Sideways action – Motorbiking through Namibia

Posted on 5 April 2009

Going from quiet introspection to a sideways skid at 80kph tends to make the heart flutter a bit. Not for the first time the road bites when least expected.

Challenging road conditions are exacerbated by other factors. Midday sun is one, often hiding any discernable problem areas in the gravel/sand surface by reflecting hard light into your eyes. Another is the bike’s weight, probably topping 500kgs with me on top. It often behaves like a temperamental buffalo when not purring like a kitten, and my own skillsets which although improving dramatically, still get foxed. Tiredness is the other less obvious danger. Not a winge, as I’m still smiling, but I’d love to remember what 4th, 5th and 6th gear was all about!

Local knowledge took us on a different route than intended today. We were advised that the D1930 was ‘bad’. Given that ‘good’ roads have given me additional grey hairs we took local advice. God alone knows what lurks down yonder path, but as I’m not commanding a tank, (jury still out on that one) we detoured to Omaruru then to Uis via the C36.

The towns are getting Spartan and population thinning. Once grand German/Victorian architecture seems to be falling into disrepair, which is a great shame. I queried this at Omaruru’s Sand Dragon restaurant, a charming find, given my initial town impression. ‘Everyone’s leaving’ was the reply. Certainly the older generation was still evident with rigidly tidy houses, but this juxtaposed sharply with neighboring shabbiness.

The White Lady Campsite in Uis is a welcome site with stacks of hot water on tap. Especially as 39.?C is still the order of the day and I have to admit the clothes are getting a little, well, gamey. At least we can do a quick interim clothes wash before my socks walk off on their own.






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