Author Topic: Biker kidnapped - end of a travelling era in Africa?- Resolved (Read 34902 times)

Brewed_Coffee · « **Reply #160 on:** July 07, 2018, 05:22:37 pm »

Quote from: RobC on December 31, 2017, 01:19:58 pm

Quote from: Fudge on December 31, 2017, 01:17:03 pm
Religious fundamentalism is evil, regardless of the doctrine is based on.
There you go... generalising again instead of focusing on the evil of islam as a doctrine to dominate the world.
Once you are able to distinguish the fact that it is not a religion but a doctrine you become enlightend and reach Nirvana...

…. and the "other side" will see Christianity in the same light. Looking back in history the Christian church (as we know it today), partook in executions themselves …..

I agree with the notion that fundamentalism is evil - in whatever form

Fransw · « **Reply #161 on:** July 07, 2018, 05:51:48 pm »

What bike did he ride when he got kidnapped?

Fransw · « **Reply #162 on:** July 07, 2018, 06:07:13 pm »

Golden rule number One! Never travel on a bling bling bike up in Africa! Big bikes like the GS, AT, etc attracts to much attention and you are looking for trouble...Fact!

eberhard · « **Reply #163 on:** July 07, 2018, 06:51:55 pm »

Quote from: Fransw on July 07, 2018, 06:07:13 pm

Golden rule number One! Never travel on a bling bling bike up in Africa! Big bikes like the GS, AT, etc attracts to much attention and you are looking for trouble...Fact!

That is one of the reasons, besides reliability, resilience and repairability, why I travel in Africa on big bikes that are 40 to 50 year old. Never found one local showing a bit of commercial interest. A lot of them are awestruck. They are not that thick, they can identify an old machine when they see one and they can immediately figure out that it is not going to move on the black (no pun intended) market. They admire it, comment on it and keep their distances.

Besides, on those bling bling bikes they may think that you are part of a big, corporately sponsored, Hollywoodish set-up with lots and lots of dollars behind you and eager producers with a deadline angstfully waiting to get you back onto the production stage.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay low keyed, under the radar. Not only your bike, but also your latest designer clothes and electronic, satelite operated equipment, ray-ban Tom Cruise pilot sunglasses, etc. Loose it. Yet, if you are the only uncircumcised male in a 1000km radius, it can be problematic.

Fransw · « **Reply #164 on:** July 07, 2018, 07:19:16 pm »

Quote from: eberhard on July 07, 2018, 06:51:55 pm

Quote from: Fransw on July 07, 2018, 06:07:13 pm
Golden rule number One! Never travel on a bling bling bike up in Africa! Big bikes like the GS, AT, etc attracts to much attention and you are looking for trouble...Fact!

That is one of the reasons, besides reliability, resilience and repairability, why I travel in Africa on big bikes that are 40 to 50 year old. Never found one local showing a bit of commercial interest. A lot of them are awestruck. They are not that thick, they can identify an old machine when they see one and they can immediately figure out that it is not going to move on the black (no pun intended) market. They admire it, comment on it and keep their distances.

Besides, on those bling bling bikes they may think that you are part of a big, corporately sponsored, Hollywoodish set-up with lots and lots of dollars behind you and eager producers with a deadline angstfully waiting to get you back onto the production stage.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay low keyed, under the radar. Not only your bike, but also your latest designer clothes and electronic, satelite operated equipment, ray-ban Tom Cruise pilot sunglasses, etc. Loose it. Yet, if you are the only uncircumcised male in a 1000km radius, it can be problematic.

..and you have a more pleasant experience at the end of the day! Its easier to approach the guys and the roadblocks/cops leave you alone. Look at this young oke on his crf250l travelling West Africa now. Man he's having a big jol! It would have been totally different and much more stressful if he was on 800gs or AT for example..

Good philosophy!

Mikie · « **Reply #165 on:** July 09, 2018, 08:25:08 am »

Looks like an XT

Noneking · « **Reply #166 on:** October 05, 2020, 11:41:56 am »

See his book about his ordeal is being released

Six Years With Al Qaeda is Steve’s inspirational biography that uncovers the extraordinary lengths that he went through to survive; from learning French and Arabic, converting to Islam and accepting a name given to him by his captors. His is a story that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.
Pre-order your copy of Six Years With Al Qaeda and be one of the first to read Stephen’s true-life story of survival, determination and courage.

Battlestar · « **Reply #167 on:** October 05, 2020, 02:24:12 pm »

Ordered

Should be a very interesting read

Fuzzy Muzzy · « **Reply #168 on:** October 05, 2020, 03:45:39 pm »

WOW, I anticipate a movie will be following.. I cant imagine the stress over those years..

Battlestar · « **Reply #169 on:** November 19, 2020, 04:23:39 pm »

Got my copy today.

Going to save it for reading during my 2 week camping trip

Welsh · « **Reply #170 on:** November 21, 2020, 07:11:38 am »

Quote from: Fuzzy Muzzy on October 05, 2020, 03:45:39 pm

WOW, I anticipate a movie will be following.. I cant imagine the stress over those years..

He was on the radio yesterday morning, amazingly calm about it, must have had serious counciling.

BlueBull2007 · « **Reply #171 on:** November 23, 2020, 07:55:59 am »

Is he still an Islamic convert?

Mikie · « **Reply #172 on:** November 23, 2020, 08:36:32 am »

Where is the book being sold?

captain jack · « **Reply #173 on:** November 25, 2020, 02:14:46 pm »

can order it from Daily Maverick website.

Listened to their webinar with him. Really interested to read book

Noneking · « **Reply #174 on:** November 26, 2020, 12:40:18 pm »

Quote from: captain jack on November 25, 2020, 02:14:46 pm

can order it from Daily Maverick website.

Listened to their webinar with him. Really interested to read book

Also keen. Would love toe hear some reviews from guys that have read it

Battlestar · « **Reply #175 on:** November 30, 2020, 03:22:00 pm »

Will let you all know on the 5th January

captain jack · « **Reply #176 on:** December 28, 2020, 07:46:38 am »

Finished the book. It was very well written and very readable. Not much about his bike though............

Fascinating.

Highly reccommended.

Noneking · « **Reply #177 on:** December 28, 2020, 07:54:45 am »

Also finished it while on holiday. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

2StrokeDan · « **Reply #178 on:** December 29, 2020, 07:47:01 am »

Quote from: captain jack on December 28, 2020, 07:46:38 am

Finished the book. It was very well written and very readable. Not much about his bike though............

Fascinating.

Highly reccommended.

You sure you didn't read Lance Armstrong's book?

captain jack · « **Reply #179 on:** December 30, 2020, 12:00:51 pm »

Quote from: 2StrokeDan on December 29, 2020, 07:47:01 am

Quote from: captain jack on December 28, 2020, 07:46:38 am
Finished the book. It was very well written and very readable. Not much about his bike though............

Fascinating.

Highly reccommended.

You sure you didn't read Lance Armstrong's book?

read that too, but before he got all tearful and confessed all