.

Update - 9 March

An easy ride of 87km. In camp by 11.30. Got the last hotel room and the first hot shower in weeks! Even showered my bike to get rid of the mud. Back on tar roads and crossing the Equator. Order a braai with 10kg of lamb for 10 people - tired of the bad food! (Heard via the grapevine that it was goat, not lamb, Jos! Well hec, after 2 months of no braai - any meat will do!)

9 March - Bush Camp to Isiolo

http://www.coachingforchange.co.za
Esmé Ehlers
esme@coachingforchange.co.za
Mobile : +27(0)82 339-3835

Thank you to coaching expert, Esme Ehlers, for your continued sponsorship of Malta A Bana Projects.

UPDATE - 8 MARCH

A day to remember. The heavens opened on us as we got up. We left the camp soaked for a 87km dirt/mud road. Got my first flat of the trip after 2km. The next 40 km was a struggle throught the mud at the best at 10 km. Got saved by the Chinese building a new road which was in a better condition. Got to the camp at 15:00 soaked and full of mud. Camping next to the raod and hoping the rain will stay away!

Update 7 March

Cycled 96 km with last 40 km on very bumpy road - had fun! Washed under a local's waterpump and sleep in dry riverbed. Let's hope it stays that way.

Finally an update and photos! Well done Jos!

ADDIS ABABA TO YABELLO (written Sunday 28 Feb)
Sitting in my hotel room in Yabello with rain pouring down. Not a town you need to visit if you don't have to. Past week riding was quite hard with a Mondo day with some 2500m of climbing. In total we climbed more than 5000m in 4 days. My borrowed tent got flooded the night before the Mondo day and we cycled the 1st 60km in pouring rain. Ethiopia has definitely no flat roads but I enjoyed the hill climbing, just not very fast up the hills. Completed all the days. Due to the chaos in northern Ethiopia they shorten this section by 1 day. We are now back on schedule.

Chatting to a local at a “coke” stop.

YABELLO TO MARSABIT(written Saturday 6 March 2010)
We had 2 days cycling to Kenya border. We cycled hard to get to border crossing before it closes from 12 to 3pm. Arrived at 11h05 to to told it closed at 11am. After some negotiations it was re-opened. The general mood of the group improved as we crossed the border. Spend the night at Moyale on the Kenyan side of the border. Wednesday we tackled the the 1st dirt section. Road was in fair condition and was quite nice change from tar, although very hot. Spend the night at small village, Sololo, we could use their local drinking water dam, which is just like a small “plaasdam” for a wash.

The next day conditions the road conditions deteriorated and we hit the infamous lava rock dessert the afternoon but managed it quite well, except for the heat, 41.5 degrees at noon. Spend the night next to the road sleeping between the lava rock. Not a night to remember but at least the rain stayed away.

At warm “coke” stop just before lava rock section.

Friday was another Mondo day (considered the toughest day of the tour), 86km of lava rock to Marsabit. To cycle on the stuff is difficult as it is dirt road covered in loose stones/rocks. I made lunch and did another 10km thereafter but then decided to quit as the heat was unbearable and had lost control over the bike twice falling down and did not want to get injured just to try and do another 30km. Only about a third of the riders finished the section.

Sitting in Marsabit only hotel (charging R30 a room) and waiting for food, while the rain is pouring down. Marsabit is another town you do not need to visit. We have another 2 days of dirt road before reaching Isiolo, that is if the rain stop

The cellphone reception should be good from their and will hopefully be able to send daily updates again. Still enjoying myself, although camping is though especially the lack of facilities. Have no idea what is happening in the world.

At another coke stop with David (Sa born Canadian, Peter (Sa), Eric (Canadian). Don't worry we do cycle between coke stops.
My number in Kenya is + 254 71 940 9009.

5 March - Reach Africa

Reach Africa awarded leader in Mentoring and coaching training.

For more info: Leonore Louw 0824477058 Grahame Snow 0825772102 .

Newsflash : Leonore Louw of Reach Africa received the Matla A Bana Service Excellence Award for her contribution to fight crime against children. Visit http://mabnews.blogspot.com

4 March - no news!

With no news from the riders, we have decided to post some of Gerhard's photos of the previous day.

The section the riders are currently busy is called Meltdown Madness. Starts 22.3 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, finish 12.3 Nairobi, Kenya. Distance 1,630km, 17 riding days, 2 resting days. Diffuculty 5, exotic factor 5, comfort 1

3 March - Update from Jos

Road was not as bad as expected. Were in camp at 11. Now having a warm Tusker looking at a beautiful African sunset with thorn trees everywhere. Hitting real lava rock tomorrow!

3 March

http://www.coachingforchange.co.za

Esmé Ehlers

esme@coachingforchange.co.za

Mobile : +27(0)82 339-3835

Thank you to coaching expert, Esme Ehlers, for your continued sponsorship of Malta A Bana Projects.

2 March - More news

After some negotiations ther border was re-opened and we got into Moyale at 1.30. Spend the afternoon fixing knobbies as we tackle Lava Rock tomorrow. The next 5 days are considered very tough. There will be no little cell phone reception until Friday.

2 March - Update from the border

Just had long conversation with Jos. Seems that, as he is about to leave the country, the local sim starts to work! He arrived at the border at 11 (it closes between 12 and 3). Just to be told that the border is closed! He is doing very well. Also had some tummy problems and says there is 3 days of hectic cycling ahead. He hopes his SA phone will work as soon as he enters Kenya, which will mean many more updates!

2 MARCH

Thank you to Gerrit & Elmarie for sponsoring R500 towards the cycling today!

1 & 2 March

Still very little news from Jos. He left a message on my phone, but the number was listed as private, so we could not call him back. Very frustrating not being able to talk to him!

Heard however that they camped along lake KOKA, a old volcano crater. Apparently scenery is getting better - must be a nice change after many days of dessert. Seems that the small towns are very crowded and after all the space, the riders now have to deal with traffic and people! The stoning still continues. This normally happens if the kids are not satisfied with the answers given by the riders (they get bombarded) or if the riders do not give them money. The good news in that the riders should be hitting the Kenya border by tomorrow - hopefully no stones on that side!

28 February

Thank you to Adrian Venter & Louise Burger for sponsoring the cycling today.

We apologise for no updates. We experienced some techincal problems on our blogspot and seems that Jos is still having some cell phone reception problems!

27 February

Still no news, but hear that another Capetonian is doing very well. Jethro De Decker won the Valentine's Day Stage. Not having lunch, he passed the others and De Decker, who loves to climb the mountain around Cape Town, used the two climbs in that stage to achieve his win! Well done Jethro!

26 February 2010

The cyclists are still in Ethiopia for five more days, about 350 kms south of Addis Ababa. Apparently they are still surrounded by kids who are still throwing stones at them. Scenery are now changing and becoming more tropical. They will be in Kenya in 5 days time. There are only 10 in the EFI group left. Hope to get some news from Jos soon!

25 February

Thank you to Karin Jordaan who is sponsoring R100 towards today's racing and Gaiti Rabbani from Dubai for adding another R400.

There is no news from Jos, but we see that none of the other sites have been updated - so very little news. The only Twitter news is that the riders are on a beach somewhere!

24 February 2010

Luc Strydom (8 years) is sponsoring R 100 for todays cycling for his dad, Callie, on his birthday today.

Monique Strydom is sponsoring R 100 to celebrate Andre Botha's birthday today. Congratulations boys!

Update - 23 February

Left Addis in convoy. Easy flat ride and the first day of cycling with all my marbles - Jos.

PS : We have heard that the kids have been stoning the riders. Especially the ones at the back, out of frustration that no one is giving them any money!

23 February 2010

Thank you to Intercape for sponsoring today's cycling. Jos perhaps needs a nice, luxurious bus ride!

BACK ON THE BIKE (18 Febr)

So started cycling officially again on Thursday 18 Feb, which was the day of the famous or infamous Blue Nile George. The total distance was about 90km, with lunch at 50 km. You then descend 1800m over 20km and then have to climb that again over 20km, about a 6% gradient, which for your non-cyclist is bloody steep. I am glad to report that I did it, not quite sure how and there were quite a few stops on the way up but no pushing. So although it seems I lost a few marbles as a result of the concussion it seems my cycling legs are still working, although I am now of the last riders. I was of the bike for almost 2 weeks while the other riders just got stronger.

Was completely exhausted the next morning and cycled very slowly with Gerald as he was also battling. It was another tough day of the 90km and we reached the highest point of the tour of +- 3150m. Cycling at that altitude is energy sapping like you can not believe but we managed it somehow, at least the last 20km was mostly downhill.

Cycling in Ethiopia is quite a challenge. There are the hills & altitude, kids throwing you with stones, it seems it is their national sport. Some riders have been hit by 12 stones a day. I have had 4 in 2 days riding. The famous Ethiopian belly is the next challenge, I have luckily avoided it so far. Camping at night you are surrounded by kids begging etc. Of my original cycling buddies only Gerald is still going. Jim was transferred to Addis with a suspected pinch nerve Thursday night. I think the EFI riders are down to 10 or 11. The scenery however makes up for it, it is quite spectacular. The people are however very poor and it is quite sad to see all the kids herding cattle and goats and not being in school. So far not much traffic on the roads and the drivers much better than Sudan as there are many wandering animals & children on the roads. Hope it stay this way. The infrastructure is pretty poor, cellphone reception is almost impossible up to now, not even roaming on SA sim card works. I bought a local sim card for which you must supply 2 photos in Addis but has run out of airtime but has been unable to buy any airtime at the last 3 towns we went through.

Losing my EFI status as a result of the crash was nogal a gatslag but also decided that I am going to make most of the cycling and sightseeing from now on. If you focus on EFI all you do is cycle, clean bike, rest and cycle again. Most of the time you are too exhausted to do any exploring. We arrived yesterday in small village called Debre Libanos which has a famous monastry and situated on the most spectacular George. Discovered a small lodge on the edge of the George. The group left this morning for Addis but I decided to stay another day as I had little local experience so far. So spend the day staring down this beautiful valley. The yanks say it looks just like the Grand Canoun.

Tomorrow is a rest day so I will be taking a local bus to Addis which will be an experience, the owner of the lodge say just stand next to the road and flag any bus down. So hopefully it is that simple. So I am still going to cycle as much as possible but if I came across spots like this I might stay a day or 2 and then catch up with the group again.

THE RECOVERY OR THE BITS THAT I REMEMBER

I was discharged about 6pm and decided to fly to Addis Ababa the next morning at 06h30. Was completely exhausted and saw the Hilton had a desk at the airport so that was the easiest route, although not the cheapest as I discovered on check-out, US$550 for 2 nights.

I spend most of my time sleeping as I was still completely exhausted. I bought a ticket to fly to Bahir Dar to meet up with group again , the Sunday flight was full so I had to take the Saturday night flight. I was still not myself when I had to check out the Saturday. I wandered around Addis the afternoon and got completely lost.

Somehow got to airport and on the plane, flight was delayed for 2 hours and we arrived about 10pm. I notice a sign for a resort that was advertised in the inflight magazine so again, that was the easiest option as I just wanted to sleep. Turned out to be a very nice resort but again spend most of my time sleeping. You get a complementary massage everyday but I had no energy to get me to the spa which was 200m from my room.

Started feeling better the Monday. As I was checking out some of the riders arrived to check into the hotel. They were supposed to have arrived the Sunday but was delayed as they had quite a rough time as well, so I was very relieved that I could check back into the hotel for 2 more nights. I had a 1.5 hour massage and manicure & pedicure so looked at least better and started to feel it as well.

My energy levels started improving steadily from thereon. I rejoined the tour officially the Wednesday morning but decided to ride on the bus and see how I feel and might start cycling from the lunch stop. Not to be, all a bit hazy so all day on the bus. Spend the next day on the bus again but at least had more energy and was quite frustrated that I could not cycle. So when we reached camp I climbed on my bicycle and cycled to the nearest town about 20km away to try find internet and airtime, without any luck but it was nice to be on the bike again. Was quite tired when I got back to camp. Also got my 1st stone after 10 min on the bike, so it was a good introduction.

During my absence the tour had quite a few events. One truck broke down and all our luggage was transferred to another truck. The few days from my fall to the Ethiopian border was unbelievable tough as it was a new route, only 13 riders could finnish all the days. Some 15 riders took a bus to the next rest day and skipped the 1st 2 days cycling in Ethiopia, so it was not only me that was struggling. Unfortunately my tent got lost in all the chaos so sleeping in one of the crew tent, which weighs a ton.

My accident - Finally an update from Jos!

At the time of writing this, I was sitting in my hospital bed (Wednesday 10 February 2010) in Khartoum waiting for the doctor to discharge me.

It is now 16h20 and has been told since 11am, he is his on his way no longer than 0.5hours. It took them only 15minutes to take the scan when I arrived the day before, exactly 24 hours ago and we have been waiting for his official report since then. I can not be released without it and also need it for insurance purposes.

On the flip side is having access to a neurosurgeon is a luxury compared to my experience the day of the fall. I was taken to the local hospital for observation. When the doctor came to see me he asked me in which country I was and when I answered Sudan he discharged me. I have not paid the bill yet and due to missing funds in Aswan. I am low on cash. No cards work here, debit or credit. So if you do not hear from me again PLEASE COME AND BAIL ME OUT as I am probably still washing dishes at the Imperial Hospital Khartoum, 3rd floor. The youngsters of the group are not here to do some subcontracting.

Having watched CNN for last 24 hours I am quite bored and will try and document the events since the last time I left Khartoum.

We left Khartoum, last Friday morning on a very busy, narrow road. We were forced to ride in a single file. In camp at 160km in under 5 hours riding. 3 riders were involved in accidents that day. Had a nice swim in the Nile the afternoon and all quite normal. My knees were hurting quite a bit and the advice I got from riders & nurse was to use smaller gears. We were also discussing that it was probably better to ride on your own due to bad road conditions & traffic than in a group. So my strategy (glad to see I can still manage some corporate speak) for the next day was to see the conditions (wind etc) and to take it easy as it was another 160km day and try to rest/improve my knees before the Ethiopian mountains. We also turned on a quitter after about 50km.

The actual day (Saturday)
All went according to plan. I rode mainly with Gerald as the road was very busy again but after we turned onto the quieter road I decided to execute my strategy. I stopped to put on my iPod and selected the lifesaver play list. This play list consist mainly of my favorite dance tracks which I was going to use when I had a hard day in the saddle but nothing having had 1, other than day 2, I decided to listen to it.

Well the next thing I am aware of is some kids doing a performance, think it was karate, at our camp ground just before sunset and the nurse speaking to me to hear if I am OK and being transported to hospital with a drip in my arm.

Apparently some of the riders told the nurse I am acting funny. Still walking around in my cycling clothes and have not pitched my tent or had supper. Believe me even if the food is not good you eat after a 160km ride. She then started investigating and discovered I must had a fall of my bike as my left knee, hip, elbow and shoulder all reflecting fresh scrape/grazed wounds. They then notice that my helmet had 2 cracks above my left ear. Nobody saw the accident, so I somehow must got back on my bike and rode to camp. There were apparently quite a few turns. There is also a sweeper rider that ride at the back to ensure everybody gets back to camp but I must have arrived before the sweeper on my own.

So it is a complete mystery. I only logical explanation is that a mirror of a truck or bus must have whacked me on the head and that resulted in the fall. My flesh wounds would have been more if my fall was at normal cycling speed. My 1 bike computer shows that I cycled 163km in 6h11min but that is cycling time and not total time while my polar shows I cycled 253km in 8h55 but I think it got damaged in the fall.

Sunday & Monday
Can not remember much except that I just wanted to sleep all the time and was told I can not cycle for at least 3 days. The Monday night it was decided to transfer me to Khartoum for CT scan. A trip to the nearest town turned into a 4 hour nightmare as the driver got lost and was basically following any lights. Got into the town at 02h30 to find all hotels are full, so we ended sleeping in something that should definitely carry a negative star rating to be dully chucked out at 7h30am. The driver also disappeared and they rented a taxi (hi ace) for the trip to Khartoum. Arrived at 4h30pm and went straight away for CT Scan etc. The long and short of it is that I had a concussion and amnesia but for the rest I am fine, although I have never been so exhausted in my life but the doctor claim it is normal and part of the recovery process.

Race stats

The participants have now cycled 30% of the total distance in 29 stages so far (out of 100 total stages).

22 February

We still have not received any update from Jos. Cannot get through on the phone and no messages from him. Heard from Gerald's wife that cell phone reception is really bad. Been looking at all available photos to see if Jos is anywhere. Hope he is OK!

19 Febr - CPAR Camp

Thank you to Steve Phillpott for sponsoring Jos today. We hope he is feeling better and back on the saddle!

18 February

Got sms from Jos, he has joined the group, but did not cycle. Still feeling a bit tired. Will try to phone him tonight - keep readng this spot!

17 Febr - For Carol

Yvon Hunter and her son, Roy, would like to dedicate today's cycling to their daughter, Carol Hunter, who would have been celebrating her birthday today. It is a very special day indeed, with Jos back on the bicyle after his accident and many special memories for his friends, the Hunters.

Update Jos

Spoke to Jos today. He enroute to meet up with the group. Good news is that he is ok and will start cycling again tomorrow! You go Jos!

Happy Valentines Jos!

Thank you Jos for all you are doing for our children!

14 February - Valentines!

Thank you to Melanie Keartland and Luana Nasser for sponsoring Jos on this Valentines Day!

13 February - In Addis Ababa

This day is sponsored by Tiaan Kotze - for his lovely wife Orna - "Happy Valentines"

UPDATE
Jos has arrived in Addis. Not sure if he will make his way to the tour or wait here to join then whey they arrive in Addis.

Short video

If any of you wandered what it is like - check out this short video of the 2009 tour.

http://ow.ly/16wbS

Standing

At the time of the accident Jos was still in 24th place - we will have to see where he stands when the next update comes in again!

11 February - Celebrating Freedom!

Reach Africa awarded leader in Mentoring and coaching training. For more info: Leonore Louw 0824477058 Grahame Snow 0825772102 .

Thank you to Reach Africa for sponsoring 11 February - not only the day Mandela was released from jail, but today Jos will be celebrating his freedom after being "released" from hospital!

11 Febr - Good news from Jos!

Spoke to Jos again yesterday. He was being discharged from hospital. He will fly to Addis Ababa from where he will join the tour again. He got some messages, but if he has not responded to any, it is because it did not get to him (discovered yesterday that he has not received any of ours).

Thank you for all the messages and well wishes. If you have not yet sponsored a day - then now is the time to do it! Jos is determined to go on - he needs our support!

10 February - Hospital Karthoum!

Thank you to Jason Nightingale for sponsoring R500 towards the last day in hospital!

Hope Jos will be on the road again tomorrow - well at least he will have a bath and a nice bed to sleep in!

UPDATE - JOS CONDITION

Spoke to Jos last night. Good news is that he could count his five fingers - this was my test! Doctor look at scan, all is well, but wants to keep him there for 48 hours. They think Jos was hit by a truck sometime between 11:30 and 4. He cannot remember a thing. The riders saw him walking in the camp dazed and confused. His left side full of wounds and his helmet cracked. They decided to let him go back to Karthoum for checkup. Well, the good thing is that Jos is determined to finish this trip - he managed to cycle all the way to camp after the accident!

Thank you to all who emailed and asked about Jos - will keep you posted!

9 FEBRUARY - JOS IN ACCIDENT!

Well, in this case - no news, bad news.

Herewith update from Jos:
Back in Karthoum. Was involved in accident Saturday. Not seriously injured, but concussed. Have to do CT scan as I have no memory of accident or 6 hours after that, although I apparently continued cycling to the camp. Spending night in hospital. Will provide update tomorrow after feedback from scan.

9 February - Gallabat

Thank you Channel Group Benefits for your generous sponsorship.

08 Feb - Gedaref Desert Camp

Hou bene, hou!

UPDATE

No news from Jos yet. However heard that this was the worst day of the trip so far. Very bad 128 kms of bad road. Many riders did not finish! Hope that Jos did - he is chasing the EFI status.

7 February - Sudan

"Keep on dodging those stones, Jos!

UPDATE
No news from Jos for the last 2 days. Not sure if he is having problems with his phone! But heard that it was a hectic day for the riders. A bit of tar, but then 90km of dirt. This suited the mountain bikes (Jos is on one!) better. The crowds also were not aggressive, but very friendly.
Tomorrow is also a very difficult stage - it is indeed "hou bene, hou" for Jos!

Update - 6 February

The biggest challenge the riders faced on the 163km cycel was the potholes - and children. Not only did hundreds of kids try to grab the riders, but some even went as far as throwing stones at the riders. This was also the last day of tarmac riding - leaving the camp full of tyres as tyres are being changed to off road.

6 February - Nile to Dessert Camp

"Hou bene, hou!" - a special message from:

5 Febr - Leaving Karthoum - Update from Jos

160 km from Karthoum on narrow road with heavy traffic. Three riders involved in accidents, but nothing serious. Had a nice swim in the Nile and we are getting braaivleis tonight!

Change in routing and update

Apologies if our days and routing are not matching - this is due to a change in the route. As you can see the rest day has come in a day earlier and the riders were back on the road yesterday. With no route updates on the official site, we will try our best to keep you posted on where the riders are!

Spoke to Jos on the phone. He checked into a hotel in Khartoum. Was great to have a shower and be clean! Said Khartoum was typical African town. Also added that the trip is a great experience, that he has met some amazing people and that he feels great!

More sponsors!

Thank you Aletta en Kassie Karsten for sponsoring 3 April!

LETTER FROM JOS

UPDATE END OF STAGE 1
I am sitting in my air conditioned hotel room in Khartoum and can't quite believe that stage 1 and 2000km of the tour is completed. I will try and provide this kind of summary after each leg of the tour, depending on my condition.

Cycling
I generally feel strong and is still getting fitter as we continue. The only day I was in trouble was at end of stage 2 in the strong headwind and after 8 hours on the bicycle, I really struggled the last 10km and was pulled by David & Gerald.

I am amazed at the speeds I am getting on my mountain bike. I have averaged around 35kmph the last few days but have run out of gears now. Spend most of my time (95%) in the big ring in last few gears. Roads have been flat and tarred till now. It will change drastically on the next stage till Addis as it is considered the most difficult.

My bum is getting used to the saddle but my knees are hurting last few days, not quite sure what to do but hopefully the rest day will do it good. I handled the heat quite well up to know as it was it dry heat with no humidity.

The route from Khartoum to the border with Ethiopia has been changed and will en counter the 1st dirt stages the next week. We will also cycle for 7 days without a break whereas we never cycled for more than 5 days without a break up to now. So as we get fitter the route gets tougher ….... Will probably look back and say this was the easiest leg from a cycling perspective.

Countries
Definitely prefer Sudan to Egypt as the people are more friendly and generally seems happy, although very few speaks English. That said the few days along the Nile in Egypt Luxor to Aswan and crossing the Red sea mountains in Egypt was spectacular scenery.

The route the 1st few in days in Sudan from Wadi Halfa to Dongola was my favorite section. Last 3 days from Dongola to Khartoum was rather bland, just yellow dessert sand everywhere. Everything is full of dust, looked like a river in my shower as I rinsed everything yesterday. Had to rinse my cycling clothes at least 5 times before the brown water started clearing. The new route to Ethiopia will take us through a game reserve in Sudan which is closed to the public so looking quite forward to that.

Lost a US$1000 and bank cards in Aswan while buying cellphone, still not quite sure if it was stolen or I loosed it.

Camping
I survived it up to now but has definitely not been converted. My equipment seems good (thanks Hein) just a pity the tent does not come with a remote control for pitching and taking it down but getting better at it. My bags hardly fit in the locker and as luck would have it I have a locker on the floor which making packing it each morning quite a struggle, basically stuff everything in and then apply max force on the door which has held up to now but suspect it will pop soon

I get up every morning at 5.30am for a bush visit, then getting dressed pack up tent, que for locker packing, then breakfast, wash eating utensils, fill drinking bottles etc, so quite a lot of queing. We are in africa after all

The food varies from average to quite bland. I have even opted for the vegetarian dishes as the meat is sometimes so though that I am sure I burn more kilojoules chewing it than the nutritional value it contains. 1st few days one eats everything you see as your body is not use to burning 5000 kilojoules. Definitely lost bit of weight.

Participants
There is a total of 57 riders varying in age from 18 to 71. The average age is 10 years younger than last year. That means the youngsters trip got paid by their parents but they are short of spending money, so I have started outsourcing my dish washing duties and bike cleaning for the start, hopefully as the trip progress I will be able to outsource more tasks. Quite a bunch of nice people despite the age gaps.

Contact
I am not using my SA number but is buying a local sim card in each country. I will send the number to Monique, Esther and my sisters (Aletta Karsten & Helena Willers). So if you need to get hold of me you should be able to tract me down through them.

The most visited blog for the trip is Gerald, the frenchman which spend most of his time in SA. I spend most of my time cycling with him so it gives you good idea of what happens on daily basis. You can see me bathing under a tap and more on www.africanride.blogspot.com

I also aim to send daily updates to Monique so please visit the site regulary.

Monique informs me that we have raised R72 000 sofar, so still some way to go the target. To everyone that donated thank you and please continue to raise awareness and possible donations for the good cause of the charity, www.xtremeforkids.blogspot.com .

I feel quite blessed being able to undertake this trip and am now going for a bit of sight seeing in Khartoum.

JOS

More sponsors!

Thank you to the following individuals and companies for announcing your sponsorship:

Jason Nightingale (R500) 10 Feb

Gordon & Dalene Rademeyer 16 Feb

Aan De Paarlberg 18 Feb

Greatly appreciated!

04 Feb - Khartoum

A special message to Jos from Awie Prinsloo - "Hou bene hou!"

3 Feb : To Karthoum

Reach Africa awarded leader in Mentoring and coaching training.

For more info: Leonore Louw 0824477058 Grahame Snow 0825772102

Thank you to Reach Africa for your support. Reach Africa has donated more than R 1 million in training to MAB during the last 2 years. This training was used to equip SAPS Child Protection Detective with soft skills, like Conflict Management and Stress Management.

NEWS UPDATE:

With the arrival in Khartoum the first stage of the Tour D'Afrique is over. The morning started with a 20 km time trail after which the riders had to do 45 km before stopping at the lunch truck. Only when all the riders where there could they depart to Khartoum as they had to be escorted by police. Khartoum is a hot and dry city, but the riders where treated like VIP’s – the traffic in the entire city was stopped for the arrival of the cyclists and they were escorted into the city with blue lights and sirens! At the camp, some of the riders opted for the option of finding a nice hotel (sure Jos was there too!).

Jos update - 2 February

Fast ride today. 152 km in 4:30 thanx to flat road and slight tail wind. Spent the afternoon on Sudanese hammock at cafe/coffee shop close to camp, which is in the dessert again! Had a quick wash at taps behind mosque. Landscape just barren and yellow sand with a few dead camels...

2 February - Debba to Desert Camp

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1 February - Dongola to Debba

FINALLY - UPDATE FROM JOS!

25 JANUARY
Boarded ferry at mid day, but ferry departed at 6 pm by which time it was very crowded. I was one of the lucky ones who got a cabin. Arrived at Wadi Halfa at noon, but only got off at 3 as we had to wiat for the locals to offload their luggage. Had nice fried fish at local restaurant!

27 JANUARY
Cycled 155 km from Wadi on newly built road with no wind (fortunately!). Landscape almost surreal. Desert with various sand colors. Camp next to Nile and had a nice swim/bath in the Nile!

28 JANUARY
Another 150km day. Very hot. Spend most of the day cycling with American, Jim and Frenchman, Gerald. They are both keen photographers so we did plenty of “photo stops”. Go to Gerald’s blog as he updates daily – http://www.africanride.blogspot.com/

29 JANUARY
An easy ride of 110km into Dongola. Crossed the Nile on massive new bridge. Temp increasing at least 2 degrees during day time as we head South. Camping in the zoo, with no animals, except 50 mad cyclists! Tried to find a hotel, but opted for camping – that will give you an idea of the state of the two hotels in town.

30 JANUARY
Rest day in Dongola. Just chilled out and had some good food. Temperature 37 today, so heat is becoming a factor. 4 Days of cycling to Khartoum.

31 JANUARY
Long, 6 hours, in saddle. Very hot – 42 degrees. Dessert doing 142 km on flat road with slight head wine. Camping in dessert, but had a swim in Nile 20 min walk away. Felt strong today, but heat saps energy.

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

Day 11 - 27 Jan Lake Nasser Ferry to Wadi Halfa

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.

Day 8 - Idfu Aswan

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What to do on a rest day...

For those of us who thought Jos was going to have a nice, chilled rest day, here is the real story.

Washing a week's worth of laundry was more like it! But later in the day there was time to visit the famous sites of Luxor - dubbed, “the world’s greatest open air museum,“ Luxor is home to the famed Egyptian city of Thebes.

We are glad to anounce that Jos still has EFI status (EFI refers to Every Fabulous Inch of the road ridden by bicycle, without having to hop on a truck to camp). Proud of you, Jos!

Overall Standings (767km)

Jos is currently in position 24 with a total time of 41:31. Well done, Jos!
For full race results - http://ow.ly/Zs0z

UPDATE FROM JOS - 23 JAN

What a great ride from Luxor to Ibfu. 115km flat along the Nile with Ismael Lo on the Ipod, palm trees, banana and sugar cane along the banks. Sleeping on sport field. Cycling to Aswan tomorrow.

DAY 7 - CELEBRATING THE NEW TUKS RAG QUEEN

The Crowning Function on 28 January 2010 is the gala event where the Rag Queen is crowned. It is the finale of a three round competition in which roughly 200 female students from the University of Pretoria participate. The production is handled by the students of Tuks Rag and also by a professional production company. The evening consists of roughly four scenes all structured according to a central theme for the evening The Tuks Rag Queen competition differs from the other beauty pageants in the sense that the main goal of the competition is not to crown a beauty queen but it is rather on the charity work the contestants do as well as the funds they raise for charity.

Thanx to Tuks Rag for sponsoring the leg from Luxor to Idfu. Good luck to Jos and the Tuks Rag Queen Finalists!

UPDATE FROM JOS

Day 5
Had phone problems, but working again - so here some news! 140 kms all against wind with first 50 climbing as we cross Red Sea Mountains. Spend 7 1/2 hours in saddle but felt strong. Another night of camping next to road.

Day 6
86 km flat and no wind. Last 60 kms next to Nile, very beautiful. Reached Luxor at noon.

Day 7
Rest day in Luxor - will be doing so touristy stuff.

News update - Day 6

Heard that the riders have arrived in Luxor. Seemed that they had an easy ride, but camping space at Luxor is a bit tight - they have showers and toilets! Tomorrow is the first rest day of the trip - well deserved!

Support from Dubai

Today Jos will be travelling from Qena to Luxor - hope will will hear from him tonight! Thanx to
Gaiti Rabbani for her sponsorship all the way from Dubai!

Some photos

With no news from Jos tonight, we have decided to give you some "scenery", with compliments of the Tour d'Afrique web site! For great stories on please visit their site too - http://www.tourdafrique.com/epictours/tourdafrique/blog

SAFAGA TO QUENA

Thank you to Pieter Muller from Leger Risk Management for sponsoring today. Jos will be facing the mountains today, so if your company insurance is like a mountain to you, speak to Leger Risk Management!

Finally - a word from Jos on DAY 4

"Best day so far. Only 86 kms and was on beach at Safara at 11am. A resort town on the Red Sea. Booked into hotel for my first shower in 4 days. Crossing mountain tomorrow heading towards the Nile. Thank you to all the new sponsors."

Thank you Reach Africa!

Thank you Leonore Louw of Reach Africa Training for "reaching" into Africa by sponsoring 5 days of cycling! (3 & 11 Febr, 5 March, 4 April, 1 May).

WHERE ARE THEY?

A little bird just told us that the riders are sitting on the beach at Safaga! We have not managed to trace Jos, but think he is still in the shower....

DAY 4 - RAS GHARIB TO SAFAGA

Apart from saddle sores, Jos is hanging in there! Thanx to Brian Penrose and Roni Muller who sponsored R 500 each towards this day's riding!

DAY 3 - FINALLY A WORD FROM JOS

DAY 3
First 110 km of the day was fine. Stopped for lunch at a resort on the Red Sea. Serious business after that - hit 50 km head wind. Takes 4.5 hours to finish last 60 km (nearly died!). About 40% of riders does not finish the leg.

This is the 3rd night of camping next to highway in barren desert landscape. Looking forward to a shower!

DAY 4
Surviving the camping but saddle soars a problem - sleeping in town tonight - finally a shower!

VIDEO OF START

Check out this web site for some footage on the start - you might just spot Jos!
http://ow.ly/XArx

Day 3 - Twitter Update

Jekyl and Hyde tailwinds toy with riders on day 3.
(No news from Jos yet!)

More sponsors!

Thank you to Riaan Senekal from Talisman Plant and Tool Hire, for responding to our pledge by sponsoring R 500 towards the 15 March.

DAY 3 - DESERT CAMP TO RAS GHARIB

Thank you Karen & Chris Vermaak for sponsoring R1000 towards today. Let's hope we have some news tonight. We will hopefully also do a radio interview on Radio Tygerberg today or tomorrow.

DAY 2 - UPDATE

No word from Jos, seems that there is no cel phone reception. But this message from Tour D'Afrique twitter - "Riders are being treated to a spectacular lightning storm after a very difficult day".

DAY 2 - SPONSORED BY THE KOTZE FAMILY

Thanx to Tiaan, Orna, Christaan, Cara and Viani for sponsoring Day 2 in celebration of New Beginnings. Hope you enjoy Gauteng and hope that Jos survives Day 2 (168kms).

JOS - AFTER DAY 1

Proof that I survived the first 139kms. Thanx for your sponsorship!

DAY 1 - NEIL SWANEPOEL & LEON PEROLD

Finally the day has arrived. Today @ 7 Jos will depart on the first leg (136 km) of his epic journey from Cairo to Cape Town. Hopefully he will have reception tonight so that we will be able to give you feedback on how Day 1 went.

Thank you to Neil Swanepoel and Leon Perold for sponsoring the first day!

Leger takes a risk - or not?!

Thank you to Pieter Muller from Leger Risk Management who has "invested" in Jos by sponsoring 20 January 2010.

UPDATE FROM JOS:

Spend most of the day in briefing sessions and packing trucks. Will end the evening with a long shower - the next one only in 4 days!

UPDATE FROM JOS - 14 JANUARY

Went for 40 km cycle to Saqqara, many amazing pyramids. Evening briefing tonight. 57 riders, 14 nationalities. Some good news - final distance only 11707 instead of 11884! Expedition will start at the pyramids with a 136km ride.

UPDATE FROM JOS - 13 JANUARY

Hi all. Spent the morning visiting Khan-al-Khalili market and Al Azhar Mosque. Used the afternoon to assemble my bike. All is is fine working order. Went to a laser show the evening at the pyramids with a great dinner at a local restaurant! Thanx to all who made a pledge after my last email. We still have about 40 days to fill up!

A cycling buddy supports Jos!

Colin from Talisman Plant and Tool Hire is supporting Jos by sponsoring R 500 towards the 15 March, to remind Jos of the Leeukloof ride they had on 15 December! Would love to know what happened at Leeukloof.

Is there perhaps anyone else who would like to sponsor the other R500?

The days are filling up!

25 January is gone! Thank you Mariki for sponsoring Jos to get to the Ferry! (Aswan - Lake Nasser Ferry).

Thanx Andre!

Thanx to Andre Coetsee for offering to sponsor Jos on the Bush Camp to Nata leg. We appreciate your support!

Digicall - heard the call!!

Thank you to Digicall who responded to the message from Jos by offering to sponsor 5 days of his trip! This is greatly appreciated!

From Jos!

I am sitting at OR Tambo airport waiting for my flight to Cairo - slightlyfrayed at the edges, but the nerves have now finally been overruled by greatexcitement kicking in. I understand from Monique that we have received pledges for almost R60 000.To everyone that contributed: thank you very much. I have been runningaround like a headless chicken these last few days to get everythingorganised, so have not been able to personally thank everyone for theircontributions.
I am confident that we will reach the R100 000 so if you have not pledgedyet, now is your time - also please send this mail to your friends andpeople you think might contribute. If you have spare cash after theholidays, don't hesitate to sponsor another day.
Follow my journey on: http://xtremeforkids.blogspot.comI will attempt to provide daily updates, depending on cellphone receptionand my condition after 6-7 hours in the saddle.
You can also follow the tour on:
Twitter:To receive updates you must have a twitter account and follow us athttp://twitter.com/tdalive.
or on the organisers website:
www.tourdafrique.com
If you would like an idea of the route we will be following there is a goodgoogle map on the website below:
http://davidsaevitzon-tourdafrique2010.com/wordpress/
Thank you all for the support - hope to see you on 15 May
Jos

Jos spotted at O R Thambo

A little bird just told us that Jos was spotted at O R Thambo. He will be leaving SA for Cairo tonight. Can someone get out there and make sure he is on the plane? We do not want him to get cold feet!
All of the best Jos! We hope to hear from you everyday! Thank you for what you are doing for our children!

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