Africa Calling!!!
Only 3 weeks (well, 23 days precisely) remain until we all jump on our flight down to Nairobi for our adventures, so we thought it might be time for a quick update and a check in, to see how our preparations are coming along, both logistically and mentally....
CRAIG
After 6 years living in the norther hemisphere, I should have learnt by now that sunny skies does not equal warm weather! So when i was cycling home from work yesterday, my legs stone cold from the chill of the autumn winds, it dawned on me just how ready I am to take off and head south. Work is done, friends have left and another chapter has closed - and now we are just playing the waiting game until our adventures begin.
I, for one, am extremely excited, somewhat nervous but all in all completely prepared for the trip. I am looking forward to the sites, smells and energy of bustling cities and the tranquil vibes of small villages that we are sure to encounter. A few months on the road with good friends, no real plans, tough but rewarding riding, sight seeing and hopefully some warm sunshine.....what's not to be excited about! Besides, we already have some friends waiting for us....
TIM
Whilst touring around Europe was a nice starting point for my journey which allowed myself to 'find my feet' as I was essentially an amateur bike tourer; there was no 'wow factor' so to speak of in the countries I traversed. Now that I'm comfortible living off the bike I'm looking forward to going places which are entirely different to home. Actually, I want my eye sockets to be so sore because I'm so out of place and there is so much to look at.
Having travelled solo for so long it will be nice having the company of friends, but the solo riding has also allowed me to make all decisions so I can do what I want. It will be interesting moving into a new environment where you have to think of others!
GARETH
So how does one prepare to cross East Africa on two wheels? From a young age one learns of its beauty and harshness of this astounding and overpowering continent. Post Games and post Europe, Africa was always my destination, however, at that point I didn’t think it’d be on two wheels.
We’ve knocked off a few trips within the UK, cycling has become a regular start (and end) to the work day, reading of cycle books and blogs common place, casual smoking has decreased directionally in-proportional to hours spent exercising. With just over 3 weeks to go, I still don’t feel ready but what we don’t know we’ll quickly learn, anxiety and excitement will turn to reality and the hard earned memories will keep for the years to come.
BEN
Africa. I’ve dreamt of travelling around the place for as long as I can remember. The dusty, red landscapes, the powerful wildlife, the ancient history and the tribal communities are what draw me in. Travelling on 2 wheels will no doubt have its challenges, but I can think of no better way to experience a new place, you get a real, raw sense of an environment when you move at a slower pace in the fresh air...I just cant wait to get on the road.
My preparation has been fairly minimal...a few test trips here and there, reading blogs of other similar trips, learning to enjoy Greg, Gart and Tim's company, and generally trying to stay relatively fit to up the enjoyment factor at the end of long days. I’ve had more jabs in my arm in the past 3 months than I’ve had the entire 29 years prior, all well worth it though, and with the other 3 menaces on the road I’ve no doubt we’ll find ourselves in a few sticky situations...which can only be a good thing. Hakuna Matata!
