Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Udine,ITALY
Posts: 3
mad camper

3/4 motorcaravan,two weels driving, diesel engine ,2800cc, 3,5 tons ,would like to enter DZ from TU in late november NEFTA-EL OUED-QUARGLA( DJANET if possible)GHARDAJA(TAMANRASSET if possible)TIMIMOUN.Of course ONLY ON SEALED ROADS !!!Any advice,criticism,or good newws will be appreciated. THANKS

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Aug 2002
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
No problem to Djanet. I met a french guy who did Tam - Djanet in Ford Transit, but this is all Off Road.

Rob
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Sep 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
Hi, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks that TLCs and LRs are too small I think you're cutting out a lot of possibilities by wanting to stay only on sealed roads, many untarred roads are fine for roadgoing vehicles, take a look at the recent threads on road bikes in Morocco. I presume you're in a Ducato (being Italian); they're not as good in sand as a rear wheel drive would be because of the rear overhang. Even if you stick to sealed roads you it's not guaranteed that your overnight stops won't involve some sand somewhere. Be prepared to let down your tyres to get in or out of a camp spot (try your little tyre compressor on four tyres in a row, if it melts get a better one) Take a shovel, sand drifts even onto sealed roads, and some of those roll up sand mats (www.narbonneaccessoires.com for France, don't know for Italy) and a Kinetic tow rope, which is necessary in case the pulling vehicle is driven roughly, it's got a bit of give. That said, you'd be amazed at what some fools get up to in their 2wd camping cars; I know it's not Saharan but a quick look at http://www.camping-car.org/img_chine/index.html might intrigue and inspire you.
Above all, enjoy it
Luke
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Sep 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Lindfield, West Sussex, England
Posts: 92
Hold on a minute. You should not be using a Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope (KERR) simply because “it’s got a bit of give”.

KERRs were invented by the British army to pull main battle tanks out of mud. They achieve this by storing colossal amounts of energy in the rope - which is why it stretches. The stretching stores the kinetic energy. When this energy is released something has to give. This will be the weakest of the following three things; the stuck vehicle, the part of the stuck vehicle to which the KERR has been attached, or the part of the pulling vehicle to which the KERR has been attached.

Before using a KERR to pull a vehicle out of sand you must make sure that the attachment points on both vehicles are capable of withstanding a shock of at least 6,000 kilos. You must inspect all mounting bolts, the condition of the frame/sub-frame, etc.

If the pulling vehicle breaks, the lump of metal which comes off will fly straight through the front and out the back of the stuck vehicle, decapitating the driver en route.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Sep 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
You're absolutely right Terry, I had no idea of the origins of the KERR; just to check, we are talking about the 2 inch thick Kinetic? Amazing!
I have one because at only 100hp for 4 tons on 7.50x16s powering out of a hole is not really in the list of possibilities.
Nino, on Terry's advice have the anchor points on your vehicle checked for solidity and get some good training on how to attach the rope. I oversimplified the 'give' in this excellent piece of kit, if the towing vehicle (the unknown and we must presume untrained part of the equation) starts with the line slack, as it comes tight the elasticity of the Kinetic will absorb and store the momentum (kinetic energy) of the towing vehicle rather than transmit it directly as a wire or classic strop might. Thus the Kinetic is less violent to the attachment points, but if one does give, Terry's description is in no way exaggerated.
Imho a 2wd camper isn't going to bog badly enough to cause problems pulling it out, I've pulled 1 or 2 out of british goo w/o problems, can't speak for sand though. It can only sink to one axle (driven wheels dig well don't they) and the wheels are 14 inch so that's not deep. If you prepare for the worst it probably won't happen.
Cheers
Luke
Luke
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:54.