First Gravel and the Karoo is Calling Tour that Changed It All...
- Motorrad Adventures
- May 6
- 6 min read
Tiaan Erasmus on the Karoo Is Calling Tour with Motorrad Adventures
When 35-year-old Tiaan Erasmus joined the Karoo Is Calling Tour with Motorrad Adventures, he had never ridden off-road before.
No gravel experience. No mud riding. No prior adventure motorcycle training.
But he did have a curious spirit, quiet courage, and a desire to explore the roads less travelled.
What followed was more than just a tour. It was the beginning of real growth as an adventure rider.
This is his story...
Why I Started Riding
“I’ve been riding for about two years,” Tiaan says. “What drew me in was the excitement and the incredible sense of freedom. Riding makes you feel like a teenager again, it brings back that pure joy and adventure.”
Like many riders in their 30s, his journey into motorcycling came later in life, and with it, a renewed sense of freedom.
Choosing the Right Adventure Motorcycle
Tiaan rides a BMW F 800 GS Adventure, a well-balanced mid-weight adventure motorcycle.
“I wanted something in the middleweight category, not too heavy or overly powerful, but still capable enough that I wouldn’t outgrow it quickly. It also has great long-distance touring ability, which was important to me.”
For Tiaan, it was a practical choice, a motorcycle that felt manageable, capable, and confidence-inspiring.
Why the Karoo Is Calling Tour?
The Karoo Is Calling Tour with Motorrad Adventures stood out to Tiaan for two clear reasons.
“Firstly, I’ve always wanted to explore the Karoo. It’s incredibly beautiful, and I love visiting the small platteland towns, the quiet rural towns that feel untouched by time.
Secondly, the tour seemed very welcoming and well-suited to beginner riders, which gave me the confidence to sign up.”
The Karoo is one of South Africa’s most iconic riding regions, vast, open, and defined by long gravel roads, mountain passes, and remote landscapes.
For a first off-road adventure motorcycle tour, it offers both challenge and perspective.
Excitement, Nerves, and New Boots
Before the tour began, Tiaan felt everything at once.
“I felt just about every emotion possible. I was excited to ride off-road, explore the Karoo, and learn proper adventure riding skills. At the same time, I was nervous as a beginner and wondered if I might have bitten off more than I could chew.”
And then there were the new adventure boots.
“I had also just bought new adventure boots, so even shifting gears felt like a new challenge.”
It’s a detail many riders will recognise, when everything is new, even the basics feel unfamiliar.
First Gravel. Real Learning.
Before this tour, Tiaan had no off-road experience at all.
“None at all, this was my first proper off-road riding experience.”
The first gravel kilometres felt unfamiliar, but that’s where the learning began.
The Highlights: Support and Progress
For Tiaan, the biggest highlight of the Karoo Is Calling Tour with Motorrad Adventures wasn’t just the riding, it was the people.
“The biggest highlight for me was the group of people. Everyone was incredibly supportive, and I learned a lot from them.”
Riding as part of a group created a shared experience, learning, encouragement, and steady progress along the way.
He also found himself enjoying the more technical terrain.
“I really enjoyed the technical gravel sections, especially the route around the Compassberg, one of the highest peaks in the Karoo. The final day’s gravel riding was both exciting and challenging, a perfect way to end the tour.”
By the end of the tour, what once felt intimidating had become something he could manage, and even enjoy.
The Mud Section That Tested Me
Every adventure motorcycle tour has a moment that stretches you.
For Tiaan, it was mud.
“The mud sections were definitely challenging. I focused on the advice Tim and Elton, the Motorrad Adventures lead and sweep riders on the tour, gave us, 'keep your eyes up, look where you want to go, and don’t fixate on what’s right in front of you.' I moved through the mud at a steady, controlled pace and trusted the technique.”
That moment marked a shift, from uncertainty to trusting the technique.
Growing in Confidence
When asked whether he grew as a rider during the tour, Tiaan doesn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. I feel much more confident in my riding ability now. I learned how crucial body positioning is in adventure riding, it makes a massive difference in control and stability. That was one of the biggest takeaways for me.”
For him, the biggest shift wasn’t speed, it was control, positioning, and confidence.
A Message to Other 30-Something Riders
Tiaan’s advice is simple and direct:
“Go for it, you won’t regret it. It’s an incredible experience and the best way to learn is by doing.”
For riders who are unsure whether they are ready, his story offers a clear answer.
You don’t need years of experience to begin.
You just need to start.
More Than Just a Tour
When asked whether the experience changed how he sees riding going forward, his answer is clear.
“Definitely. I gained a whole new respect for adventure riding. It showed me how much there still is to learn and improve on, and that’s part of what makes it so exciting.”
It wasn’t just about completing the route, it was about discovering what he was capable of.
The real gift of a first adventure motorcycle tour is simple, you arrive curious, you leave capable, and somewhere along the gravel, growth happens.
“I arrived nervous. I left confident. And now I know I’m only just getting started.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Karoo Is Calling Tour suitable for beginner off-road riders?
Yes. The Karoo Is Calling Tour with Motorrad Adventures is designed to be welcoming to beginner riders while still offering technical sections that encourage growth. As Tiaan experienced, even riders with no prior off-road experience can build confidence quickly with the right guidance and group support.
2. Do I need prior gravel riding experience to join?
No prior gravel experience is required. Tiaan joined the tour with no off-road background and successfully completed technical gravel and mud sections by applying proper technique and instructor guidance.
3. What motorcycle is suitable for a Karoo adventure motorcycle tour?
A capable mid-weight adventure motorcycle such as the BMW F 800 GS Adventure works well. Riders should choose a bike that balances power, manageability, and long-distance comfort. The key is confidence and familiarity with your motorcycle.
4. What makes the Karoo a good destination for adventure motorcycle touring?
The Karoo is one of South Africa’s most iconic riding regions. It offers vast semi-desert landscapes, long gravel roads, mountain passes, and remote rural towns, ideal terrain for developing off-road riding skills while experiencing true adventure.
5. What skills do riders typically improve on this tour?
Riders commonly improve:
Body positioning for stability
Gravel cornering confidence
Vision control (looking ahead, not down)
Throttle and clutch balance
Riding through mud and technical terrain
As Tiaan discovered, correct body positioning alone makes a significant difference in control and confidence.
6. Is adventure motorcycle touring physically demanding?
Adventure riding requires focus and correct technique more than brute strength. With proper instruction and pacing, riders of varying experience levels can complete the tour successfully while steadily building endurance and skill.
7. What do riders gain from their first adventure motorcycle tour?
Most riders leave with:
Increased confidence on gravel
A deeper respect for off-road technique
Greater understanding of their motorcycle
A strong sense of community
As Tiaan put it: “The best way to learn is by doing.”
If you're looking for the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour, you’ve come to the right place! At Motorrad Adventures, we bring years of experience, expert guides, and world-class support to ensure you have an unforgettable off-road motorcycle experience.
Since 2009, we’ve been crafting and leading epic motorcycle expeditions across the globe. Our team has successfully organised tours in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, and South Africa, helping countless riders tick off their bucket-list motorcycle adventures.
We’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the biggest names in adventure motorcycling, including Charley Boorman, Billy Ward, Claudio von Planta, Dylan Wickrama, SA Adventure, Moto Aventures, and Compass Expeditions.
Your safety is our top priority. Every Motorrad Adventures motorcycle tour includes:
✅ Fully equipped support vehicle & trailer with satellite communication and tracking
✅ Professional lead and sweep riders for guidance and support
✅ On-tour medic for added peace of mind
✅ A dedicated backup crew so you can ride at your own pace
With our experienced team by your side, you can push your limits while knowing you have the best support in the industry.
Royal Enfield Himalayan rental
We take care of everything—from planning scenic routes to securing top-quality accommodation and delicious meals. That means you get to focus on what matters most—riding and exploring. Whether you're navigating Namibia’s desert dunes, cruising through the rugged landscapes of South Africa, or crossing breathtaking salt flats, we ensure every moment is an adventure to remember.
So, if you’re ready to experience the motorcycle trip of a lifetime, click the button below and start your next great adventure! 👇
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