Africa N/S in Two years time - all tips welcome

[ashmax]

Guys

My brother and I are 19 and 22 respectively - he has been riding for 3 years and I am just learning at the minute but had 2/3 years off road experience when I was younger and I'm worried (or possibly just need reassuring) about

-How hard Saharan riding is
-What routes are best depending on experience - challenge desired etc
-A general list of do's a donts

As I say we aren't going for another two years so I need a starting point, have been browsing the HUBB like mad hoovering up all sorts of info and am keen for more, have watched the How to Ride the world DVD Twice by the lovely Grant and Susan and am halfway through reading what I now gather is somewhat of a bible - Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

Have read Jonny Bealby's Riding with the moon, Ted Simon's Jupiter's Travels, watched Long Way Round Countless times and am keeping up with the Long Way Down on the bbc website (Dont think I'm naive by thinking our trip will be ANYTHING like Ewan and charlie's - I may be young but I'm not thick!). As I say I'm hoovering as much as physically can up (Whilst trying to complete a Masters in Engineering ) so any additons would be welcome!!

Look forward to seeing what this post generates..........

Cheers

Ash

P.S We're planning on using XT660s for the trip, yes we know the surging and tank size issues so open to suggestions on those as well.........

[backofbeyond]

I'd add CS's book Sahara Overland to the list. I'd also suggest you come to the HU meeting next year and talk to as many people as you can find.

As you've got some time a few trial runs might be in order. Morocco is probably a good place to start - you'll get an introduction to the desert and to culture shock

[Explorer1114]

Hey, well im going to Africa in two years too (september 2009 is when i will be arriving). What route are you going do you think? maybe we'll run into each other, haha. And for the record even though i've read and watched as much as you im still pretty nervous too, it's not just you.

[Chris of Motocross Africa]

About to leave on an Africa trip, so my website might be of use (and maybe more so when I'm back!)

Chris