The Honda Quest True Adventure, an adventure challenge designed to give adventurous motorcycle enthusiasts a once in a life time experience with the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, is back.
Following the inaugural event last year Honda Motorcycles Southern Africa has again partnered with Specialised Adventures to deliver a tough expedition experience during which riders will be put to the test on challenging terrain. Entries for this adventure motorcycle competition is now open.
According to Honda and Specialised Adventures the Quest is not a race, nor a rally. It is an adventure expedition, designed to test human endurance and adaptability, and finalists will be tested on their adventure motorcycle riding, mechanical skills, as well as their endurance, courage, and resilience against the African terrain.
Last year, twenty finalists, selected from almost 900 entries, departed from the Namibian capital of Windhoek to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Riding the versatile Africa Twin, they covered almost 2 500 km through some of the most challenging – but also breathtaking – scenery in the world.
Over a period of 12 days the ten teams of two riders each headed North towards the border of Namibia and Angola in the Kaokoland, where after they tackled the notorious Van Zyls’ Pass, descended into the sweeping Marienfluss and then headed South, meandering through the elephant rich habitat of Damaraland.
During this period the teams were scored on various skills and tasks to find the most versatile team. The evaluators were looking for the team that showed a keen sense of adventure, were curious about their surroundings, contributed to team spirit, and took the initiative with special tasks.
Looking back, there were some interesting characters. Johannes Haasbroek, a Namibian local with a huge beard and a collection of never ending stories, always elicited a chuckle or two from his fellow competitors. Then there was Glenn Koch who was able to fix any flat tyre in a record time, even if the actual rider of the bike sometimes objected! Barbara Muszynski, the lone female competitor, impressed everyone with her positive approach and managed to silence quite a few doubters in the process.
Then there was Grant Pentalow who, despite taking quite a few tumbles in the deep sand, never once considered giving up, earning him the nickname of “the Terminator”. Andrew Johnstone amused people with his psychological profiling of his fellow competitors.
After putting their heads together, comparing points and interviewing everyone a couple of times, the instructors and organisers of the event announced Charl Potgieter from Pretoria and Hennie “Tyres” van Heerden from Victoria-West as the winners of the inaugural event.
The pair impressed everyone with their calm, yet enthusiastic approach, as well as the thorough way in which they approached the special tasks. Both became the proud owners of the Honda Africa Twins on which they competed. The Quest Spirit Award was won by Pentalow and Koch. They were always in good spirits, no matter how tough the conditions, and remained loyal and supportive teammates right to the very end.
So, if you are a courageous adventure rider who do not shy away from physical and mental challenges, take the initiative, and function effectively as part of a team, this is a tailor-made opportunity. Entries are now open, and 30 applicants will be selected from the entries to attend Quest Boot Camp taking place in Cape Town from 1 to 3 October.
At Boot Camp the instructors will select 14 finalists to participate in the Quest True Adventure, a ten-day, 2 500 km off-road expedition in the Northern and Western Cape starting on 19 October. Participation in the Adventure is free, however travel to and from Cape Town for Boot Camp and Quest is not included.
Apart from the title of winning Quest True Adventure 2018, the victorious team will each win the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin they used during the Quest. To enter, simply go to your nearest Honda Motorcycle dealer where you can complete your entry form. Alternatively, you can enter online at www.quest-trueadventure.com. But hurry, the closing date for entries is 17 September.
