Sinje Gottwald, a CAKE B2B Account Manager, has achieved a major milestone in adventure motorcycling by riding the longest distance ever on an electric motorcycle, completing her 124-day journey on the West Coast of Africa on the CAKE Kalk AP. Sinje rode the entire journey solo, without any technical or medical support, covering 13,000 km from Spain to South Africa. Her triumph on the Kalk AP is a significant breakthrough for the potential of electric adventure bikes, as well as showcasing the diversity of Africa and breaking down barriers for female riders.

Sinje’s journey was full of daily challenges, ranging from inclement weather and terrain to find a place to charge the bike and the risks of dehydration. Her accomplishment draws attention to many technological and social aspects, including crossing borders, applying for visas, and having the correct documentation at all times. The practical and logistical challenges of the journey were just as memorable as engaging with Africa’s people and landscapes.

Electric Bike

Sinje’s motivation for the trip was to showcase Africa and highlight the positivity of its blend of languages and cultures, as well as the potential of electric adventure bikes. She prepared herself with two batteries, two chargers, spare parts including a controller, display, throttle, chain, fuses, tools, a laptop, a camera, and personal belongings.

Starting on October 14, 2022, in Spain, Sinje’s African exploits began, ferrying across to Morocco, where deep sand caused the first technical difficulty with a fuse burnout. 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 rewarding combination of muddy and waterlogged jungle tracks where no car could venture. Sinje continued down the Ivory Coast, through Ghana, which included a 24-hour wait at the border, Cameroon, and Angola amid the endless African majesty on the way.

The Kalk AP has highlighted a major step forward for the possibilities of vehicle electrification and a sustainable future not just for personal transportation, but also for the unique challenges presented by adventure riding. With the Kalk AP, Sinje has demonstrated the effectiveness, durability, and versatility of an electric motorcycle, overcoming the array of vehicular challenges presented by charging, mechanical care, and spare parts. Together, she and the Kalk AP achieved a feat that was far beyond the bike’s intended purpose. Originally designed for short bursts of fun riding, the Kalk AP exceeded expectations by completing a 13,000 km-long journey in just 124 days, without experiencing a single flat tire and requiring less than 140 charges.

The Kalk AP’s performance in Africa has provided irrefutable evidence of the build quality and potential life cycles of CAKE products. Stefan Ytterborn, CEO, and founder of CAKE have been one of Sinje’s biggest supporters throughout the buildup and duration of her adventure. Sinje’s journey has also laid down a major milestone for electric transport, showcasing the capabilities of adventure motorcycles and the potential of electric vehicles in the future.

Written by: Kevin Hall

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