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UPDATE : 27 MARCH
Had a nice rest day yesterday. Did some shopping and had good food! Today was a relative easy ride (105 km) out of Iringa. Sleeping in a pine forrest tonight. There are 11 new riders joining us today. The "business lounge" is full stocked, so we will be having a few sundowners tonight!
27 MARCH : Iringa to Forest Camp
Thank you Wilf and Eurika Robinson for sponsoring today. Hope Jos is rested and ready!
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COUNTRY SPONSOR:
27 March : Iringa to Forest Camp
Thank you to Wilf & Eurika Robinson for sponsoring today. Hope Jos is rested and ready!
26 MARCH - REST DAY IN IRINGA
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After 7 hard days on the bikes the riders finally have a rest day. It also marks the end of stage 4 of Tour D'Afrique and also the completion of the longest ride on dirt of the TDA, covering almost 700 km without stepping on tar, except for a few kilometers in Dongola.
Not much to do for the riders on their rest day - washing and cleaning everything they can and eating! The riders are now 400km north of the Malawian border - much more traffic await them!
UPDATE : 25 MARCH
A "bad day at the office". Heavy rain during the night and whilst getting up. Got to my bike to discover a flat tyre. Spare tube also had a puncture. After 19 km another flat, had to borrow a tube, then had chain stucked etc etc. Eventually got to Iringa. Tomorrow is a rest day and sleeping in a bed tonight!
25 March : Ifiga Bush Camp - Iringa
Thank you Nicholas & Michelle de Clercq for sponsoring R 3000 towards today's cycling - Jos really needs the support after a few days of crazy cycling!
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COUNTRY SPONSOR:
UPDATE : HALF WAY!
We reached the halfway stage (distance) at lunch today. Only 5850 km to go - which feels and sounds like a lot at this moment. It was another 6 hours (100 kms) bumpy & hot road in 38 degrees ride today. Everyone was exhausted, but finally there is a rest day in sight. We are camping next to the road again and there is a big storm approaching. WELL DONE JOS FOR GETTING SO FAR!
You deserve a medal!
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UPDATE - 22 & 23 MARCH
22 MARCH
111 km to Dodoma, all dirt except last 10km, but road in better condition than yesterday. Got here at 1.30 and staying at a hotel. Everyone tired as last few days have been tough. We have 3 more days of cycling before the next rest day. Beautiful lush vegetation the last few days.
23 MARCH
93km of rough dirt road. Bum sore from all the bouncing. Beautiful baobabs trees the whole day. Sleeping in yet another bush camp.
111 km to Dodoma, all dirt except last 10km, but road in better condition than yesterday. Got here at 1.30 and staying at a hotel. Everyone tired as last few days have been tough. We have 3 more days of cycling before the next rest day. Beautiful lush vegetation the last few days.
23 MARCH
93km of rough dirt road. Bum sore from all the bouncing. Beautiful baobabs trees the whole day. Sleeping in yet another bush camp.
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UPDATE - 22 MARCH
No news from Jos yet. Seems that either he lost his cell phone (btw he lost his computer a while ago!), but got some news from Gerald. They were in Dodoma - which is the capital of Tanzania for those of you who didn't know.Heard that yesterday's 100 kms was very hard, even for the mountain bikers. It had everything of a hard day, plenty of climbing, with steep, and difficult road surface. Some of the downhills were so technical, that many had to walk sections of them. When the dirt road was not made of rolling stones and deep holes, it was thick sand...
There is also a rumour about Locker 9 - this is where all the old riders (In age I presume!) keep luxury stuff like wine, spirit, chocolate and cigars. Locker 9 is well protected and the key holder is Jos! Heard that they had Cuban cigars, South African red wine and port with dark chocolate last night - perhaps that is why Jos is so quiet!
22 March : Bush Camp - Dodoma
No news from Jos yet! But seems that there is little communication from all the riders.
COUNTRY SPONSOR:
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21 March - Salanka Mtn to Bush Camp
Thank you to Rory Rootenberg & Arno and Bonnard from Holland for sponsoring today's cycling.
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COUNTRY SPONSOR:
20 March - Update
Another one bites the dust. Long 122 km, hot, bumpy dirt ride. It was a mondo day (the toughest day of this section), but it was fun. Camping on a school ground and washed at the local water pump20 March - Update
Another one bites the dust. Long 122 km, hot, bumpy dirt ride. It was a mondo day (the toughest day of this section), but it was fun. Camping on a school ground and washed at the local water pump
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Update - 19 March 2010
Easy 105 km ride out of Arusha. Everyone relaxed after the break. Camping in long grass, so not quite a hotel suite. Hitting the dirt tomorrow.
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Update - 18 March
Back in Arusha after a great trip to Ngorogoro. Checked into hotel and got updated to a stunning suite. So, sitting in a room as big as my flat - can't believe it is back to camping 2morw!
It is because you are helping others, that goodness is coming back to you, Jos! Thank you to Johan & Marina Cloete for sponsoring 29 March 2010!
It is because you are helping others, that goodness is coming back to you, Jos! Thank you to Johan & Marina Cloete for sponsoring 29 March 2010!
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.
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!)
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.
Jos helping more!
During the last few days Jos has not only been cycling. On 15 March, on his arrival at the border he was met by a NBC representative who handed over his NBC cycling shirts. Jos will be cycling not only for Matla A Bana, but his Tanzanian cycling will also be in aid of theTumaini Orphanage Center. This centre located in Arusha provides for Tanzanian children by securing resources for education and shelter to meet the children’s basic needs. The vision of the organization is to create a community of well disciplined, independent, confident, hard working people with wide knowledge to cope with the challenges of modern society. Currently the center is home to 17 children aged between 4mnths and 7 years of age and is run by Beatrice Boniface who also acts as the manager of the children’s village. There is a kindergarten facility, as well as four houses where kids live.
The next day Jos, together with the NBC representative handed over school clothing to the kids - who looked so great!
Thanx Jos and NBC for changing the lives of many children!.jpg)
Tanzania -16 -18 March
Wanting to share this with you! Gerald recollection of Jos's great fall!
"It was a long straight downhill where we almost lost Jos again.... At one point the dirt road split into two and Jos made the wrong call, he choose the right hand road which had an enormous hole filled with fine clay dust. As he hit this he flew over his handle bar and went straight into this giant hole, head first. I was right behind Jos when that happened and had managed somehow to anticipate the situation, so all I saw was Jos going over his handle bar and disappearing into a big cloud of dust, before he reappeared standing up, completely black. It was a miracle as he stood up unhurt and covered with this fine clay dust. A group of local girls passed by walking along the road and exploded in laughter when they saw Jos face, so did Peter and I."
For the next 3 days the riders will have the longest break on the tour so far. Understand that Jos is off looking for wildlife - not that he had enough! Will keep you posted as we get the news.
15 March - Ilbisil to Arusha
Thank you Talisman Plant & Tool Hire (Colin) and Riaan Senekal Talisman Plant & Tool Hire - Durbanville for sponsoring today!
14 Mar : Nairobi - Ilbisil
Thank you Yvon Hunter for sponsoring R500 to celebrate her son, Roy. Yvon is one of Xtremeforkids top fans!
UPDATE - 14 MARCH
A long 160 km, but a beautiful ride from Nairobi to the Tanzanian border. Green bush after the first rain and we get the first sights of Kili! Sleeping at the border and crossing tomorrow for our cycle to Arusha, where we will have a well deserved break!
UPDATE - 14 MARCH
A long 160 km, but a beautiful ride from Nairobi to the Tanzanian border. Green bush after the first rain and we get the first sights of Kili! Sleeping at the border and crossing tomorrow for our cycle to Arusha, where we will have a well deserved break!
13 March - Update
Will call today's stage "staying alive". Cycled 140km with rolling hills in very heavy traffic. Last time I am cycling into big cities as the risk is too great. Two people were involved in accidents, but not serious. Had a rest day in Nairboi & some good shopping.
12 March - Sagana River Camp to Nairobi
Today sees a joint effort between our supporters and Jos. Thank you to the following sponsors for you generosity :
Judy Muigai (R200)
Henter & Monica Aggenbag (R200)
Pastor Ndaba Mazabane (R500)
Judy Muigai (R200)
Henter & Monica Aggenbag (R200)
Pastor Ndaba Mazabane (R500)
Update - 11 March
Crossed Equator and had a wonderful ride a down lush, green tropical valley. We are sleeping next to the Sagana River, 90 km from Nairobi. This is a beautiful spot.
(It sounds to us that Jos is finally beginning to like the camping thing!)
(It sounds to us that Jos is finally beginning to like the camping thing!)
11 March - Nanyuki to Sagana River Camp
Thank you Christine de Clercq for R1 500 towards today. Are you perhaps celebrating a birthday?
Update - 10 March
Rude awakening: heavens opened as we got up, I fortunately in 1 of 5 rooms so started the day dry. But the 1st 30km we climbed 1450meters up mount Kenya. last night was the 1st time we camped at a fully stock & cold bar so things got rowdy and such a climb was not the best start for most.
Had "lunch" at end of climb (at 2400m) and as we were sitting eating french toast (great treat as it is normally tuna sandwhiches) the clouds lifted to reveal the snow cap mountain peaks of the mountain, quite spectacular.
From there it was downhill all the way to camp at a hotel in Nanyuki (and I got a room as the rain clouds are forming again) and we cross the equator t/row am. Great day so far!
Had "lunch" at end of climb (at 2400m) and as we were sitting eating french toast (great treat as it is normally tuna sandwhiches) the clouds lifted to reveal the snow cap mountain peaks of the mountain, quite spectacular.
From there it was downhill all the way to camp at a hotel in Nanyuki (and I got a room as the rain clouds are forming again) and we cross the equator t/row am. Great day so far!
10 March - Isiolo to Nanyuki
Thank you Henriette de Villers & Rudy Anker for sponsoring today! May Jos have a dry ride!
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.zaEsmé 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.
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
Esmé Ehlers
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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