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Published: April 30th 2008
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Bonding on Tour
Hot mineral pools to soothe aching muscles After having been home for a couple of weeks, how could we just settle back into how we were before we went on this great adventure, many of the adventurers have come back with a different perspective on their lives, and in many ways have changed their outlook on why they are here ?, one thing is for sure they all agree they would rather be 'out there doing it' than sitting at home on the sofa reading this blog !
Sorry if you got a false e-mail yesterday, but here is the latest blog, with thanks to Keith and String.
I am happy to see Ali from MYTB have fixed the photo down loads, so here is a selection of the 3,400 or so that are on my computer...
Here are two motorcycle industry reports, sent out to all their customers/dealers in New Zealand, one from Keith of Whites Power Sports, located in Hamilton and one from Grahame (String) from Darbi Accesories, located in Auckland. Both of these companies supply motorcycle products for New Zealand motorcyclists.
From Keith....
Hi, I am just back from riding on Rosco’s Rocky Roads adventure in South America.
We completed over 9,000 km’s
Bolivia
Just being out there... through Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia.
We crossed the Andes Mountains 4 times, with 7 border crossings, one at 5020 metres.
Unfortunately, 2 serious accidents occurred within our group. One rider from Scotland was taken to hospital in Argentina but is recovering O.K from a few broken bones. The other, a rider from Perth (ex Scotland), suffered a compound leg fracture, a bang on the head, and a subsequent botched medical operation in Peru, and is now back in OZ for another operation to remedy. Sounds like all will be OK though.
I hardly laid a spanner on my bike (Kawasaki KLR650), not even a puncture. Hundreds of km's of corrugations severely tested man and bike preparation, they even destroyed my new Seiko watch, and I checked my teeth for loose fillings on several occasions!
I fitted an RK GB520EXW chain before departure, which only required minor adjustment once even after being subjected to extreme conditions. I wore a Dririder Summit jacket, Rally X pants and gloves which performed perfectly in everything from very hot to very cold climates. My new Shoei Hornet was ideal, being able to lift the visor in the technical stuff was great
Oasis in Bolivia
Quality of Accomodation in Villa Alota - like having a pair of goggles on, and the helmet proved comfortable during up to 10 hours a day on the trail.
Bike choice proved a major issue. The big BMW’s were an absolute nightmare in the sand of the Bolivian desert, which we, on smaller bikes, spent 3 days helping to pick up in the desert heat. BMW brochures and Long Way Round CD’s etc make riders feel bullet proof, but reality is somewhat different - they are difficult to ride in challenging stuff even for good riders. In comparison, a BMW F650 with 21” front wheel performed exceptionally.
Availability of gas, safe food, and bloody dogs (the scourge of Sth America) our only real challenges, although I struggled with the altitude more than most, (we were riding over 4000 meters every day for about 2 weeks).
This ride of a life time was superbly organised by Ross Pennell (Rosco.rr@ihug.co.nz) and Gerardo Otzen, his Chilean partner in Rosco’s Rocky Road Adventures. I am already planning for my next adventure with Ross and Gerardo, so my advice is - get organised and come along!
Keith Larkin.
Managing Director
W. White (Wholesale) Ltd.
Bolivia Majic
The colours of Bolivia From String.....
South American Expedition 2008
Grahame (String) Irvine has just returned from 5 weeks riding in the High Andes of South America taking in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru with 11 other riders. Included in this group were motorcycle industry stalwarts Keith Larkin and Mike Vinsen.
Answers to some of the South American Adventure questions -
What were you riding?
I rode the new Kawasaki KLR650 2008 model. I was joined by Keith Larkin and Mike Vinsen who both independently choose the new KLR650's as well for the trip, so we had 3 x KLR650's, a couple of BMW F650GS's, and the balance were BMW1200GS, BMW1150GS and a lone KTM950ADV and Suzuki DL650.
The Kawasaki team performed very well - apart from time to time checking all the nuts and bolts that we had not been able to loctite. We were the only ones to carry all our luggage the whole way round, namely that we took advice with all our packing with gear and spares, also we had soft luggage that took the knocks better.
Highlight of trip?
The Bolivian Desert sections and high altitude passes - at one border crossing we got to an
Crossing Lake Titicaca
Barges plying the Lake altitude of 5020 metres.
The accomplishment of riding over 9000km in 34 riding days in the varying conditions through Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.
What type of products did you use and how did they perform?
. Personally, the most outstanding product was the Continental TKC80 dual purpose tyres that I fitted to my KLR and was also fitted to the larger BMW's and to Greg's KTM950 Adventure. We kept the pressures high and checked them numerous times to counter the risk of punctures from the sharp rocks, deep potholes and corruations. And they handled the longe tar seal highway sections we encountered the last couple of days - total mileage put on the tyres during the trip was 9280kms.
. I rode with HJC's new FS-MAX full-face flip up helmet with built in sun visor. Great for the first couple of days which was mainly on road use but in the harsher off-road conditions, in hindsight, I should have taken my HJC CLXS Adventure/off-road helmet that I have used extensively in New Zealand, with MX type shape, peak and flip up visor.
. All the riding gear apparel that everyone rode with performed well in the conditions, as
Puno, Peru
Floating reed islands previously stated, which were extremely dusty and hot. A couple of us rode with the new Macna apparel, and the other brands represented were DriRider and BMW. For most of us the major problem was the dirt and dust getting into the zips - whether they be ventilation or pocket zips - annoying a lot of the time, but where we could, a good fresh water wash and soap application fixed these problems.
. Boots - similar problems in the dusty conditions, but also the long duration of riding all day, which in some cases, we were standing for long periods. The boots which had composite or steel insoles performed best because of the rigidity they provide and the load it takes off your feet. I rode with the SIDI Discovery model, which had the composite insoles, and I would recommend this type of adventure or MX boot for the added features they provide.
Any lessons learned?
The choice of bike is a complex question as some riders had no problems with the bigger bikes, while others struggled, so the key is to match the bike with the rider and riding conditions. I would personally recommend the 650 size
Reed Boat
On Lake Titicaca, Puno, Peru machines for this trip. To be blunt and honest, the conditions were equivalent to any previous Kiwi Rider, BMW or Yamaha Safari we have ridden here in New Zealand. This adventure was truly a challenge for men and machines not only in a physical sense, but also mentally, as the altitude is something we can't experience here in New Zealand and it can affect even the biggest AND most physically fit men. The conditions drew out all the emotional highs and lows of the riders and we all had to cope with what confronted us.
Is there another trip being organised?
Yes - if you are interested, contact Rosco Pennell, the organiser of Rosco's Rocky Road Adventures rosco.rr@ihug.co.nz
Safe riding!
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