Your ride back
…it can never be unseen. That is the basis on which Mission South has come to life. Back in 2008 Chris, and Marko first came across the daily struggles that Gambian locals face. While they were having fun during a rally trip in their classic Saab, the two friends saw how a lack of nutrition and health care was affecting the people around them. Instead of ignoring the problems, they decided then and there: we need to take action.
It’s one thing to make a decision, but it’s the follow-up that is the hard part. However, the guys quickly started focusing on several important charity causes that helped improve life standards for Gambian locals, such as a medical center in Serrekunda. After several years of self-fueled initiatives to support the medial center this year they went on to make a mark among the general public on their mission for everyone to see. It proves that they have truly put their money where their mouth is, and therefore so did we by making a generous financial donation to the cause, as well as providing the guys with some Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde magic in the shape of our exhaust systems.
Despite the noble nature of their mission, there is the adventure aspect that makes it a personal achievement for the boys from Motor Circus. A mix of motorcycles varying from 1974 to brand new all share the same badge: BMW Motorrad made sure that aside from two brand new nineT Scramblers getting tested on their off road capabilities, there was a brand new R1200 GS to haul all the camera gear. We made sure the bikes were equipped with the right sound by installing our electronically adjustable exhaust system on all three, which later became an instant hit among the locals in Gambia when the team played with our three personalities in an attempt to create a magic show. The other two bikes were the trusted Bavarian Boxers of Chris and Marko, both bikes from the 1970’s.
Adventure or not, the thought behind Mission South was to create awareness for the problems in Gambia to free funds that help support local charities. No less than 5000 kilometer was traveled to reach their destination, a trip on which they encountered over 100 police and military stops. Limited storage space on their bikes proved challenging in their dress code, as temperatures varied from close to freezing to up to 45 degrees Celsius. From the south of Spain through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Senegal they finally reached their goal: Gambia. On their trip they have encountered numerous people who all shared a friendly approach towards the Motor Circus team, while the most notable thing they did not encounter was mechanical failure. The end result was an incredibly helpful €11.500,- that all goes into the non-profit medical clinic in Gambia.
