So, in the last pic, previous post, I dropped whatever I could right there, 2l of petrol and some clothing and such in an attempt to make the bike as light as possible.
We then set off on that assent on the left of the photo. It was a fairly difficult climb. One of those where you just keep momentum and amaze yourself at what the bike can take and do. Got to the top with a nice adrenaline rush and found the rocks as in the first pic in current update. Problem is that this little climb was just a starter as to what was coming and we completely misjudged it. Expecting the same if you were to continue. We were on top, thinking that we have time and could just as well tick this pass of as done.
If Tracks for Africa state a road unrideable and dangerous. Listen! If there is some rocks stacked with words 'TURN BACK". Heed the warning!
So we went on, and it did not take long to realize we are making shit for ourselves. I had my first off, took a pic and continued. Next time I am taking some testosterone suppressant before a trip, we really should have stopped there, but the reasoning was- how much worse can it get- turn around now and we had failed. SO we continued. And this tough time we had was on the descent. We took our helmets of and left them there so we could cool off better. still descending. I will add some videos later....
The helmets would end up being a good checkpoint later with the assent again.
After the worse of the descent was done, we had a quick check on our situation. We did not have a lot of petrol left, but the biggest risk was our low stocks of water. So we looked at the GPS and saw the river at the end of the one-way aptly called The road to hell. We went on, descent done but we found a new challenge. Suddenly there was thick sand, but a lot worse than previous sand we had on the trip and it was hard work. Coupled with this was some big rock step ups inbetween all the sand so you could not just gun it and get up to speed. It got worse until eventually the riverbed was overgrown and we had to stop. From there it was an almost 2km walk to get water while the extend of our predicament started to sink in.
We walked in our riding boots in thick sand to have a quick swim and collect whatever water we could carry. Praying for no sickness as we did not have any purification tablets or any such things. We could only carry about 7l of water between the two of us so that was also not much. Especially as Philip had started getting cramps. And once you start, there is not much that will help. Fortunately I was okay, using a combo in my bladder coming from the swazi riders gang, Rehidate+slowmag+berocca. Works like a bomb but was to late now to save Philip, although I do think it helped.
Back at the bikes we had a hard time in the sand, guessing the sand got looser as the day got hotter. Eventually we started the climb back up. Taking turns with the bikes. First pushing one and then the other. Hard work and we had a lot of resting to do as Philips arms also started cramping while his legs was in bad shape. I was also tired but could continue. It was starting to get dark and we had long discussions on how to get help, leaving the bikes there and walking out. But that would not have helped as we have not seen any people in the last 30km. And 30km is a long way to go without water. We had to help ourselves, while running out of water and petrol.
As the sun started to go down we decided to leave the 950, transfer the petrol from it to my 1190 and focus on getting it out. we never got into any rythm but the process was rocking the bike twice and then gunning it as the other one was pushing for all he is worth. Slow progress and we were happy with every 2metres gained. We were both extremely tired and was very happy to eventually got to the helmets next to the road.
We continued pushing and reached the top at around 11:30pm. knackered, But getting to the top was a HUGE relief. But waiting here or recovering would not help, we had a quick discussion on whether Philip should pillion and we go spend the night somewhere and get the bikes the next afternoon or not. Fortunately we decided against this, I had a very hard time to get to Vioolsdrift. It was an additional 40km of the Namakwa 4x4 route and then 20km tar to the border post. The sand was tougher on this stretch than the previous, I think the guys at the border post nearly called an ambulance, my eyes was red and I ws a deadman walking. Anyhow. I got my passport stamped and filled up on the Namibia side, also bought about 10l of water and started the route back after a 10min break to eat some hiking snacks for energy.
The road back was intense. I had an additional 20kg on the back which was not there previously and I was beyond tired. Had about 2 offs in the sand with it taking a lot of effort to pick up the loaded bike. But eventually I made it, stopped before the initial assent to get my extra and warm clothes for the cold night ahead and did the first tough stretch to the top as in the first picture. Got to the top and found the clothes fell of the bike. Depressing stuff, I walked back down to get it. Philip was not there, having walked back to his bike to get warm clothes. I slept right there for 1.5hrs next to those signed rocks, very cold.
With the sun coming up I walked down with the petrol and water and we started the recovery of the 950. Its the lighter bike with philip a more aggressive rider so it was easier to get out. We were done at around 8am. Very relieved. This was truely a close call and one of the worse decisions we had ever made. I think it is a big achievement and I am not proud of it at all. Think of me as cured of any intense adventure thoughts in future.
in the pictures:
Picture with my distorted face on the 1190 at an incline, that is the actual incline, I was thrown off track and ended up like that. Had loads of such moments.
The bag with the 950 in the background. that smooth spot next to the backpack was Philips bed for the night.
my orange shirt = actually a GS trophy shirt! Hahahaha
Topic: Namakwa 4x4 and the Road to hell! Some things should not be done (Read 5115 times)