My apologies for not updating my blog on a daily basis as I had hoped, following the epic afternoon on Thursday. It seems my head is harder than my PDA, which smashed at some point during the falls (or me discarding the bike in a fit of frustration).
Thursday evening saw us at a very wet "hole in the wall" hotel. A less than salubrious spot, but none the less very welcome after the trials and tribulations of getting there.
The previous day over lunch there had been a conversation about a South African Enduro Rider named Alfie Cox. Alfie is one of the top riders in the world today. One of the Dutch girls, Yamina, in our group, was sure that Alfie had been killed in this years Paris Dakar Rally. One of the English boys was sure he had not.
When I arrived in the bar on Thursday night I was greeted by a smiling Yamina who grabbed my arm and marched me up to a stocky fellow with a moustache and proclaimed, "LOOK, he's here"!
It was, indeed, Alfie Cox. When I told him he was dead, he vehemently denied it. Small world. Turned out to be even smaller when we saw him again three days later and a thousand miles away in Johannesburg airport.
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.
Monday 3 December 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.
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