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the more conventional bike suited to the conditions .
“ Yeah , he just laughed at us ,” said Geoff , suggesting the Himalayan was suited but perhaps not the rider . “ Often Steve couldn ’ t breathe , but he is 65 years old .”
Steve was considered the veteran of the bunch despite Geoff being just two years his junior and Kevin just a further four years in arrears . “ We ’ re just wiper-snappers ,” they both laughed . And of completing the crossing in what is recognised the easier way , west to east , both Geoff and Kevin suggest that this is it for the Royal Enfield ’ s , no return run .
“ They ’ re retired ,” admitted Kevin . “ As far as using them again for that . No !”
Both agree that it ’ s not the end of the adventure , with no less ambitious and just as exciting plans being discussed .
“ I collect Bultaco ’ s ,” Geoff modestly admitted , confirmed with a considerable collection . “ We ’ re contemplating going the opposite direction on Bultaco ’ s next April .”
The pair realising that the east to west crossing is considered more difficult due to riding against the windward direction and therefore dunes that are steeper on the eastern side , they say that the more suited Bultaco bikes will be up to the task .
“ There were a lot of people laughing at us ,” shrugged Kevin . “ A lot of people loved it more than us .”
It ’ s proof that any bike is capable of taking on any adventure with the right attitude , a couple of Royal Enfield Classics in the Simpson Desert .
“ After we ’ ve done it , and now my back ’ s not hurting anymore ,” added Geoff . “ It ’ s a bloody good thing to do .”
TRAVERSE ( Pics . Greg Ashman )
TRAVERSE 166