The Roof of Africa is not a race for the faint hearted. Set in the mountains of Lesotho, the three-day hard enduro challenges riders with steep climbs, river crossings and unpredictable weather, with competitors reaching altitudes of up to 3,000 metres.
But while the riders take on the mountains, another team is working just as hard behind the scenes.
For Yamaha riders, that team is BLU CLU.
Established in 2006 as the Yamaha Roof Support Programme and later becoming part of the international BLU CLU initiative, the programme is built around one simple promise, “Race a Yamaha at the Roof of Africa, be treated like a factory rider.”
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According to Adrian Bac, Motorcycles commercial manager, who has been involved with the programme, the concept goes far beyond simply having mechanics at the event.
“We take down mechanics, spares, bike washers, pressure washers, gazebos, branding, spares and oils,” he explains. “We commit to every Yamaha entered that we will prepare and service their bikes every night.”
BLU CLU also provides support at service points throughout the race, assisting riders with everything from fuel to emergency repairs. Labour and lubricants are provided free of charge, while parts and additional tyres are available at special Roof pricing.
And at an event as demanding as the Roof, that support can make all the difference. This year’s race provided a perfect example.
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Yamaha factory rider Adam Bac competed in the Silver class, finishing third overall with a total race time of 12 hours, 22 minutes and 56 seconds. Behind that podium result was a team working late into the night to ensure the bike was ready for the next day’s racing.
At one point, Adam’s bike developed a problem that had to be identified and repaired just before the start. “They found the problem and fixed it,” says Adrian. “They worked hard. There’s no doubt about it; it’s a team effort.”
That team effort is particularly important at an event that pushes riders to their physical and mental limits.
“This race is so demanding for the rider, both physically and mentally,” Adrian explains. “After he raced for the day, he’s got to get his bike, his gear and his body ready for the next day to do it all again. So, this is where the support team comes in.”
BLU CLU ‘s role also extends beyond the motorcycle.
Many riders arrive with partners or friends helping with their race support, some experiencing an event like the Roof for the first time. BLU CLU helps them navigate service points, fuel, hydration, and everything else needed to keep the rider moving.
Delivering that level of support takes months of preparation. The team spends around two months preparing vehicles, spare parts, tyres, tools, lubricants, accommodation and environmental equipment before making the journey to Lesotho.
“We’ve learned what to do and what not to do,” says Adrian. “But we spent two months before the event preparing.”
This year, that preparation paid off, with every Yamaha entry making it to the finish and Adam’s third place Silver class result providing a standout moment for the team.
Because behind every Yamaha rider tackling the Roof of Africa is a team making sure they are ready to tackle it again.
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