It's now 18 months since I first signed up for the Enduro Africa challenge. It's been a very busy 18 months for me both personally and at work, so those that know me well will not be surprised to hear that it's only now, with 3 weeks to go, that I am really getting to grips with the concept of riding in Africa. It isn't that I have not been looking forward to it, I have. It's just that I haven't done all the preparation that might have been useful and now not only does the ride seem exciting, if a little daunting, but so does the preparation. Buying the kit I need, getting the vaccinations and finalising the travel arrangements are the easy things compared to getting fit and losing the stone in weight I had promised myself 18 months ago! Maybe I will compromise and make it 10Lbs!
I have been riding road bikes for over 30 years but in that time have probably done only 3 or 4 days off-road, so I see 2500km in 8 days as a great challenge and also a lot of fun! Though maybe after a couple of days off-road riding, a sports bike sissy like me may have changed their mind!
The fund raising has gone well which means the trip and the bike, which will be donated to Riders for Health, are all covered. Now it's a final push to try and raise the extra amount that will go to Riders for Health and maybe buy even more bikes which will make such a difference to the lives of people who have little, or no, access to medical aid in remote areas of the world.
Tony rides for life
In November 2007, Tony Hughes, MD of International Training Consultancy, Huthwaite International, is to take part in an off-road motorcycle trek, known as Enduro Africa, in aid of Riders for Health. Tony will tackle 8 days of dusty and demanding riding across 2,500km's of some of South Africa's most rugged and isolated terrain - the famous Wild Coast.
Riders for Health is a registered charity which operates motorcycle rider training of medical staff. Motorcycles are used by trained staff; Doctors, Nurses, Dentists and emergency Surgeons at Riders for Health to deliver medical products and medical care throughout remote areas of Africa to improve the lives of many people in desperate need, very often making a life and death difference. The motorcycle, which Tony will ride, will be donated to Riders for Health and the funds raised will go towards the running costs of the motorcycles used.
Riders for Health is a registered charity which operates motorcycle rider training of medical staff. Motorcycles are used by trained staff; Doctors, Nurses, Dentists and emergency Surgeons at Riders for Health to deliver medical products and medical care throughout remote areas of Africa to improve the lives of many people in desperate need, very often making a life and death difference. The motorcycle, which Tony will ride, will be donated to Riders for Health and the funds raised will go towards the running costs of the motorcycles used.
Thursday 18 October 2007
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Map of Tony's route
Journey
Day 1
The first day sees us depart Port Elizabeth where I'll first be introduced to my trusty Honda CTX which will be my much loved companion for the 8 days which are to follow! From here we are to ride through the Big 5 Reserves of Kariega. Apparently a day which sees us faced with a variety of terrain from Sand Dunes to tar.
Day 2
A big day ahead as we reach the banks of the Cowie River in Port Alfred and then head inland and reach the port City of East London covering over 300km of land.
Day 3
First we cross the mighty Kei river by motorised ferry. Then apparently a day of great technical ability as we face the mighty Gorge across the Qora river. This route takes us along the coast past the wreck of the famous Jacaranda which is one of many vessels that have been sunk by this stretch of coastline. Waves up to 30 metres have been reported by wide eyed captains on this stretch and the scenery is supposed to be amazing.
Day 4
I imagine a well deserved rest day as we change oils and give our hard working CTX's a once over ready for the next leg of the journey.
Day 5
The Hole in The Wall, The Haven Nature Reserve and the Mighty Bashee river are just a few of the riding delicacy's that are to challenge us on Day 5.
Day 6
The Wild Wild side awaits. The days ride is to see us hug the rugged coastline past the villages of Coffee Bay, Mpande and Presley Bay. A day that is said to challenge your riding ability with rocky river crossings, muddy forest sections and the fast grass banks next to the beach. Hopefully an awesome day!
Day 7
On Day 7 day we head through Port St John's nestled on the banks of the mighty Umzimvubu River and enter the Wild Coast to experience the Mkambati Gorge and mighty Mtentu River.
Day 8
Through the 'Valley of a 1000 hills' and homeward bound to Durban. Hopefully it will be a proud moment when we hand over our Honda's to Riders for Health where they'll be used by medical staff, who will cover much of the very same terrain which we've covered over the past 8 days, improving the lives of those in desperate need, very often saving lives.
The first day sees us depart Port Elizabeth where I'll first be introduced to my trusty Honda CTX which will be my much loved companion for the 8 days which are to follow! From here we are to ride through the Big 5 Reserves of Kariega. Apparently a day which sees us faced with a variety of terrain from Sand Dunes to tar.
Day 2
A big day ahead as we reach the banks of the Cowie River in Port Alfred and then head inland and reach the port City of East London covering over 300km of land.
Day 3
First we cross the mighty Kei river by motorised ferry. Then apparently a day of great technical ability as we face the mighty Gorge across the Qora river. This route takes us along the coast past the wreck of the famous Jacaranda which is one of many vessels that have been sunk by this stretch of coastline. Waves up to 30 metres have been reported by wide eyed captains on this stretch and the scenery is supposed to be amazing.
Day 4
I imagine a well deserved rest day as we change oils and give our hard working CTX's a once over ready for the next leg of the journey.
Day 5
The Hole in The Wall, The Haven Nature Reserve and the Mighty Bashee river are just a few of the riding delicacy's that are to challenge us on Day 5.
Day 6
The Wild Wild side awaits. The days ride is to see us hug the rugged coastline past the villages of Coffee Bay, Mpande and Presley Bay. A day that is said to challenge your riding ability with rocky river crossings, muddy forest sections and the fast grass banks next to the beach. Hopefully an awesome day!
Day 7
On Day 7 day we head through Port St John's nestled on the banks of the mighty Umzimvubu River and enter the Wild Coast to experience the Mkambati Gorge and mighty Mtentu River.
Day 8
Through the 'Valley of a 1000 hills' and homeward bound to Durban. Hopefully it will be a proud moment when we hand over our Honda's to Riders for Health where they'll be used by medical staff, who will cover much of the very same terrain which we've covered over the past 8 days, improving the lives of those in desperate need, very often saving lives.
