washboards and rocks

Today there were two options, go by boat or drive. As I spend enough time on a boat and we came to Iceland to drive bikes, we opted for the second. It was going to be a long drive, with some paved sections and some unpaved sections. We were ready for it. So we set off and soon hit a lot of unpaved, in the beginning we were still taking it easy with the throttle, but soon we got the hang of it and we were flying over the dirt roads. The suspension of my bike was perfect! And so was the seat.
Half way in our trip we met up with our fearless leader and he had found a track, not yet explored. We took off to do some exploring, it was very though. But it showed me that the bike can handle anything, well, a lot more then I can handle. So, after an hour of track, I lost about 2 liters of sweat and my arms were swollen, we made it to the pavement.

 Leo decided to park his bike on the side of the track for a moment. A big hole in the road set him off course.

 Some nice views.

 This statue is supposed to bring good fortune to travellers.

Once we got to the appartment, Rob found out that somebody else also got stuck next to the road. He arranged a truck with a trailer and went on a rescue mission. They all returned way after midnight. I did not notice anything, as I was sound asleep, dreaming about being the next dakar winner!

The riding begins.

So today was our first real day in the saddle. Mainly a trip via asphalt, but at the end we did find a track off road. The F570 was going to take us close to a glacier. Always nice. Unfortunately, it was uphill and before we knew it, we were riding in the clouds. Some impressions:
Little beast in all his (still clean) glory

 Boats!

 the F570, well the river next to the road.

Taking a picture of Geert taking a picture.

 Sunset in Hellissandur.

Iceland!

And I am back with another trip. After preparing the x-challenge, it was time to see what I did wrong, so I booked a trip to Iceland. I booked with Ride On motortours, a company that doesn't have you drive in convoy. I also went to Marokko with them. My riding buddy from Marokko, Geert was also going so good times are to  be expected. He drives a ktm 640 adventure, always nice to have something orange around.

 Here the bike is still in the container, we were able to pick the bikes up a day before the trip actually started. We took the bikes out for a little test drive around the blue lagoon area.

 The first time we got to see the typical landscape. It was great to be riding the little beast. It makes a hugh difference with the 1200gsa

 Geert on his mighty machine

 strange formations.

We spent the first two night in reykjavic. The third morning we are to set off on our trip. Can't wait to explore more of the Island and see what the bike can do. I am sure a lot more then I can.

the new bike

 Well, here it is, the new bike, I bought it in the winter and during my last leave did some upgrades. Above the bike is getting a new subframe, Xtank deluxe and luggage rack. Already done was the rear suspension, it has now got a Hyperpro kit. Below is the bike displayed at the bmw motorrad days. Displaying the bike got me a free 90 years bmw book, so it made me some money already. The bike got a Touratech ralley fairing as well. Next is the front suspension and front wheel.

Hi,
Thanks for looking at my blog. I'm planning another trip in 2015?, this time to Magadan, it is still fresh and new, but I think it would be better to go with one or two people, as I would like to do the old summer road. The route will be simular to the route the guys did in long way round. Let me know if you are interested, or if you know of anybody interested.
Thanks,

Some pictures of my trip to Morocco! The beast is loaded on the trailer here, next to another gsa. I am sure they had lots to talk about on the road to spain.

To Morocco!

 As I mentioned, my Alaska Ushuaia trip has only sparked my need to travel more by bike. This time I am going with a group of 9 riders to Morocco for two weeks. The bikes go by trailer to the south of Spain, we follow them by plane and we will be re-united in Malaga. I dropped the bike off Wednesday, but not after putting some nice semi offroad tyres on it. I also bring a lot less luggage, so the bike should handle a bit better off road. Can't wait. The Beast rides again!!!