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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #1  
Old 30 Jul 2005
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Sahara - East West Crossing
I was toying with the idea of a complete true east west crossing of the sahara by motorbike.

anyone thought of this? ie going across the whole of north africa horizontally.

what would be the'true' route

what would be the do-able route from a political/practical point of view.

Karim

[This message has been edited by coolkarim (edited 29 July 2005).]
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  #2  
Old 30 Jul 2005
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>anyone thought of this?

People consider it all the time - most recently some quad guys came to me for 'a support package' - but IMO they all underestimate the current difficulties - otherwise it would have been done [again] by now.

>what would be the'true' route
See p,338 of the book; a box on east-west expeds

>what would be the do-able route from a political/practical point of view.
On a bike, I dont believe there is one.

Ch

[This message has been edited by Chris Scott (edited 30 July 2005).]
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Old 31 Jul 2005
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cool, Ill look it up in the book. I agree , on a bike there seems to be too many problems/ imposibilities. but its an idea that captures the imagination of course.

perhaps it could be done in sections over several separate trips, but less satisfactory. like m.palins sahara trip.

cheers
Karim


Quote:
Originally posted by Chris Scott:
>anyone thought of this?

People consider it all the time - most recently some quad guys came to me for 'a support package' - but IMO they all underestimate the current difficulties - otherwise it would have been done [again] by now.

>what would be the'true' route
See p,338 of the book; a box on east-west expeds

>what would be the do-able route from a political/practical point of view.
On a bike, I dont believe there is one.

Ch

[This message has been edited by Chris Scott (edited 30 July 2005).]
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Old 31 Jul 2005
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Yes, Palin-style might work - will give you something to do for a couple of years.

I have a feeling that west-east is easier - you can run fast through Libya and Egypt and have it done before they stop you.

Ch
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Old 1 Aug 2005
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Chris,
If one was to follow your suggested route, what sort of range would one be looking at? Would a diesel bike (if they ever appear) have a chance?
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Old 1 Aug 2005
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mind you there was a Kawasaki diesel in the U.S. Army some years ago (http://motorcyclecity.com/Military-b...l-Kawasaki.htm)
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Old 1 Aug 2005
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>If one was to follow your suggested route,
Actually I have not suggested one here or given it much serious thought other than obviously avoiding north Chad. Or do you mean the Cancer route? Havent really planned that either.

>what sort of range would one be looking at?
At a guess at least 1500kms.

>Would a diesel bike (if they ever appear) have a chance?
I know of the Kawa (a flop, no?) but never tried a diesel bike. Without a turbo I think they would be too heavy/gutless.

It's nice to dream on a wet Monday morning of course but like the box suggests, IMHO the time for these sorts of stunts is long past ;-)

Ch
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