CAKE’s Sinje Gottwald completes first unassisted African continent crossing on an electric motorcycle
Motorcycle Sports
15/02/2023
Sinje, a veteran of motorcycle adventures, came to wide attention within the motorcycling community in 2017 after she accomplished a solo circumnavigation of the world. Her accomplishment drew attention for breaking down barriers and normalizing the idea of independent female riders achieving such feats. Sinje's other expeditions have included traveling overland from Europe to Asia, exploring Australia, traveling from South to North America overland, and from Morocco to Mali.
One key factor of Sinje’s motivation for the trip, and one that she aspired to for the duration, was to showcase Africa and highlight the positivity of its blend of languages and cultures. Engaging with its people and landscapes was just part of why her experience was so memorable, along with the practical and logistical challenges of crossing borders, applying for visas and having the correct documentation with her at all times.
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 requires 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 terrain of Mauritania and Senegal, famous for their role in the iconic Paris-Dakar Rally.
From Gambia she entered Guinea Bissau, where the entry into Guinea presented the challenging but supremely rewardinFaced 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 a significant breakthrough for many technological and social aspects.
© Provided by Motorcycle Sports
© Provided by Motorcycle Sports
g combination of muddy and waterlogged jungle tracks where no car could venture. Sinje continued down the Ivory Coast, onwards through Ghana, which included a 24-hour wait at the border, Cameroon and Angola amid the endless African majesty on the way. She finally arrived in South Africa to complete her unforgettable 13,000 km journey that saw her meet countless people and experience nature in ways only possible on two wheels.
