London to Cape Town (Feb '09)
 

I'd like to buddy-up with one or two intrepid bikers--male or not--to travel from London to Cape Town via East Africa between Nov 08 and Feb 09. Man, this is so exciting :clap:.

My timeframe allows for a leisurely 4-5 months to sunny Cape Town on a reliable XT600E.

After the Cape, I'm flying to Perth to hoon around 1/2 of Oz...final destination Melbourne.

I'm in Guildford, Surrey and near Ipswich, Suffolk.

Let's get talking...

:D

discoenduro@googlemail.com

did this trip in reverse ( well I did cape town to Tel Aviv) last july.
PM me if you need any advice on the route

5 eyes: what happened to your 6th? I reckon you need all of em for an African trip.

What advice can you give?

Navigation: I've bought a zumo 550 but i'll be damned if i can transfer a downloaded .gpx file of waypoints using POI Loader from my computer, running Vista Home Basic, to the zumo. I mean, it transfers to the zumo but it's 'invisible' when i go into 'Extras'. Maybe you know what i mean, maybe you don't.

Spares: I'm getting the XT built up with uprated front and rear springs. And have enough spare parts like full gasket set, starter relay, ballast, bulbs, cables, fuses. Question on chain: I've bought a DID Premium Gold 520 chain: i'm hoping to disgard the chain splitter/riveter (because of weight) and rely on the chain for the entire trip. Good/bad idea?

Lighting: HID xenon front light from "HIDS4U"

Horn: if it'll fit, ACUMEN 133db horn to scare even camel carcasses off my line

Medical: water purifier, sterile kit

Luggage: have gone for Andy Strapz canvas.

Bike security: have an Oxford Nemesis 16mm, but due to its weight, am taking a 12mm Monster...still a heavy bugger.

Tyres: TKC80s front and rear, with Desert rear and TKC80 front strapped on as spares. 2 spare 4mm HD tubes for front/rear.

Fuel: No worries: 40 litre steel tank with dual inline fuel filters. Two spare Iridium spark plugs with Spitfire multi spark to reduce vapour lock and improve economy.

Exhaust: Laser Proenduro.

Biggest issue for me, unless you disagree, is my lack of experience with off roading, African customs and navigation. Plus I've got a strained latimuss dorsi and groin. I'm in training at Aldershot garrison gym, starting a martial art, and attending a 2 day bmw off-road course in June.

Can you help, mate?

P.S. I might be over in Cork area this year, as i've promised the ancestors a visit :)

howzit disco i could be up for a trip around that time.ive just brought a honda africa twin and planning a mission home(NZ).have a couple of things in mind but am open to suggestions.thought about london to oz via the middle east??through iran,india etc.what countrys did you have in mind?

Hey Cam,
I'm revved up about the Long Way Down route. Although Plan B is to avoid Tunisia and Libya and go through the Balkans, through Turkey, Syria, Jordan and by ferry to Egypt to avoid Israel and the dreaded Israeli visa stamp in the passport. The people and the geography of Africa, especially down the east side, have grabbed me. Libya and Egypt appear the biggest bureaucratic hurdles. Personally, I want the challenge of some off-road, so the route you're suggesting through Iran, Pakistan, India is less appealing.

I'm just back from Auckland, working for Middlemore Hospital. Pretty place. Good roads for motorbiking hey:mchappy:

good stuff disco that sounds like a epic trip,im not sure what my plans are yet ive got the steel horse but need to get some £££ in the bank before i can do anything.who knows i might catch ya up somewhere along the way.do you work in hospitals mate,ive been in loads of hospitals in london usally testing drugs,good money but!ill keep an eye on your posts if i do iran,pak etc ill let u know im keen to get to jordan and check out the petra.
take it easy:gun_bandana:

I'm a therapist and work in hospitals and the community...depends on the role.
If we're likely to cross paths, it'd be good to meet ya.
Take it easy Cam

I'm beginning to realise the value of being able to sit down with a couple of other guys and plan this trip:helpsmilie:.

If anyone else is serious about a trip from London to Melbourne via the Middle East and east Africa, or at least a substantial part of it, like to South Africa, please get in touch.

Adios amigos,
Disco