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GS
13.11.2010
TROPHY
WELCOME
to TOURATECH
SOUTH AFRICA
Aldo hasn’t slept much over the last few weeks. His little son Tertius, the third
child and latest addition to the van der Walt family isn’t at fault. The reason
behind the sleepless nights is the GS Trophy. The legendary rally for amateur
riders is enjoying its 2nd anniversary in November 2010 and this time
will stretch out over 2,000 kilometres through South Africa, Swaziland, and
Mozambique.
A great deal of logistics and organisation go into sending 10 teams from
13 nations (USA, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, UK, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Japan) out onto the trails. Just
consider the fact that the 60 BMWs outfitted by Touratech – 50 light 800cc
enduro bikes and 10 heavier 1200cc boxers – all have to clear the hurdles
of South African customs, not to mention the accompanying entourage of (listed
by importance) mechanics, doctors, guides, film teams, media representatives,
and VIPs from BMW Motorrad!
When asked about the start of his preparations, our South African TT importer
answered: “The first call came in April. We began to plan smaller
things in June/July. Then we really got down to brass tacks starting September
1.”
The team working with Tomm Wolf, the sports director for the three-country
rally, spent a total of eight months planning and scouting out 10,000 kilometres.
That’s actually a dream job when you think about it!
Grit and mud, rutted passages of deep sand, river crossings, single trails,
tarmac with potholes deep enough to swallow a whole motorcycle – all that
and more is waiting for the adventure-hungry participants – a whole week
long.
By the time he says, “If you encounter a lion, open up the throttle!” it is definitely
clear that this will not be a leisurely walk in the park. He seems to be
serious. Riding enduro bikes among giraffes, lions, rhinoceroses, buffalo,
and hippopotamuses is actually on the agenda.
In the meantime, everyone has pitched their tents on the soft grass outside
Touratech South Africa headquarters in Johannesburg. They’re dreaming
about ... lions.