GS Challenge requirements

To all experienced GS Challenge riders out there:

This will be my first GS challenge - anybody out there that wants to dispense with some advice on the following aspects?

Clothing and protective gear
Nice to haves to take along
Any particular spares or things to take along
Should I prepare myself to take all the expensive bits off the bike before I ride (windscreen, etc.)
Anything else I should think about?

What mistakes have you made in your previous GS challenge that you will fix on this one?

Got this from last years tips send out by Motorrad, compiled by Bones Hewitt. Hope it helps.


Some items to consider when preparing for the GS Challenge 2007

Sections
1. Bike & Riding Related Equipment

2. Camping Related Kit

3. The Bones extended tool kit for R1200GS



1. Bike & Riding Related Equipment:

• BMW GS Motor Cycle.
A good selection can be found at most BMW Motorcycle agents.
Seriously though
o Be sure to check out your bike properly before departure or have your agent do so.
o Check your tyres and be sure that those selected will last the duration of the event and the commute there and back
o A special check should be done with regards to your brake pads as these are often neglected and may not last the distance.
• GPS
This is not a must, but must be very close to it as I find mine a necessity.
Be sure to have it mounted properly and check that it is secure during a pre challenge ride as there is nothing worse than trying to resolve this issue during the challenge itself.
Topographical maps of the area are also a good idea if available
• Traveling luggage Panniers or bags or both.
It is vital that a decision is made regarding the luggage option to be used. This would be influenced by the route and whether a pillion is riding to and from the venue, obviously an all tar route would require different choices to a combination tar and dirt.
In addition a decision must be made as to what luggage will be used during the event, for example if using a Camel Back then a backpack will not be ideal. Options are tank bags or small soft pack secured to rear seat or seat mount. This solution should be able to contain lunch pack, extended tool kit and first aid kit at the very least.
All luggage must be secured properly and if possible take shake down ride prior to the main departure to the challenge. Be sure to pack as you intend for the main event
• Small cargo net.
These are available from various outlets and are invaluable when recovering items that have fallen from fellow rider’s bikes or your own. The pillion seat on the R1150GS is easily lost if not secured properly
• Helmet.
There are many choices likes and dislikes but the only advice that is not up for discussion is “Quality and a good Fit”.
o Be sure to include a piece of cloth for cleaning dust on visor
o Water repellant and cleaner (I use “C Thru and keep it in a small spray bottle)
• Off-road Boots
If purchasing new be sure to “walk in” or “ride in” well before departure date as you will be spending a lot of time in these and if you are only just getting used to them there is little relief when far away from home with ill fitting boots.
Because this is an “Off-road Challenge” be sure to select the right type of boots as the boxer engine can deliver a great deal of damage to a poorly protected ankle. Even though there are many very good boots available my preference is the BMW GS boot as it had outstanding lateral protection.
It is a good idea to take a super absorbent cloth as these are a great help when trying to dry the inside of a boot or sock quickly
• Proper protective clothing
riding gear should be well thought out as you will experience significant variations in temperature, including the possibility of rain. The best kit allows you to vent when hot and close when cold.
In addition the kit you choose should have full padding and backboard inserts
• Gloves
It is best to take at least two sets of gloves
o Working gloves – these are for dry technical work with maximum feel for the controls
o Warm gloves – for use in dry early morning and long cold distance conditions
o Warm waterproof gloves – obviously these could replace the former and are used for the same conditions but include wet conditions
• Tire repair kit
o Tubeless kit as supplied by BMW or aftermarket are ideal for the non tubed bikes however, a nice touch is to add a right angle tap for discharging CO² bombs. This can be obtained from cycle shops. Donford BMW supply a kit with this adaptor included.
o Extra bombs
o Extra inserts
o Larger tube of vulcanizing solvent
o Spare tube for non tubeless bikes i.e. Dakar and F650GS
o Hand pump (The best fall back device as it always delivers)
o Tyre pressure gauge (this is a must for any participant in the challenge as tyre pressures are constantly managed depending on terrain
o Compressor – Not essential but a nice to have (For me essential)
• Tow rope.
This is not a necessity but is very useful in a number of ways even when not towing i.e. extricating the bike from a difficult lie where picking it up from close is impossible.
• Emergency Information
o Next of kin with telephone numbers
o Medical aid scheme Number with air ambulance call info
o Blood group
o A good method is by placing this information in a custom pouch attached to your helmet. (see www.icetag.co.za for helmet pouch)
• Tool kit
o The basic tool kit supplied with the bike is not always adequate for a Challenge type ride. This means that a supplementary tool kit is advisable. See supplementary tool kit for R1200GS
o Chain lube (650's)
o Duct tape (does everything and can be used to protect precious parts like mirrors and hand protectors from scratches)
o Leatherman
• First aid kit
I believe in carrying one good comprehensive kit at all times which includes: pain killers (Grandpa and others), bandages, muscle ointment, disinfectant, space blanket burn ointment, plasters etc.
This kit should be able to be carried throughout the time you are riding including the challenge itself.
• Camel back/ Water bottle
The Camel back is not only an excellent way of ensuring that you hydrate regularly as it is convenient but also gives excellent spinal cushioning if a fall should occur. Obviously a water bottle is an option but experience has shown that the former is the preferable.
• Nourishment
Additional energy bars, wine gums and sour sucking sweets for use during long distance, these are great for helping to keep you alert. Sweets that are tart such as “Fisherman’s Friend” are great for this
• Riding buddy(s)
Not a good idea to tackle the challenge alone, try to form a small group of riders who are well matched and can support each other, the joy is that you can start out stranger and within kilometers you are lifelong friends.
• Pen & note book
Always handy and should be carried at all times
• Cell phone
o Small reliable phone that can be knocked around a bit, some of the fancy phones are not ideal for the challenge. Screens crack and they don’t like dust.
o Charger with correct 12volt adapter
•









2. Camping Related Kit

• Tent (2.5 – 3kg max with poles)
As you will be working hard during the day it is important to rest properly at night, this means a comfortable tent of sufficient size. It should accommodate you and your kit as the dew at night will saturate kit left out.
• Sleeping Kit
o Sleeping Bag
Small bag approx 900 – 1000g rated -5°C it is easier to cool down in a warm bag than to warm up in a cold bag. Silk liner can add touch of class
o Mattress
Various types available I prefer the inflatable type as I like to rest well, this requires the use of a blower pump that is powered from your bike. If using this method be sure to have a clip on lighter adapter for R1200GS machines as the aux power out might not like the load. Test rig before departure. If using a inflatable mattress be sure to have patching equipment as a midnight refill is not fun
o Pillow
• Torch
Headlamp, small lantern and possibly a torch
• Toiletries
towel/toothbrush/soap/shampoo/toothpaste
o Sun Block
o Lip ice
o Tabard insect repellant
o Toilet paper
• Clothing
o Wicked riding shirts (easy drying)
o Casual clothing for evenings
o Extra warm clothes, gloves and shoes (for evenings)
o Clean underwear
o Clean socks
o Trainers/slip-ons, necessary at night for trips to the bathroom
o Cap/beanie
o Sewing kit
o Hand washing liquid as you can cut the number of items and wash as you shower.
• Nylon rope
o Pegs to hang washing
• Gas stove
Not an absolute necessity but on a log trip will pay dividends
o Kettle
o Coffee/tea
o
• Cash
Cash will be necessary for a variety of things and there are usually no ATM’s available.


3. The Bones extended tool kit for R1200GS

My personal toolkit in its present form is shown above. It includes enough tools to do most roadside repairs and routine maintenance tasks, including removing both wheels. I made a couple custom tools, and changed a couple things on the bike to minimize the set of tools required. It is always advisable to work with your tool kit when working on the bike, in this way you learn if there are any shortages.
You will also notice that the entire kit is based on a 3/8” power handle
Here's what's in my kit:
• Roll up pouch available from Cape Union Mart
• Box wrenches in sizes 8, 10, and 13mm ( ratcheted)
• Sockets in the same sizes (8, 10, and 13mm) - 3/8" drive
• A 3/8" Power bar
• A 125mm - 3/8" drive extension
• A 75mm - 3/8" drive extension
• Allen wrenches in sizes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm (Folding set)
• Allen sockets in sizes: 7, 8, 9, and 10mm - 3/8" drive
• Torx wrenches in sizes: T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, and T40 (folding set)
• Torx sockets in sizes: T40, T45, T50 and T55 - 3/8" drive
• Torx socket in sizes: E10 - 3/8" drive (for the handlebar mounts)
• Sparkplug tool - 3/8" drive
• My custom tool for the front wheel axle - 3/8" drive
• A 6" pair of needle nosed Vice grips
• A 4" pair of side cutters
• A Swiss Multi screwdriver (combination Phillips and blade)
• A Touratech oil filter and screen wrench
• An 8" Shifting Spanner
• A BMW spark plug cap puller
• Spare web belts - 25mm x 1m
• Valve key
• Spare Valves
• Right angle valve extention
• Swiss army knife
• Stanley Mini knife
• Torch (LED has longer battery life)
• Two 250mm tyre levers
• One yellow dust cloth
• One super absorbent cloth
• 1.5m Mini bike jumper leads.

Consumable items
• 20 x 100mm cable tie
• 20 x 200mm cable tie
• 1 small roll of Ductape
• 1 box liquid steel
• 1 set Q Bond
• Extra puncture inserts
• 2 x Co2 bombs
• Small container sunlight liquid (cleaning hands after a roadside repair and lubricating the bead during a tyre repair)
• Cloth / lappie (cleaning hands and laying out tools etc.)
• Ziploc bags for stuff (it keeps out the dust and wet)

Oh yes, just to add to the above list, you will need a small "Venter" as well.

I was about to request permission to have the above airlifted into the GS base camp...

With regard to off-road apparel - what do you think is the minimum required? What is nice to have - a Camelbak perhaps?

As some people have baby showers, I am seriously considering holding a Challenge shower so I can get people to buy me stuff!

[quote="steyngert"]With regard to off-road apparel - what do you think is the minimum required? What is nice to have - a Camelbak perhaps?

Yip, this is one item you must have on your list!

The requirements for this years challenge, including a checklist, are available here: http://www.gagsc.com/

Registrations open 1 August 2008 !!!

http://www.gagsc.com/

Fantastic! I will break open my little piggy bank soon!

How do you know it opens on the 1st of August? the website does not indicate this?

Yup, it does.

It is right on the front page !!

Sorry - Being blind again...

As long as you are not blind on the GS Challenge !!!!

With regards to the BMW club and the GS challenge - I heard some stories about special club wear we usually wear for the challenge etc. Also, what is the involvement of the club otherwise in this? What has it been in the past?

Stupid questions, I know, but I am a new member of the club...

Gert

We ususally try to get all ride in a group to the GS challenge. Unfortunately we can not do any arrangements until the venue has been announced. We normally all try to wear our club MX shirts when participating in the GS challenge and wear club fleeces during the night. At the end it is all very informal.

thanks!!
sounds good - just need to get myself a fleece top.

MX shirts (R260) and Fleeces (R260) available in Club Office Friday night.

Will be sure to bring the money!

The only requirements for the GS Challenge are:
1. Yourself.
2. Your off-road BMW motorcycle.
3. Your entry fee

Everything else is an optional extra...

Maybe a little bottle of KWV 5 year for in case?

I would probaly include a tent in that list as well. Do not like sleeping cold and wet

Sleep when you're dead!!

Register online @ www.gagsc.com

ENTRY FORM 2008

The event takes place from 24 - 28 September 2008.

* DEADLINE for entries is on 18 August 2008.
* NO late entries will be accepted.
* Entries will only be confirmed when full payment has been received.
* NO PAYMENT, NO ENTRY.
* BMW reserves the right to limit entries.

Entry Fees:
Rider / Pillion : R3 000 pp - Fee includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunch snack packs and 4 dinners, all camp fees & all facilities

Cool,

I have just registered !!!!

OOoohhh........LeRoy, sorry this is only for GS's!!