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Prologue

I carry nicknames for my riding mates in my head. One of them is Dakar (insert name). The other two are  You can’t be serious? (Insert name) and Oh for fucks sake! (insert name). I’m sure by the end of our Return to the South 2021 you will understand. I really do love them.
It is human nature to strive for improvement. To react to past experience is the fundamental driver of evolution. With this spirit of advancement in mind we took stock of last years Mainland adventure and decided to improve on it. 
Given that last years trip was pretty awesome it was always going to be difficult to make it better but at least we can try!
The KTM 690 that we rode last year was the perfect all rounder for what we wanted to do but in the more technical off road sections I still felt like an even smaller bike would be more fun.
The KTM 500exc is a pure enduro bike capable of handling any off road terrain that one is prepared to tackle. It consists of a motor, wheels, brakes and suspension and a plank to sit on. It is light, powerful and lots of fun to ride. It stops on a dime and has a fantastic motor that can tick along or sing. It is very engaging to ride and should be a fantastic companion for this trip. 
Unless you are doing 500km of sealed highway. Then it sucks. A few modifications and an impressive amount of money have made it functional for the road of which a long range tank and a slightly better seat were key. Oh, and it is as far from a touring bike as you are likely to get.
It can barely carry any luggage so light is the name of the game and hopefully opportunities to do laundry along the way, otherwise things will get nasty. 
I can’t wait. 
I’d like to say that I have improved the company from the last trip but it is in fact the same sad buggers. 
Dave Lear, at his best in deep sand or deep water.  Fantastic companion. Has had a most interesting life. Probably an agent for MI6. Also on a 500exc. 
Dave Mac. Your never sure if he will be there, neither is he. Vampire. Riding a KTM 790R. 
Bernie Milne. A giant and brilliant rider. Possibly the nicest man on the planet. Can’t say no. 
If he was a woman he would have many children. Rides a stunning KTM 990. 
No we are not sponsored by KTM but we should be. 
Actually we might have spent enough to buy the company. We hope to build on last year’s route, keeping the best bits and adding some more interesting sections. We have mapped a route of mountain tracks, passes, river crossings, amazing scenery and remote country. It should be fun. 

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1o9nmo0fgivC6wbrlDng9QpKqrU8pneGNhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p1ORZqKJEXWNCofIdYF7G2hqC0etS_KS

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