Words By: John Basson
With the recce ride completed, it was time to take the big bikes out for some adventure riding. Even though the route was now known to me, the difference in the handling and riding style of an off-road bike – like the one I used for the recce ride versus my 800GS is such that it would almost be like riding a new/unknown route. Humps and bumps that seemed insignificant on the Honda, might just catch you off guard on the GS!
We were initially eight riders that confirmed for the ride, but with a very active implementation of Murphy’s Law only four crossed the border into Oman. Ewert on his 650 Dakar, Edwin and Dominic both on KTM 990’s and me on my 800GS crossed the Hafeet border crossing at about 7:00 a.m. As we had lost some time at the border with one of the riders, who had to return due to bike problems, we only started the off-road section at Dank. The off-road section from Dank to Ibri is easy to navigate as you just follow the power lines that run all the way to Ibri. However beware of getting too comfortable on the straights as regular erosion ruts, that cross the road, catches you off-guard and the adventure bikes don’t stop on a dime if you’re are doing 100km/h on a gravel road!
Once we reached Ibri, it was time for coffee, snacks and refuelling before we tackled the 130km off-road stretch to Nathi. As I mentioned last February, this section must be one of the best sections I have ever rode on a bike, and was even better this time around, as it is perfect for the adventure bikes. Just after we started this section I had my first fall on my new GS. A rather embarrassing one I might add: About five kilometres after the garage I remembered that there was a dog that chased me during the recce ride. You know those dogs that chase whilst aggressively barking, BUT never have what it takes to actually “go for the kill”. Well, he was there again and as I was the lead bike, he just had to do his thing. I knew he was just going to run and bark so decided to tease him and slowed down whilst revving my engine. All this whilst looking at the dog rather than the road. It was a two track-gravel road that just happened to have some “fesh-fesh” (very soft powder-like sand) which I did not see. By the time I hit the ground I did not even know I was busy falling. This explosion of white powder-like dust must have been the dog’s signal to disappear, as he was nowhere to be found by the time the dust had settled. With only a bruised ego, three other bikers laughing out loud and not a single scratch on my bike, we continued.
As with the recce ride, the skies were crisp with unlimited visibility, causing the colours of the mountains and the desert to be bright and vibrant for most part of the morning. With regular stops for photos and attempting some limited technical sections, the morning’s ride was nothing other than perfect. No one had any more accidents (don’t worry Dominic, I won’t tell them about yours…) and we all agreed that adventure riding is a special type of riding and how much it can add to one riding experiences is impressive.
Later, around midday, even before we reached the guesthouse at Nathi, the wind was already pumping and dust started to drift across the plains. Lunch was as predicted — for less than 50 AED each, we feasted like kings! We could however see, whilst eating, that the wind was picking up significantly and made the call not to return via the off-road section, but rather follow the road back to Ibri, then Al Ain.
With lunch behind us it was time to attempt the road back home. I say “attempt” because by the time lunch was over the wind was probably 50kmh or more. We have all been riding for more than twenty years, but no one has ever ridden in conditions like that. I attempted to capture the wind and sand on camera, but trust me; the photos don’t do justice to the conditions. The wind was perpendicular to the road for the whole section till we reached Ibri. From the leaning against the wind and trying to keep the bikes, and our heads, straight I had a spasm in my neck by the time we reached Ibri. Luckily from Ibri to Al Ain the wind was almost on the nose and a lot more pleasant (if pleasant is the right word) than the first section.
The day ended at around 1700h for Ewert and myself with almost 600km of riding. Dominic and Edwin however still had 150km to go to Abu Dhabi. Just to crown their journey they ended up in a cloud break only five minutes before reaching home. They thus ended their day with 932km of riding, and totally drenched! That is why they are called Adventure Bikes, and we love riding them!!!
Remember that we only have two or three more weeks of fair weather then these big bikes go into storage so go out there and ride them!
Ride Safe and Go for Gold
Regards,
JB
