Why the Turkana Gear Challenge is the Best "Organised Chaos" on Two Wheels
If you’ve been following Dirt & Trail, you’ll know we’ve been keeping a close eye on a movement that is currently sweeping across the South African biking landscape. Back in our initial coverage, we introduced you to the Turkana Gear Challenge.
In a nutshell, the Turkana Gear Challenge isn’t a race or even an organised mass ride; it’s a country-wide “treasure hunt” designed to get riders out of the garage (on their own or with a few riding buddies) and into the saddle. Whether it’s a quick coffee run or a multi-day expedition, the goal is simple: ride, explore, and bank the challenges.
We are now officially two-thirds of the way through the 2025/2026 season, and the energy is high as riders aim to rack up the challenges before it comes to an end.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Managed by Michnus Olivier of Turkana Gear, the challenge has grown into a sizable event that is growing weekly thanks to the power of riders sharing their stories with other riders. It’s that much fun. Currently, over 420 riders are registered, and the entries are still streaming in. But for Michnus, it’s not just about the headcount, it’s about the diversity of the machines and the people on them.
“We’ve already seen hundreds of entries pouring in, from new riders and seasoned veterans to enthusiasts from all walks of life, with riders ticking off everything from quick coffee runs to proper long-haul missions,” says Michnus. “One of the coolest parts is seeing the sheer variety: scooters, adventure bikes, cruisers, superbikes, and vintage classics. We’re seeing a fair number of riders who hadn’t been in the saddle for years suddenly racking up kilometres again. That part alone makes the whole project worth it.”
Tales from the Tarmac and Dirt
The real heart of the challenge lies in the stories from the “hooligans” (as they affectionately call themselves) on the ground.
Take Liezel the Long-Distance “Impasta”, for example. She tackles the challenge on her 200cc LML Star Deluxe (“The Bumblebee”) or her 125cc Piaggio Liberty (“The Zebra”). Despite her “littlies” having a top speed that makes a 400km daytrip a full-day commitment, she’s covered everything from Durban to the freezing -3°C nights of Bloemfontein.
“The Turkana Challenges have always stretched me,” Liezel shares. “I spent the greatest amount of time in the saddle, but I had the time of my life. I’ve experienced the incredible kindness of strangers, like the truck drivers who escorted me through the rain at night or paid my toll fees. It’s a community shared by an underlying passion for the open road. We’ve become a family.”
Then there’s Juanita, who is treating the Challenge like a modern-day treasure hunt. Riding her GS 1200, she says Turkana started as a simple bet between friends but quickly spiralled into a full-blown obsession. “To me, the Turkana Challenge is a treasure hunt on two wheels,” she says. “We’ve got Google in overdrive as we plot our next destinations. It has taught me so much about our culture-rich country, things I never knew or dared to explore before. Even at the office, everyone is crowded around my desk wanting to see the photos and help plan the next leg!”
Driven by the Love of Riding
Initiatives like the Turkana Gear Challenge thrive because of the community behind them, and a few brands who believe in keeping that spirit alive. Motul South Africa is proud to lend its support to the challenge, helping encourage riders to get out, explore more of the country, and share the stories that make motorcycling such a special culture.
Mercia Jansen, Managing Director of Motul South Africa and a rider herself, explains why the project resonates with the brand:
“What I love about the Turkana Challenge is how it reminds people why they started riding in the first place. It’s not about who has the biggest bike or the fastest route — it’s about getting out there, exploring a bit further, and enjoying the ride. Seeing everything from scooters to big adventure bikes taking on the same challenges is brilliant. Everyone is just out there chasing their own version of adventure, and that’s exactly the kind of energy we love to support.
At Motul, we’re not just about the technical side of things; we’re here to fuel the fun. It’s about making sure these machines keep moving, the adventures and stories keep coming, and the South African biking spirit stays as wild as ever.”
The Power of the Pack
The secret sauce of the Turkana Gear Challenge is how it transforms riding from a solo hobby into a shared mission. It bridges the gap between simply owning a bike and actually living the lifestyle by creating a community that nudges one another along.
“Riders want adventure, even if it’s just a new route around town. Sometimes they just need an excuse to gear up,” Michnus notes. “Being part of a like-minded group makes it easier to ride more; you see others out there and you want to be part of the story. It builds real emotional connections, not just transactions. And honestly, we could not do this without the massive help of Johan and Carina managing the chaos. Thanks to them for backing this circus and turning ‘I should ride more’ into ‘Damn, that was a good ride.”
Join the Last Leg
The 2025/2026 Challenge runs until May/June 2026, which means there is still time to get involved, but spots for the last part of the year are limited!
- How to sign up: Visit CABC Turkana 2025 to grab one of the remaining spots.
- See the action: Join the Turkana Safari Facebook Group to see the latest photos, route tips, and “questionable decisions” from the field.
Whether you’re on a Scooter or a 1000 cc Superbike, the road is calling. See you out there!
It’s with huge thanks to all the sponsors for making this possible:
Alpine Earplugs, Awesometools: Leatherman, Cardo South Africa, CFMoto, Country TRAX, Flying Brick Motorcycle Accessories, GPS 4 AFRICA, Hex Innovate, Honda Wing George, HondaSA, IRide, MIRA, Motorrad George, Motorrad Adventures, Motul South Africa, Off Road Cycles, Rubbatech, SP Connect Africa, Tracks4Africa, Slingsby Maps, dirtandtrail.co.za and VENTS BRULL.
