Kiwi Rider April Vol.2 2023 | Page 24

Electric bikes and long distances aren ’ t something you tend to associate together . Let ’ s face it , most e-motorcycles lack the energy density to haul long distances , especially with charging infrastructure still developing . Add the developing world into the mix and it seems like a recipe for disaster to even think about travelling by EV . Even knowing this , Cake rider Sinje Gottwald didn ’ t let this deter her , and as a result , she ’ s laid claim to the first unassisted African continent crossing on an electric motorcycle . A Cake insider as the brand ’ s B2B Account Manager , Gottwald achieved the remarkable milestone of riding the longest distance ever on an electric motorcycle , after completing her 124-day journey along the West Coast of Africa on the CAKE Kalk AP . Starting from Spain and ending in South Africa , Gottwald rode the entire journey completely unaided by technical or medical support . Take that , Ewan and Charley - although their trip through South America on modified Harley Davidson Livewires was a fun watch on AppleTV . Faced with daily challenges ranging from the continent ’ s inclement weather and terrain , to her ability to charge the bike and the risks posed by dehydration , Sinje ’ s triumph on the Kalk AP is seen by some as a significant breakthrough for many technological and social aspects . As part of her preparation , she readied herself with two batteries , two chargers , spare parts including a controller , display , throttle , chain , and fuses , tools , a laptop in case her bike required a software update or remote support , a camera , and personal belongings . Starting on October 14 , 2022 , in Spain and ferrying across to Morocco , Sinje ’ s African exploits began , with the deep Moroccan sand causing the first technical difficulty with a fuse burn out . Before long she entered the hallowed rally terrain of Mauritania and Senegal , famous for their roles in the iconic Paris-Dakar Rally of yesteryear .

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