We Cycled the Continent of Africa.
120 Days and it is over, just like that. How do you sum up the most challenging experience of your life on one short blog? Well, let’s try….
Last Day in Namibia. South Africa Awaits our Final Stretch
Yesterday we travelled 178km from Fish River Canyon. The world’s 2nd Largest Canyon after the Grand Canyon. 130 of those kilometres were off road on sand, corrugation, gravel and some tough climbs. When we finally hit the tarmac, we turned directly into a brutal headwind. Yipes, we were on the road for 9 hours yesterday. It didn’t help that it was a non race day, so we decided to take it easy and catch up on some photography. But part way through the morning, we decided that we had better get moving.
Let’s Bike 207 km on the Elephant Highway in Botswana
Yes, it was a very big week. 5 century’s (100 mile days) in a row with a 207 km day smack dab in the middle of it all. It was surprisingly not too bad. The winds were co-operating and the road was flat, so we just put on our I Pods and peddled the days [...]
Victoria Falls, Adventure, Adrenaline, Nature. What a Rush.
Victoria Falls-What a Rush How do you spell adrenaline? V-I-C- F-A-L-L-S. We had the most amazing rest days here in Livingstone Zambia, home of the mighty Victoria Falls. Dave has always threatened that he would bungee jump in Victoria Falls if we ever made it there. Unfortunately, I thought that I would never have to [...]
Three Months into the Tour d’Afrique; the Pressure’s on.
If all goes well, on May 10th we will be riding into Cape Town. These last three months have been some of the most difficult and challenging times of our life. Dave and I do tend to put a lot of pressure on our selves though. He is still one of the few hanging on [...]
Plan Project in Malawi
We visited Mkoma Preschool today and what an amazing experience we had. After finally hooking up with Patrick we made it out to the school that Plan built. We were greeted by a mob of children and caregivers singing traditional songs beautifully. Their warm smiles immediately made us feel welcome.
Before Plan arrived, the villages surrounding the school did not have a place to study. They crammed into a small church and had limited facilities.
Now, they are thriving with a preschool and a primary school complex, where they are taught creative arts, reading science and nature and even physical education.
Cycling in Malawi During the Rainy Season
It is a blog full of great news! First, we had another article and photo published in the Toronto Star click here to read about our Kilimanjaro adventure. Next, I am back! 9 days and a lot of pain killers and antibiotics later and I am riding again. I lost a lot of hours, but [...]
Cycling Crash in Tanzania turns Bad
Now let me tell you about Dave’s week. He road fast, hard and had a couple of baboons follow him trying to get to his water bottles full of Fast Fuel. I think it was that particular moment that put him into 4th. He probably took 15 minutes off of his time while he was being pursued by these vicious little monkeys:)
What it is like to Cycle in Ethiopia on the Tour d’Afrique
Life here so far in the TDA becomes a bit surreal to say the least. Days no longer have names, just distances and vague directions.
This will give you an idea of what we have to go through.
Mount Kilimanjaro-How Hard is it to Climb?
I have to clarify a giant misconception about Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is not easy! We were climbing in a group of 7 strong individuals who had just finished cycling 4500 km in tough conditions from deserts in Sudan, to altitude in Ethiopia and we all agree, it was one of the most physically challenging experiences of our lives. However, also one of the most exhilarating. I am happy to say that we all made it to the summit.
Needed Rest from Cycling in Addis Ababa
It has been too long since our last update and I apologize. It isn’t for lack of trying though! I have to say that Ethiopia has the slowest Internet on the planet. We had tried to post photos and blogs in both Gonder and Bahar Dar but unfortunately it took forever just to open an email connection! But now we are in Addis Ababa relaxing in the Ghion Hotel where we just may have wireless Internet this afternoon if they get it figured out. Yeah!
Ode to the African Donkey
hiopia is a country with beautiful landscapes and very bold children. We are now travelling through one of Africa’s poorest countries. Most of the population here is under the age of 20 it is also on of the most populated countries on the continent. That means it doesn’t bode well for cyclists.
Difficult Cycling in Ethiopia, Deb Loses EFI
The contrasts are really amazing, 2 days ago at the border, we camped literally surrounded by cow manure, and now we are camping on the grounds of Gondors finest hotel. Dave and I splurged on a room for our sanity.
Its Smooth Sailing; Cycling In the Sudan
We went from the lowest of lows to fantastic highs in a short time. After our rest day in Dongola, we had tarmac all the way to Khartoum. 4 days that consisted of 140km, 140km, 160km and 100km. We were racing down the highway with great tailwinds. We were reaching speeds of 57km/hr and that is not going downhill.
Suffering While Cycling the Sudan
According to Rae and John, two retired Air Force Pilots who are taking part in the Tour this year, what we have been through these past 2 weeks is as difficult as basic training for the military. And I believe it! These past 4 days have been the most mentally and physically challenging days of [...]
Surprise Stop in Wadi Halfa, Sudan
I know that I told you that you wouldn’t be hearing from us for awhile, but here we are in Wadi Halfa, Sudan at an internet Cafe. Our trucks are late arriving from Egypt, so we are staying an extra day at the border. I have to say that I am really happy about that. [...]
Cycling to Luxor
Ahh, the lovely rest days in Luxor, cruising the Nile on a Felucca, seeing the Valley of the Kings and Queens, checking out Luxor Temple and eating a McFlurry in McDonalds as we update our blog on their free wireless internet. But time is running out and we are off tomorrow heading towards Aswan where [...]
Safaga, Egypt
4 Days in the desert and 544km later and we have arrived in Safaga, Egypt. No it is not a rest day, we just rode our butt’s off to get here early to enjoy this little scenic town on the Red Sea. It caused a little bit of excitement to finally be able to take [...]
Our Plan Project Visit, Cairo
We have all heard the rumours that Aid money never gets to where it is supposed to go, but today we saw first hand, the difference that Plan is making in a community that would otherwise have little hope. Many thanks to Plan and everyone involved who sacrificed their holiday today to bring around to these destinations. The hospitality that we were shown today will stay with us.
The White Desert of Egypt, Don’t Miss it!
About 2 weeks before we left Toronto, we read an article in Mountain Life Magazine about the White Desert in Egypt. It looked like a fascinating place and we decided that we have to go there. Our bike route however, didn’t go near the place because it is situated in the centre of the country. [...]
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