African Supertramp: Preparation

My trusted steed (not really trusted but we'll work on that during the trip) is a BMW f650 GS DAKAR. A bike well know for its expedition prowess. Not a master of the dark arts of off-roading, but more than makes up for it with reliability, adaptability and never say die attitude. Just needs a rider with the same attributes. That's what I was told anyway... will have to see if it holds up to the reputation.

My steed. Just a few days after purchase. No scratches, no dings and never been off-road
It's all about to change

I bought the bike Sept 2010, it had only done commuting miles and was spotless. Not the way an expedition bike should be. The bike needed a lot of work done on it. With my (lack of) mechanic skills I needed some help though. My mechanic Dave, The trusted Hayes manual, and lots off hours playing in the garage slowly brought about the much needed transformation.

Dave the master mechanic working his magic

Me dropping a 200kg bike with no back wheel. What a mission to get it back upright and on its stand.
None of the finesse that Dave has.

But the trip is not all fiddling with spanners and wrenches. We have to do miles and miles of African roads, anything from perfect tarmac to nearly non existing trails. Gravel, sand, mud, potholes and ruts are all going to try and through me off my steed. This is my first bike. My license is just a year old. I have minimal biking experience. How do we remedy that ? PRACTICE. As much as possible. First I had to spend as much time as possible on the bike. Commuting was the answer. Everyday. Rain or sunshine, hot or cold, it didn't matter. Then we tackled all the green lanes south of London. Sometimes successfully, other times not.

Trail eating monster

Trails biting back

The grand finally was Trailquest : expedition planning and off road training. The best 4 days I had with the bike so far. We spend the first day doing mostly trip planning and safety with a little riding and then 3 loooong days on the bikes. By the end off the course I was doing amazing trails with a fully loaded bike. Never thought the bike would be able to do some off the trails we did, but it did.. easily. BIG confidence booster and I was loving it!! AFRICA HERE WE COME!!!! (Yes.. I am doing free advertising for Trialquest, but the guys were amazing and course was fantastic.)