UPDATE : 2 APRIL

Nice scenic ride to Mzuzu (135 km) with plenty of climbing. Legs a bit tired. Had the best steak of the trip so far. Staying at lodge, so I took a room. Mzuzu is a nice town, was there 16 years ago, when Callie's car engine siezed and had to be rebuilt.

02 Apr 2010 : Chitimba Beach - Mzuzu Lodge

Thank you to the Krynauw family for sponsoring today's cycling.

UPDATE : 31 MARCH & 1 APRIL

A tough ride of 120km from Chitemba Beach on Lake Malawi. Strong headwind in the morning and very hot and humid. Had a nice relaxing rest day today. Plenty of chomba (fish from Lake Malawi) and nice swims. Back on the saddle tomorrow!

31 March : Matema Area to Bush Camp

Thank you Karel Buitendag for sponsoring today!

UPDATE : 30 MARCH

Wonder when they ever cycle?!

Whow! What a day! Started the day with steep 700m climb up to 2400m, through the early morning mist and clouds. The rest of the day we went down through green valleys with 8 meter banana trees, tea plantations etc. The most scenic day of the tour so far. Border crossing was easy and sleeping 20 km from Malawi. Going to Chitemba Beach tomorrow, where we have a rest day, but no cell reception!

PRESS RELEASE - END MARCH 2010

Capetonian cycles love through Africa

On 16 January a brave Capetonian started with his epic journey from Cairo to Cape Town on a bicycle. Jos Malherbe from Cape Town hopes not, only to raise awareness for the rights of children, but also to raise funds for charities working with children at risk. This week he reached the halfway mark and with more than 5000km still to go, he is positive that he will make it to the end.
“The most difficult part is definitely now over”, said 47 year old Jos. “To me the biggest challenge was to camp in the middle of now where”. As a formal bank executive and a sworn bachelor, the 4 months of cycling and roughing it, is not the lifestyle he is accustomed to. It turns out that he had to face many greater challenges on his journey.
“One of the worst experiences was the stone throwing kids in Ethopia. We were warned by this, but it became quite a dangerous situation. The kids would stand next to the road shouting questions and asking for money. If they got no response, they would start throwing stones at you”. Jos eventually found a way to counteract the attacks. “Whenever you would see a child picking up a stone, I would cycle straight at them, shouting like a mad man! I am sure they will never forget the crazy men on their cycles”.
Jos came upon the idea of raising funds for charity, when he read an article on the Tour D’Afrique, an extreme cycling expedition hosted every year in Africa. This seemed like a perfect way, not only to participate in something that he is passionate about, cycling, but also to help others in need.
Jos initially planned to be one of those who was going to cycle the whole way, but a harrowing accident put a quick stop to his plans. Of the accident he remembers nothing. The riders were on their way from Khartoum to Elabid. Jos was cycling on his own and he still remembers being on the bike at about 11 that morning. What happened between then and four that afternoon still remains a mystery. He was found by fellow riders walking around in the camp, dazed and confused, with bleeding wounds on the left side of his body. His cracked helmet confirmed the worst fears – that he was hit by a vehicle. He was rushed back to Karthoum for MR scans and a proper medical check. But after two days of rest and surviving a serious concussion, he was back on the road again.
One of the highlights of his trip, was his visit to an orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania. Jos managed to secure sponsorship for this small orphanage and with the help of the National Bank of Tanzania, he handed over new school uniforms to all the children in the orphanage. “It was such a great moment to see how proud the kids stood there in their new uniforms”.
Jos has raised more than R 70 000 so far for his chosen charity, Matla A Bana, a voice against child abuse. This organisation, started by ex-hostage Monique Strydom, helps more than 4000 child abuse and rape victims every year. “I knew that if there were two people who would understand severe challenges and living conditions, it would be Callie and Monique”, Jos jokes, “their cause is such a great cause and I knew I would have their sympathy!”.
The next half of the cycling will take Jos through Malawi, Zambia, Namibia and then finally South Africa. He is expected to reach Cape Town on 15 May.

30 March - Mbeya - Matema Area Bush Camp

Thank you to National Bank of Tanzania for sponsoring Jos for the duration of his cycling in Tanzania. Thank you for the great contribution you have made, not only to Matla A Bana, but also for helping the children of Tanzania.

UPDATE : 29 MARCH

Beautiful ride into Mbeya with 1000m climb at the end. Last night in Tanzania as we cross into Malawi tomorrow afternoon. Tanzania is the country I have enjoyed the most so far.

29 March : Bush Camp to Mbeya

Thank you to Johan & Marina Cloete for sponsoring today - as the riders should be getting closer to Malawi's capital, Lilongwe.

COUNTRY SPONSOR:

UPDATE : 28 MARCH

Beautiful ride of 126 km through green valleys and mostly downhill. Had a big brunch at a restaurant at 65 km. Last town 10 km before the camp, so I had my first beer stop. Another bush camp tonight, but in Mbeya tomorrow night. 

28 March - Forest camp to bush camp

COUNTRY SPONSOR: 

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!

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

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!

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!

24 Mar - Chipogolo Bush Camp to Ifiga Bush Camp

COUNTRY SPONSOR:

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.

23 March : Dodoma to Chipogolo Bush Camp

COUNTRY SPONSOR:

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:

21 March - Salanka Mtn to Bush Camp

Thank you to Rory Rootenberg & Arno and Bonnard from Holland for sponsoring today's cycling.

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 pump

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 pump

20 March - Lake Manyara Bush Camp to Salanka Mtn Bush Camp

COUNTRY SPONSOR:

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.

19 March : Arusha Lake to Manyara Bush Camp

THANK YOU TO THE TANZANIA COUNTRY SPONSOR:

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!

18 MARCH - UPDATE FROM JOS

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

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

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

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

THE SECOND FALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gabriele very proud of the salami from Italy

The launch party, quite s spread.

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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)

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!)

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!

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.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.