Q & A session
Here are some pretty good questions I thought should be answered in a blog. And please do not hesitate to ask away!
Q. Petrol station along the route, (in Sudan and Ethiopia)? Where did you use the extra fuel and how much did you need?
A. Most of the time there are petrol stations as indicated on the maps. However, they don't always have petrol, diesel only, and sometimes are out of fuel. The F650GS has an excellent range as it's fuel injected bla-di-bla. The tank is 17 litres and we have additional 10 litres in two plastic cans strapped to the front of our metal boxes. That gives us a range of about 700/800km. When off road be careful as the fuel consumption goes crazy and we could get half the km in sand and mud.
In Sudan there is no fuel between Wadi Halfa and Argo. This is the most crucial time to carry extra fuel with you. Make sure you work out your mile/kilometer range. Have a full tank and all your extra fuel needed and then give some more because the engine will be working like a beast in the sand. If the petrol stations are out of fuel, ask about because someone might know a shop tucked away that has barrels of fuel. We found other motorcyclists were usually the most helpful.
When getting fuel from a barrel rather than a pump use something like a sock as a filter to catch grit and a heck of a lot of dirt that you must keep out of the engine. In Ethiopia we nearly got caught out because many of the petrol stations sell diesel only. In Lalibela we found a little shop with barrels of fuel. We had our Swedish support team with us then so just bought another 10 litre container and carried it for "just in case".
In Kenya and Tanzania there was plenty good fuel.
In Zambia, Malawi and Botswana fuel stations are rather far apart so still carry the extra fuel. We did use it from time to time.
Q. How do you break a bead with the side stand?
A. I did promise a picture! Sorry.
1. Firstly and obviously, you take the wheel with the puncture off the bike.
2. Put a sheepskin or jacket or rag on the ground to protect the metal break disk in the middle of the wheel.
3. One person (Paul) holds the bike and leans it over so that the side stand lifts off the ground.
4. The other person (Sandi) slides the tyre under the side stand.
5. Then Paul uses his bike and his force to push down on the tyre.
6. With a bit of shoving the bead should pop. Sandi turns the tyre over to do the other side.
Q. Clothes? Did you have all motorbike clothes and did you wear it?
A. We started with gortex motorcycle jackets and trousers. We bought the off road body armour jackets in Andora (a bit cheaper). I always had helmet, jacket/armour, trousers, boots and gloves on. Accidents are so unforseen that it's been worth wearing all the gear all the time. I would recommend big heavy off road boots too as the most common injury is broken ankle - and it hurts like hell! A flip top helmet is good as there are aways road blocks and instances that you would like to show your face without having to take the helmet off.
Also: Sunglasses that fit snugly inside your helmet as it gets painful after a long day.
Those expensive ear plugs that mould to your ear and plug into an ipod are brilliant for noise and keeping going when tired.
A neck buff to stop getting sunburnt on your neck. Can keep you cool if soaked in water and also hide bad hair.
General clothing can be minimalist. I had 3 short sleve tshirts and 1 long sleve. Thermal underware. 5 pairs of socks. 5 knickers. 1 zip off trousers, 1 shorts and a bikini. A scalf (to keep arms covered in Middle East and mozzies off), woolen gloves and hat. A good fleece and light weight rain jacket. Essential flip-flops and a pair of walking shoes. Most clothing can be bought/replaced en route. I used my cold weather clothing but the guys didn't get as cold as I did.
Q. Recommended accommodation?
A. There are so many places listed in the various travel guides and most of the time these places are just fine. I can, however, recommend these because they are something extra special:
posted by Sandigs @ 6:30 PM
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