Cheating on Lazuli.
It was a special adventure. A week dedicated to the Yamaha Ténéré during the Ténéré Travel Trophy. During this event I was part of the crew of the TTT. A very cool adventure!
Saturday morning, June 10, I left early with a group of 45 participants in the touringcar to the starting location at a beautiful Chateau in Dreux. The gated 33-acre estate was completely set up for the event. From the campsite with associated Ténéré Town to various off-road trails that challenged the participants more than enough. From a cross track to tight technical single tracks.
But besides motorcycling, workshops were also given. For example, about applying First Aid outside the civilized world and updating the basic knowledge about the engine for emergency repairs if necessary. The participants could also practice themselves under the guidance of the trainer.
On the second evening, all participants were provided with a three-course dinner and two presentations. The first presentation was from Zoe Herron Coleman of Two Wheels for Life. A wonderful organization that uses donations to train local people in Africa in the field of health care and to offer this help in remote areas using motorcycles. By participating in the event, the participants automatically supported this organization. Part of their registration fee was donated, after which Yamaha supplemented the amount raised up to € 7000.-.
The second presentation was given by Nick Sander Motorcycle Adventurer who has ridden around the world several times (and actually still does) with, among other things, a Yamaha Ténéré.
In addition to many activities, Yamaha itself was also present. We all didn’t have enough eyes to look with on this one. Yamaha had taken and set up the original Heritage models of the Ténéré. A kind of mini-museum in the context of the 40th anniversary of the Ténéré. One even more special than the other. The roots towards the Dakar Rally were clearly visible here.
It was also terribly envious. Every day we saw the participants leave on their motorcycles and every evening we heard the wonderful stories of their adventures and saw many beautiful videos and photos passing by so that we could enjoy their adventures.
In addition, when we had to drive to the following locations with the buses, we regularly drove through the most beautiful areas. Roads where which we placed on our bucket list to look up again with our own motorcycles. The further south we came, the more we were amazed by breathtaking views, rock formations, gorges and mountains.
Every day naturally also brought challenges to help participants. Jessica and Maarten, as the main organizers of the Ténéré Travel Trophy, tried to help the participants as best they could when there were problems. Their hearts are made of gold. They really went out of their way to help.
The participants also quickly found me. Before I knew it I was being called the GPS lady. Throughout the week I was regularly busy answering questions about GPS systems, loading tracks and solving malfunctions. This was not planned, but I really enjoyed being able to help the participants with this as well.
We laughed a lot and enjoyed it, even with such long days and working hard as a team. Although I didn't had a motorcycle with me, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this adventure for the world. All I can say is that I'm already looking forward to next year!
And Lazuli? He really doesn’t need to worry. As nice as a Ténéré may be, Lazuli is really my bike. Enjoy every moment with him. Both on asphalt and on gravel. He can just come along on our own trips and adventures!
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