Day Zero
A day of travel and wonderment with a great reveal at the end.
Today was the necessary liaison from last night’s gathering place in the Western Cape to the start line of the 2020 Honda Quest just outside the old mining and frontier town of Springbok in the Northern Cape. It was an unseasonably chilly, but sunny late afternoon, where finally, the competitors would find out who their partner was to be. Due to the challenge of Covid 19, this great adventure lived precariously having had to be postponed twice giving many good reason to be greatly relieved that we’ve all finally made the start line. There has been much time for each competitor to wonder who they would be partnered with.
With little fanfare the teams were announced around a fire and setting sun.
Please meet
Team 1
Annemien van der Linde - Short term Insurance Broker - I am Annemien van der Linde (40). I have been riding motorcycles for 4½ years and that brings balance, self-discovery and confidence to my world.
Jaco du Plessis - Engineering Consultant - I'm a 27-year old engineering consultant from Cape Town. My first set of wheels was a motorcycle at university, and immediately I became hooked on the freedom. My bike makes me feel I can go anywhere and everywhere - and that's exactly what I plan on doing!
Team 2
Brian Harmse - Self Employed - 56-year-old, self-employed entrepreneur. I was a kid from Brakpan who learned to make great choices. Among them was to live the dream in East London - and to buy an adventure bike. I’m looking forward to experiencing the Honda Quest 2020 Bootcamp.
Neil Naudé – Engineer - Hi, I’m Neil. I started riding to beat the traffic and It wasn’t long before riding beat me into having fun with friends in the mud, sand, and rocks of South Africa. I’m from Pretoria and live in Cape Town. I’m also enthusiastic about rock climbing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Team 3
Kobus Coetzee – Agronomist - I am from Bloemfontein. I graduated high school in Lichtenburg then finished my studies at the University of the Free State. Started my career in North West and later moved to the Western Free State. I enjoy the science involved in nature, sports and mechanics.
Martin Harmse - Self-employed - Born summer of 69, in Brakpan. Happily married & have two children. Self-employed, living in scenic Eastern Cape. Sports include motorcycling, fishing, Scuba diving & mountain Biking.
Enjoy sharing life experiences with others. Feeling honoured to be part of the Honda Quest true-adventure family.
Team 4
André Bierman - Manager No nonsense bearded guy from Pretoria. My Friends call me Bierman, I love my wife, two daughters, the outdoors, adventures, community projects and working with my hands. Quest 2020 is the perfect combination of the things I love! These boots are made for riding. See you in the saddle.”
Deon van Niekerk - IT Project Manager - I am an outdoor enthusiast with a biking problem, approaching middle age. Whenever time allows I enjoy using my cooking skills acquired after school for the enjoyment of friends and family. My other interests include knife making, mountain biking and motorsport. Travelling with my wife and our dogs are highlights.
Team 5
Adriaan Theron - Technical Manager - Hi, I’m from Wellington. I’m a post-harvest technical manager during the week and on weekends I enjoy the life behind bars (handlebars, of course). Whether that may be on my motorbike or mountain bike, as long as it includes some sense of adventure!
Dylan Benyon - Psychology Lecturer - I’m a Psychology Honours graduate from UNISA; currently applying for Masters in Clinical Psychology. I’ve been riding motorcycles since the age of 3; I currently ride a 2014 CRF250R. I feel extremely privileged to take part in the 2020 Honda Quest and I’m eager to push both my body and mind to their limits.
Team 6
Jason Bryden - Self Employed - I live in Johannesburg and am married with 3 children. My family are my foundation. I am self-employed and competitive by nature. Physical challenges and adventure excite and inspire me, whether as part of a team or as an individual. I believe actions always speak louder than words.
Leon le Roux - Civil Engineer Motorbikes have always been part of my life. At age 36 I started Enduro racing and ended up doing the 2015 Amageza Rallye at age 47. Through this I built my mental and endurance levels. Also my skill that developed over the years and helps me as a 52 year old to enjoy my adventure riding.
Team 7
Andries Dippenaar - Engineer - Who am I, I am that guy, I like to fix, I like to help, I'm not the clown, I won't let you down. I'm just that guy, you can rely, adventure calls, worry falls. I'm a 50 year old engineer from Cape Town and bike nut extraordinaire.
Nicolas Rossouw - Technician in industrial printing industry - I am a technician in the industrial printing industry, doing electrical and mechanical work. I am a very positive and hard working person always trying to find the good in every situation. Driven with an open mind and a strong will to succeed.
We wish them the very best of luck, great good fortune and a life changing adventure.
