Africa with Charley Boorman

really looks incredible, and in reality i'm never going to be able to get more than 3 weeks off before I just quit work altogether so trips like this are what I'm looking at

I just had a question about the riding itself - just how technical is it? I'd like to do it with my wife, and she can get down a dirt road just fine but if it involves steep climbs and really difficult terrain, we might both need some training.

In!

I'm hooked! We just got done with our own 'trip of a lifetime,' but you have me rethinking that....
Can't wait to see the whole story!

Im in.

i think he's in! so am i

I am in lets go

Great to see you doing a report! It was a great trip! We just got back to Tassie and are still dealing with the jet lag.
Be great to see some of your pictures. Hows that stubby cooler working?

I'm more of a do it your self kinda guy but I have been looking at some of the raw hide trips looks like fun...

I spent several years in Africa, crossed it on a bike, 18,000 miles. The animals, geography, sunsets are all fine, but the best things about the continent are the people. On a tour like yours, you go where they lead, and SA tours certainly won't let you interact much with the, what ever they call them these days. My memories and pictures are of people, some animals, but there are so many it gets redundant. I suppose you can't expect too much from a few weeks where handlebar time is the prime objective. Try a year or two, and you'll have the time of your life.

Can't wait to see more.

IN!!!

Subscribed to this one

On with the show !

Sorry about the delay, but I am ready to roll. Sometimes, it is just impossible to set aside a couple of hours to put together a proper ride report. I have been busy working, wrestling with the munchkins, and teaching my lovely wife how to finally ride a dual sport. We just picked up a used Yamaha XT250 for her. The thing only had 202 miles on it! I am stoked to think that I will finally get to ride with her. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I am glad that she is now realizing how amazing life on two wheels can be.

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My wife with Pork Chop, a fellow ADVRider who came over to congratulate my wife on her new purchase. Actually, I think he just wanted to grope my wife!! Just kidding Pork Chop. (This guy is huge and he would kick my ass!!)

Alright, back to the RR. Our first day was breathtaking to say the least...325 km of twisty roads along the beautiful South African coast. We all awoke early after a restless night of sleep in anticipation of the first days ride. After a quick breakfast and briefing, we assembled our gear and dominated the parking lot at the V and A Hotel.

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We left Cape Town and headed south along the famous Chapman's Peak Drive and then on to the Cape of Good Hope. The views were stunning riding along the coast, and the temps were near perfect. After a few quick photos at the Cape, I was eager to get back on the bike and ride.

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We met up with Charley and he invited five of us to ride with him along the shores of False Bay, before heading inland to the beautiful Cape Winelands.

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This is where the day got interesting. I think Charley was trying to sort out the men from the boys on this first day of twisties. What started out as a nice scenic drive along the coast quickly turned into an adrenaline fueled game of cat and mouse. Charley hauled ass and we were all loving the fast pace. We were screaming around the corners and accelerating to nearly 100 mph in the straights, passing multiple cars in the twistties, and splitting lanes of traffic with mere inches of clearance. Charley pulled off numerous trademark wheelies at all sorts of speeds. By the end of the day, our knobby Mitas tires were well worn in, and our adrenaline levels exhausted.

That night, we stayed at Le Franschoek Hotel and Spa in the Cape Winelands.

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The food was amazing, the wine plentiful, and the riders completely satisfied. It was great to get a riding day under my belt. After my first day of riding with Charley, I had determined that I was very comfortable with a faster pace than most. A group of about five guys, me included, emerged as the front runners. We would go on to push and challenge each other's riding abilities...sometimes to the point of sheer panic and terror. What an adventure!!

For those of you too lazy, tired or drunk to read the previous ride report, I have attached a quick video of our first day's ride. Enjoy fellow inmates!



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Yes it does! I still cannot wipe the grin from my face. How was your trip back to Africa?

Jimmy...my man! Feel free to chime in any time in this ride report with stories, photos, etc. So Awesome riding with you, and I look forward to our next adventure together mate!

You guys would be just fine. There were two sets of couples on our trip. You have the option of either choosing technical sections, or gravel roads and asphalt. The trip satisfies all riding abilities. Hope this helps!

Great pics. Looking for to seeing some more of them. Be good to see how the trip was at the pointy end!

BTW...I am loving the stubby holder. I am putting it to great use!!