Ultimate GS Challenge (with a Honda?)

Having participated in two of the previous editions of the UGSC Sander thought it would be a great opportunity to test the bikes and other equipment. Being an early season offroading event, it has all the conditions to properly test our gear.

So friday morning around 7.30 we left home by bicycle, wearing our motorcycle gear.
After putting the bicycles in the Allsafe self storage, we walked to the train station. Where we waited for the train. This probably looked even more stupid than being on a bicycle, fully dressed.

About 10.15 we arrived at Pharaobike in Horn, where our motorbikes were waiting for us. After making the final adjustments to the bikes, like installing a gps mount and locks to the panniers. We set course to Keram Maastricht where coffee and vlaai (a kind of flan).It actually was the first time we took the bikes for a decent spin. Since we bought them we only had been busy doing modifications and such. Finally it was time to check how they all worked out.

From Keram we followed the route provided to us. The route contained some offroad tracks. Marianne who didn't have any offroading experience and driving experience with the Transalp, managed pretty well. Only at one point, a short corrugated 90 degree downhill turn, she stopped the bike. But with a little of my assistance she managed to continu.

After we got to the camp site, the first thing we did (priorities first!) was drink a beer, before pitching our new MSR Holler tent. Pitching the tent was a breeze even without reading the fucking manual. We could have had so much more beer and still pitch the tent without any problems. As soon as our air matresses were inflated and sleeping bags rolled out, we went to the bar for some more beer and to feast upon a buffet of Italian pasta.

Saterday: we're very pleased with the interiour space provided by the tent, vestibules might have been a little larger though. Only downside is that the floor of the tent rather slippery. And because we're standing on an incline, the air matresses slowly slided down overnight.

After having breakfast, being briefed and have waited for everyone to leave, we gently started the route provided to us. Last night we decided to give the normal route, which contained some offroad sections, a try. Because it had been dry for some time the track was a little easier than previous years, though there still were some challenging sections. All went well until we stumbled upon a slipery slate paved river crossing. Sander had serious issues keeping the bike upright and Marianne dropped hers halfway.

Back at the camping we had dinner and beer till all that remained was to crash... in bed, that is.

Sunday: it had been raining last night. In fact it was still raining as we woke up. But it stopped before we got out of bed for breakfast. A good test for our tent; which kept us nice and dry. Test passed! After packing the soaking tent and rest of our stuff we hit the road. Again we decided to follow the route provided, but we were advised to skip the offroad sections as the probably were very slippery. However it turned out there's no way in telling what kind of road the GPS is taking. So we just ended up, riding all the offroad tracks as well.

The bikes past with flying colors! They turn out to be very easy to handle, especially offroad. I could even tell the difference between riding with our without panniers. All modifications turn out to be true enhancements to the bikes, especially the new progressive springs and handlebars really improve handling and ergonomics. There still are some small things that need a little attention, like the front fenders. But all in all we are very confident these bikes are up to the task. We just can't wait for the next time to take them for a spin.

Next saterday Marianne will have her first offroad training. Better late than never we'd say!