Rider Profile: Claude Deyzel After spending his school years riding motorbikes and horses, Claude went to Varsity and was out of the saddle for over 7 years. After a Varsity reunion in Zanzibar a couple Claudes mates decided to start working towards a lifelong dream of travelling through Africa on motorbikes. Not long after the initial decision was made, they managed to set aside 3 months to do a round trip via Tanzania and back to SA. From there on it snowballed. They tried to do a big trip once a year, roughing it and making some epic memories. Peter How and himself decided to tackle the Amageza last year, and Claude got hold of a KTM 690 Rally Replica. Not long after getting the 690, Claude had a big crash and broke his right wrist in three places, not and ideal situation with the Amageza only 3 months away. He managed to get to the start but was forced to pull of out of the special stages on day 3. Last years experience had Claude and Peter coming back for more and both riders are planning on continuing with the race every year. The good vibe and heightened spirits encountered last year, makes you feel like everybody is doing this event together, each with their own expectations but with the same goal. I cant wait for the start, and the privilege of the race ending on our doorstep, makes it even more special. Age: 33 years old Home Language: Afrikaans speaking Occupation: Veterinarian How long have you been riding bikes for? I was on a bike for the first time with my dad on his Kawasaki 900, before I can even remember. I got on a bike for the first time when I was six, and that is when I lost half a toe in my first crash. What bike are you using for the Amageza Rally? I am using a 2009 KTM 690 Enduro R What special bits have you added to your bike for the Amageza? Nothing too special ICO, Roadbook, Trailtech Voyager GPS, Steering Damper What other bikes do you ride? Other bike is a 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S Have you done the Amageza previously? First Amageza was 2013, but had to pull out after end of day two due to previous broken wrist giving problems. Luckily my bike did not see a trailer so finished 3rd day, but had to take the tar. Have you done any other Rallies before? No other rallies Are you training or aspiring for Dakar one day? Biggest dream to do the Dakar but due to nature of work, time and money makes it highly unlikely Have you navigated using a road book before? Used road book for first time on Amageza last year What do you think will be your biggest challenge in this year’s event? Biggest challenge is to keep the wrist intact, keep bike and myself alive, and FINISH this event. Follow Claude: Facebook:
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:57:52 +0000