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London to Johannesburg on a Suzuki Van Van!! In aid of our wounded servicemen. London to Johannesburg on a Suzuki Van Van!! In aid of our wounded servicemen.
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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



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  #1  
Old 9 Feb 2013
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London to Johannesburg on a Suzuki Van Van!! In aid of our wounded servicemen.
Hi guys.

New to the forum.So excuse my newbee ways. I have just bought a Suzuki Van Van K3.I am an ex soldier,who is doing a challenge from London to Johannesburg,some 15,000kms.I depart London on 3rd August.(Mountain of admin still to do).Visas,Carnet de Passage,insurance cards and so on. I am doing it solo and unsupported in aid of our wounded servicemen. Most of whom have lost their arms and legs.

Its been in the planning stage for some months. I have now a Help for Heroes webpage. And the H4H team are looking at featuring the challenge on their main website.As soon as site maintenance is completed.(end of Feb apparently).

If anyone has any pearls of wisedom,.help,donations and banter are all welcome

Check out my Help for Heroes page.Only been open for 3 weeks.

London to Johannesburg by 125 cc motorbike!!

All banter,donations,help and pearls of are welcome.
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  #2  
Old 9 Feb 2013
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Good luck mate. Which way are you going?
CJ.
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  #3  
Old 9 Feb 2013
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London depart 1 August 2013. 15,000 kms.to Johannesburg.
Im going West Coast CJ. Exact route will depend on political issues on the ground at the time.Most Visas on route etc.Will be looking to blog story as I go. Although I will do it a few days in arrears,for security reasons.
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  #4  
Old 9 Feb 2013
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I'm in Freetown, Sierra Leone right now and have been prepping my bike for continued travels down to DRC. Drop me a line of your movements and have safe travels!
Bon voyage.
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  #5  
Old 11 Feb 2013
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I am setting off on 3 rd August mate. Local Suzuki Dealership are sponsoring the challenge, which im buzzing about. A company are spraying the bike white.And H4H have sorted me a "text2donate" number.All going on the bike,as its a blank canvas.And P&P seats are possibly donating a H4H seat cover.

Starting to come together.
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  #6  
Old 16 Feb 2013
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TIP to South Africa on a Uk reg. bike
Im not taking a Carnet de Passage as the cost is simply way too much for me.TIP seems the way down the west coast,without too much hassle.
Q. Can I use a TIP at the Namibia / SA border ? If so does anyone have any relevant info ?

I cant find a thread with a British Citizen doing this,as its different if you are a returning Saffa.

The bike will be exported a week or so after arriving in Johannesburg.
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  #7  
Old 21 Feb 2013
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Great choice! VanVan is cool bike and very solid.
I ride across europe on him. Made 12 000km and I didn't have any problems with him. Here you can find my small gallery from that adventure.

Weronika
Last edited by LadyCruiser; 22 Feb 2013 at 09:24.
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  #8  
Old 21 Feb 2013
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Mighty Van Van
Great pics mate.
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  #9  
Old 22 Feb 2013
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I'm thinking it's going to be more than 15000 km, more like 20000km, as I did 29000 km to Capetown from Belgium with just a little detour. That may be important when you decide to carry spare tyres, I'm guessing a 180/80 14 rear tyre will be extremely hard to find.

Good luck, here's my report:
Africa
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  #10  
Old 22 Feb 2013
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London depart Saturday 3rd August 2013. 15,000 kms.to Johannesburg.
Yes mate,it is more like 20,000km. Tyre wise,i shall be taking a rear spare.i have been lucky enough to be sponsored by wemoto for some spares. About £250 worth. I have to pick my kit very carefully,as weight is an issue on this little 125.
How long did it take you ?Did you take a CDP ? Or TIP it all the way?
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  #11  
Old 3 Mar 2013
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London depart Saturday 3rd August 2013. 15,000 kms.to Johannesburg.
Hi all,

Busy with the Van Van. Its now at the paint shop and i awaiting the graphics company. Check the blog An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down.....

Up some banter...feel free to comment.
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  #12  
Old 4 Mar 2013
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London to Johannesburg .20,000km for our wounded servicemen..
An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down.....

Latest blog and its Vantastic ...lol Come check it out answer the question I present please,
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  #13  
Old 14 Mar 2013
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London to Johannesburg .20,000km for our wounded servicemen..
Just an update. All the admin. That can be done, has been done. And now I have to go and work to pay for the whole challenge. And due to this I have moved the departure date back by 4 weeks. To 3 rd September.

Just a quick one. If anyone has a Suzuki Van van, their forum is top draw.

Tank, mud guards and side panels are back with me tomorrow.

Graphics are still delayed...ahhhh gets frustrating.But the new seat is here and looks great. ...

An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down.....
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  #14  
Old 20 Mar 2013
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London to Johannesburg .20,000km for our wounded servicemen..
Suzuki GB are going to sponsor me for this charity challenge.

Does anyone know what you can ask for ? Outside of parts.

I work in sales and a 20,000km trek on a little Suzuki Van Van is simply priceless positive PR for them.

Anyone know of anyone who has been sponsored or any words of advice?

An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down.

An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down..... come comment.
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  #15  
Old 21 Mar 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LondontoJohhanesburg View Post
Suzuki GB are going to sponsor me for this charity challenge.

Does anyone know what you can ask for ? Outside of parts.
I don't know much about this at all really. But I would guess they would help with the wherewithall for you to keep in reliable contact with the internet and your blog so as to tell the world how well your Suzuki is doing.
A decent small computer or iPad and the means to carry it, and mobile and internet services in the countries through which you pass. Decent camera gear as well.
Spares for your bike, maybe a home base that would be easily contactable in case of need.
Get them to facilitate contact with Suzuki dealers on your route.

Do Suzuki do branded clothing? A good helping of that would increase their visibility on your reports.

I don't know if this old saying applies to sponsorship, but maybe try it: "Ask for the ballroom - maybe you'll get a shed!"

Best of luck!
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