TDA 2011 - Malawi

29 March 2011 - Rice fields to Chitimba Beach - 123km

Woke up still feeling the effects of the cold/flu that I had, but at least it had steadied, and not gotten worse. Funny story of the morning was that one of our 2 toilets were stolen in the bush (hilarious, especially if you see the size of them and the fact that we had 4 guards!). It was however very quickly found after the guards were told that they are not getting paid if anything is stolen! Due to the rest day at the camp site that was coming up, we had to stop at a super market in town 30km from the start to stock up on some items so that we could make dinner, breakfast etc because they could not cater for 60 people at lunch. The shop was not great, although you could find some decent items there, the biggest problem was the fact that there was only on cashier for 60 riders (and all manual, no bar codes - oh, Africa.....). So it took a very long time to gte all of us through there. The ride to lunch was pretty boring. After lunch it was picking up, both on the view (we were cycling along Lake Malawi) and the difficulty (cycling ina head wind for the last 30km - not cool and I just wanted to get to camp). We were cycling on the M1 all the way to Llongwe (it is their national road, like the N1 in South Africa). We stayed at a brilliant camp site right on the lake, which looks more like a beach area than a lake, with good grounds, all clean toilets etc, nice bar. Just the type of place I was hoping we would get now more on a regular basis. One of the items we stocked up on was sauguges that we had to barbecue for the nigth. I decided to let the people do their thing first and have a go at the barbecue, but after a while I decided to get involved and took control of the whole barbecue thing (which I enjoyed and got some compliments from the people the next day - it is our national past time). My day did not end that well in that I picked up a problem with my stomach and it was very gassy after lunch. it was also not helped by me drinking 4 Carlsberg's when i got to camp, and it ended up with me having a few unpleasant trips to the toilet during the night. Hopefully it can be sorted out pretty quickly, but I was pretty stupid having those few beers on a gassy stomach!

30 March 2011 - Rest day Chitimba Beach

Great day waking up and knowing that I had very little of admin things to do. The shades of the tree and the earplugs in my ears meant that I could get some more sleep/rest in than I normally do on rest days. I could finally really have a proper rest day! I changed my chain for the first time on 7000km, did very little washing (only had 2 days of gear to wash) and cleaned some sleeping gear. Nothing crazy, which was exactly the way it should be. Unfortunately I could not drink any beer, as my stomach was still to upset, so water would have to do for the rest of the day. There was also nothing really to do other than just chill out, play some volleyball, sit at the bar, read a book, walk along the river etc…. pretty much what most of the riders were doing, or just sleeping in their tents. I took an afternoon nap as well. Very annoyed with the dinner that the TDA provided us with, as we had to pay USD5 for it, which I though was bull. They basically owe us a riding day, which means that we should be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner (although I am extremely great full for the extra rest day, my body can do with it). The backdrop if the camp is really nice, lovely small mountain range touching the water of the lake, makes for a very good sunset and sunrise.

31 March 2011 - Chitimba Beach to Mzuzu - 135km

Slept very badly the night and had 2 bad dreams involving religious things plus there was a lot going on in my mind. Not good for something like this trip, because the sleeps gives you the energy you need, especially if you ride like we do on a daily basis. I heard that there was a big uphill at 16km to 26km plus I just did not like the long distance cycling of 155km. So certainly not a good way to start the day and I was mentally and physically tired. I have not spoken about any religion on this blog, but through it would be worth mentioning what happened to me today. It was so good to see that we you are down and out, and you really need it, God is there and He looks after you. He lets you know that He is there and He will support you. The book, The Alchemist, main thing that stood out for me was this theme that there are signs out there in our everyday life that God is with us, but we just need to look for them, and know when we see them ie recognize them. Well, today, I saw 4 signs. In the moments when I really needed it, I saw these signs. The first one was on the uphill when I passed a rock, and on this rock was spray painted “God is Great”. I noticed it, but made nothing of it. Then later on, still on the ascent, I truck drove by me and a lady was out of the window shouting some encouragement to us. I could not really hear her, but at the back of the truck was the words “God is Groot” (God is Big). Immediately I just knew then at that stage that God was with me, supporting with me, helping through this tough ride. And not just on this ride, but on this trip. In my life….. and I had such a big smile on my face afterwards when I realized this. I calmness settled into me and I peddles along.  Then at lunch, they served us chicken, which again was great, because the lunches before was pretty poor and I was already dreading this one. And then I also forgot my Energy Bars, but there was a spare box in the lunch truck, so I could get any ones that I wanted further on, so I actually got my favorite ones! In the afternoon, I cycled further, and passed this house or small business. I could not read the name of the sign, but all I could make out to me was 1 John 15:7. And later on a cycled past a house that had written on it “Psalm 23”. The road after that was very touch and we had to go uphill, into headwind and it was raining lightly, but I made it quite easily in the end – with the help of God. It was such an eye opening experience and I was so excited and relieve dwhen I got into camp. I had an afternoon nap (which I never have use) and then slept like a baby that night – I almost missed dinner as well from my afternoon sleep. It was just such an awesome experience and I really groundbreaking day for me. God is great, praise the Lord!!!!

1 April 2011 - Mzuzu to Luvri school - 124km

Mando day - no 8 of 12. Tough one for the day! The stats for the day’s ride – climb 1966m, descent 1745m, and the camp was at 1533m – so basically there was a lot of climbing involved for the day (good news is this is the last major climbing section of the trip). One of the days on the tour where we do the most climbing, and the way that I was feeling lately, I was not too excited about this one (normally I am pretty strong on the uphill’s). Slept really good, had no funny dreams and the afternoon nap did the trick (or so I though). On a day like this, you have to be at a 100%, no stomach bug, flu or something funny, otherwise it will be a very long day. And so it ended up being for me. The route was very scenic and one of the better ones that we had cycled, although the morning it was very foggy and made seeing anything difficult plus some areas of the forest has been chopped down quite a bit. Although the fog means it was relatively cool and it keeps your body temperature quite down a bit. It was very tough section to lunch and I was feeling the effects of the sickness and the previous days cycling days. When I arrived at camp I was finished. I managed to put my tent up and literally just and to lie down for 40 minutes in it and wait for the bike shop to open. Another back spoke had come off and I also wanted to change my saddle with Patrick’s spare saddle (my bum still feeling it a bit). My stomach was also playing up before dinner and I actually had to go and sit somewhere separately so that not everyone had to hear my gassy problems! At least eight out of eight mando’s for me!

2 April 2011 - Luvri School to Kasunga - 109km

I felt surprisingly good when I woke up (although I have the weirdest cravings now when I wake up, I have to eat chocolate – thank you Top Deck Dairy Bar for the help!). Mentally it makes such a big difference when you know you have to do a 109km, which I now consider to be short. The riding turned out to be what all of the riders were hoping for, easy! All of us were in by 1pm, so I had some time to relax and also walk to town and stock up on some snacks. My stomach was not well and the last 15km I was cycling like a professional cyclist just to try and make it to the camp toilet! (I was very gassy, getting heart burn, felt like vomiting etc  - not cool, but I picked up some local Malawian pills for it at the pharmacy). Still compared to other people I have had it very light. Also weird that we found out that 3 riders have Malaria – still not sure about it, as 2 of them are still riding on a  daily basis with it, which I find hard to imagine! Definitely getting very irritated by the getting up so early. We have to get up at 4:45 am to have breakfast at 5:30am! Nuts! I hate doing things that do not make sense and this is one of it, it unfortunately then has the feeling that we are a military camp rather than a cycling trip – it is just to early. I might need to go speak to the tour director one of these days…. You feel so rushed when we get it so early, everything is a hurry and I actually forgot my sunglasses in my tent and rolled it up in it! The breakfast and lunch is also getting to me. It is the same thing over and over again, and I feel slightly short changed on this. Like Pieter said, it feels like we paid for a 5 star hotel, but we are getting a 3 star hotel. The breakfast and lunch is VEREY basis and there are various things they can do to spice it up. Also the excuse that these items could not be obtained in certain areas (like in desert) is now over, we are regularly in pretty big towns, so they need to shape up here! The dinner for the evening stayed in very well in my stomach and there was no excessive farting – yes! My new saddle was also working, but still not convinced it was going to solve my bum problems.

3 April 2011 - Kasunga to Lilongwe - 131km

11 months going out with Stephanie – yeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring on the 2 rest days. My goal was just to make it to the capital and chill out, my body and mind needed it. I needed a break from some of the TDA staff and also some of the riders (yes, it was inevitable that some riders would annoy you). Slightly annoyed this morning, as I really felt like we were being rushed out of camp and made to finish our breakfast quickly so that the staff could rush to the camp and have off. I found some sort of leash stuck to my one water bottle and also a grass spider (big one) in my eating bag – this was enough for me to finally get rid of it and get a new one. The cycling was 1000m climb and 950 descent. I was cycling again with Chris the whole day and the ascending was more gradual instead of a mountain pass, which is more pleasant.  The decent was almost all in the last 20km and was great to see the view from the city on a plato and then heading down towards it (although the city has more a town feeling, similar to Gabarone in Botswana). My bum was pretty sore and I was slightly annoyed with it, still not sure if it is my saddle or the shorts (or just that I do not have a cycling bum). I was even more annoyed with some of the TDA staff when I got there and the one could have really kept his stupid comment for himself (although I got him back with a good chirp). So I was very relieved that Chris had upgraded us to a lodge (the Korean Gallery Lodge), because if I had to see some of the staff or some of the riders, I would be highly peed off. The lodge was great with a TV and large fan (needed, the city is very humid). We had a good dinner with some of the other riders, with the conversation being around the trip thus far and the funny and stupid stuff some of the riders get up to).

4 April 2011 - Lilongwe - rest day

Double rest day!!! Yeeeeee!!!!!!! Great feeling that we have a double rest day, makes mentally such a big difference. It was a day of doing nothing….physically…..although I did catch up on a lot of emails and blogging (and Skyping J - yes Stephanie). I also stocked up on my chocolates and biscuits at Shoprite 9so nice to have a SA brand doing so well here). The funny moment for me was I had to run back to the lodge in order to chat to Stephanie on Skype before she headed off to work. It was SCARY to see how quickly I was out of breath and breathing and sweating heavily up to the lodge (it was only 15 minutes walk).  I can cycle each day for 120km’s, but I cannot jog a 15 walk! My muscles have really adapted to the cycling to the point where my other muscles are weak (I do not need to use them now, so I don’t really care) but I will definitely need to do more gym work when I get back and some serious running again. It was great having the room all day to myself to do all of the work, as Chris was at camp fixing his bike and doing the bike donation (which was now moved to tomorrow).

5 April 2011 - Lilongwe - rest day

All caught up on my blogging and phoning people etc… Chris and I left the lodge at 11ish and headed back to the camp to set up our tent for sleeping the camp site. The 2 days break was good, but my body is still not completely feeling rested out. There was a bike donation at the camp in the afternoon with the added benefit that SAB had sponsored more than 200 beers as well (so for the first time the bike donation was very well supported). It started raining slighlyt in the evening, nothing crazy. I had my Shoprite chicken and boerewors (which did taste a bit old that I bouhgt at lunch time) for dinner, after which my stomach started to start playing tricks on me again (which was very annoying as I thought that I was over it now). Border crossing tomorrow and heading to a new country!

TDA 2011 - Tanzania

15 March 2011 - Namanga to Arusha - 118km
All I was looking forward to today was just getting to Arusha. Just getting those 3 magical rest days to that my mind and body can recover. The one day rest days were just not cutting it. Physically and mentally I was in need of a rest. It was great to cross over into Tanzania (always cool feeling if you cross over into a ew country, feels like you are moving on and making some progress). We had to pay USD50 for our visa, the lasty country that we need one, but still I thought was a little steep for someone that came from Africa. They chose a great lunch stop, right at the edge of Mount Neria - you could also see Killie slightly in the distance between the clouds and fog. Then there was a small climb after lunch for about 12km, which was tough, but I just wanted to get there, so I cycled the thing through without resting. Great descent after that with really cool view of the place. Heading into the Arusha the traffic was definitely getting busier and little more crazy. And finally I cycled into the Masai camp with the 2 Braam's, 2 months of cycling done and now for some serious rest! I did a quick scan around the camp and was not to happy with it, so I decided on the upgrade to the Karama lodge (which turned out to be a magic move). Some of the other riders were also staying there as well. Located at the top of one of the mountains, with very cool view and then also awesome little huts that you stay in. The service and the dinner was great. Very glad that I took the upgrade and the bottle of KWV brandy was also doing its thing to lift my spirits. Finally, 2 months down, the half way point......... Kenya has so many very interesting tribal groups, with the Masai standing out. The way they dress and their ears shaped etc are very unique, it is just very unfortunate that we cannot take pictures of them.

16 March 2011 - Rest day - Arusha
Woke up and had the best breakfast at the lodge (eggs and bacon with sausage - first time in 2 months!!!). I was also lucky enough that they gave me a second serving for free! Packed up and headed with a day pack back to the Masai camp where the riders were staying (Left all my other luggage in Terry's room). Marelie and myself had lunch at the Masai camp (hamburger) and then realized that I was very happy about the chose of the lodge and the food. The food was not good and the serive (again) slow - nothing compared to what we were getting at the lodge. We stopped at the snake park to have lunch, and unfortunately the snake park was a little run down and in need of maintenance (although it was run by a very nice SA couple from Durban and also had a very cool bar). Drove then to the town just outside from the Ngorongoro Crater, where we would camp in outr tents. Megan, Daniel, Marelie, Victor and myslef took the day and half option in the tents (some of the other riders took the same option, just staying in chalets), and the new Egiption sectional riders also stayed with us. It was the first time that i really met them and I was very pleased that we finally could speak too them (very difficult in the morning when you are riding and things are happening at a pretty quick pace). They were extremely friendly and we had some very good laughs with them. It was also interesting to hear their story from the revolution, as they were quite involved in it and the one even had a scar from the rubber bullet that hit him. It was interesting to hear first hand from their experience and how they were feeling now with regards to what had happened and thier thoughts for the future. But a great bunch of people. We were cooked some food for our trip and then headed off into our tents (and luckily pretty waterproof, as later that evening it started raining, but I slept like a baby).

17 March 2011 - Rest day - Arusha
The day of visiting the world famous Ngorongoro Crater. It used to be an old volcano that erupted a few million years ago, and then basically just fell flat and the soil is rich with vegetation, so animals can libe in here. But the walls of the crater are so big and steep that it is almost like a stunning natural enclosure that all the animals are in, a big soup bowl with about 270 square km in size. Most of the area is covered with grass about 15cm long, so it is extremely easy to spot animals from km's away. Woke up in the morning to rain and lot's of fog, which made me a bit skeptical and I was hoping that it would not ruin our day. Took about an hour to ride to the Crater, and from there we descended into the only road you can take into it (also just one ascending rode). Luckily as we headed down into the crater, the fog cleared and we could see the land scape as well as the animals (difficult to see from the top view point because of the fog). What followed was just an amazing experience of seeing so many animals - 4 of the big 5, zebra, antelope, wildebeest, jackal, Pumba's (warthog), hippo's, eagles - everything except the elusive leopard and also giraffe (there are none in the Crater because it is not suited for the terrain). It was like being in a very big zoo, only to see the animals in their natural habitat. It was also great to see and hear the faces of Megan and Danniel (from US and Canada) the first time they were seeing animals in the wild. We had lunch with some low soaring eagles that literally grabbed the food out of your hand (happened to Bob and Megan), and also while we were riding back, saw 2 lions lying in the middle of the road literally just chilling out. There was probably about 6 vehicles at a time taking pictures, but they did not move an inch. In all, it was a awesome day and this will probably be one of the highlights of the trip. Returned to the riders camp and I was very glad when I took tyhe upgrade again for the night, as later that evening it started pouring down quite heavily - sp I can just imagine how it was at camp - not pleasant. Also saw some of the riders there and they were wa;ling around like zombies, clearly the lack of activities at the camp getting to them as well as all of the items that were wet from the rains of the previous day. Felt ver lucky about the upgrade then. Again, also had a fantastic dinner at the lodge (their food is superb). Also great and convenient to have computer so I could have a very nice Skype chat to Stephanie.

18 March 2011 - Rest day - Arusha
Literally today is just my catch up day. I need to make use of this small notebook that I bought and catch up on all o fmy internet work, bank stuff and most NB, my blog (which I am about 2 weeks behind). Just realized how nice it was to be treated, was awoken this morning at 7:30 with coffee in the bed and also waking up being dry (after last night's storm) is a very comfortating feeling (not so sure all of the riders that are campoing are feeling the same way). The coffee was also the final piece of convincing that I needed to take another nigth at the lodge - then I also get the beenfit of using the facilities for a whole day and maybe avoid the rain again. It is slighly over my budget, but I feel a NB step in the emotinal and physical rest of my mind and body, which after today will again be tested. I need this break and therefore will pay for it. 

 

19 March 2011 - Arusha to Magaga - 142km

It was one of those wild mornings where I had misplaced items, we were late arriving from the lodge so we missed the rider meeting, my bike computer was not working and it was raining when we started cycling! I also missed breakfast for the first time, as we had breakfast at the lodge (the eggs and bacons was just to good to miss and they also said they would make it for us at 5:30!) I was not really in the mood for  a long ride and with my computer not working and it raining basically until after lunch at 70km, it was a not a fantastic morning. Great ride with heather and Carrie in the afternoon and we camped at a football field. It was also nice in that the weather cleared up and the sun was shining when we got into camp. The only scary thing was that we were cycling on a road being built, the actual road that the car's ride on and we were suppose to be on, was full of mud of the previous day's rain - was this waiting for us tomorrow and the day after?

20 March 2011 - Magaga to Katesh - 95km

Wow, what a day! Mud, mud, rain, rain and combination of the two! And then various of the sections the road were being built, so we had to cycle on  a route next to the road. There was some tough climbing in the morning, where we basically had to climb until we got onto a Plato where we would be cycling for a while. Some of the areas where we got into was also un cycleble (cars were also getting stuck in the mud) and we just had to get off and push our bikes - there was no choice. The weird thing was that I was enjoying it all, it was really a great day of cycling, although if we have to do this for 6 days in a row my tune is going to change a lot! The route we are taking for the next 8 days is part of a new route that the TDA has come up with this year, as they want to get the route more off road. These offroads are not as bad as in Northern Kenya, but the fact that makes these very difficult, is all of the rain and then the mud that forms after that. At one section in the morning just before lunch, it felt like I was cycling on a ice rink (I fell subsequent to this). Our road for the day was that the first 20km was paved, then all of the offrode climbing started until 40km. Then just rolling hills from there, and it started raining very heavily in the afternoon and Chris, Megan and myself juts decided to cycle on. It was still raining when we reached the hotel at the camp, but we were all exstatic that we made it and it was over!A nice hot shower was waiting for us and we also slept in the bar on the floor that night (we were not willing to put up our tents and get rained on again).

21 March 2011 - Katesh to Puma camp - 121km

Very afraid of the day's riding - especially after what  I saw and experienced yesterday. What to follow was however one of our most scenic days. It was just magical. It was  a steep climb in the morning, but before the climb we had a very strong descent, almost going below the clouds that were forming (we were still on the plato) and then ascending again above the clouds. After that there was a 20km paved stretch (that no one knew about) and then the rest of the afternoon was just cycling on this plato and cycling past all of these rows and rows of sunflowers, which I though were so nice! Then there was this great town that was basically built in between these large rock formations and we had a very cool and steep ascent into it, the nice thing was that we were on the new road being constructed, so we had the whole rode for ourselves. Stopped in town at a garage to use the free washing facilities there to get our bikes clean (the amount of mud that gets stuck on the bikes are bad). One of the spokes broke, and Steven was so kind to help me repair it (has a lot of knowledge about bike repairs that he obviously learnt from his dad). We were very lucky that it never rained for the whole day until that night at dinner - so we all had time to put our tents up in the sun and also get some items dry. Later the morning there was some heavy showers from 1m to 3:30 am, and luckily my tent held up pretty well.

22 March 2011 - Puma camp to Game Post 1 - 107km

All of us very relieved that it stopped raining in the morning and we could load all of our gear without any rain (although there were still some items wet from the rain, like some of my gear and the tent's cover sheet, which when rolled up with the tent again, makes it wet again (not sure how to go around that problem expect roll and put it away separately, but I have no space for it or any bags). Ride was pretty easy for the day and we were in at 12:30. The first part was paved for the first 60km until lunch. After that it was off rode, but it was almost like cycling on a paved road, so good was it. Nothing crazy and again the rain stayed away until everyone had their tent's set up. I also learnt a few tricks form the night before with my tent and also digging some trenches next to my tent to help it from the water. A nice 4th day in this marathon 8 day stretch before our first break.

23 March 2011 - Game Post 1 to Game Post 2 - 114km

Nothing really different to yesterday. The road could have been quite tricky to cycle on if it was wet, but luckily, the rain stayed away, and the road was fine (better than I expected). The sun was shining the whole day and there was only a very light drizzle late in the afternoon after everyone had set up there tent already. I really struggled with the first 10km, could not get going and I thought it would be a very long day, but after a quick stop and a banana, my power came back and the cycle the rest of the way was fine. At the camp, I paid 2000 Tanzanian pounds and got a bucket of water so that I could wash myself - which i duly did behind the building. Great feeling to be clean a bit and it really does make a difference after riding to feel clean. Everyone at camp seemed to be in quite a good mood, some people were singing in the truck with Steve and his guitar, some of us were eating (biscuits etc that everyone was sharing) and drinking beer and others just chatting away. Just a real happy mood in camp. Pieter's girlfriend brought biltong for him during her visit in Arusha, which he was luckily for me willing to share with me (I will never say no to that). So I replied with some Jhonny Walker Red Label that we had after dinner that night. One thing that is annoying me is the getting up at 5:15 to have breakfast at 6am, when it is clearly to early - there are only a handful of riders ready at this time. I did raise it at the riders meeting, but was told that we will move the breakfast time to later only in Malawi. Maybe I should start a revolution :)

24 March 2011 - Game Post 2 to Bush camp - 123km

Nice relaxing cycling day - cycled whole day with Heather and we had a good chat (she is never short of any stories of i general just talking, which is nice, because the km's seem to go by pretty quick). I have a sore bum again, so I moved the saddle slightly forward after some advice from Liam. And we also managed a "bath" in the river that was 2km's from our camp - again, feels great to be clean after a long ride where it is very humid. The water was also running at the river, which i was very glad about, especially after I saw that the whole construction crew from the road also do their bathing there when we were finished!

25 March 2011 - Bush Camp to Mangalosi - 126km

Always tough the second last day of a long section like this. It is almost done, but you are not quite there (day 7 of an 8 day riding stretch). The day was pretty tough with lots of rolling hills and more climbing than descending, add to that on off-road then it was very difficult to really get into a rhythm and made for a long day in the saddle (plus my energy levels were starting to be low). The morning’s stretch was in particular difficult; there was very thick sand and mud from previous days rain, which made cycling through it hard. The 2 buses that were stuck in this mud condition was proof of this. Our camp site was in the village, and for the first time, iut felt like we were in Ethiopia, with all of the village kids and people coming to have a look at the "men from mars" camping out. It also made me realized that I was not missing that part of the trip at all.

26 March 2011 - Mangalosi to Mbeya - 111km

Mando day 7 of 12 (hate these!!!!!!) Awoke to a beautiful sunset, although I know now that mando's are just tough days. This one proofed to be no different, although the scenery was very rewarding! Started cycling at 7am and finished at 16:00.  This was definitely one of the most scenic routes that we have had thus far, just great. with a view of the whole Rift Valley at the top of our climb. There was a lot more climbing than we had anticipated in the morning, with even Bob uttering a swear word or two when he made it to the top. After lunch at 55km, it was ascending up until 97km, climbing from 1200m to 2400m! At 95km, we were also at the highest point of all truck roads in Tanzania. The downhill into Mbeye was treacherous, with the roads being very rough and rocky. All of the riders had complained when they got to the camp about the downhill, the stress on your hands, lower back and feet was just crazy! The bike just picks up speed to quickly and accidents on these roads can happen in the wink of an eye. I was very glad when I made it to the bottom that my body and bike was still in one piece. We were staying at the Hotel Mbeya camp site and the beers were flowing in the evening - all of us very relieved that this 8 day stretch was over and that the rain had stayed away for most of this section - I think we were very lucky. To do 8 continuous days of cycling averaging 120km a day on off-road is not for the faint hearted, and basically similar to a Cape Epic cycle tour that we did, although ours was just in the middle of our already long trip - crazy!

27 March 2011 - Rest day Mbeya

Woke up at 4am with a bit of a head ache, so I had to have a grandpa to sort that one out. It is funny, your body can just consume food and drinks and I really did not feel anything last night when I had to go to bed (ie I was not drunk), but then we you wake up...... It ended up being a pretty crappy rest day, just had way too much admin to do! The bike needed a major clean up plus possible parts change, lots of other things needed cleaning etc (luckily I paid a local lady to do my washing, becasue of i had to do that, I would loose it!). Everyone was just busy the whole day, it seemded  like a bunch of ants and it went like that until late in the afternoon - bike tires had to be changed as well (not mine). I answered some questions of that christiano gave me for an interview with a bike magazine (nice) and also updated all of my nternet work. Unfortunately I did not get enugh sleep duing the day and it would later catch up with me in the week. The bad thing about staying in the cmap is that people still wake up at 6am and then once you start hearing the first zipper, your sleep is over...Saphanie called me on Chris's sim card and we spoke for a bit and caught up on all the necessary things. In the evening, I could feel that i was getting  a sore throat, and a cold or flu was about to hit me. not cool. The best news of the day was that our route to Malawi had changed slighly, and we would be following the old route from previous years, which meant that we would have an extra rest day in Lllongwe - brilliant! These rest days are like gold and I think for this far in the trip, will help a lot.

28 March 2011 - Mbyea to Rice fields (border into Malawi) - 128km (border)

Start of the Malawi Gin stage. I woke up and could feel that the cold/flu was as anticipated, there and getting worse (cannot complain really, first real medical problem that I have had on the tirp, so compared to other people, this was also pretty light). Lukcily we were only doing 2 days before a rest day, so it is very easy to motivate one self! It was a pretty cool scenic ride today, which involved mostly descending from the mountains (finally!). It was the first time that I could ride  a full 65km strech all the way to lunch without stopping. We also had a very good secondstrech after lunch and made the border into Malawi at no time.  Border crossing was pretty quick and effecient and I was in and out in no time. We are also no over half with eveyrhting in our trip - we covered more than half of the distance, we are crossing into our 6th country of 10 and we are also doing the 5th stage of 8 in total for the TDA. Arrived at 13:30 into camp, pretty relaxed, although the kids seem to be leaning towadrs the Ethiopian standards, with lots of shouting, but luckily no stones involved (but still lots of begging and shouts of money which annoyus the hell out of me).  It is also very humid in Malawi and I was sweating my backside off, different climate to Tanzania. I had a semi nap in the afternoon, which definately help me a bit (my body needed it frm the lack of slepe that I got from the rest day). I could also sense the difference from entering Tanzania to Malawia, not just in the temperature, but aso in the conditions are more poorer with the people and condition of the roads. Tanzania is a great country and definately a place I would like to see again. The scenery was matching that of Ethiopia, but this was more green, more lush, with less mountains and just a lot of trees, green, green trees and then the drift valley that I will remeber for a long time. But again excited to be in a new country, because to me it feels like we are moving along headign souht........

TDA 2011 - Kenya

4 March 2011 - Moyale to Sololo camp - 79km
The first of 3 off road sections. Not sure what to expect really, and this si where tire selction can play a huge role - it can make ot brake your day onb this terrain. Luckily for me my Travel Conti;s were still working fine and great to have on my bike (so impressed with this tire - I have still not changed my tire once this whole trip). We started early and had breakfast at 6:15, just to miss the heat of the day, which at 11 am that morning, was very understandable. The Meltdown Madness section was living up to its name and you had to make sure you took enough liquids with you, oitgerwise you will find yourslef rehydrated very quicly! The riders are definately a little more upbeat today, first cycling day in Kenya and no more kids throwing you with rocks etc, which was something really to look forward to. Also the peope were not lining the streets like they used to in ethiopia, so we basically lost our "celebrity" status. Saw lost of camals netxd to the road, which was throwing me off slighly, i was expecting to giraffe! (hopefully this was going to change at some point). In all it was a great ride to lunch, with the gravel road being very riders firendly and people riding like mad ove rthe surface. The afternoon strecht was definately more tough than the morning section, but we still got into camp at a good time. My bump was holding up pretty well, so i was pretty satisfied with the days riding and how it went. But I am also very sure that the 2 mando days coming will be somehting of a different story (also confirmed by Surita at our riders meeting in the afternoon).

5 March 2011 - Sololo camp to Bush camp - 84km
Mando day - What a tough day! All on very bad gravel and no mercy given - just relentless gravel and rocks everywhere - it felt at one stage as if we were cycling on Mars, there was just nothing around us exept rocks and sand. It was doing its name proud as being the 2 toughest days of the tour, 2 mandos in consecutive days is not childs play! I got a bad flat which messed upo my time slighly, as my hands were so stiff from the riding, ity was a real struggle to get the flats fixed. There was also no Coke stops along the way, not supringly, because there was literally no life or people at all on the road, so we had to carry all our water with us. A lot of people were quite busted up when they eventually did get into camp. My bums was also pretty sore as well as my hands, it is just pure pain on your wrist, so much pressure (nore sure how the guys do it without suspension!). What was very impressive was the way the bikes handles this terrain, becasue they really do gpo through a lot. I got new respect for my bike after this road. Ryan and myself also had a good chat on the road inbetween all of the chaos and we had agreed to help eahc other out on the EFI thing, it was our aim to both make it. I also had my first real good fall, trying juist one too many time to cycle on the islands and seeing my back side for doing so. And we stayed at one of our crappiest campt sites to date, in the middle of nowhere, and all of the dust was this flour efftec, and it jhust stuck to eveyrhting! Tough mood in campo tonight.

6 March 2011 - Bush camp to Marsabit - 87km
Mando day - Today is generally considered the toughest day on the tour amoung the staff members, and after my experience, I have to agree. Steve has openly admitted that this "road" is the shi^^est road in africa, no excuses and no messing aorund. It was pretty much a repition of the previous days riding, road again terrible and actually un ridable, add to that a head win, some ascending, and 6 preivous days of cycling, then you are in for a long one! A lot of the people were sitting out this day because of what they had experienced the day before. I was feeling pretty good and had a great first 25km, overtaking some of the racers! And the lunch truck as well (felt really good at that stage). My bump was giivng me some problems again, but Matteus did a great pacth job at lunch. Then disatser after lunch, my saddle broke. Lady luck was on my side, as Patricvk was only cycling from lunch, but now heading back in my direction, because he was not going to ride further. so he said that i could borrow his bike. The problem was that we could not get his peddlas off to put on my cleats (so that it could fir my shoes), so I had to cycle with his cycling shoes - which were 3 sizes to small! after that I had to take a break every 8-10km to take off his shoes, the pressure on my feet was just to much. The one thing that was very good and I was veyr fortunate with it, was that his bike has dual suspension, so it is perfect for off rode riding and on this terrain. So from the time I losty with my bike, i very quickly made it up with his bike and was soon overtaking all of the riders that passed me previously. There was a really tough stretch after lunch, just hot, ascending, head wind, corragation, eveyrhting. Christiano's refresh stop at 60km was VERY welcome and qa good boost. It felt pretty surreal making into the monastary where we were staying, pumping my fist into the air, I had made it (and I got a hand clap from the people that had already finished). The beer tasted so good after this ride. I finished 13th that day, just after all of the racers and Luke and Terry. Lucklily Chris had booked a room for us, so I felt really good after a nice shower (and some more beers). Some people were cycling that day for a long time, none so than Ruth, who did 12 hours on the bike, but unfortauntely she was told to get into the truck, she was just going to slow. The stuff of legends..... Quote of the day in my diary, there are no short cuts to any place worth going - so true after today!

7 March 2011 - rest day Marsabit
There was nothing much to do in town, pretty boring little place. Breakfeast was a ripp off agaoin at the nun place, we only got one boiled egg and normal bread with coffee for breakfast for 300 Kenyan Chillings - crazy. Juts confimred that at our camps, the people really go to rip us off and it is better to go into town to get food. With Martin and Gabe managed to fix the saddle - just needed to replace the screw and also clean my chain and the bike for the first time. We had a veyr chilled afternoon, and I also mamaged to speak to mom and stepohanie (although it was very comical as the camp only has network reception at certain places withoin the camp, but it goes away, so I was walking around at the funniest places in the camp while talking). I was also getting pretty concerned with my right pinky and ring finger, hand feeling very numb and I definately do not have feeling in my hand. I brough some mangos in town and these were delicious (I had a mango craving from Christiano's stop the day before). The annoying moment of the day was the fact that the banks here give you a different exchaneg rate when you change USD100 and USD50 notes vs USD20, USD5 and USD1's. Crazy!!!

8 March 2011 - Marsabit to Bush Camp - 115km
Hell day, this is how I would decribe this day!!! What a tough day and it was basically a continous of the 2 previous mando days! (this one can actually also be one because of the distance to travel on gravel - not fun). It was still full on gravel and corregation, with my arms feeling like it was going to fall off and my bump getting sorer with every bump. Mentally, I was not in the right frame of mind for this rough stuff and I suffered becasue of it (it also did not help that we were not exactly given the right information about the road). This was my second worst day of the trip - not cool and I did not enjoy this. The only thing that was positive was the way the Masai people dress, with very bight clothes, and piercings in their ears etc. (very sad that we cannot take any pictures). The corregation was just relentless and it felt like it was never going to stop. I think me and Peter Lamond both had our meltdown madness moments at lunch - we had reached boiling point. Eventually later on we both settled down and actually just laughed and made stupid jokes about it. It was also fair to say that eveyrone found this ride very tough, because for all of the people that did the 2 previous mando days, our bodies just did not recover enough in that one rest day, it was not enough. This was a bad day at the office and everyone just needed to write it off and move on. The other shining light moment was that our camp was at the start of the paved road for the next day, so there was something to look forward to. I was also aggitaed with my hands, as I was seriously getting pimns and needles in my right pinky and ring finger. At least at the end of the day, Patrcik did a really good job of making me cool down and we also had a good humor moment with Scott about Melrose Place (sounds stupid now, but it really helped then).

9 March 2011 - Bush Camp to Isiolo - 158kmWhat a day! Very eventful and unfortuantely for all of the wrong reasons! 6 riders were hedl up by gunmen while doing the firts part of the section in the morning. Another rider almost got held up, but she rode awya just before these 6 were hedl up, but she got a nasty rock to the head. Althouhg everyone was very relieved when we heard that no one had any serious injuries. Due to this incident, the whole day was called off and there was to be no further cycling for the day. We heard about the news when we arrived at the lunch camp, and then had to choice to ride in (in a big convoy) or just take the truck to the camp site (and not loose EFI). I decided to do the truck option, as my body was in serious need of a break, but some of the riders still rode the whole way. So in all it was a really bad day with everyone in shock at the camp site and for obvious reasons the main talking point of the staff and the riders. I was very relived that no one got badly hurt, althouhg not so shocked about the whole thing as some of the other riders, as these incidents happen unfortunately on a regular basis in SA. I was also really struggling in the morning and it would hav ebeen a veyr long day for me. My mind was playing mind games and my body aching from the preivous days riding. I was done and just barely made it to lunch without knowing anyhting that had occured behind me up until then). Just a very bad day in all. The camp site was great though and we could all have showers and east and drink some beers,which helped relieved the unfortunate events of the day at least a little. The plan was howveer to continue on the next day, althouhg the day would be a non racing day so that eveyrone could chill out a bit and cycle with each other and give each other some support.

10 March 2011 - Isiolo to Nanyuki - 71kmExactly what the doctor ordered for me, nice easy ride into town (I was in before 12). The town is situated right on the equator, which we will be crossoing tomorrow (i will personally be quite ahighlight for me). The first 20km was a very steady climb, but one of those funny ones where the road seems to be straight, and it feels that you brakes are on or soemthing, but meantime it is just you ascending (very gradually). The cycling was also going better than yesterday, and it seemed yesterday's bad day was over, the show must go on...... With cycling, you cannot focus on the bad day, you just have to move on (maybe with a lot of things in life). Then we had an uphill for another 20km to lunch, but this uphill was probably my favourite one of the whole trip - not sure why, but I was flying on this section. Felt realy good and the legs full of energy. We also had a good tial wind (I thoughty these did not exist anymore :) ) and then the road was also very well paved. After lunch it was juts a great ride into the town with terry and we were flying (average around 30km an hour) and had a great view of Mount Kenia on our left hand side with the snow topped peaks. Camped at the Sportman's Ground campsite and had a great lunch at the bar and their place also had internet (firts time whole trip that I could get internet in riding days). It was just great to be in so early and really just chill out and read a book.

11 March 2011 - Isiolo to Sayona - 105kmCrossed the equator today! Wow, how far did Cairo not feel at that moment when I was cycling away from the sign. So nice and it was such a greta feeling to realize how far we have come! I was cylcing that first part of the sign alone, and a really good time just to reflect on the journey thus far, where we have been and things and places that we have seen. A real special moment for me. Nice ride into the camp site, which was great again - we stayed at a river rafting shop so they had eveyrthing at the site, bar, very nice grass to camp on, lots of shade and trees and nice facilities etc. The bar was great, becasue it had a TV that was hooked to DSTV, so we were wathcing live cricket match between England and Bangladesh. The highlight of the day was that the super 15 game between the Stormers and the Highlanders was also being shown, so guess what we were whatching at night after dinner (still only saw the first half, was a bit sleepy). It is also funny to see the romances on the trip, one being Martin and Wendy, which I called 2 weeks ago to Terry (You owe me mate!). I am still struggling a bit with my grip, but hopefully I can sort it out and I just need to keep focussing on my grips and sitting position.

12 March 2011 - Syaona to Nairobi - 136kmLooking forward to this rest day, just want to gte to Arusha and get this section over and done with. Because of the numerous road workds on this stretch into Niarobi, and with the traffic, the tour decided for riders safety that we would only cycle the firts 70km anbd then all of us with bikes be ridden in the trucks to the camp site. Looking onto that strech as we were driving by in the trucks, it was a very good choice. There was nothing to really mention about the 70km, just glad it was pretty easy and a nice ride. we stayed at the Indaba camp site, which was great. Scott and myself went off to the bike shop to find some spare tubes and handle bars (he was looking for soemthing else), but in the end, we came back with nothing.a whole group of about 25 riders went in the evening to a restaurant called Carnivore, where it is basically eat all you can meat place. This was heaven for the riders, and bad for the place, as a bunch of cyclist cyclign through africa with an appetite is bad for your business on this tyupe of a meal! The waiters were astounded at how much we could eat. Scott and daniel too the prizes and only stopped eating because they would not give us desert until everyone was finished eating (so all of us insisted that the 2 of them stop eating). Also had my firts bottle of red wine (Cab) for the foirst time on the trip - went down great with all of the meat! I also had some crocodile, which tatsed like fish (not recommended(. It was a great evening and I think one of the better ones on the trip. Also Pierre got a "surpise" bday singing to by the waiters in Swahili when we told them a little lie and said it was Pierre's bday (we just wanted them to sing and you should have seen Pierre's face when they started - turned red).

13 March 2011 - rest day NairobiGreat day for the riders at the camp. The camp site is Indaba's, so it really has everything one would need. Very well laid out, and also I love the name of the bar "Rubber Arm" (maybe one day I will call my bar that), it had TV with running DSTV there.... Very conveniently located close to a very modent shoping mall with lots of South african shops (like Mr Price and Woolworths) and then also a big spar which has everything. I did some old school shopping in the mall and stocked up on all of my goodies, including loads of food items (biscuits, chips, fruit), liquir (honny Walker and KWV - yes, they have it there) and then another sleeping mat as well. I also bought a mini laptop, which is great and hopefully will help me a bit with keeping my laptop up to date (also got it at a great price, US330 Dell Inspirion). There are also numerous very nice take away places, like chicken, pizza, ice cream ect just next to the mall. We ended the evening with some desrt and had soft serve (first on the tour) - I had a medium tub and Scott and Chriss a large one (the medium one was huge, the large scary!). We also had our first rian shower that night of the whole tour. It was rianing quite heavely for about an hour, and then after that it stopped. My tent held pretty well, but it again made me realise rain and camping is not a good combination! Heading to tanzania, and the weather forecast is rain for the coming week, fingers crossed.........
14 March 2011 - Nairobi to Namanga - 157km
There are loads more new sectional riders (1 Saffa, 1 Ozzie, 1 Brit, 2 Polish, 7 Egyptian riders), plus a few of the riders girlfriends, so you could see the normal system was a little streched this morning (took longer to get breakfast, ques to put your bags in the lockers etc). I was also stuggling a bit with my locker, as all of the new stuff I bought the day before took more place than I anticipited (although there was a lot of food included as well, which would be eaten later). Mentally I jus wanted to get these 2 days over, needed to get to Arusha. I rode with Chris the whole day, the morning being a bit of a struggle but at least the part after lunch better. I still hate these long rides, I just do not like them. I prefer the shorter rides. Funny what a mental thing it can be, I can sit on my saddle for 6 hours on a 150km ride or for a offrode 85km ridfe, but I still prefer the 85km one, it just feels shorter. Still great scenery and looks exactly like a Kenyan scenery or what I would expect it to look like, vast lands, green vegattion, trees etc. Still glad to see that I was about 2 hours quicker than the Day 2 ride, just 6.5 hours on the bike compared to 8.5.

TDA 2011 - Ethiopia

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10 February 2011 – Doka to bush camp– 95km

First bit of climbing on the trip and the first bit of Africa (or so it feels to me). Finally, lost of bush veld, mountains, villages, people selling stuff, less Arabic and more African etc….Just the kids seem to be more grapping here, and they get very close to the riders to ask for money (which is very annoying). But our celebrity status continues, as the whole villages line up as we cycle through them! And their love for you taking their pictures also continues. Got my first flat, but thanks to Sarge and the one Bram, was very quickly up and going again. In general, most of the riders seemed to enjoy today. I got in at 13:30, which gave me lots of time to relax a bit, clean some things etc. Had agreat chat to Stevie, who is one of the SA guys on the support crew – he had a military background so we got along very well and told me some interesting stories – he is also an artist and the day before he was playing guitar and singing various songs for the whole group while we had dinner. But such a good oke and a real SA boytjie! I also met up with a Kiwi, Pete, who is cycling from Cape Town to Denmark (yes) unaided on his own. (basically doing the same African route as us, just the wrong way around). Feels good camping in the bush, but really looking forward to the rest day. The last few days have been physically and mentally very tough and I am longing for a nice hot shower (and my girlfriend J ). Tough day tomorrow, mando stage, which are considered the toughest stages on the trip and the racers have to cycles this stage. Saw the rider board and there is lots of climbing to be done! It was also a bit weird in that it was the first night that I did not have cell phone reception so I could not sms Stephanie.

11 February 2011 – Bush Camp to Gondor – 107kmOkay, this was one hellevu tough day! The climbing was insane! Apparently this is the steepest that we will climb on the trip. Also combining it with the previous 7 riding days was mentally exhausting. The rest days were so close, yet so far away. First we had to go to the top of these damn mountains, were Gondor is located. The bad ascent started from about 20km and went all the way to 33km. Some good downhill after that and I had a top speeds of 65km/h! Lunch was at 60km, and the stretch just after lunch till around 80km was very tough for me. There was just more and more climbing. Going at 7km/h up a hill is not a joke, doing it in heat is tough and then have little kids run next to you and keeping up very easily even worse (and the one little bugger stole my Marie biscuits off my bag!). Again, there were some casualties and more people lost their EFI. Also some bad incidents with the little rascals throwing rocks at the riders (I was hit twice on my bike, but it was nothing serious). It was a great feeling to finish, although there was a crappy little section of climbing of 2km to get to the Boha hotel in Gondor (where we were staying). After everyone had a shower, the riders were in high spirits. Lots of smiling faces and lots of beers on the tables. This was the longest stretch of riding days on the tour, and definitely one of the more difficult ones as well. So glad it is over! I had a lot of beers in the evening and also took the upgrade to the hotel (no tent for me for at least 3 nights). The one thing about climbing is that it is tough, but also very rewarding, as you get the best views from the top. There were some amazing views that we saw along the way, really moments to cherish and some nice photos taken. Gondor is also described as Africa’s Camelot, high up in the mountains with lots of old castles and a very interesting history (the name still reminds me of something out of a Lord of the Rings movie). Did the beers taste good after this ride!

12 February 2011 – Rest day – GondorIt was a pretty chilled out day with just the school uniform donation planned for the morning. Each of the riders had the choice to donate USD20 to a school in Gondor (that has been helped restored by a previous TDA rider, Tony, and also arranged this trip). There about 25 riders signed up to donate the money, but only about 15 made it to the school, which was a little disappointing, although some of them that did miss it was sick. We had a tour around the school area, and then a football match (I almost scored a great goal at the end) before we started with handing out the school uniforms to the kids. For them it is a big deal, as it almost represents a status symbol in the city, they are receiving an education. So all of us had turns to hand out and shake the kids hands as they received their uniforms, and the appreciation easy to see n their faces. Then we were treated to a traditional Ethiopian lunch, which was delicious and had some beers afterward s as well (yes, they keep them at the school). The afternoon was just spent updating my blog and cursing the slow internet speed at the hotel because of all of the problems I had updating my FB pictures. Mentally this day is making such a big difference, knowing that we do not have to be on the road again tomorrow (as on our previous rest days of only one day). Slept like a baby.

13 February 2011 – Rest day – GondorAh, so nice waking up with the feeling that we have another rest day! (2 in a row is a rarity and very gladly excepted by the fellow riders after 8 grueling cycling days). Took the tuck-tuck down to town to have some coffee and cake and then Chris, Daniel, Sam and myself headed to one of the hotels in the piazza to have our lunch (unfortunately the food service is very slow in Ethiopia) – although we spent a bit longer than we would have hoped for. Chris and myself then went to see the castle in Gondor that dates back to the 1600's (there is some pretty old stuff in Ethiopia). You can sense that the riders are not so much enjoying the sights of the city (although there is not too much), but rather just the 2 days off. Nice to catch up on admin work, relax, call etc. We stayed in the Goha hotel on the top of a mountain, overlooking the whole city with constant eagles flying above our head. The hotel was also hosting a wedding that evening, which we all saw, although the funny thing was that it only lasted for about 3-4 hours. Weird. I down graded myself out of the room to the tent for the night – I enjoyed my 2 nights sleep but there was really no sense in me sleeping over another night at US57 a night. Also the number f riders getting sick from stomach bugs etc over the last few days has been staggering. Vomiting, no bowl movement, too much bowl movement etc, all was happening. I was feeling pretty fortunate that nothing had happened to me thus far. I spoke to my mom for the first time in over a month and had a great Skype chat with Stephanie for over an hour and a half, great just to chit chat about everything (made a Skype to Skype call, so it was free).

14 February 2011 – Gondor to bush camp – 117kmValentines day! (my first one in a while and I am missing it). At least I had arranged that flowers be delivered to Stephanie's work, so that it slightly make up for me not being there with her. We met up with some of the kids with their new uniforms in the piazza for some pictures and then it was back to business as usual (it was just sad that a lot less kids turned up than TDS hoped for, as they wanted to get a big group photo of the kids and the riders). Great day of riding, with some great views, nice climbs and even better descending (we were at lunch at no time at all)!Some of the riders got speeds of up to 70km an hour on the one big downhill! As goods as the kids were in the morning, they were terrible after lunch. I got thrown with a cabbage in my face (I probably looked hungry) and almost got hit with a stick. Too say I was fuming when I got to camp is an under statement! I was so annoyed and really hoping that it would not be my lasting memory of Ethiopia, the annoying kids screaming and yelling as you cycle past. Some friendly,m but some real pain in the back sides! And they are also real sissies, they wait till you cycle past and then try and throw you, they will not do it when you are looking at them! My bum was a bit sore when I got into camp, nit sure why. It was a pretty happy atmosphere in camp, as we all knew we had a very short ride in the next day and that we would be having a dress up party with the theme “Where do you go” - which is one of the favorite phrases of the Ethiopian kids, although they shout it! Also managed to get some very nice sunset pictures as well.

15 February 2011 – Bush camp to Bahir Dar – 61 kmShame, 3 of the riders had some bad stomach problems last night and we all vomiting outside the camp, but it sounded like they were dying! Everyone heard them and everyone felt pretty sorry for them, glad that it was not them. Nive short ride into town right next to Lake Tana, to which the Blue Nile flows into. Had two challenging climbs, but nothing compaed to Friday, and then two gret ascends! Really makes such a mental difference if you know you have such a short ride, there is a sense of excitement and relaxation in the air. Strolled into town crossing the bridge flowing over the Blue Nile (I have seen this river now a few times and a soldier very kindly reminded us that it is not allowed to take pictures of the bridge – stupid). Bahir Dar is a lovely town and a lot nicer than Gondor, it is cleaner, feels more modern and trendy, has more shops ot buy goods from, lot of palm trees along the main road which adds a touch of glamoer to the city (although still do no expect Miami, this is Africa after all). I decided that I would “go local” as my theme, although local as in woman local. So I bought this traditional Ethiopian dress at the market, with a hood/cape thing. This hood/cape thing made me look more like a Shepard with my beard than a local lady, but I still think I looked good. Terry also had a great outfit, dressed like a lady with make up and all and Kendra dressed in traditional Arabian dress, where you can only see the eyes. The Bram's (surprise, surprise) also dressed like 2 Sheppard, just more the male version of it (although they planned to do it). The party was great and good to see the people let loose a bit and chill out. Also first time that all of us were tother having a few drinks. The music at one stage was a bit snoring, until I got hold of Ruth's Ipod and played Bon Jovi, Living on Prayer, always a crowd pleaser, especially of the crowd is in their 30's! It was a great night!

16 February 2011 – Rest day – Bahir DarWe had this pre-arrnaged tour through TDA that about 30 of the riders signed up for. It included a visit to an island to see 3 monasteries and then go and see the Blue Nile Gorge Waterfalls. The day started pretty badly with not getting all of our breakfast (their service is terribly slow here, like in very slow) and then just got worse from there! The portion sizes are also a problem, as they are just very small here in Ethiopia, and then all of the riders are used to pretty big portions, so it does not make for a nice restaurant trip and you end up eating loads of bread to compensate for the small meals you get (although it is very cheap). The arranged trip was a disaster and in the end, a big rip off and money wasted! The boat ride took 1.3 hours to get to the island, and then the monastery trip was something like 10 minutes and then took the same amount of time to get back with the boat again. We also did not see 3, just 1 monastery. The one that we did see was very nice though, the structure was made out of wood from the 14 century and the painting inside from the 16 century. Very funny to find old churches/monasteries here in Ethiopia. Then after that the chaos of the day, the lunch at the restaurant. I am not going to go on about it, as I will just get worked up about it tying it now again. The only thing that I will say was that it was shocking, and one of the worst restaurant experiences that I have had in my life! They messed up orders, did not get all the orders, wrong food, too little food, bad food, way too long etc.... So many people were ticked off with this, that they did not want to go on the second part of the trip. I decided to go with the afternoon session to the waterfalls, which was slightly better, but nothing spectacular or worth the USD25 that we were paying (especially for Ethiopian standards, which is a lot of money!). The only nice thing to wonder about was that how long it took the water from that falls to reach the Mediterranean see? The origin of the Blue Nile was 167km away, but still very nice to see the Falls from this side, also since we have cycled net to a long part of  he Nile for a while, almost following it down from Cairo to Khartoum up until the split. The dinner was better than the lunch and breakfast combined and at least it was filling and quick (ordered pizza at a restaurant). I was really missing Stephanie a lot today, thinking a lot about her.

17 February 2011 – Bahir Dar to bush camp – 162km
Mando day (no 3 of 12 for the trip)! It was a tough riding day, but very rewarding. Scenes were great and the bush camp we stayed at amazing! The best one thus far of the trip! This felt like a true African bush camp, just the right feel to it. It was also full moon tonight, what a lovely sight, the bush and full moon in Africa, what a great combo! The ride was tougher for me than last week's 8 days of riding, although it should not have been. My right knee was getting a bit sore at 120-140km mark, which as always starts playing negative thoughts in your head. Is this going to last the whole trip, will I get there etc.... The scenery today was great and as long as you do not have any problems with the local kids, is then great (which I managed to avoid today). It feels like the kids are definitely less active in the morning than in the afternoon, not sure if they then finish with school, chores or something, or maybe it is just hot and they start getting cranky As is now the standard in Ethiopia riding sections, all of them have hills in it, and lots! There were some tough ones today, but all manageable. The trick with them is just go low gear and keep on peddling (gentle pressure relentlessly applied.....). So we had some hills, but then a great descent at 140km all the way to camp. I rode with Pieter the whole day and I think it is fair at the end that we both wanted to get the stage over and done with, just give our back side some breathing space. Time ridden was 7 hours, 1.5 hours less than my day 2 time, which was 168km (although a slightly different road etc, still I think a big improvement and proof that I am getting a little stronger and better in this riding thing). Ram rode into a cow today, he probably saw a “free internet” or “Wifi zone” sign so he stopped looking at the road and lost concentration (he lobes computers :) ). Oh, and I had to wake up late at night to go to the toilet, which for the first time, was very thankful. The view of the full moon was spectacular, and it lit up the whole camp site, it looked like a cricket stadium lit up with spray lights for a day night game!

18 February 2011 – Bush camp to forest camp – 117 kmGreat view again today, but unfortunately for me a tough day at the office (this was more my won fault than anything else). Felt very good this morning and at our coffee break at 25km, just drank some coffee and did not eat anything with it. Then some more hills and at about 50km, I was starving and ate 2 Energy Bars. But it was already too late, I had no energy when I got to the lunch stop at 60km, and was exhausted. I had to stop for over and hour at lunch to get my energy back, my longest stop to date. The first part after lunch was pretty lonesome and quite tough. You then again start getting those thoughts in your head, maybe just give u today, it is not worth it. But then you just stick to it and continue, which luckily I did and then actually as the day wore on, I got stronger and stronger, to the point where I could cycle the last tough uphill section to camp all in one go. Everyone was however unaware that today would be a tough ride, as the mando was yesterday. We actually did steeper climbing today than we did yesterday. Camp site was great, surrounded by lots of trees and no need to look for shade to lie or sit under. Lindsy got hit with a rock against his helmet today by one of the kids, not cool! I need lots of rest, big day tomorrow, the famous Blue Nile Gorge section was coming up tomorrow.

19 February 2011 – forest camp to CPAR – 89km
The Blue Nile Gorge section, probably one of the most famous sections of the whole trip, one for its amazing scenery and the other for the climbing that you have to do to get up there! You are basically cycling down one side of a canyon and then up the other! The ride involves rolling hills from start to 49km at around 2400m, then down to about 800m for 20km, then up again to 2500m for another 20km. So you finish the ride with it, and it is TOUGH! It is the biggest single climb in the trip. Again, with a climb, it is very tough, but very rewarding with the views. The scenery at the top and along the way as out of this world and reminded me of the Grand Canyon, just on a smaller scale. Juts vast amount of rock formations, truly a sight to behold! The descent part was great, but unfortunately over in an eye wink. The ascent took me over 2 long hours to do, consistently just climbing with the bike. It was 3 tough days of riding, but truly amazing. I also found at that you walk at around 4.2 km/h, as there was a part on the ascent where I juts had to walk, could not keep on riding for such a long stretch. Also some places along the way that I stopped for a few pictures, but |I needed the break as well. Funny incidents for the day was that Megan hit a sheep, so she could not ride the uphill part and Marelie was stuck in the toilet at te camp site! So funny, so she had to climb over the door and ad a whole audience as we were trying to kick the door down. Also the camp site had some showers, and although cold, was welcomed by the riders, as we were all smelling. I also had a great moment while riding the hill, that I was listing to Aerosmith, Living on the Edge, and it was such a great song for that moment that I was in and also what |I was seeing and how t re4lated to the song.

20 February 2011 – CPAR to CPAR – 90kmClimbed to our highest point in the tour for today's stage at 3200m. There was unfortunately more climbing (after yesterday's marathon climbing section), but once that was over just after lunch, it was pretty easy and also downhill for the last 15km into out camp. And the climbed seemed relatively easy after what we did yesterday (it gives you a lot of confidence and you really start to back yourself). I also made it into camp at 12:50, a new record for me and great way to relax a bit. The camp site was spectacular, right on the edge of a cliff overlooking the canyon. Amazing!Some of the locals were selling beers there, so I had to saviour the moment and had a few "sort of cold" ones! I think everyone is looking forward to the rest day tomorrow. Great sight that I had was at around 9pm, I woke up to go to the toilet, so had to get out of my sleeping bag and tent (which is normally a pain!). But once I got out, i saw the full moon shining over the caynon, as if it was just lighting it up. I was then extremely grateful for my toilet break! Great view!

21 February 2011 – CPAR to Addis Ababa – 105kmLast day before the "George" section would be complete (from Khartoum to Addis). Certainly one of the best sections of the trip because of its scenery, but also some of the most difficult sections to ride. There was more hills again (surprise, surprise) but in the end, nothing what we had for the previous few days and also nothing what I was expecting (which was great). We all rode to 92km, and then rode into Addis in convoy with no police escort (quite different from the Khartoum one). The good thing about this convoy was that it was all downhill, so no peddling, just holding onto the breaks! Seems a bit surreal that we have now just covered over 3500km! Felt like just the other day that I was in |Cairo! Felt pretty surreal cycling into Addis, did not realised what we had achieved, not the people that were looking at us, but it was still a great feeling! I decided to not go for the hotel upgrade, even though the camp site was pretty crap. I needed to save om some cash somewhere! We had some beers at the camp site and then I went with some of the older riders (Len, Pieter and Bob) to have a pizza. I can safely say this was one of our best meals on the trip and the pizza was as good as what you would get at any good Italian restaurant according to SA standards. Great! Was slightly annoyed with the staff, as they were having a staff party in the evening but made it very clear it was staff only! I thought it would be a good way to interact with them over a beer. The SA members of the crew also slaughtered a billy goat and they were having spit for the evening - I did not get one piece, not impressed! Maybe we should in future just have riders drinking beer together!

22 February 2011 – Rest day – Addis AbabaI just want to relax today, do nothing and actually rest. The most ironic thing to date about the rest days was the fact that we have been getting very little rest, in between trying to do the sightseeing, walking around etc, then trying to do internet, updating this blog, easting, washing etc, there is very, very little time for rest. This time I wanted to change it. Was woken up by the 4am morning prayer they have in Addis. It is Christian Orthodox, but it reminded me about Egypt and Sudan with the Muslim morning prayer. At least it forced me early out of bed (okay, my tent) and I could do my washing and charge all of my electronic equipment. I am still very annoyed with my cellphone, I cannot get access to the network. It had worked everywhere in Ethiopia before this, in the bush camp, Forrest camp, on the canyon but not in the capital city! How ironic was that! What the rest of the day turned out to be was an eating fest and spending time on the very slow internet updating my blog. We ate like men that were starved for 5 days. They have proper size food portions in Addis, so we were climbing in. I cannot recall having ate so much in one day! Breakfast was french toast and egg sandwich (big with lost of bread), then to the juice bar for fresh juice and smoothie, then hamburger and juice for lunch, then a few beers, then pizza and coke for dinner and to top it off, my second stint of ice cream. I ate all of the dishes with nothing left on my plate afterward! And the truth was that I could eat more..... In the end, I did not wander more than 500m up one street in Addis, but from the feedback that I received from the other people, I did not miss anything.

23 February 2011 – Addis Ababa to Gogetti – 106kmStart of the “Meltdown Madness” section from Addis to Nairobi. We were joined bu 2 new sectional riders and then Bastian's girlfriend also joined us for 2 sections. I have to also mention something bout the kids and there 3 favorite sayings, which is “you, you, you, you: in a screeching voice, “money, money, money” and then the “where do you go” to which they have no answer if you actually tell them, They actually do not know what they are asking. But this what you hear day in and day out though eery village and whenever you pass a kid (and a grown up for that matter as well). Sometime you laugh, and the later the day, the longer the ride and the hotter it gets, the more annoying it gets. But that is Ethiopia, kids are part of it and if you want to survive this section, you just have to get use to it and not le it get the better of you. No serious incidences with the kids for me today (and nothing from the other  riders as well). It was an easy-is ride in, with the standard hills and standard fantastic scenery! You actually get quote accustomed to the climbing and cycling the hills, just as yu get used to the kids (sort of).  Pieter Prins was sick the nighr before and throwing up the whole evening, so he sat in the truck and missed out on his EFI (and I would have had money on him for getting it – he is a very good and strong rider, but it goes to show you, good health is key to this trip). Henry had worsened his infection in his elbow and for the first time also decided to not ride. Funny incident of the day was me and Prick and a local lady getting very excited trying to cross the road in time before we cycled bye, and the in process basically lost her whole top! We kept on laughing for the next 5km there after.

24 February 2011 – Gogetti to Hosawa – 130kmNo real news for the day, except the standard hills (again) with beautiful scenery (this time we saw more and more of these huts that the locals stay in, some of them beautifully decorated at the entrance). News of the day was that 1) Henry was leaving the tour for a while to fly back home and get treatment for his infected elbow and 2) Horst (the German machine and my bet for winning the race) quit the race and he is just now a normal rider (like most of us). He had had enough of the racing stuff and said that he wanted to enjoy Africa a bit more, he was on holiday! The funny thing was all of us that stopped at the 25km Coke Stop and had coffee and cake, and the utter shock on everyone;s face when they saw Horst sitting there (including me). These type of stops are a no go for the racers and they would normally not even look at these. It would be a waste of time for them. We had our standard makiato at the Coke stops, local Ethiopian coffee which is almost like an cappuccino, but it is delicious and also very cheap. Very popular with the riders and their Coke stops. I rode with terry most of the day – he was struggling a bit after not getting enough sleep and just feeling a bit off for the day. Terry is such a great guy ad I get along with him really well. He is a typical Ozzie bloke, full of fun and he really share the same sense of humor. He also works with kids, so he is very in tuned with the young people (not that I am young), but also very young at heart and lots o fun to have around. We normally have various jokes during the day and really helps to make the trip lost of fun!. The trip for me was also a bit touhg, the distance just seemed far and I think my body needs a rest. It is getting to that stage where it needs more than 1 rest day to recover. Unfortunately we are not getting it until around the 14 March. Ouch! One of those days that if I was not on the EFI thing, I would seriously consider to get on the truck and just relax for the day. Terry and myself also cycled with the racers for the first 15km of the day, and boy, do they move. I was pulling out all of the stops to try and stay with them and I was breathing very heavily when I left them after 15km. They barely broke a sweat!

25 February 2011 – Hosawa to Bush camp – 116km (NOT SURE ABOUT THIS ONE)The day's riding was to start with a climb from 13km to 30km, and then after that great descent from 30km to 50km. After that it was lunch at 70km, and then all of the riders had though that it would be a pretty easy ride in to camp. But were we in for a surprise. From lunch until 90km into a town, it was uphill again and the 20km took us nearly 2 hours to ride. What my riding day pretty painful was that I got an infection in my back side form the riding, and sitting in the saddle was not fun and at times a bit painful. I had to stand a lot more on the bike that I normally do to compensate for the pain. Not great and I would need to see the nurses in the afternoon – I did and was put in antibiotics for 7 days. The camp site of the previous day was pretty crap, and too close to town, so there was lots of locals watching us camp out. Unfortunately some of these also got long fingers and 4 riders were left with no shoes when they woke up the next morning – not cool and a big problem if you ride with cleats. Luckily some people had spares so they could ride with these, although still not ideal, but better than nothing. All in camp all are looking forward to the upcoming rest days. Me included! And this cellphone still not working is annoying the crap out of me!