Great trip report Bard. Wish I was still doing it, what an experience and cant wait to do it again.
A great team effort by all involved, morale was through the roof. Even the wee Yank (Frodo Baggins) was entertaining, the wheelie king of the tour for sure. Father figure Harry the Fin was always present when I needed a nut or bolt to carry out on the go repairs. Whenever I crashed and burned, every-time I picked my face out of the dirt and turned around, there he was "its ok son, you'll live". A fella abundant with off-road experience. I also have to take a bow to Frank. When I first saw your tires before the trip I have to admit to having a wee snigger, 1 day tops and big Frank will be finished. Dude you were frickin awesome. Every challenge that we encountered Frank powered through with ease on his KTM 690 "SUPERMOTO" with SLICK tires, sick mate absolutely SICK. And Bard many thanks for organising it, it wouldn't have happened if you hadnt put so much effort in, appreciate it mate, kudos to you. Nice wee race we had at the end.
And for me, well I just crashed into everything and loved every moment of it. The KLX is now well and truly run in. Suppose to keep it under 4,000rpm for 1,600 Km, hmmmm.....didnt see much under 9,000 rpm out the box. Im not a big fan of Kawasaki's, but the wee 250 done me proud. Only failures was luggage rack coming loose, rear sprocket coming loose and exhaust falling apart about three times, when it fell off for the last time narrowly missing Franks head I decided to continue home without it leaving it at the side of the road and sounding like a Lancaster bomber, my ears are still bleeding. All these failed parts were aftermarket and dont point the finger at Kawasaki.
All in all what a fantastic adventure this trip will stay close to me til the day die.
Johnny