Sinje Gottwald completes the first unassisted African continent crossing on an electric motorcycle

CAKE's Sinje Gottwald completes the first unassisted African continent crossing on an electric motorcycle
CAKE B2B Account Manager Sinje Gottwald has achieved a remarkable milestone in 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, Sinje rode the entire journey completely unaided by technical or medical support.

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 a significant breakthrough for many technological and social aspects.

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.