Jos's Xtremeforkids adventure finally reached a highlight today when he handed over the R100000 to Matla A Bana during an event at the Table Bay Hotel. Jos shared a few of this stories with the media and the sponsors - and we think a nice new cycling option might be on the horizon!

We would like to thank everyone who have support this project by emailing, donating and pushing Jos on. Thank you to Sesego Cares who gave the last R10 000 for Jos to reach his target two days before the end of his trip.

Thank you also to Shaun and Sarah at the Table Bay Hotel who sponsored today's event, but also donated a fab 2 night stay worth R 12500 to Jos!

But mostly THANK YOU Jos for doing this for the children of South Africa! Like one posting on the blogsite said - "You are our HERO!".

15 May - Finally here!!!!!

It took Jos 4 months and nearly 12000 kms to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town. He nearly died in an accident and had to camp in the middle of now where many nights. He did all of this to raise funds for Matla A Bana.We are happy to announce that Jos raised R100 000 for our charity. Thank you to all of you who have supported - and thank you to Jos for doing this for us.
Here is some of the arrival photos of the Tour D'Afrique, compliments of Yvon Hunt.

15 May : Yzerfontein to Cape Town

Well, the day has finally arrived - Table Mountain can be seen!!! Thank you to Len Loader for sponsoring the last day of this epic journey.

14 May : Elandsbaai to Yzerfontein

Update by Monique:
Jos and his Locker 9 group, left a bit later this morning. The official racing has now come to an end and the cyclists are much more relaxed. The day's riding was once again wet and cold, but at least there was a tail wind. We met up with the riders just after their stop in Velddrif. Got to Yzerfontein as the first riders got in and met up with a few in a local restaurant - they all looked like wet chickens in front of the fire! In the end we missed Jos and his group as they made a long lunch stop at a coffee shop just before Yzerfontein! Tomorrow is a a quick 62km to Cape Town. The riders will be met in Bloubergstrand and from there they will cycle in convoy. Good luck Jos for your last day!

14 May : Elandsbaai to Yzerfontein

IS SKULD JOU GROOTSTE KOPSEER?

Affekteer skuld jou gesondheid, werk en verhoudings? Debtinc is een van die eerste en mees suksesvolle Skuldberaders in Suid-Afrika. Deur ondervinding en professionele diens, is ons tans een van die leiers op die gebiedvan skuldberading.

SMS DEBT10 na 082 376 3335

VREDENBURG: 0861 2021 20(Hoofkantoor)

VREDENDAL: 027 213 3733

WORCESTER: 023 342 5028

CERES: 023 315 5971/083 340 1784

MOSSELBAY: 044 690 3782/7

CAPE TOWN: 021 551 0210

HARTSWATER: 072 146 9516 of 076 025 2942

VANDAG SE BELOFTE AAN JOU : Ons sal die proses begin sodat jy skuldvry kan wees

Update :13 May

By Monique:

We left Cape Town early to be in time to meet the riders in Elandsbaai. We hit some heavy rain and strong wind on our way and had great sympathy for the riders who had to cycle in this kind of weather - especially hearing that the previous day was a wonderful summers day!

Got to Elandsbaai just in time to meet the first riders at the hotel. Peter and David (two of the Locker 9 members) where the first two riders we saw. Peter is so thin we cannot imagine how he manages to stay on the bike in strong wind! We heard that Jos is still on his way, so we ventured down the dirt road towards Lambertsbaai. Saw a lonely rider in the distance and decided to film his approach - when he got closer, we realized it was Jos!

He was soaking wet, but happy to see us! It was only another 3 km for him to go, so we met up at the hotel. His order for lunch was hot chocolate and malva dessert - this after stopping at a coffee shop on the way to have chocolate cake!

Jos told us that the food on the trip was terrible. They basically got stew every day and he does not want to see carrots again!

We invited Jos's locker 9 group for dinner where they told their stories to a reporter from the local newspaper. We were in stitches most of the time. Especially when Jos told the story where he ended up wandering around in Addis (this was after his accident). He was still concussed and had constant memory loss. His feet was hurting, so he stopped at a pharmacy to get a plaster - this was in the afternoon. He "woke up" again when the shop assistant told him to leave because they were closing for the day - he was still sitting on the man's chair!

When he got back to the hotel there was an incident when he was standing outside, in front of the hotel. The doorman asked if he could get Jos a taxi, Jos told him that he was waiting for his helicopter to pick him up!

Well, there was no helicopter and Jos had no choice but to continue! With only 2 days left, his looks great, slim and fit and apparently the accident got his speech "organs" going - all the riders said since the accident he has not been able to stop talking!

Tomorrow the riders will cycle to Yzerfontein and the last day to Cape Town. Jos has ordered his bottle of Verve to drink as they cross the finishing line!!!

Well done Jos and great to see you!

IS SKULD JOU GROOTSTE KOPSEER?

Affekteer skuld jou gesondheid, werk en verhoudings? Debtinc is een van die eerste en mees suksesvolle Skuldberaders in Suid-Afrika. Deur ondervinding en professionele diens, is ons tans een van die leiers op die gebiedvan skuldberading.

SMS DEBT10 na 082 376 3335
VREDENBURG: 0861 2021 20(Hoofkantoor)
VREDENDAL: 027 213 3733
WORCESTER: 023 342 5028
CERES: 023 315 5971/083 340 1784
MOSSELBAY: 044 690 3782/7
CAPE TOWN: 021 551 0210
HARTSWATER: 072 146 9516 of 076 025 2942

VANDAG SE BELOFTE AAN JOU :
Ons sal die proses begin sodat jy skuldvry kan wees

Update : 12 May

Long 150km to Vanrhynsdorp with strong wind. Spend 6.5 hours in the saddle. My knees are taking strain but only 3 days to got!

12 May 2010

IS SKULD JOU GROOTSTE KOPSEER?
Affekteer skuld jou gesondheid, werk en verhoudings? Debtinc is een van die eerste en mees suksesvolle Skuldberaders in Suid-Afrika. Deur ondervinding en professionele diens, is ons tans een van die leiers op die gebied van skuldberading.

SMS DEBT10 na 082 376 3335

VREDENBURG: 0861 2021 20 (Hoofkantoor)
VREDENDAL: 027 213 3733 /083 282 6017
WORCESTER: 023 342 5028

CERES: 023 315 5971/083 340 1784
MOSSELBAY: 044 690 3782/7

CAPE TOWN: 021 551 0210

HARTSWATER: 072 146 9516 of 076 025 2942

VANDAG SE BELOFTE AAN JOU :
Ons sal die bekommernis van beslaglegging wegneem

R100 000 target reached!!!

We are very happy to announce that Jos has reached his R100 000 target he set to raise for Matla A Bana! This was thanks to the R10 000 donation by SESEGO CARES.

Thank you everyone for believing Jos and supporting his cause!

11 May 2010 - Getting closer to R 100 000!

Thank you to Sirk who has donated R2000 to help Jos reach his R100 000 target for charity.

Only R10 000 to go with 5 more days left over!

11 May : Springbok to Garies

IS SKULD JOU GROOTSTE KOPSEER?
Affekteer skuld jou gesondheid, werk en verhoudings? Debtinc is een van die eerste en mees suksesvolle Skuldberaders in Suid-Afrika. Deur ondervinding en professionele diens, is ons tans een van die leiers op die gebied van skuldberading.

SMS DEBT10 na 082 376 3335

VREDENBURG: 0861 2021 20 (Hoofkantoor)
VREDENDAL: 027 213 3733 /083 282 6017
WORCESTER: 023 342 5028

CERES: 023 315 5971/083 340 1784
MOSSELBAY: 044 690 3782/7

CAPE TOWN: 021 551 0210

HARTSWATER: 072 146 9516 of 076 025 2942

VANDAG SE BELOFTE AAN JOU :
Ons sal namens jou met kredieteure kommunikeer

UPDATE : 10 MAY

Entered a very cold South Africa this morning. A though 130km cycle in cold and windy conditions to Springbok, but it is great to be back in SA!

10 May : Felix Unite - Springbok

IS SKULD JOU GROOTSTE KOPSEER?
Affekteer skuld jou gesondheid, werk en verhoudings?Debtinc is een van die eerste en mees suksesvolle Skuldberaders in Suid-Afrika. Deur ondervinding en professionele diens, is ons tans een van die leiers op die gebied van skuldberading.

SMS DEBT10 na 082 376 3335

VREDENBURG: 0861 2021 20 (Hoofkantoor)

VREDENDAL: 027 213 3733 /083 282 6017

WORCESTER: 023 342 5028
CERES: 023 315 5971/083 340 1784

MOSSELBAY: 044 690 3782/7
CAPE TOWN: 021 551 0210
HARTSWATER: 072 146 9516 of 076 025 2942

VANDAG SE BELOFTE AAN JOU:
Jou terugbetalings by jou begroting aanpas

Update : 8 & 9 May

Another long ride of 178km from the Fish Rive Canyon to Noordoewer with the first 70 km of spectacular views of the canyon. Thankfully we had a tail wind most of the way. Have a rest day at the Orange River and very excited to cross into SA tomorrow!

8 May : Hobas Camp - Felix Unite

Thank you to Jonathan & Miranda Bulwer for sponsoring the cycle to the Fish River Canyon.

7 May : Desert Camp - Hobas Camp

Thank you, Matla A Bana trustee, Pastor Ndaba Mazabane for sponsoring one the last cycling days in Namibia!

Finally - Update!

4 May

139 Km cycle out of Soussosvlei on fair, but corrugated, sandy road. Fortunately tailwind after lunch! Sleeping at a Betta - this is the 7 th night with no tent!

5 May

Start from hell! 4 flats in 5km. Eventually I got one tube to hold. Long 153km ride, at least it is scenic and we have a coke and cake stop. Another night out of the tent!

6 May

Easy 127km ride to Seeheim, an old country hotel, very badly renovated, but another night out of my tent! Going to the Fishriver Canyon tomorrow. Only 1000 km and 8 days of cycling left!

6 May : Garaspark - Desert Camp

Thank you to Herc van Wyk for sponsoring Jos today.

No news from Jos yet! Will update as soon as they are on line again!

5 May : Gibeon Station Camp to Garaspark

Thank you to Gordon & Dalene Rademeyer from Paarl for sponsoring this sandy ride!

Update : 5 May

No news from Jos. Understand that there might not be reception where they are. But heard it is going to be 5 days of dune cycling! If you have any special messages for Jos, please email to matlawc@hotmail.com. Yvon is making a scrapbook.

4 May : Sesriem to Gibeon Station Camp

Thank you to Helena van Wyk for sponsoring today.

Spoke to Jos yesterday. Said his legs were a bit tired, but enjoyed the rest day. He cannot wait to get back to Cape Town and ordered a bottle of Verve for his arrival!!

Update : 3 May

Today is a rest day. Hope to speak to Jos later on - heard there was some partying last night - so think we will allow a sleep-in today!

Update : 2 May

Some of Gerald's Namibia photos (check out the picnic!)

Wow! What a day! Easy 80km dirt road to Soussousvlei. Unbelievable scenery, mountains of varying colours, saw springbok and giraffe. Now at the lodge, gazing at the dunes whilst sipping gin and tonic!

2 Mei - Desert Camp to Sesriem

Thank you to Elsa Van Huyssteen for sponsoring today!

Update : 30 April & 1 May

30 APRIL
111km ride out of Windhoek. Hit the dirt after 11 km. Very scenic ride but lots of bike problems. 3 Flats and Gerald's chain broke twice, so it turned out to be a long day.

1 MAY
Heavy rain overnight so tough cycling conditions as the wet sands grip the tyres, but beautiful ride surrounded by mountains and decending down Spreetshoogte pass with the most amazing views.

1 May - Bush Camp - Desert Camp

Reach Africa awarded leader in Mentoring and coaching training.

For more info: Leonore Louw 0824477058

Grahame Snow 0825772102

30 April : Windhoek to Bush Camp

Web : www.aanpaarlberg.co.za

Email : info@aanpaarlberg.co.za

Tel : 021 872 8215

Why would you want to be camping if you can stay in 4-star luxury?

A pity Jos can't see this!

R100 000 VERY CLOSE!

With only 2 weeks to go, Jos has managed to raise R87 400 for Matla A Bana - A voice against child abuse. Only R 12 600 to go to his R100 000 target! Well done Jos!!!

UPDATE : WINDHOEK

This is probably my last e-mail update before reaching cape town. Will still send daily sms to the blog. Arrived in Windhoek yesterday after another though long day of 6.5 hours cycling and my legs are not "happy" today.

The route from Livingstone was via Nata & Maun to the Namibian border and from there via Gobabis to Windhoek. We covered +1500km in 9 days cycling so long distances each day, fortunately mainly flat but wind was becoming a problem the last few days. Also had my 1st 200+ km on the bike on the Mando day of 207km. Find the best tempo for these long days to be about 30kmph at 60-70% of max heart rate.We encountered rain almost every day on this section which is supposed to be barren, dry & hot. I do not think I have seen such long stretches of straights roads like this. The treat of the day is the coke stops. On this section they were few & far between. Some days none, so my 8-10 soft drink intake is down quite a bit. Had a few inetresting detours is small villages looking for it.(see botswana pig 165). Normally they spot quite a bit of game on this section, mainly elephant but we only saw few impala day out of Livingstone. Not sure if it because of the rain but we only saw elephant poo.

Last bush camp or so we thought ......
We stayed at a few nice lodges on this section and I manage to stay out of my tent for 5 succesive nights. Hope to improve this record. The 1st night out of Maun was supposed to be our last bush camp (sleeping next to the road with no facilities). We decided to celebrate this momentous occasion in style with Gabriel cooking Risotto for the group with Gerald and myself as his assistants. They both good cooks but after asking me to chop the onions they decided it is better that I do not handle any sharp instruments. So I just made sure that the wine glasses stayed full as it was a cold rainy day and even washed a pot or two. (see botswana pigs 153,161,157,168)

The day after crossing into Namibia we were supposed to sleep in campsite at witvlei (not even a 1 horse town). On arrival it was no more so we had another bush camp in a veld full "duweltjies" and no more wine left to lift our spirits. Spend yesterday an hour removing "duweltjies" from my tent, sandals, mattress etc. So hopefully that was the final one.


Ban on cheeseburgers....
The second day of the trip Gerald & myself almost lost our EFI status after being caught in a massive storm after 2 hour lunch at a resort on the Red sea. The day out of Maun we stopped for lunch at a lovely lodge Plannet Boabab after 100km where we spend 3 hours having cheeseburgers, chocolate cake etc as well a siesta. Leaving 2pm were still joking that at least there is no headwind or storm only to he hit by a massive storm at 145km. It felt like hail as the rain hit us. Fortunately TDA had a car at 150km for refilling our water bottles. We managed to there and then took shelter until the storm passed and got to camp at only 5pm. So no more cheeseburgers until we are in Cape Town.


People doing amazing things ....
The oldest person on the trip is a surgeon from Canada who joined us in Zambia. He turned 71 on Sunday and cycled the whole 207km of that day. The oldest full tour rider is a 69 year old German who, barred recovering from a fall, completed all but 3 days so far. So it can be done.

We are leaving Windhoek t/row en route to Sousiesvlei & Fish River Canon and crossing into SA on 8 may. The route to SA border all on dirt which will be a welcome change from tar. It is however also considered one the more challenging sections so hopefully the legs will hold.

Should arrive in Cape Town waterfront around noon on 15 May 2010, so this is the final stretch. Have not yet reached the target of R100 000 so any donations still much appreciated. I am now on my old SA number (0827737894) if you want to reach but please sms as I am not retrieving voice messages. Also saw 1st road sign to SA (see pig 163)

Thanks for all the support and see you soon

Update : 28 April

Tough 160km to Windhoek with lots of climbing and strong wind. Tomorrow is a rest day which is needed as we have done 820 km in the last 5 days!

28 April : Witvlei - Windhoek

Thank you to fellow cyclist, David Saevitzon, for sponsoring today. Hope you both have a great cycle!

UPDATE : 27 APRIL

A rare sight - or as Gerald puts it : This is even more rare than spotting a leopard.... Jos doing dishes...

162km ride from the border to Witvlei. Use as a recovery day so spent the day spinning in small gears. Rain finally stopped. Nice lunch stop in Gobabis. Campsite no longer exists, so another bushcamp!

Update : 26 April

What a day! Mando day of 207 km. Started in pouring rain for 1st 70km and headwind last 30km. Longest distance I have done on a bike so far in 7H 30 Min. Exausted so early in bed in pouring rain. Tomorrow is another 170km...

26 April : Ghanzi Khana Lodge to Manumo/Namibian Border

Thank you to Heather & David Gordon for sponsoring Jos's ride into Namibia!

Update : 25 April

Heavy rain during the night, but at least my tent stayed dry. 140km ride in cold and rainy weather. Staying at lodge in Ghanzi tonight. Saw first road sign to South Africa today!

Update : 24 April

158km easy ride with tail wind. To celebrate our last bush camp, we (Gabriel, assisted by myself and Gerald) cooked risotto for the group. My main job was to keep the wine glasses full!

Update : 22 & 23 April

Easy 136km ride into Maun. Celebrated the oldest rider on the tour 65th birthday last night. Relaxing rest day in Maun with lunch at Nando’s. Heading to Windhoek tomorrow.

(Heard that Jos's group got trapped in a sand/thunder storm after enjoying cheese burgers and a swimming pool at a hotel for 3 hours and nearly did not make it too the camp!)

UPDATE : 21 April

Long boring 185km ride, but had nice 3 hour stop at Planet Baobab for nice lunch and siesta on a day bed. In bush camp - our second last!

STAGE RESULTS

Currently on Stage 74 (146km)
ResultsRank Flag Plate Name Time
1 #115 Jethro de Decker 4:21.00
2 #147 Tim Thomas 4:30.00
3 #118 Eric Dufour 4:34.00
4 #314 Paul Porter 4:39.00
5 #102 Juliana Austin-Olsen 4:39.00
6 #156 Lynne Wolfson 4:39.00
7 #101 Rod Atkinson 4:39.00
8 #114 Jennifer Crake 4:39.00
9 #121 Gisela Gartmair 4:40.00
10 #110 Stuart Briggs 4:40.00
11 #150 Marcel Van Zwam 5:00.00
12 #144 Daniel Spasojevic 5:04.00
13 #120 Simon Francis 5:04.00
14 #141 Sunil Shah 5:42.00
15 #128 Jos Malherbe 5:48.00
16 #129 Tony Nester 5:53.00
17 #113 Gerald Coniel 6:00.00
18 #145 Erin Sprague 6:04.00
19 #153 Ruben von Furstenberg 6:24.00
20 #100 Dave Arman 6:29.00
21 #310 Jerry Cross 6:58.00
22 #154 Rick Wasfy 7:15.00
23 #142 Stephanie Sleen 7:17.00
24 #124 Daniel Johnson 7:42.00
25 #132 Peter Pizer 12:00.00
26 #313 Jacob Warner 12:00.00
27 #143 Frans Smit 12:00.00
28 #122 Catherine Hardee 12:00.00
29 #106 Adam Birkan 12:00.00

22 April : Bush Camp - Maun

Thank you to Matla a Bana trustee, Pastor Ndaba Mazabane, for sponsoring today!

Update : 19 & 20 April

Two long days of 160kms each on very straight roads. Slept last night in bad bush campe and rain. Cycled in rain for 1st 80km today on very quiet road, not even 1 Coke stop. Tonight in nice lodge in "town" Nata.

20 April

No updates from Jos yet. Read on Twitter that the roads are long and "boring", except for one rider who had an elephant cross the road in front of him! Hope to have some news tomorrow!

20 April - Bush Camp to Nata

Thank you Andre Coetsee for sponsoring today! No news from Jos - will update hopefully tomorrow!

19 April : Kasane - Bush Camp

Thank you to "Frank on Spoons" for sponsoring this day! And by the way - happy belated birthday, Frank!

18 April - Update

Easy 70km ride to Kasagune. There we crossed the Zambezi on a barge. Nice campsite tonight. Went on a game viewing cruise on the Chobe river and saw plenty. On my SA cell number for those who want to phone or sms!

18 Apr : Livingstone - Kasane

Thank you to Lodewyk & Margaretha de Clercq for sponsoring all the way from the UK! Hope Jos has been "recharged" after the long stop at Vic Falls

UPDATE : 18 April 2010

I just finished with high tea on the stoep of the vic falls hotel , my third in so many days. We arrived in Livingstone on Thursday. A number of us crossed immediately to the Zim side. We had 2 rest days, quite a luxury, and are heading for Botswana t/row. I had the most relaxing 2 days, massages, lying around at the pool and plenty of food.Also nice to be in ZImbabwe again. there seems to be more activity than with my previous visit but most visitors stays on the Zambian side.

The view of the falls from the hotel is magic, put it on your to do list if you have not been here. The mist above the falls also the highest and widest I have ever seen it.

The section from Lilongwe to Livingstone was the least memorable of the trip so far. It was long days in the saddle with not much change in scenery. After entering Zambia we spend 4 days cycling to Lusaka on the Great Eastern Road, not sure what is great about it, pretty boring, not much traffic or people. Spend the 1st night at a great campsite Mama-Rula which is owned by Afrikaans speaking ex-Zimbabweans, so great food etc. The next 3 nights at so called schools, which means no facilities and if you have a vivid imagination you can picture maybe a sports field after a few years of intensive gardening. The organisers, TDA, have a knack for choosing pretty depressing campsites. The general mood of the group was not great. The third month is also know as the "gatvol" month.


I stayed with friends in Lusaka, thanks Phil & debs for hosting me and Phil medical expertise was used for quite a nasty fall by a rider. The locals cycle on the wrong side of the road which have resulted in quite a few close calls and 1 serious accident.The few days out of Lusaka of Livingstone also pretty boring but at least we cycled through a few towns were we could get some food. Had massive pizza's 1 day and t-bone steaks the next. The 1st hour on the bike after such a meal is not pleasant but still preferred to TDA's food. We do all kind of things to entertain oursleves on the bikes, sport quizz, gabriel learning us Italian and not only swear words or him singing us some opera. I broke my second saddle. I use a Fizzik Gobi, which they claim is the best mountain bike saddle. HA HA HA. Gerald wive came to join him at the falls so she brought me a new saddle that will hopefully last. I have no photos with this update as Gerald is otherwise engaged but visit his blog. africanride.blogspot.com for some amazing pictures although the number of photos he takes a day also took a major dip in this section.

Our business lounge/locker 9 is still going strong. Should also receive a fresh supply of salami, Swiss cheeses and chocolates from Gabriel brother that joins us for the next stage. We crossing into Botswana t/row and if should be in cape town in exactly 4 weeks from today, 15 May. We reached the 8000 km mark this week and our next rest day is in Maun in Botswana.

Thanks for all your support.

17 April - No news

Oh no - we have not forgotten Jos, but think the riders might have forgotten us. As far as we know they are at Vic Falls and possibly having great meals and beers. And some of them might be jumping off bridges - not that they have not had enought excitement the last few months!! Will update you as soon as we hear from Jos!

15 Apr : Choma Roadside Camp - Livingstone

Thank you Ace Contracting for helping Jos through Central Africa. Your contribution to our charity is greatly appreciated!

Update : 14 April

185km Flat ride in 6H32 minutes. Stopped for a big lunch of fried bream, so the last 40km to the camp was painful. Sleeping in a small basic rondawel 150km from Livingstone. Buzz of excitement in camp re the 2 rest days at Vic Falls.

14 Apr : Mazabuka Bush Camp- Choma Roadside Camp

Update : 13 April

Relative easy 160 km ride out of Lusaka thanks to tailwind. Had big Debonairs pizza for lunch. Camping in very basic site, at least a cold shower. Had a great stay at Phil & Debs!

13 Apr : Lusaka - Mazabuka Bush Camp

Hope the camping is not too bad tonight Jos!

Update : 11 & 12 April

Easy 105 km ride to Lusaka. Off the bike by 10:45. Staying with friends, Phil and Debbie, which is a nice change from hotels. Had a relaxing rest day, did some shopping and had plenty of food!

(Heard that Jos is playing down conditions. Zambia and some of the camps have been a nightmare according to Gerald and some of the other riders. No water or toilets, bitten by spiders and ants - hope it will get better Jos!)

11 April : Jehova Camp to Lusaka

Thank you Ace Contracting for sponsoring today!

UPDATE : 10 APRIL

Though day - 150km riding with 2200 m of climbing and very hot. Had fun as the Italian sang opera to us. Plenty of coke stops. Tomorrow 100km to Lusaka for a rest day!

10 April : Luanga River Bridge Camp - Jehova Camp

UPDATE : 8 & 9 APRIL

8 APRIL:
Whow! 197 Km - by far the longest day on a bike, mainly rolling hills. 7 Hours of cycling time with plenty of coke stops. No cell reception. Celebrating Tony's 50th birthday.

9 APRIL:
Very tired after the long ride yesterday. Down at 500m and very hot and humid campsite. One of the worst of the trip.

9 Apr : School Camp to Luanga River Bridge Camp

Thank you to Ace Contracting for your continued sponsorship!

8 APRIL : UPDATE

No update from Jos. Believe that they might not have reception. With the lack of news we would like to share one of the best kept secrets of Malawi - the MG&T. Malawi Gin and Tonic - supposedly one of the best gins in the market today! Saw that the above photo made it to the Tour De Afrique blog!

08 Apr : Chipata Pine View Camp - School Camp

UPDATE : 7 APRIL

A long 152 km ride from Lilongwe to Chipati in Zambia. The border crossing was easy and quick. At a great campsite with swimming pool etc. Afrikaner owner and braaivleis for dinner!

07 Apr : Lilongwe - Chipata Pine View Camp

Thank you for Ace Contracting for sponsoring Jos today!

UPDATE : 6 APR

I am having a lazy, relaxing day next to the pool at the hotel in Lilongwe. We arrived yesterday and leaving t/row and crossing into Zambia in the afternoon. So only 4 countries left. We clocked 7000km this week, so less than 5000 left. There only 34 riding days left, so the daily distances increase especially in Botswana & Namibia.

The week out of Arusha was definitely the most challenging of the trip so far. We cycled 7 days continuously over very rough dirt roads with serious climbs and descents and thick sand. So it was a bit of everything and +- 100km a day, so spend 6-7 hours on the bike every day. The route took us down the middle of Tanzania with spectacular scenery and completely unspoilt at there was almost no traffic or development.

The most spectacular day of the trip for me was the last day in Tanzania. After climbing 600m we descend 2400m along the rift valley with unbelievable scenery.When we crossed into Malawi it was like going back into time.No shops, sim cards or cold drinks. Not sure if it because it was Easter weekend or lack of vehicles but Malawi's roads most quite so far. The 1st night in Malawi was a horrible experience, being surrounded by hundreds of kids staring at you, it was like being back in Ethiopia. We cycled to the lake the next day & had a nice rest day at the lake, from there we went inland to Mzuzu and then straight down to Lilongwe. I was quite surprised how hilly the inland route was, most days close to 2000m climbing but at least it was much cooler than at the lake. had rain quite a few nights and the day out of Mzuzu. Although Malawians are very friendly, my most favourable country is Tanzania.

I have been cycling very slowly with my heart rate hardly going over 60%. Me & Gerald decided to up the pace the last 2 days to start preparing for the long stretches in Namibia & Botswana. We have cycled less than 1000km om dirt roads, so our mountain bikers will have to peddle extra hard to keep up with the racing bikes from now on.

Some stats:
Flying objects swallowed: 5
Punctures: 6
Average soft drinks a day( cokes etc): 8
Weight loss: Plenty & still counting. person lost more than 12 kilo's
Calories burn a day: 5000-6000

The camping conditions are improving as we are using hotel grounds etc for camping. The food remains terrible. The daily menu consists of porridge in the morning, stale bread & tuna salad for lunch and stew (carrots & 1 or 2 pieces of meat) for supper. We are eating at restaurants along the road as much as possible. At least we can also now buy dried fruits, peanuts , chocolates etc to supplement TDA food. In Mzuzu 3 of us went for supper at hotel, we consumed:

6 beers
6 steaks ,1st fillet & then a big t-bone
6 desserts

The people at other table starred at us in disbelieve. The business lounge/ Locker 9 is still going strong and David has rejoined us with fresh supplies, incluing biltong

Had 1st case of malaria in the group this week but there have been no accidents and I haven't loss anything for quite a while. last major loss was my laptop so that why you are not getting a smart word document

Would like to thank NBC again for their support and assistance while in Tanzania, all of you for your support. can't belive I will be in Cape Town in 6 weeks.