Preparation
Plan
the route - Due to
political situations, always subject to change. At the
moment the most likely is as described in the
Route page
- the original idea of crossing Chad and Sudan appears
more unlkely as political uncertainty increases. The
Algerian Sahara option is a more appealing, if less
popular one. However current information is that travel
is not permitted without a guide which is impractical
for a solo motorbike.
Journey
time -
Difficult to estimate without putting myself under
unnecessary pressure, but leaving Kilkenny 30th November,
the first stop will be the Festival-au-Desert near
Timbuktu in Mali January 11th-13th, and I aim to be in
Cape Town by 31st March.
Bike familiarisation - Though experienced riding bikes through the years, competent 'bush mechanics' will be the required skill and I need to be able to look after most anticipated problems. Time to be spent on maintenance and mechanical familiarisation. BMW Motorrad Ireland have offered their help and time.
Riding experience - Of course the terrain will be quite 'varied', a little different from the green fields of Ireland. Four years driving an expedition vehicle over challenging roads in Asia and South America has given me some familiarity with adverse driving conditions. The BMW Off Road Skills course in Wales which I completed the end of June was a good investment, greatly increasing skill levels and confidence - Simon Pavey, the six time Paris Dakar competitor, was an excellent instructor. It exceeded my (high) expectations. (See report in ....Updates).
Bike preparation - There's a long list of modifications to the bike that need to be done to prepare it for the rough treatment, or rather 'long journey', ahead. Various protective guards to vulnerable parts, fitting pannier frame, adjustments, add ons .... I have been offered assistance by BMW Motorrad and Naas Motorrad. Will report in '...Updates' page. Much appreciation to Iggy Clarke of Blakestown Tyres, a very enthusiastic supporter, advocating the cause to many of his suppliers, customers and readers of his website (recommended though not for the faint hearted!).
Navigation - Though trained to use map and compass (years ago), I plan to take a GPS with me which should help immeasurably. Am presuming not too difficult to learn!
1st Aid Course - Three day Order of Malta course successfully completed. My appreciation to the Portlaoise branch.
Website - The idea of the website is to publicise the expedition, engender more interest and support, and ultimately get more exposure and sponsorship for Self Help Development International.
Paperwork
Travel Insurance (to include repatriation)
Carnet de Passage
Passport
Driving License + Intnl
Bike Reg Cert, Carte Grise
Intnl vaccination card
All documents scanned and copied
Visas
Extra P/port photos
Letters of recomm/ introduction
Credit/ ATM Cards
Maps
Immunisations and Vaccinations
Have got
most done now, just a final Hep A+B boost needed before I
depart. Not many GP’s geared to give Yellow Fever.
Mine were all done by the excellent nurses in the Tropical
Medicine Bureau in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin who gave me a 15%
discount.
Yellow Fever,
Hep A+B
(Twinrix);
Polio,
Tetanus, Diptheria (Revaxis);
Rabies;
Typhoid;
Meningitis;
Cholera.
Haven’t
decided yet which
Malaria prophylactic
to go for. Malarone is only fairly recently available and
recommended, but too expensive for lengthy use.
Recommended antidotes, or malaria cures, include Malarone,
quinine, Artesunate, and Coartem. This last, produced by
Novartis, is easily available and recommended by ex pats
and French medical staff in Africa.
1st
Aid/ Medical kit
Thermometer
Dressings, plasters, bandages
Scissors
Disposable syringes
Autan
Medicines