Joyce and Kim Dunford tour extensively around North America from their home base in Apsley, Ontario. Joyce had her own bike until ten years ago but now she’s happy to ride two-up as Kim navigates their BMW K1600 around the country.

Kim Dunford

Before they heard Rene speak at their local BMW dealer, they’d never considered riding outside of North America. That event, however, prompted them to sign up for Renedian’s Victoria Falls to Cape Town tour.

“We wanted to broaden our horizons and get out of our comfort zone,” says Kim.

Kim Dunford Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime

“There were a few things that concerned us in the hype leading up to our departure. We don’t group ride at all, other than an annual trip with one other couple. We appreciated that Rene encouraged us to ride apart, take time for photos, and stop when we felt like it. The only time we got into a riding formation was going through towns.

“The left-hand drive, another concern, ended up being intuitive, helped by Rene leading the way.

“We also wondered what we’d be eating. It turns out I’d go back again just for a restaurant tour, especially for the wild game. It didn’t take long to put any concerns to rest.

“Because we travel extensively on a motorcycle, we always say we could live under a rock if we had to. Our expectations of the accommodations and food was way too basic. The calibre of accommodations and food, including the night in the bush camp in the Okavango Delta, blew us away.”

An Unforgettable Trip for Kim & Joyce

Kim and Joyce’s greatest impression came from the authenticity of the African people. It began with their layover in Ethiopia and continued throughout Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

“We didn’t come across a ton of local people that weren’t in the hospitality business, but all of them seemed genuinely interested in where we were from and why we were there. They were very proud of their heritage and homelands.

“We were struck by the contrast between third world and modern living in close proximity to each other. A local barber shop or market could be across the street from an upscale clothing or grocery store.

“Every day was a surprise and always a good surprise. The only problem is that Africa steals your heart. We’d do it over again in a heartbeat. Now that we’ve gone once, we’ve got no qualms about other Renedian destinations. We’re just going!”

The couple has a full calendar for 2019. August 1st they’ll start in Maine and travel down the east coast to Key West, staying as close to the Atlantic as possible. On the way they’ll tour New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Their return trip will go through the Midwest where Joyce can stock up on quilting ideas.

At the end of September, they’re off to Mongolia where Kim will ride a motorcycle to the Golden Eagle Festival while Joyce travels in the side-by-side.

“My son would like to go on a trip with me sometime too,” said Kim, who’s also teaching his grandsons to ride. Maybe Renedian’s South American trip….”

Photo credits: Kim Dunford