Going to Dakar....summer 2008

[dogancem@btinternet.com]

Hi All,
I am going to Dakar from London Aug 2008. France, Spain and Africa... I am a newbee so I may need more information from you all. Anybody wants to join ?? Please contact me on touring@london-dakar.com or
www.london-dakar.com
Jay Jay

[GSPD750]

Welcome to the site. Looks like you are going with the XL 700V Transalp.
Any particular reason for choosing this bike as compared to a newer Africa Twin?
I know...we have too many choices nowadays.
Have a great trip and keep us posted.

[dogancem@btinternet.com]

It's hard to find a good African Twin, besides Transalp XL 700 has a good price tag even 2007 models....I thought BMW F650 is a good bike but they are dearer.

[Jenna]

buy yourself an older bike without efi for a start, if that goes wrong your be pushing it for quite a few miles in Africa!

Thanks to the post McRaker and Birdman craze now loads of information on the net, try sites like Horizons Unlimited for the latest legal and logistical info.

[Recycler]

Hi All,
I am going to Dakar from London Aug 2008. Jay Jay

Africa in August????!!!

[dogancem@btinternet.com]

Thanks,Average weather in Western Sahara is below. I don't think is bad..


Day light Min Max Record Min Record Max
Aug11hrs20c38c14c 47c

[Lumiya]

Africa in August????!!!

Yep, I know, that made me choke on a croissant!!!

Now I wonder why the Dakar race is only ever held in the middle of winter???

For gawd sake you're quoting min/max figures as though that's it...have you considered the humidity and also the effect that being in the middle of a desert has on night time temps?????

Are you actually having any backup on this first trip, what spares are you going to carry yourself, what prep are you going to do on the bike? What prep are you going to do with yourself????

What's your plan for clothing, food, never mind just the amount of water and fuel you'll have to carry.

What safety and communications equipment are you going to carry???

Kymmy

[dogancem@btinternet.com]

Well, I am gonna go at the end of the August.I read some stories on other forums that's OK in August. The route is % 99 tarmac, as you can see on google Earth..I am gonna take 10lt jerrytank for petrol backup,because I am planning to make 400 miles a day, I guess it's ok!! plus tent, bags camp equ,tools etc, tyre and puncture kit.Actually I am not planning to sleep on camp site but I will take them as backup.Western Africa suppose to be quite cheap for accom.. I am searching clothing on ebay at the moment and there are so many choices, reading ADV. MOTORCYCLING HANDBOOK at he moment, it's great book plus www.horizonunlimited.com site is great source and experience to read other people stories. I think I have enough time to prepare and find buddies, but I will be ready to get there solo anyway incase no one turns up..

[RainMan]

I'm taking a '04 Transalp on a very similer journey next month, Lisbon - most of the way to Daker and then a left turn towards Bamako and Timbuktu. I must admit my first reaction is like everyone else, Huh! (August ?), but perfectly doable if you don't mind the searing heat and humidity along the coast. Best I can do for you is to go and give you an updated report on the experience, pitfalls etc on your chosen route, I suppose one on the major advantages of going in August as opposed to January is the avoidance of being flattened by a Dakar rally truck

[dogancem@btinternet.com]

Thank you, I will be waiting your story, pls keep posting, I will certainly make mine as long as I start. August is ofcourse not perfect time for Africa but really I don't have any other time available at the moment.And i don't wanna put it off because I made my mind up..Heat is good............ so I can loose some weight!!!!!