Yamaha XT500 + KTM690 'Ben Ten' Mountain Pass Challenge, Eastern Cape, South Africa: Part 1

The BEN TEN Mountain Pass Eco Challenge is made up of the 10 highest dirt road mountain passes in Southern Africa. Would we be the first classic off-road bikes to complete the challenge?
Everyone said it is impossible. We had no skills. The bikes were too old. Most people failed on modern adventure bikes. What if it rained?
Some passes rose up to 3,000 metres. There were rivers, rocks, no cell signal.
The 2 XT500s were standard XTs from 1980 and 1982. With the larger tanks (14lt) fitted and a tool kit. What could go wrong?
A modern KTM 690 rode with us. It would be a real challenge for Marc, the rider, too. And make a good comparison as to how bikes have moved forward in 42 years.
A classic moment came when as we were at the end of the first day and dropping down a long ridge in pouring rain and thick mud, there was a single cab (LV) stuck up to its doors in mud. About six or eight guys were pushing sticks under the tyres and trying to dig the car out. They stood back to let us get past and as we did that the one guy stepped aside and threw his hands in the air and said, "Why, why are you out here? You don't need to be here!"
They would not going to get home that day we were just out there for fun . . .

The Web page:
https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica...
To drive ten specific high altitude gravel passes within a time frame of seven days, whilst enjoying the beautiful Eastern Cape highlands scenery. In the process you will be supporting eco-tourism in this remote part of the Eastern Cape, thereby uplifting the local population.

01. Ben MacDhui Pass (3001m)
02. Carlisleshoekspruit Pass (2563m)
03. Volunteershoek Pass (2581m]
04. Naudes Nek Pass (2590m]
05. Lundin’s Nek Pass (2170m)
06. Joubert’s Pass (2234m)
07. Bastervoetpad Pass (2240m]
08. TTT [Tiffindell-Tenahead Traverse] (2720m)
09. Otto du Plessis Pass (2115m)
10. Barkly Pass (2018m)