In just over six weeks I will be embarking on my African cycling adventure. There’s still lots to organise, but with the weather in current form I’m making the most of the weekends by being out on the bike. A large package arrived in the post last week from Lyon. The equipment list is slowly being filled and with fingers crossed a new website will be live by the end of the week thanks to my friends at Juno.
An interesting article here about life on the road from my cycling friends the Travelling Two.
There is something hopelessly romantic about the idea of becoming a modern-day nomad. Who among travel aficionados would not swap a short vacation and a looming return flight for the ability to wake up each day in a new location? Goodbye cubicle, hello freedom.
While it is true that existing as a hobo can be hugely freeing and rewarding, giving up familiar surroundings and routines for a life on the move can be a more difficult transition than it first appears. There are a host of practical and emotional aspects to consider. Read more
Sponsorship money is steadily coming in for the Against Malaria Foundation. Today I past the £1000 mark, so many thanks to those who’ve pledged their support. It’s less than 2 months now before I begin my next cycling adventure. The aim is to raise £1 for every mile that I cycle between the UK and Cape Town. I’m excited to be working with the AMF as it will be me who is helping to distribute the mosquito nets in Africa.
Malaria prevention is one of the most important issues in Africa. Bednets save lives and £3 guarantees that someone will receive a net. Here is one of many videos showing how.
I spend a lot of my free time browsing bicycle-related websites. Many of them are focused on touring, such as this one, this one and this one. There are of course many other kinds of websites or blogs dedicated to the bicycle. I recently came across this Top 50 list list of cycling blogs. It’s a shame there are no touring websites included. Perhaps these should be compiled in a different list altogether. For the coolness factor my favourite is this one.
Tibet ranks amongst the World’s most adventurous places to travel in. I was lucky enough to be there in 2006. In late 2007 the Chinese began cracking down on independent travel and for the last two years it’s been virtually impossible to go there without joining an expensive and organised tour - much to the annoyance of many cycle tourers. Here’s a great video that captures something of the essence of this magical and troubled land.
Another weekend past and some more miles out on the bike. My friend Tim escaped the city for a few days to explore more of Dorset with me. The scenery was a little tamer than some of the cycling we’ve done before, but sleeping in a cave above the sea was as random, unexpected and enjoyable as some of the other places we’ve ended up in at the end of the day.
Tunisia was my favourite north African country to cycle through. The mix of desert and coastal scenery, interspersed with historical sites and cities made this a very rewarding destination. June’s Calendar page photo was taken in Kairouan, a must visit location for anyone visiting Tunisia. The team from the Solar Cycle Diaries are currently cycling through Tunisia. For more photos from the country have a look here.
