The mother of all enduros

Namibian enduro rider Quinton Z van Rooyen will take on his third attempt at the race this coming weekend.

Speaking to Van Rooyen prior to his departure for this weekend’s event in the Maluti mountains in Lesotho, he confirmed this would be his third attempt at finishing the Roof of Africa.

He said the event constitutes a three-day race, which is exceptionally tough due to the lowest elevation of around 1400m, extreme weather conditions, and tough terrain.

Previsouly, the team did not even make it halfway, Van Rooyen said.

This was due to heavy rains, the terrain, and having to carry their motorbikes on their shoulders.

Even with GPS technology, they got lost, he added.

Giving up is, however, not an option, Van Rooyen said.

“This year I have to go back and fix it.

“Nothing beats experience. We learnt a lot last year, and definitely have a better tyre set-up this year, obviously better skills, and preparations to build on that,” he said.

In preparation, Van Rooyen said he travelled to Lesotho twice this year to familiarise himself with the terrain.

Though participants do not know the route beforehand, it helps to get familiarised with the area, he said.

“According to weather predictions it seems like a wet ‘Roof’ is awating us,” he said.

This, he said, makes him nervous as he trains in the desert where it is hot and dry.

But there is no doubt that he and his team are mentally and physically better prepared.

Taking part in the Roof of Africa is a team effort as Van Rooyen said he needs his technical team, mechanics, sponsors and even a doctor in case of an emergency.

Team Van Rooyen is also taking along spare bikes and parts.

“We start at certain points in the Maluti mountains, and on the route there are service points, and they have to move around to the next points to meet the riders to ensure the bikes are serviced, repaired and ready for the next stretch,” he said.

Van Rooyen is expected back in Namibia next week.

The Roof of Africa has been the oldest enduro in the world since 1967.

Distances of 250 to 350km are covered over three days.

Riders are tracked live, and emergency medical helicopters are on standby.

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