A cake AND AN ELECTRIFIED ODYSSEY
the first unassisted African continent crossing on an electric motorcycle
After completing a 124 day journey along the West Coast of Africa , CAKE B2B Manager , Sinje Gottwald has achieved a remarkable milestone in riding the longest distance ever on an electric motorcycle .
Starting from Spain and ending in South Africa , Gottwald rode the entire journey completely unaided by technical or medical support .
Faced with daily challenges ranging from the continent ’ s inclement weather and terrain , to her ability to charge the bike and the risks posed by dehydration , Gottwald ' s triumph on the Kalk AP is a significant breakthrough for many technological and social aspects .
Gottwald , a veteran of motorcycle adventures , came to wide attention within the motorcycling community in 2017 after she accomplished a solo circumnavigation of the world . Her accomplishment drew attention for breaking down barriers and normalising the idea of independent female riders achieving such feats . Gottwald ' s other expeditions have included travelling overland from Europe to Asia , exploring Australia , travelling from South to North America overland , and from Morocco to Mali .
One key factor of Gottwald ' s motivation for the trip , and one that she aspired to for the duration , was to showcase Africa and highlight the positivity of its blend of languages and cultures . Engaging with its people and landscapes was just part of why her experience was so memorable , along with the practical and logistical challenges of crossing borders , applying for visas and having the correct documentation with her at all times .
As part of her preparation , she readied herself with two batteries , two chargers , spare parts including a controller , display , throttle , chain , and fuses , tools , a laptop in case her bike requires a software update or remote support , a camera , and personal belongings . Starting on October 14 , 2022 , in Spain and ferrying across to Morocco , Gottwald ' s African exploits began , with the deep Moroccan sand causing the first technical difficulty with a fuse burn out . Before long she entered the hallowed terrain of Mauritania and Senegal , famous for their role in the iconic Paris- Dakar Rally .
From Gambia she entered Guinea Bissau , where the entry into Guinea presented the challenging but supremely rewarding combination of muddy and waterlogged jungle tracks where no car could venture . Gottwald continued down the Ivory Coast , onwards through Ghana , which included a 24-hour wait at the border , Cameroon and Angola amid the endless African majesty on the way . She finally arrived in South Africa to complete her unforgettable 13,000 km journey that saw her meet countless people and experience nature in ways only possible on two wheels .
“ My dream was to see the world with my own eyes ," explained the intreped adventurer . " No matter how much
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