Some tips for Quads4Quads that I shared with JJ just prior to his participating in the uprun:
1) Dust is a MAJOR factor:
- wear 2 x dust bandanas - 1 on your face, and one as helmet "skin"
- use goggle peel-offs or clean your goggles regularly
- keep a good dust gap - most of the accidents on the down run were as a result of not keeping a good dust gap
2) A flag on a buggy whip is a good idea to keep a group together
3) Get an early start each day - be ready as early as possible, but don't skip on your bike and gear checks every day.
4) The most common breakdown is related to tyres
- carry 2 x tyre weld cannisters per quad
- take a tyre repair kit
- carry a portable air compressor for your group
5) Help others, often, and you will receive assistance when you need it
6) Plan your refuelling - there's opportunity to save time, especially on the longer days (day 1+2 on the uprun) - for the bikes that cannot do >100kms on a tank, carry spare fuel and you will be able to reach the lunch stops without needing to rely on your backup vehicle or on queueing up at a garage.
7) Drink sufficient water - about a litre EVERY hour - try to suck down 6L per day
8) SUNBLOCK is essential!
9) Make contact with George and Johan Killian - they're great fun to ride and party with - George rides a Polaris Outlaw 500 and Johan (Cowboy) rides a Suzuki LTZ 250
10) Don't forget to enjoy the scenery
11) Ensure that your group takes adequate rest stops - take a break at least once every hour, to ensure you can stay alert for the entire trip
12) Be vigilant around the rural settlements - the kids have a tendency to set boobytraps across the road, and I even witnessed one throwing stones at riders. Don't stop to give them sweets or foodstuffs - that would only encourage them further.
Ride slowly through these areas, and be friendly, but don't stop!
No comments:
Post a Comment