did that D707 about a month after you guys, hit that sand at around 90km/h and just kept that speed, saved us from falling.
I could never have done that sand sitting on the bike, standing up just make it so much less difficult.
Thanks for the video of that sand stretch, my Gopro was switched off when I hit the sand.
I have tried my best explaining to people about that sand, now I can show them thanks to your video.
Thanks again.

[Zanie]

What crash bars are those and was the initial failure because of a previous fall?

They are SW Motech crash bars that were made for the BMW G650 Sertao, but fits the older 650 as well. I am not sure what caused the failure. It may be due to my big fall back in 2014 (which also took out some indicators and my front brake lever), going unnoticed until this trip, or failure due to vibrations? Either way, I'm happy to keep fixing crash bars rather than replacing a R5000 radiator, which sits right behind them.

Thanks for the video of that sand stretch, my Gopro was switched off when I hit the sand.
I have tried my best explaining to people about that sand, now I can show them thanks to your video.

I'm glad you can finally show others what it looks like. It has to be seen to be believed! I am very grateful Lance had the GoPro and that he actually managed to catch my fall. Usually you just see the aftermath.

As Ian said less than a month to go, will be riding a lot of your route once again great RR   

Enjoy! It is definitely a must-do area. It also infects you with a very strong "must return" bug.

[johanp]

They are SW Motech crash bars that were made for the BMW G650 Sertao, but fits the older 650 as well. I am not sure what caused the failure. It may be due to my big fall back in 2014 (which also took out some indicators and my front brake lever), going unnoticed until this trip, or failure due to vibrations? Either way, I'm happy to keep fixing crash bars rather than replacing a R5000 radiator, which sits right behind them.

Hi

Thanks, probably from the big fall + vibration like you've mentioned but as long as they're doing their job, it's okay if you have to fix every now and again.

[schalk vd merwe]

Nice thread, respect

[Archangel]

That is an absurd amount of punctures you guys had! 

Well done, looks like a lekker trip. I really need to go back there...

[Baches]

Great RR. I live in Walvis Bay and after seeing you're route thinks its time for a southerly direction trip in the unforeseeable future. We do live in one of the most beautiful countries in Africa.

[Mother]

That is an absurd amount of punctures you guys had! 

Well done, looks like a lekker trip. I really need to go back there...

same thing crossed my mind......wonder why??..... i have been there so many times i cant remember ....same route and more......solo and in groups and only once an issue.... bent the rim and slow leak from tubeless on the front of my GS

but normally my tires are new before i do Namibia as most of the time we alone with no support

[Tonteldoos]

What a nce RR well done!

[BlueBull2007]

Well done Zanie! Its a labour of love writing a report like this and I can see you have relived the adventure by doing so.

Thanks for sharing!

Neil