England to Gambia and back. . .

[Captain GSA]

Just thought I'd share a few photos of my trip to West Africa and back.
Came off 5 times- two broken ribs and a twisted ankle later. . .
Amazing trip and really worth the pain of trying to pick up a 12GSA.
Sand god I'm not. . . If you want to see more photos or have any comments please PM me or reply below.

 

[Hew]

Good Photos
Sounds like a great adventure. I would love to see some more photos and read more of your story.

 

[seba1]

Bravo

Very nice,and of course we want some more pictures to see

 

[Jon]

Very nice,and of course we want some more pictures to see

ditto

 

[GS TRV]

ditto

+ 1

 

[Tractorpilot]

+ 1

+2

 

[Decster]

C'mon write a report with pics.

 

[xbootie]

Yeah c'mom write up a report and post some more pictures, you cannot leave us with this small taster, we want more

 

[Captain GSA]

Thanks for kind word guys, here goes- If you forgive me I'm going to do this in stages ass I have found that long reports on the forum tend to be a bit too much and I haven't the time to write a report all in one go.
This trip was way back in early November 2006 to December 30th 2006.
There were ten of us nine on bikes the tenth in a Toyota 4x4 support vehicle that followed in our wake. Although we had the support we really were on our own armed each with sat nav and waypoints we had points that we had to get to at certain times in order to meet the schedule that we had We were in groups of two or three and decided to meet at the same placce for lunch each day. One 12GSA, an Africa Twin and seven GS Dakars ( the best bike really for the sandy off road stuff) The and GSA for anything else other than the deep soft sand. We blasted through France (Dover ferry crossing) and Spain to get to Morocco via Cueto North Africa. Once we crossed the boarder 4 hours of painfull paperwork and confusion. If you are going to do this keep your numbers smaller or split the group up into two. The buzz of another continent for me was just fantastic- Africa. I then couldn't wait to go down, taste the souks, sand and eventually true black Africa. The roads in Morocco were a lot better than I thought they were going to be. Well the tarmac stuff anyway. Now the journey really starts. We had now infront of us Desert, Rocks, open plains, dry river beds and lakes. The roads will have three foot pot holes than spanned the entire carriage way and were over six feet across but that will be in another country further south. now we have to deal with beggars and wide boys selling their tour guide services.
Next episode will follow.

 

[Bert]

There were ten of us nine on bikes the tenth in a Toyota 4x4 support vehicle that followed in our wake.

That wasn't me...but it could be next time...
(shameless hijack )

 

[Mutley]

Hurrah!

Looking forward to a bit more detail and pictures now you are in Africa

How did the group get together and why were you going (apart from the obvious adventure )?

 

[Captain GSA]

We were to follow the west of the Sahara and make our way down past Dakar and cross the boarder over to The Gambia. Taking in the main sites along the way. The group was compiled of divorcees, people with relationship problems or between relationships, most with midlife crisis issues that wanted a taste of something tough. If you are in a relationship and they allow you three to seven weeks off without them, then go for it. One guy (we never met him before) joined us with four weeks before the off after over hearing me talkig about the Africa trip to some mates at Rykas. He now has become a good riding buddy of mine and a good friend. If you ever wanted to do something like this, all you really need to do is get a riding buddy,get chatting to people either in person or in forums like this. There are so many like minded people out there just waiting for an opportunity to pursue there dream (I am planning on going again next year with three others but Morocco only). Plan it but not to far ahead and make a window in your life to do it. You can also go with an organised company who will take your money and make sure that you are safe. Great for first timers but there is really no reason why a group of two or more can't do it alone very easily and save thousands of pounds. Africa requires carnet's from the RAC who will guide you, including what jabs and pills to take. I did Europe a few years earlier on my 1150 GSA as a taster- All I planned was the campsites in my Sat Nav- essential kit and was gone for eight weeks with my 14 year old son on the back. We ended up in Greece for a week after six and a half weeks travelling before returning at silly speed, 3 days-two nights back to England. The furthest I'd been on a bike before that was to the south coast from London! Go for it, plan it, do it. It's worth it. Hand in your notice and then come back and get a job-who knows they may even let you have the time off! I've just realised (blonde moment- no offence to fair haired people really)that I can write this up in word and paste it....doh! . Next one will be a lot longer and in more detail.
For photos check out my gallery on Boxhill site 19 photos on two pages so far. Most are on the African trip together with some others and a silly one of a guy having a P in Paris-joke photo click: http://www.boxhill.co.uk/forum/phpB...&sort_method=pic_time&sort_order=DESC&start=0

 

[Uinneag]

Sitting comfortably awaiting report

 

[Eunuch]

Great photos Captain on the Boxhill site ... are you going to post some more? The write-up is good too .. its just what I need to push me into doing more than the usual South of France, Italy, Germany, Austria, etc routes. Africa has always intereted me and would like to ride all the way to the Cape some time.

Keep it coming.

 

[Jeff Kirby]

(I am planning on going again next year with three others but Morocco only).

Hi, was just wondering if this may have been an open invitation? Am toying with the idea myself for Morocco next year.

(Won't be offended with no)