Recent content by Musashi

Hanlon's razor comes to mind: "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."

As bikers, we are very vulnerable on the road.  There is no roll cage, airbags or any safety net.  We are exposed and there are two ways of dealing with this: 1.  Be mature about it and ride accordingly.  Give motorists their space and realise the rules and behaviour are shaped around...

My 800GS has about 25k km on he clock. About a year ago, the rear brake started fading to the point of effectively having no stopping power. The bike was serviced in December and the problem solved. Now it is starting to do it again. I suspected a problem with the brake fluid last time but...

Where do pedestrians fit in?  Somewhere I heard that they make up something like a third to half the road fatalities each year.  I doubt they get killed by hitting bikes as much as taxis/buses/cars.  So the number of car users dying might be lower than indicated in the stats. But very...

It is probably a bit late, but I also went searching for a GPS about a year ago.  I finally settled on the 76Cx, based on its ruggedness and reliability.  The extra card slot makes it possible to load Tracks4Africa alongside SA Streetmaps.  Also, I can work the buttons with my gloves on. RAM...

I can second Kalahari Rest.  Awesome place. Buffalo Bay near Knysna (Western Cape) will also allow bikes, but is usually fully booked during peak season (December/ January). It is one of the best camping spots in SA and the facilities are very good. https://www.buffalobay.co.za/ 044 383 0045

Ja, ongelukke gebeur ongelukkig.  'n Pel van my het sy fiets in Groenriviermond afgeskryf oor nuwejaar.  Hy het in die sand geval en sy enjin op 'n klip geslaan.  Net so, dit was nie eens 'n "ernstige" ongeluk nie.

For a more detailed route and topo lines, get Tracks4Africa's Eastern Cape map.  It can be routed as well (the latest maps). And enjoy!

Now that you mention it, I saw only one scooter this morning.  Nothing else.

I was also doing fine until my pannier bracket started coming apart.  Having to nurse that all the way down held me back a lot.  The pillion was not a problem.  The best will still be unladen and no pillion.  THAT will be fun!!

A great trip and awesome experience.  Thanks Tim!

I can see the day approaching when people start taking the law in their own hands... But we're drifting OT now.  Bottom line is to be extra careful these days.

To do what with?  The police couldn't care less.  Or do you know people?

+1 Still, why were bikers pulled over this morning?

I hate hearing about bikers that went down.  It hits a bit close to home. I agree, cage drivers seem to be losing it more and more.  I think it might be that time of the year: people are getting tired after a long year but a lot still needs to be done before December arrives and people are...