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.
15th November - This was a big one!
I opted for the easy option this morning (the high road) and the hard route (the low road) this afternoon. Two hours into the ride was a 2ft wide, rocky incline with a steep drop to one side. The third guy to go up got it wrong and fell, with his bike, down a 50ft drop! Amazingly he was not seriously hurt! We rescued the bike just as a storm came in. Then he and the rest of us ended up half way back and had to ride it again! From then on it got worse. Half way down a steep, wet hill I stalled the bike, got it sideways and then it bump started and spat me over the side...I landed very heavily, directly on the top of my head. Got a very sore neck and back now and a hole in the helmet. Very pleased I bought good kit! The ride carried on until we eventually rode the last 2 hours in the dark and the rain, at which point I thought I'd stick to Heli skiing from now on! Anyway, the most serious injury seems to be some broken ribs and a lot of sore muscles and bruises. And tomorrow is another day!
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.
1 comment:
(Second attempt at posting)
Hi Tony. Sounds like it's going well, with no shortage of adventure!
Yestersay I plugged the ride to 100Fujitsu Private Sector sales leaders at a conference in London, with slides.
I gave out the justgiving address. Let's see what happens.
Stay safe: see you soon.
David
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