Author Topic: Northern Namibia with my brother......and a few other clowns (Read 49792 times)

Noneking · « **Reply #61 on:** June 17, 2018, 08:25:52 pm »

We arrived at Palmwag and after a refuel started setting up camp.

We had a few beers at the bar, a lovely meal prepared by the ladies of the Specialised Adventures team and then went to bed for a well deserved rest.......but nobody informed the mozzies..

Dwerg · « **Reply #62 on:** June 17, 2018, 08:33:20 pm »

I rode the last 100 odd kms to Palmwag in 5km sections with the bike coughing a complaining all the way. Really frustrating to travel all the way there just to have bike issues on day two. I was seriously considering setting it on fire

Tom van Brits · « **Reply #63 on:** June 17, 2018, 08:36:26 pm »

Great RR - Stunning photography as well

Jaakmh · « **Reply #64 on:** June 17, 2018, 08:41:35 pm »

Sub

Bring die res! Lekker storie en goeie fotos

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dwerg · « **Reply #65 on:** June 17, 2018, 08:51:09 pm »

Quote from: Dwerg on June 17, 2018, 08:33:20 pm

I rode the last 100 odd kms to Palmwag in 5km sections with the bike coughing a complaining all the way. Really frustrating to travel all the way there just to have bike issues on day two. I was seriously considering setting it on fire

I lifted the long range tank in the dark that night and shook a spanner and my head torch at a few parts on the bike and hoped for the best. I’m mechanically inept and was suprised that I managed to get everything back together again. Being a new bike that was only in my posession for one day before being shipped to Nam, I also couldn’t put together a decent tool kit for it

Operator · « **Reply #66 on:** June 17, 2018, 08:59:34 pm »

Noneking · « **Reply #67 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:27:01 pm »

DAY 3 - PALMWAG TO OPUWO

Got up quite early after not sleeping well at all. After the morning routine of breakfast, packing up camp and kitting up, I reinstalled the fuse on my GPS and then we were off. We returned to fuel station to fill up the Safari tank on the 450 so that Dwerg could sponsor some fuel when I ran out and avoid having to wait for fuel from the Specialised Team.

The scenery was spectacular from the word go as we travelled along the C43 towards Opuwa

Noneking · « **Reply #68 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:29:43 pm »

Zebras crossing

Noneking · « **Reply #69 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:34:20 pm »

Barry sped past us and it was not long after that we found him in a rocky riverbed which caught him by surprise........ He was unable to pick up the bike and was in a fair amount of discomfort with what felt like a strain to his groin. We picked up his bike and tried to get it running, but no luck. Barry was happy to wait for backup vehicle and encouraged us to continue. Between the two of us, Dwerg and I would struggle to change a light bulb, so we tried the basics and made sure he was ok before hitting the gravel again.

Noneking · « **Reply #70 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:38:52 pm »

We stopped at the first turnoff to Opuwo, which Hardy warned us not to take and decided to wait around for the rest before we continued. @trevo was first to arrive and we had a good chuckle at all his jokes.

Noneking · « **Reply #71 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:43:21 pm »

Eventually turned right towards Opuwa and stopped to take a pic of this monster.

Noneking · « **Reply #72 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:45:10 pm »

Riding was sublime and the 450 was actually running well.......for now

Noneking · « **Reply #73 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:48:06 pm »

Shortly after this stop, I ran out of fuel and we started the draining fuel from the Safari Tank into an empty long life milk container and then into the 501. We completed this process several time until we had put about 3,5l into the Husky. I estimated that this would be enough to get me to ~~Epupa.~~ make that Opuwo....

Noneking · « **Reply #74 on:** June 17, 2018, 10:01:41 pm »

Beautiful riding from here. We were now in the groove and carried good pace. I regret not stopping to take photos of the baobabs though.

Hardy warned us not to fill up in Opowu when we arrived as it would be a madhouse and very unpleasent experience. Unfortunately I ran out of fuel as we rode into Opowu and had to push my bike about 750 m to get fuel at the PUMA station. It took approximately 15 minutes of waiting at the pumps before we were helped by an attendant who spoke perfect Afrikaans.

@trevo passed us when we took photos of the lizard and was already having a cold one when we arrived at the lodge. Everyone hopped onto the free wifi and checked in with family at home. I wondered whether it would be frowned upon if we were to take a room instead of camping......

Dwerg · « **Reply #75 on:** June 17, 2018, 10:11:02 pm »

By this time I also figured out that carrying slops and a short in my backpack is a must. Very nice to be able to get all the kit off after a long days ride while waiting for riders and support team to reach camp

Dwerg · « **Reply #76 on:** June 17, 2018, 10:14:12 pm »

The G450 ran perfectly the whole day and by now I was completely confused as to what the problem could have been but for now the spanner shaking and cursing seemed to have cleared up the issue

Noneking · « **Reply #77 on:** June 17, 2018, 10:15:06 pm »

Quote from: Dwerg on June 17, 2018, 10:11:02 pm

By this time I also figured out that carrying slops and a short in my backpack is a must. Very nice to be able to get all the kit off after a long days ride while waiting for riders and support team to reach camp

Took me a bit longer...... much longer to be honest.

Noneking · « **Reply #78 on:** June 17, 2018, 10:19:59 pm »

My spot for the night

By this time Trevor and Hannes were sharing a tent as they were in no mood to deal with mozzies al night long. I was just too lazy to pitch a tent every night......

Our last night in "civilisation". Everyone trying to charge phones before we head of into the unknown.

Back at the lodge for sundowners. Some of the guys strike up a conversation with a group of fellow Saffers on a 4x4 trip.

ChrisL - DUSTRIDERS · « **Reply #79 on:** June 17, 2018, 10:36:06 pm »

Quite a built up boot Hennie has on his right foot. Polio as kid perhaps?