London to Dakar 1986

Where you've been and what you done
daveuprite
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by daveuprite »

Good to talk to you, Chris. A proper time-served traveler.
Flintlock
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by Flintlock »

An amazing trip - thanks for sharing
Brenhden
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by Brenhden »

This is great.
And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.

Suzuki DR200 Djebel.
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gbags
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by gbags »

Good pics and story.

Really enjoyed that. Thanks a lot.
Hall
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by Hall »

Good memories of past trips on a tenere the same as the red one your mate has restored ,I swopped a katana 1100 szx for a new one in 86 ,I could buy several teneres now for what that katana would be worth ,the air filter once blocked completely in a single ride and I did a full tank in 100 miles 😀
Fond memories ,when it was hot you had to sneak up on it to start it
Aka "jkay"
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Chris S
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by Chris S »

More desert yarns from yesteryear.

Algeria 1987 • ‘Paying the Ferryman’
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Oop North John
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by Oop North John »

Interesting pictures and descriptions. Makes some of today's "adventurers" look rather tame. Though the world has changed in the last 30 years, in some ways better, others worse.
WillS
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by WillS »

Very interesting adventure Chris, it was really a true adventure in those days, really enjoyed reading and great photos.
No guide books and GPS in those days, paper maps that weren't accurate I assume..
Managed Morocco twice but on modern bikes 1200GS and then a 650 Dakar. But still laiden with camping gear etc..
But relatively tame compared to your adventures in the 80's.. But still great fun..
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Chris S
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by Chris S »

I still think there are plenty of real biking adventures to be had for those who want them.
As some parts of the world have closed, others have opened up or become more accessible.
And the machinery and gear is better than ever.

Actually, the French IGN maps from the 1960s were (and still are) excellent, all done methodically by plane, camera and ground survey.
https://sahara-overland.com/2020/03/03/ ... hara-maps/
But I hadn't discovered them yet, so was held back to sticking to the main pistes.

The paradox of desert biking: no matter how much you like off-roading, after 1000km of piste it sure is good to reach the blacktop.
Then, after two days, you wish you were back out there again.
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boboneleg
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Re: London to Dakar 1986

Post by boboneleg »

I suppose there was only ever going to be one choice of goggles for you Chris :D
one-legged adventurer
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