31 January - Desert Camp to Dongola

Procession Time
This event is a parade of 17 floats by residences, day houses and faculty houses at the University of Pretoria. The actual event has an attendance of over 7000 students with floats sponsored by various companies. In addition, over 30 000 members of the public experience the procession.
This event is the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere. It ends on Burnett street where the after party takes place. This party is currently the largest of its kind in Pretoria. Next, year’s event will see us cordoning off parts of Burnett Street as well as Hilda Street so as to facilitate a much bigger party.

Day 13 - From Nil to Desert Camp

Celebrating UP Beat Festival!This event is also known as the UP first year Welcoming Party. This is a major flagship event not only for TuksRAG but also for the University as a whole. This is a rock festival presented by Tuks Rag during Rag week and is usually the first point of contact between Tuks Rag and the new first years. It is also a show that alumni of the University enjoy as well as members of the general public. Next year promises to provide an amazing, safe and awesome party.

Day 12 - 28 Jan 2010 from Wadi Halfa to Nil

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Day 11 - 27 Jan Lake Nasser Ferry to Wadi Halfa

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Day 10 - 25 JANUARY - Aswan to Lake Nasser Ferry

Two weeks into the tour and Jos has crossed the first of 10 countries - well done Jos! Today the riders had a rare opportunity, crossing the Aswan Dam. Not many people get to do this, as you need special permission. Unfortunately this is a high security zone, so no photos allowed!

There was a long wait at the Aswan Ferry Terminal. Heard that the riders are now so into camping that most of them opted to stay on deck. Only a few chose to settle in the cabins. 

Wonder where Jos was?

Photo : Tour D'Afrique site

Day 10 - Lake Nasser

Reflection on Community engagement

The annual Payout Function is one of the highlights on the Tuks Rag calendar. It is here where the “fruits of our labour” can be observed and the public can see the monetary amount that Tuks Rag pays out to various charities throughout the year. The amount that Rag pays out has increased from R750 000 in 2001 to R2.1million in 2007. This event will take place on 27 January 2010.

Thank you Tuks Rag for supporting Matla A Bana!

Fantastic sponsorship!

Thank you Awie and Channel Group Benefits for helping us to fill up February by sponsoring 5 days! Greatly appreciated!

25 January - Update from Jos

Finally some news from Jos. His phone is playing up, so we got this one via email. Here it is:

I stayed with the big pack today of about 14 people and we reached Aswan in 3h45 from Idfu averaging about 30 kpmh. Road very busy and not as scenic as yesterday. Aswan is quite big & busy and it is the 1st night we sleeping in a proper campsite with grass and proper showers.

My cycling legs are improving and feel generally strong, my bum has survived the 1st few 7 & 8 hour days. had quite bad flu in luxor but dosed with vitamin C and now fine. We reached our 1st 1000 km today, can quite believe it and getting in daily routine now. Wake at 5am breakfast at 6am and start cycling at 7am. lunch is normally halfway, so on a easy day it is at 10am and camp at 1pm or so. then it is pitching tents, washing clothes, clean bike etc. Super is served at +- 5pm and in bed by7pm. As I expected the camping bit is the most difficult to get use too. showering with wep wipes is notquite the same as the shower at home. You need to be very organised to you can spend most of your time looking for stuff.

We board the ferry t/row morning to cross the Aswan dam to arrive on Tuesday at Wadi halfa in Sudan, from there 2 days of 150km and dessert before our next rest day in Dondola, not sure about cellphone reception till then but will try and keep you updated.

Enjoyed Egypt, especially the food and the journey along the nile but will not miss the 5am calling to prayers, especially sleeping in a tent and the constant hassling on the streets of tourist town and constantly trying to rip you off.

Day 9 - Aswan to Lake Nasser Ferry

Thank you to Mariki, a friend of Jos, for sponsoring this leg.

Very little news on any of the sites - seems that their might be a cell phone reception problem.