A lost man and a black snake
Added on Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
A lost man and a black snake
Our minds were now focused on getting to the Vogulstrausskluft Lodge – we were tired and keen to get to the lodge to rest and lick a few wounds and recount the day’s adventure. However, one rider took a wrong turn and somehow rode off on his own – in the wrong direction. We have a rule where no rider will ride alone – but sometimes, when you leave ‘dust gaps’ you could end up in that situation. Billy went back to find him, retracing tracks and backtracking on the Garmin Zumo, till he found the possible route taken. These are Billy’s words…
“I really like being the sweeper. It’s sort of nice knowing that you’re there to help out and can provide a solution. The rider going ‘missing’ was amazing as it took me off down some tracks that were not part of our route – undiscovered as it were, in fact the track became no track at all. Riding alone and scanning ahead – was just more adventure. There’s something pretty cool about being alone – yes I know, the danger etc., but just being alone – I loved it. So does my ex wife…;).”
But meanwhile Su managed to make contact with the rider via SAT phone and with knowledge of the area, talked him back on to the correct route. John went out and brought him in. Billy picked up the news and headed back on route to the hotel – he was disappointed as he thought he was international rescue!
While we’re on about John. Let me tell you about this man. John is also known as ‘Johnny Moroc – King of the Dunes’. This rather infamous man is known all around Morocco. Running Moto Aventures with Su and being a Dakar veteran, he is also a pretty awesome rider. Covering hundreds of kilometres a year in and around the dunes of Southern Morocco, it’s sort of expected that he’s a bit of a dab hand when it comes to sand! On various locations on this trip, Johnny showed us how it’s done – putting me, Ross and Billy to shame! :) Added to this, he was born in East Africa and understands the men and beasts of the region, has hyper paramedic training and is a top mechanic, so joking apart, when your key man has this level of experience – he’s the one to have with you in Africa! Rock on Johnny!
Eventually, we were all together in the lodge – and yes, at the bar next to the pool looking out over a panoramic moonscape. The talking went on late into the night. Tales of nearly this and nearly that, till one by one we headed for some well deserved zzzzzzzz time. Another day of tales and adventure – it’s just great to be alive and doing stuff isn’t it?
Next day we’re heading right into the Namib Desert. The roads are still fantastic, but more and more of the wildlife are presenting themselves – by running across the roads. Springbok, ostrich, impala and zebra to name a few – “…it’s like being in a wildlife documentary”, one of the riders said.
The Sossusvlei sand dunes were in the distance – the heat was increasing and our destination was getting closer – the Namib Naukluft Lodge. The track to the lodge from the gravel road was very sandy – deep in places – and challenging for some – but short enough not to be too much trouble if you kept on the gas and remembered Pavey’s words – or alternatively, just paddle through in first gear. Not as glamorous, but effective. On entering the track we were met by a lone giraffe – which seemed quite mesmerised by the motorbikes. Impala leapt across the plains ahead and we could smell the evening’s “braai” (a local big barbecue) cooking in the air.
I think one of the guys came off in the sand, just a typical slow fall over – and so Billy decided to give us a demo! He came flying through the track like a real pro, the bike bouncing from rut to rut going broadside left to right – he looked like he was definitely coming off, but for some unknown reason he managed to defy the odds and stay on the bike… of course he told us all he meant it! Yeah, sure you did Billy!
Bikes parked up, luggage into the rooms and yes, you guessed it, the bar.
This picture shows how the bike can have a mind of its own in the sand! A full ninety left – for no other reason than the bike decided to go that way! Nice one matey! By the way, when we went into the bush to help him out, a black snake rushed across our path… more reality checks in Africa… the Dark Continent! Lovely.
Ross, who is a dam good rider and has a good knowledge of the ‘science’ of the ride, was coaching a few of the riders. We’d often stop and chat about this bend and that track and what was the best way to ride through it or over it or round it! We could certainly see that riders who started out a little ‘green’ were certainly moving along that learning curve and gaining confidence and skills. Doc Martin, was one of those who just went from strength to strength. I think by the end of the trip he was planning the next one and considering buying an off road bike.
