18 MARCH - UPDATE FROM JOS

I am sitting at the Sofa lodge, on the rim of the Ngorongoro crater, and staring down this magnificent green crater. Would recommend that you put this spot on your must do list, probably the most beautiful spot I have visited. I am waiting for the driver of NBC to come and fetch us to go back to Arusha. We arrived in Arusha on 15 March and have 3 rest days. We start cycling again t/row 19 March. Went for a game drive yesterday to the bottom of the crater and saw 4 of the big 5. The crater bottom is +- 300km2 with over 25 000 animals, I have never seen so much game.

View from the Sopa lodge.
Me, game watching in the crater
Unbelievable, the concentration of animals

REFLECTION ON THE LAST DAYS OF CYCLING
The meltdown madness section ended in Nairobi and had some of the toughest sections as well as some of the easiest days, so a real mix. The first few were though due to dirt, rain etc. Day into Nairobi very hilly and terrible traffic. I am still enjoying the cycling very much. My is bike starting to give some problems, to be expected after 5000km so it needs the rest days as much as me. Broke my saddle on the day out of Nairobi, so had to cycle standing for 40km which was not fun. Had my second flat the next day to Arusha. The next week cycling going to be on dirt roads so hope the rain stay away.

After spending all day cycling in lava rock we need to camp on it as well. Me scouting for a spot to pitch my tent. This was the worse camp “site” of the trip sofar.

THE SECOND FALL

Trying to get the dust out of my mouth Clean shirt vs dirty shirt (after the fall!)

At least I remember this fall and it was quite spectacular according to my co-riders. I was charging down a hill at 40-50km a hour when a insect hit me in the eye, as I was wiping my eye the road was diverted and the next moment I just saw this deep sand in front of me and I knew I am a goner, I stood up and relaxed my body so when my front wheel hit the sand I went straight over the handle bars, head first into the sand. Fortunately I only had dust all over me but no injuries, so quite lucky.

VIEWS ON KENYA
One can’t compare northern Kenya to the South. Since we crossed the equator it is as if we entered a new world, shops have stock, petrol stations with cold drinks and clean bathrooms etc. Previously we bought whatever we could lay our hands on, so need to adjust and only buy for the moment. All the books I read of people doing this journey advise to fly from Nairobi to Addis, I now fully understand why.

Southern Kenya is very developed and very populated. Nairobi’s population is 5million. We stayed in a suburb and did not see much of the city but were able to shop properly for the 1st time on the trip. Ride to the border out of Nairobi was very scenic.

We are also staying more frequently in proper camp sites with showers, toilets and sometimes even hot water. Quite a few also have rooms so guess where I am sleeping. The people are very friendly and speak very good English.

The launch of the business lounge
A few of the more mature guys decided we need to up the after supper drinks and bought a selection of wine, whiskies, nuts, chocolates and cigars. We even bought proper glasses and rent locker space from the kids to store the stuff. The launch party was a great success as Gabriel girlfriend brought with her a selection of salami and cheeses, so the glass of the wine turned into numerous glasses, so that we have to re-stock the lounge in Arusha, but was great fun to the envy of the rest of the group.

Gabriele very proud of the salami from Italy

The launch party, quite s spread.

NBC Sponsorship
NBC is the country sponsor for the Tanzania leg. I wear there branded cycling shirts for the duration of the Tanzania leg. They met me at the border to hand over the Jerseys.

They also donated clothing to an orphanage in Arusha, which they requested I attend. I did the hand over and a TV interview. If you feel still generous please visit this website and assist the orphanage. There are people doing amazing things all over Africa. Please vist http://www.aussieaid4africa.com/ to see more about the orphanage.

NBC also arranged my trip to Ngorongoro. I wish to thank them for their support and effort.

Fund raising
I understand from Monique that we have not yet reached the target so please spread the message. I have never in my life worked so hard for R100 000, so will be a great pity if this target is not reached.