Luck favours the prepared
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry...... whilst true, i always find the saying a little bit pessimistic. Being a 'cup half full' type of guy, i prefer 'fate favours the lucky and luck favours the prepared'
And so i find myself preparing for the upcoming Rally, mulling over decisions and viewing the Adventure trips as an ideal opportunity to test the bike, route planning and equipment. The next trip is just around the corner as it happens, two days away in fact!
Route planning, this time with the Surf Bus (a VW transporter with a pop top and room for Enduro bikes below), has added a new dimension to it. Consulting with Jason we're going to use the Bus as a 'base' and do loops of the TET returning to base at night and moving on in the morning.
The route map below is approximately 1000 miles; red is Italy, blue is Slovenia (80% off-road) and the orange stars represent how we'll use the bus. We'll see how it goes...
I must add a big thanks to the Slovenian TET linesman, who has thoughtfully added waypoints for petrol, camping, eating a viewing! (top bloke)
Below; elevation comparison. Italy left, Slovenia right.
Kit, spares and tools
My toolkit has evolved because the KTM has demanded it, bolts are now included as a spares. Both the DRZ and KTM needed bolts in active service ;o)
Box containing bolts, tow rope and fuses
Spare gear lever and brake/clutch handlebar lever.
loctite, zip ties, lock wire, tire irons.
First aid kit (not shown)
Satnav and USB charger (not shown)
Light weight Laptop (not shown)
Tools.
I've attempted to do all the maintenance on the bike with these tools. When i need something from my main garage tool kit, i carefully consider whether to add it here.
Weight can be saved by swapping for lighter metals, replacing the ratchet with a T-bar and replacing the UHD tube with standard.
New equipment
I've built a cush drive for the exc 500. Found a KTM 640 LC4 hub and had it laced onto a spare wheel i bought from ebay. I'll cover it in a Rally Prep post at a later date.
Packing
Im packing fewer clothes this time and the tools feel light enough. All the weight is actually in the camping kit. Just feeling it in the bag made me realise that whilst its OK for this trip with the Surf Bus, its no good for the TET trip down the Mediterranean coast im planning later in the year.
It has to go, the tent alone is 2.5+KG, then add the mattress, bag, pillow and stove and you have a hippo strapped to an enduro bike.
I think i'm prepared. Best-laid plans and all that.
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