Wheels of Hope book - 11,000 km cycle for orphans by SOSA Support

Wheels of Hope Diary of the 11,000 km cycle journey from Cairo to Cape Town: Supporting Orphans in Southern Africa

One man, Shayne Rookhuyzen, started the Tour d'Afrique bicycle route on the 16th February 2014 to

help raise €29,000 towards the Oasis Haven orphanage (school trust fund and supplies), Cotlands organisation (Close the Gap educational computers and supplies), Atlantic Hope (financial support) and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Centre (Close the Gap educational computers and supplies) in South Africa.

11,000 km bicycle route >>> Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Nambia and South Africa.

Shayne Rookhuyzen met JP Skinner, SOSA Co-Founder back in South Africa around 1989. A Facebook photograph with a mutual ex-school friend, Chantal Jacobs, during the SOSA visit in November 2012, had brought the Wheels of Hope to life. Shayne has been an enthusiastic runner and cyclist since 1990 and has won numerous awards and race titles both in South Africa and in the Netherlands. Shayne's mentor and friend, Robert Knol accomplished a previous 11.000 km bicycle ride from Cairo to Cape Town in 2011 and raised € 41.000 for a water project in Zambia. South African born JP Skinner and Dutch wife, Renate Vink, have been collecting second hand clothing and donations for orphans in Southern Africa since April 2006. They have registered a Foundation in the Netherlands named Stichting SOSA (Support Orphans in Southern Africa). There are many children in Southern Africa that have lost parents due to HIV/Aids. The orphanages and organisations that give these children a home need as much support as possible. www.sosasupport.nl Quote from Shayne’s diary (page 54): “It`ll be a dark day in hell before three guys in skirts armed with AK-47s will stop me from reaching Cape Town.”

The first meeting for the 11,000 km cycle initiative from Cairo to

Cape Town took place in January 2013. A proposal was accepted by Ricoh Europe and DHL in the Netherlands to sponsor € 5,500 towards starting up the initiative.

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KOGA World Traveller Touring bicycle with travel bags -> € 1.600 was purchased from De Pedaleur in Doetinchem along with riding gear and equipment -> € 810.

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Open ticket from Amsterdam to Cairo, then Johannesburg to Amsterdam plus the bicycle as cargo -> € 540.

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Visas at border crossing average € 60 (8 countries), travel money (€ 15 per day) in the form of a credit card -> € 1.740

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Yellowbrick GPS tracker was used to send Shayne’s daily co-ordinates along the route -> € 655 (Shayne’s daily GPS route was updated via: my.yb.tl/sosasupport)

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Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, Waka Waka solar light, gas stove, steri-pen -> € 155

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Pentax camera, WG-3 was donated by Ricoh Learning Services in the Netherlands.

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4 pairs of foldable tyres and 8 spare tubes were sponsored by Schwalbe in the Netherlands.

Day 1 Sunday 16-02-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots (start in Egypt) 18°C at 22m above sea level

Today I started SOSA`s ‘Wheels of Hope’ ride from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa. Nadine Karraze my hostess and wife of Hefni dropped me off by car on the outskirts of Cairo where I made my start at 2 pm. The day went well. A truck driver stopped to give me a guava juice before overtaking me again. Other motorists stopped as well to have their picture taken with me and vice versa. The course was undulating with crosswinds and a bit of a tailwind as well . I arrived in Ain Sukhna in the darkness (no street lights) and was pointed in all directions by the locals. All the wrong directions, but eventually found the right and booked myself into an expensive hotel which I didn`t want too but I had no choice. It was late and really dark. It was lovely seeing and hearing the Gulf of Suez in the moonlight.

Maximum speed - 56 Km/h . Odometer - 155 Km . Distance - 155.18 Km . Time - 6.25.14 sec . Average speed - 24.1 Km/h .

Day 2 Monday 17-02-2014 28째 21.35N, 033째 05.02E / Course: 152째 @ 3.7 knots 22째C at 8m above sea level

Today was good. The hotel I booked into treated me very well. I arrived tired last night but left in a good shape at 10. am after a good breakfast. I befriended the waiter there and forget his Arabic name but definetly a mellow dude. He took good care of me in the evening and during breakfast, he was a star. My ride along the Gulf of Suez was good, the ocean was light green and blue in colour. I enjoyed seeing the local fishing boats and ships but unfortunately many resorts are being built along the coast, some nice, some not so nice. Before sunset I was on the verge of camping but decided to cycle on to Ras Gharib to find a cheap place to stay at. At a petrol station I asked an Egyptian guy to help me with some advice with regards to shelter. His name was Hisham Refaat and he spoke excellent English. It turns out he studied at Oxford University and also worked in Scotland. He got me installed into an okay hotel, I wouldn`t have been able to do it without him. Ras Gharib is not a nice town. In the future I hope to stay in bigger towns or safer spots. I`m a bit lonely tonight but tomorrow will go well ! Today I could see Sinai in the distance.

Maximum speed - 40 Km/h . Odometer - 309 Km . Distance - 154.22 Km . Time - 6.19.52 sec . Average speed - 24.3 Km/h .

Day 3 Tuesday 18-02-2014 26째 47.60N, 033째 56.20E / Course: 153째 @ 4.3 knots 25째C at 21m above sea level

Today l left my hotel in Ras Gharib on the coast of the Gulf of Suez at around 6.15 am. I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible - BLAH! Today my motivation was to reach Sharm el Naga, I was tipped by a good source that there was a cheap camping site there for divers. My mission was to give it everything to reach this site and hopefully come into contact with foreigners like myself inclusive of hot chicks :-D. Unfortunately I missed Sharm el Naga, just south of Hurgada. I even asked for directions from guys at a Toyota dealers who belonged to the "Muslim Brotherhood" which is a fanatical religious group. I know this because of their sign (holding four fingers in the air). They were so interested in my trip that we all had photos taken together, me with a thumbs up and them with their four fingers in the air . They wanted me to do the same but I didn`t, I just played naive. I must admit that they were very kind though offering me water, tea or coffee, I went for the water! So destination missed despite receiving directions which meant I dug deep and wound up at Safaga, a divers paradise on the coast of the Red Sea, I booked myself into a shitty hotel with great food and nice people and the beach was around 50m from my door step. I`m happy to be here.

Maximum speed - 56 Km/h . Odometer - 398 Km . Distance - 210.53 Km . Time - 10.07.03 sec . Average speed - 20.8 Km/h .

Day 4 Wednesday 19-02-2014 26° 47.61N, 033° 56.16E / Course: 0° @ 0 knots 24°C at 21m above sea level

There is no cyclng today. This morning I woke up early to watch the sun rise on the beach, it was nice to see. I’m staying in an "unkept" hotel, but it`s okay. The staff are nice, the food is good and the view from the beach is super. After the sun rise I went back to my room to pack my gear in a more logical way. I also worked on my bike and got it tuned to the millimeter. I tested the bike by cycling to the internet cafe to go and forward photos to SOSA. The bike went fine as well, as did forwarding the photos. That was followed by being collected by my main man and taxi driver ‘Abdo ‘, who collected me at my hotel. The previous evening Abdo pointed me in the right direction with regards to finding a place to stay. He was my saving grace after more than 10 hours of cycling which took me over a distance of 200 km. He is a nice bloke (guy). I enjoyed meeting him, a devoted Muslim who prays five times a day. He has five children, doesn`t drink alcohol and stays away from woman. He took me around to do my banking, buy food for my long trip tomorrow and also organised some airtime for my mobile phone. After saying goodbye to my popular friend (everyone in town knew him) I had a scouple of swims in the Red Sea, nice . After swimming I continued with my organising, ate dinner with Germans who were present at the hotel for diving reasons and they were also very interested in my Cairo to Cape Town trip. After dinner I did a much needed stretching session. After getting a pre packed meal for my upcoming journey from Safaga to Luxor by Asfarat (I think he was called that), the pleasant guy from reception, it was lights out at 10 pm.

Day 5 Thursday 20-02-2014 25° 42.22N, 032° 37.42E / Course: 246° @ 0 knots 22°C at 96m above sea level

An EPIC day. Left Safaga by riding along its coast and then I turned inland and started climbing up the mountains and the first security check point. It went okay, the guards let me through at my own risk. Whilst cycling up the mountains I received positive attention from the motorists. Climbing today was definetly a challenge but manageable and then the second security check point. Just two mellow guys, not army or anything. I even sat down with them for tea and a photo or two. Then into the desert and security check point number three, that was hairy, I went through it without stopping and the blokes yelled at me to come back. They screamed at me, made a phone call or two and then I was free to go. The desert was getting hot and then security check point number four. Also hairy but it went smoother than the previous stop. I think one bloke (guy) wanted a bribe but I just acted dumb and naive and got through after they took a photo or two of me with them. Later in the day I went through another check point without stopping but finally got stopped at a mini one. Just one guy. He welcomed me and let me through very easily. Once through I stopped under a tree to get shade and to eat and drink. It did me the world of good, thank goodness! Then off to Qena, what a shithole, the guards there took my passport told me to have a seat and we spoke shit with one another for a good while. They turned out to be okay. The highest ranking officer was very nosey but I kept my cool and was eventually set "free”. The last stop just before entering Luxor was the coolest, they were policeman and welcomed me and told me to chill. I sat with them, drank tea, talked about football and they even told me that they`re fond of German chicks. A taxi was organised for me at the post, the driver was crazy and wanted me to put bike and all in his car to take me to my sponsored room at Home Sweet Home Luxor.com organised by SOSA. I insisted that I would follow the taxi and not climb into it and this was no problem with the driver. Eventually the police whom I befriended took his licence and wrote down his details in a book along with his number plate so if he did me in they would be on him, all to protect me, awesome guys they were! Then one kilometer from the hotel and DRAMA. The taxi driver told me to turn into a road where the hotel was located and I felt as if I was being set up, I really felt as if I was in major danger! I stopped, said no, and asked how a hotel could be in such a shit street, I really feared for my life, turned around and started pedalling back to the police check point. The driver followed me obviously upset and we were verbally fighting with one another and then I stopped so we could talk. All the confusion was sorted out by a Dutch woman called Margaret who owns the hotel with her Egyptian husband, Mohamed. Fortunately she was able to contact me on my mobile phone from the Netherlands. She calmed me down and said I was in a safe area, I trusted her and went to the hotel which was nice, the biggest lesson I learnt today is that I must not arrive in towns during nightfall!!!! Distance - 277.82 Km . Time - 12.38.32 sec . Average speed - 21.9Km/h .

Day 6 Friday 21-02-2014 25째 42.22N, 032째 37.42E / Course: 76째 @ 0 knots 22째C at 107m above sea level

The day started out relaxed, I ate an Egyptian breakfast here at the hotel I`m staying at, friendly staff. After breakfast I went cycling to the sights of Luxor, took a few photos, Luxor is okay but not super interesting. I also rode to the Nile, it was okay. Later in the day I swam at the hotel, nice! Also went on a Nile boat cruise to Banana Island with a "slick" Egyptian bloke all organised by the owner of the hotel`s brother, Ahmed. Ahmed I trust, one or two others aswell but for the rest I can`t say much inclusive of the "slick sailor". I find the Egyptians to be wheelers and dealers I`m starting to get annoyed of them and I just want to get into the Sudan now. I`m tired of spending money and tipping the whole world, it feels like I`m carrying a whole nation on my back. So the positives today were contact with a few nice people and seeing the sights and sounds of Luxor. Currently my goal is to stand stronger in my shoes as the days pass by.

Day 7 Saturday 22-02-2014 25째 42.23N, 032째 37.42E / Course: 100째 @ 0 knots 24째C at 108m above sea level

I rested yesterday and again today. Today I just cruised around and started preparing for tomorrow`s trip to Aswan. I`m very restless and nervous at the moment. This morning I cycled the first part of the route I`m taking tomorrow, now I know it and just want to get going now. I plan to leave tomorrow at around 5 am. I don`t practice religion but I`m starting to pray more and more now. I`m feeling quite lonely at present and missing proper social contact so I keep talking to the forces that be to help me be safe and stay out of harm`s way. I`m really missing my family and friends now, but I can`t quit, I`ve got 200 orphans waiting for me in South Africa. When I arrive in Aswan I`m going to go to the Dutch Embassy (if there is one) and maybe organise a place to stay through them for a few days before I sail down the Nile and into the Sudan. If I`m unable to organise a place to stay through the Embassy, I`ll book myself into a hotel and then look for a cheaper place to stay when possible. I hope to meet some foreigners in Aswan, time will tell.

Day 8 Sunday 23-02-2014 24째 05.79N, 032째 53.95E / Course: 171째 @ 4 knots 27째C at 75m above sea level

Lucky to be alive today. I left Luxor at 5 am this morning in the dark but with my bicycle lights on and very visible lights at that. A few minutes after departing, a guy on a motor bike and I had a very close call. He blew his horn for quite a while and eventually at the last second I moved to my right and just as I did that he went inbetween me and a truck. There was a centimeter or two in it , no more I think. I don`t know why he was going so fast,! Maybe he had no brakes or poor brakes and misjudged his speed and distance, who knows. Whew, it was close though, but my guardian angels were definetly watching out for me. Afterwards he stopped, walked into the middle of the road and wanted to confront me, I just pedalled on and fortunately he let it be and didn`t come after me. The rest of the day went okay. I didn`t enjoy the Egyptians on my way down from Luxor to Aswan but there were thumbs up in support of me from young to old but also a lot of hostility from all age groups. At present I don`t like Egypt and its people! I give it a ranking of 1 out of 10. Only a handful of Egyptians have been very good to me. I arrived in Aswan and came across two Americans who tried to organise a bed for me where they were staying at. They are missionaries staying at a German couples hostel that caters for Christians on a mission. No place for me but they were all very helpful. Got a tip from Hefni and Nadine, my host and hostess in Cairo to find the Convent of the Combonie Priests (Italians) and see if they could put me up for a few days and they could! They were wonderful priests, they even let me eat with them , thanks Father Peter and Lorenzo. I`m so grateful to be here, it feels like heaven. The Egyptian cycle leg is over.

Odometer - 1,018 Km . Distance - 220.77 Km . Time - 10.23.43 sec . Average speed - 21.2 Km/h .

Day 9 Monday 24-02-2014 24째 05.78N, 032째 53.95E / Course: 101째 @ 0 knots 28째C at 93m above sea level

Today I woke up early to attend a church service with the Combonie priests and sisters. The service was from 6.45 am to 7.30 am. I had a lot to pray for and be thankful for, mainly that I arrived safely in Aswan. I ate breakfast afterwards with the priests. I need to put everything back nutritionally in preparation for my journey through the deserts of the Sudan. During the day I went for a walk to go and find the Americans that I ran into yesterday to strike up a conversation and to thank them for their help. They weren`t in so I proceeded on alongside the Corniche and the Nile. It was a nice view but once again semi ruined by all the desperate salesman who want to take you sailing on their boats. Today I also found a DHL store, I think I`ll send some gear back to the Netherlands, around 5 kg just to lighten the load and create more space in my bike bags. I also walked through the markets getting a feeling of everything, prices and all. Two new priests arrived today, an Italian and a Mexican , so now there are four in total. We all had dinner together tonight, which was nice and social. I need to enjoy the easy and good times because there are definetly going to be hard and bad times in the near future (not too hard and bad I hope). After dinner the church and its grounds became busy with playing children whilst their folks were in the church praying. It`s quite fun here and it feels safe.

Day 10 Tuesday 25-02-2014 24째 05.78N, 032째 53.94E / Course: 258째 @ 0 knots 18째C at 138m above sea level

Another early morning today. Once again I attended church with the priests and sisters. After the church service we had breakfast together. Today I got my bike out and gave it a good wash and it still looks in good shape. It must just stay that way as it`s my baby and I of course rely on it heavily. After I completed cleaning the "Tank" I took a stroll past McDonalds where I ate a Quarter Pounder, fries and drank a chocolate milkshake. It all tasted great! Then I went and visited the Americans, Jeff and his girlfriend (I forget her name). We had a chat about the Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya. They are more knowledgeable of these countries than what I am because of their missionary work there. I`m nervous for the next three countries but what can I do, I need to press on. If I reach Tanzania my chances are great or at least good of reaching South Africa. I had a afternoon nap or two today and then Father Peter took me onto the route I must follow on Sunday to catch the boat to the Sudan. Finally my Egyptian cycle leg is over but not really over, still about 20 km to go. This evening was spent eating a good supper and socialising with the church members and their families outside.

Day 11 Wednesday 26-02-2014 24째 05.79N, 032째 53.95E / Course: 44째 @ 0 knots 26째C at 93m above sea level

I went to church with the priests and sisters this morning again, which was followed by breakfast. I`m fortunate that I may eat with the priests and it`s a nice time of the day. Today Father Paul took another Father and myself by car into the desert on the outskirts of Aswan to a monestry. I forgot its name but it was nice to see. It was also built a few hundred meters from the river Nile. The priest there even said a prayer or two for me with regards to my trip through Africa, but whilst he was doing so I got a chill running down my back. Maybe it was from the forces that be or the cool wind that was present. I , of course like to think from the forces that be. We then left and arrived back at the church and we all went our own ways. I went and worked on my bicycle and got quite a bit done and I also had a good afternoon nap. I bought some groceries for the priests to thank them for their hospitality and also did some internetting on their computer. I`m looking forward to getting on with my trip but I`m also anxious at the same time. Sitting still is the worst! *Received bread from Sister Maria, a large piece , so grateful for it, everything counts in Africa.

Day 12 Thursday 27-02-2014 24° 05.77N, 032° 53.94E / Course: 198° @ 0 knots 27°C at 89m above sea level

I didn’t wake up in time today for the morning church service, so I hope I make it tomorrow! Iate breakfast with the priests and some visitors, a family. A photo was taken of their son and I, I think he`s impressed with the fact that I`m riding down to South Africa. Nothing to really report on today. I had an afternoon nap and other than that I just kept busy. I did manage to exchange Egyptian pounds for Sudanese pounds so now that`s done, no need to do it on the boat anymore on Sunday and in sight of everyone, still a long road to go, bring it on. I had a walk with the Mexican Father this evening, ate dinner and then did some research with regards to my trip through Ethiopia and especially Northern Kenya inclusive of Nairobi. If there is a country I`m unsure of it`s Kenya. Went to bed relatively early. *Kenya = Dangerous = Tarred road north of Archers Post. Moyale - Marsabit road = every man for himself! .

Day 13 Friday 28-02-2014 24째 05.77N, 032째 53.94E / Course: 198째 @ 0 knots 27째C at 89m above sea level

As planned, I got up early today to attend the church service, yesterday I was late so today I had to prove myself again, lol. Not all the Fathers and Sisters attended today because the had busy schedules. I ate breakfast with only one or two Fathers today. After breakfast I cycled to the High Dam to see where I depart from on Sunday by boat direction the Sudan. It`ll will take me approximately one hour to reach it with all of my luggage. It`s about 20 km away from the Convent I`m staying at. So 20 km and the Egyptian cycle leg will truely be over! The route I`ll be following will be shared with unintelligent road users as experienced today. Welcome to Africa Shayne! I hope I get through safely , need to get out of Egypt today. Today I ate McDonalds for lunch and had my head shaved. The barber used toothpaste as shaving cream! If that rocks his world, why not?! Had another walk this evening with the Mexican Father along the Nile, it was okay. I think his name is Father Joseph, he also has another name if I`m not mistaken. Dinner tonight was with the whole "crew" and it was nice.

Find myself thinking a lot about my family and friends and my beautiful youth, so grateful for all of it!

Day 14 Saturday 01-03-2014 23째 58.22N, 032째 53.77E / Course: 181째 @ 0.3 knots 33째C at 194m above sea level

I woke up early for the church service this morning but there was none...Only the old Italian Priest was present. He went through the motions and in the meantime, I just said a little prayer. Then breakfast with the priests and all were present. After breakfast I started packing my gear for my trip to the Sudan. I also bought groceries and then afterwards I organised a sail on the Nile. Before finalising my sail on the Nile I spoke to two locals, nice guys. One spoke English well and had just returned from a vacation in South Africa. We spoke about Johannesburg and Durban and he even showed me photos of his stay, he loved South Africa and South Africans. Then Abdul or Abdullah, a Nubian,collected me for a sail aboard his Feluka. Earlier in the week I gave him my word that if I went sailing then I`d go with him. He was pleased I kept my word and I was pleased to go with him. What a character, he was also so passionate about his job, he really made me believe in Egyptians again. I really started to dislike the Egyptians but Abdul or Abdullah and the bloke who vacationed in South Africa restored my faith in mankind a bit. Sailing on the Nile was great with my man Abdullah (let`s call him by this name) and his partner. I can`t say enough about him and I don`t think I`ll ever forget him. An American was onboard as well and wanted to sail to Luxor in the near future and Abdullah was really keen to do it for and with him as he has experience sailing up and down the Nile. The price was 500 Egyptian Pounds per day, and if I had the time and money I would`ve loved to have done that. I even saw photos of a trip that Abdullah did with a French guy, very special indeed!

Day 15 Sunday 02-03-2014 23째 58.22N, 032째 53.77E / Course: 181째 @ 0.3 knots 33째C at 194m above sea level

I woke up early today, packed my gear onto my bicycle, ate breakfast and said my goodbyes which was difficult after a nice week spent with the priests. I will really miss them but have promised to send them a postcard from South Africa after I arrive home. Father Lorenzo even gave me a crucifix for protection through Africa which was made in Italy. God willing I`ll make it! Getting onto the boat on the High Dam was horrendous, absolutely crazy, I`ve never seen anything like it before, people and luggage all over the show, no order or bribary. At one stage I just wanted to quit my trip on the spot but fortunately I pushed on. I`m now on the boat with a German guy, David is his name. We`re the only two Europeans on board if I`m not mistaken. I`m so happy to have met him otherwise it would`ve been a living hell alone. David is quite young and calm and he has already seen a lot of the world. He is travelling through the Sudan to Ethiopia where he wants to spend about 6 weeks backpacking, camping and sightseeing. As for me, I`m 15 days into my trip and just want to get home to South Africa. I want to cycle every inch but obviously it`s up to me and only me to earn it! I really want to see my family and friends again. This trip has already taught me to be so grateful for everything I have.

Odometer - 1,037 Km . Distance - 19.45 Km . Time - 1.04.49 sec . Average speed - 18 Km/h .

Day 16 Monday 03-03-2014 21째 47.69N, 031째 20.87E / Course: 213째 @ 5.9 knots (crossing into Sudan) 32째C at 180m above sea level

SUDAN. A hell of a day today. It was really super to wake up on a boat sailing on the Nile/High Dam. I slept really well as I didn`t expect that at all. During the evening it was really cold and windy but my sleeping bag did the trick. It felt like I had been rewarded today after yesterday`s struggles, however a few hours before we were to come into port at Wadi Halfa in Sudan, the passengers started to become restless and get all of their goods ready for when we arrived at our destination. My new German friend, David and I really had to make sure our stuff didn`t get trampelled on. We held the fort quite well though. Then eventually it was every man for himself. David and I were not permitted to get off of the boat. We had to wait and go through a second passport check and then eventually we were allowed to get off. David helped me get off with all of my heavy luggage. Thank goodness for him, a true God send! So, two checkpoints on the boat and then another two on land, all within 500 meters of one another, eish! David bummed a short ride into Wadi Halfa whilst I cycled the 3 km. He exchanged money and then we went to the police station to organise travel permission for the Sudan (apparently this is a fairly new rule). They couldn`t help us because the responsible parties weren`t present ...That means we need to do it in the next big town that we arrive in. After the police station we were guided to a hotel by two locals where we met some foreigners. A Brit , a Swiss, a few Aussies and two Frenchies. The Aussies were really cool, especially Michael and Clinton who were travelling through Africa on their motorbikes from Cape Town to Cairo and then onwards to London. They passed on all their knowledge to David and I which was awesome. They`ve had it tough but good. You can see that they were loving life. We`ve exchanged e-mail addresses and I really hope to meet them in the future. The one week delay in Egypt had its reasons I think. .

Odometer - 1,041 Km . Distance - 3.23 Km . Time - 11.20 sec . Average speed - 17.1 Km/h .

Day 17 Tuesday 04-03-2014 20째 47.56N, 030째 22.53E / Course: 222째 @ 3.4 knots 33째C at 205m above sea level

Today I left the hotel I was staying at in Wadi Halfa. It was really tough to say goodbye to my German friend, David. We embraced one another and I told him I was going to miss him (it`s amazing how quickly one forms bonds in the middle of Africa). He said he was also pleased to meet me. I saw that he honestly meant it. I`ve only known David for around 48 hours and really feel like we`re brothers, good-luck to him! I hope his tour through the Sudan and Ethiopia goes well. Maybe we meet again, who knows. I also went and said cheers to the Aussies, Michael and Clinton. They were still in bed and I`m going to miss them as well despite knowing them for only a few hours. Cape Town to London by motorbike, that`s so cool, good okes (guys)! My day on the bike went well, the Sudan is very hot but has good roads, the people are very friendly. I`m thinking a lot of my family, really want to see them again. Today I stopped at rest camps for Coca Cola and to eat something. It was heavenly. Along the way one can also get water on the side of the road, it`s nice and cold but so dirty so I have to use my steri pen. Tonight is the first night I`m sleeping in my tent. It`s bizare but I managed to put it up quickly so that`s good for the confidence. At present the evenings are the worst as I miss my new found mates, David and the Aussies.

Odometer - 1,226 Km . Distance - 185.17 Km . Time - 8.04.11 sec . Average speed - 22.9 Km/h .

Day 18 Wednesday 05-03-2014 19째 57.50N, 030째 35.25E / Course: 166째 @ 2.1 knots 34째C at 224m above sea level

I was up at 4 am this morning but it was still really dark so I decided to sleep for another hour. At 5 am I vacated my tent and started to prepare to go for it. I ate breakfast and packed. Packing took much longer than I expected. Flies disturbed me, they`re such a nuisance, incredible! After sunset they`re gone and just after sunrise they return but in massive numbers and are everywhere. In your eyes, nose and mouth. Sleeping in the tent wasn`t so bad last night however unpacking it and packing it takes soooooooooo much time and effort! Today in the Sudan it is really hot. I`ve had to stop several times to get out of the sun and it`s also windy. I`m now in a cafe/rest place to regroup. It`s 12.47 pm and I`ve only done 62.72 km. My thinking is that I need to do early morning and evening cycling. I`ll see about that shortly. I`ll get going at about 2 pm again and see how far I get. The Sudanese are lovely people but they can keep their desert country Emoji. Finally I`ve ended up at a desert camp, there are cold drinks here and a place for me to sleep. I`ve been invited to sleep under the stars by the Sudanese here. They`ve even given me a single person`s bed to use great! It beats camping solo in the desert.

Odometer - 1,358 Km . Distance - 131.93 Km . Time - 6.24.28 sec . Average speed - 20.5 Km/h .

Day 19 Thursday 06-03-2014 19째 11.88N, 030째 27.22E / Course: 223째 @ 0 knots 33째C at 210m above sea level

I slept under the stars last night with the staff and new found friends of the cafe/rest place where I ended up at yesterday evening. I slept okay as well. I said my goodbyes and cycled well for the first 1.5hrs and then heat, wind and sandstorms. The whole day I had to cycle, rest, cycle, take on cold water, buy colddrinks, stop at little canals and completely soak myself with cold water amusing the locals who asked me if I wasn`t going to get cold (in 40+ degree weather ?!?!?). I must say at one stage soaking myself in or by a cold canal was one of the best things I`ve ever experienced (including sex with a beautiful woman), it was so refreshing. During the day I also stopped where I could rest or sleep, but it was too hot to sleep. I need to change tactics, cycle in the dark mornings, rest overday and cycle again at night if I`m to get on with the trip. As I entered Dongola over the beautiful Nile I asked an elderly man for a "Fonduk" - a hotel where I could stay and eat. He told me to turn around and go back into town but almost immediately invited me to be his guest. Sorry but that isn`t luck, that is Allah at work! He has fed me several times, given me a lot to drink and I could even wash here. My host, Mohammed is a Customs Officer and owner of a large farm. He has 12 children, big house, big farm fields and even cows. I think he is a very big man according to Sudanese standards. I`m so glad I`ve come onto his path, I think I nearly killed myself by pushing it to the max today.

Odometer - 1,462 Km . Distance - 104.38 Km . Time - 5.38.30 sec . Average speed - 18.5 Km/h .

Day 20 Friday 07-03-2014 19째 11.89N, 030째 27.22E / Course: 37째 @ 0 knots 39째C at 243m above sea level

I slept in today, more or less. My host Mohammed had his television and lights on the whole night so one slept, awoke, slept and so on, lol ! I slept outside by the front door with his sons because it is so hot here. Today I just took it easy and built myself up again. Mohammed and his family have really looked after me, feeding me and just basically treated me very well. Today I went for two walks on the farm, Mohammed is around 65 years old and very intelligent and very wise. He even knows a lot about the Zulus in South Africa and so much more. He is very worldly. He surprises me with his knowledge of the world. Today he told me the heat that we are experiencing will leave in around 9 days. He then said the heat will come from another direction making things cooler. Today was great and I got to watch German football on the telly and even got to watch Trans World Sports which used to be called The World of Panasonic when I was much younger. It was the best sports show ever and I can`t believe it still exists. Even the voices of the commentators are the same. Oh how that brought back memories, WOW! Mohammed even let me call my mom and dad with his mobile phone to say hi, what a man, I blew all his airtime. *Saw a match of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras today , Andre still looks good but Pete is ageing quite fast.

Mohammed says he often sees cyclists, motorcyclists etc going past his house and through Africa.

Day 21 Saturday 08-03-2014 18° 07.08N, 030° 48.94E / Course: 162° @ 2.7 knots 37°C at 244m above sea level

I left Mohammed and his family this morning at around 4.30 am after waking up between 3.00 - 3.30 am. Mohammed tends to leave the television and lights on the whole night, he obviously sleeps on and off. His one young son sleeps with him in the television room and his other sons in the middle of the house and then one or two outside with me by the front door. His wife and daughters according to me sleep at the back of the house inside and outside. Today during the early stages of the ride it was slow going but I did get to see a desert fox. Today was long and uninspiring and eventually I stopped at a cafe/reststop which is so typical of the Sudan for an afternoon nap which was hard to do because of the heat. The whole afternoon was cycle, rest, cool myself off with water and then repeat. If I`m not mistaken the wind eased off in the late afternoon to early evening and I managed to get a few extra kilometers in the legs before finally ending up at another cafe / reststop for the evening. This evening I cooked and prepared for tomorrow at the bemusement of the blokes who were working and staying there. Sometimes everyones interest in me is irritating but when you`re tired you tend to ignore it a little more easily.

* ”With Allah you will make it!” - Mohammed this morning. ** “You are a man, I am a man”- Mohammed again, the meaning of this, you are a Christian and I a Muslim but we are one!

Odometer - 1,607 Km . Distance - 144.56 Km . Time - 7.56.14 sec . Average speed - 18.2 Km/h .

Day 22 Sunday 09-03-2014 17째 02.77N, 031째 36.29E / Course: 144째 @ 2.9 knots 31째C at 311m above sea level

This morning I left the cafe/rest camp I was staying at around 4.00 am after waking up at 3.00 am. Today I can say that I really went through the desert. I was absolutely in the middle of nowhere. Progress was slow though because of the heat and head and side wind. Before entering the "real" desert I bought a lot of fruit at a market and that really helped during the course of the day. The juicey fruits were very helpful in the hot desert. The desert was really brutal and I really had to dig deep. Nature did help sometimes because for long periods of time here and there it was overcast which meant I wasn`t completely at the mercy of the sun. At night I was so stubborn though, as I refused to set up camp because I wanted to find a cafe/reststop again as I did the previous evening. Well my plan became reality after risking it and cycling in the dark for an hour or two. I found a place where I could eat, drink and be merry but it was a s#ithole! I was so exhausted that I first had to sleep before I could order something to eat. Eventually I ordered food that I didn`t trust but I needed to get something in or I would`ve been in big trouble. The people around me were sods but I didn`t fear them or anything! *Shayne , don`t arrive at places in the dark!!!!! ** Highlight of the day: A small bird coming and flying next to me for several seconds just before sunrise. Wonderful! It looked at me and I looked at it, it was definetly a sign from the forces that be telling me to push on and that all will be well.

Odometer - 1,774 Km . Distance - 167.61 Km . Time - 10.44.17 sec . Average speed - 15.6 Km/h .

Day 23 Monday 10-03-2014 15째 36.08N, 032째 31.70E / Course: 223째 @ 0 knots 36째C at 376m above sea level

This morning I slept in a little after two big days cycling. I couldn`t even attempt waking up at 3.00 am to leave at 4.00 am. I was so tired last night, that I basically slept outside in a sandstorm. There was another guy sleeping in it too but at least he had a blanket. I was knackered that I slept in my robe that Mohammed from Dongola gave me a few days earlier. I didn`t even inflate my mattress or use my sleeping bag that was with me but eventually I managed to get myself and my bike some shelter. When it was light I noticed my bike was covered in sand just like me. However it was quite cool to rough it like that. Then I did all my preparations and left the dump I was staying at. I quickly noticed that the sandstorm was continuing and that it was coming from behind, resulting in me reaching really high speeds for extended periods of time. It went so well today that I had to force myself to stop and eat and sometimes even drink. Currently I`m drinking so many soft drinks it`s scarey but oh so lekker (nice) in the middle of the desert. I finally arrived in Khartoum via Omdurman which was kak (terrible)! It was quite exciting entering Khartoum over the White Nile and seeing one or two skyscrapers. I asked for directions several times to Khartoum and the Sudanese were happy to help. I also asked for directions to the Comboni House (Italian Priests) and found them. They took me in and offered me a place to rest and I was welcome to eat my meals with them, such kindness!

Odometer - 1,993 Km . Distance - 218.46 Km . Time - 8.44.59 sec . Average speed - 24.9 Km/h .

Day 24 Tuesday 11-03-2014 15째 36.08N, 032째 31.70E / Course: 223째 @ 0 knots 36째C at 376m above sea level

I slept in for the first time since a few days. I slept really well from 10.30 pm - 6.30 am. I`m grateful to the Comboni Priests for putting me up. This morning I met a priest who originates from northern Italy but has a surname with Dutch in it and guess what, I`ve already forgotten it. I can remember faces but names and surnames I forget within seconds. This morning he asked me to speak to the pupils of the Comboni College at morning assembly about my trip through Africa, so I did so. It went quite well, the teachers and pupils seemed pleased with what I had to say. Later at lunch the same priest and I got talking about cycling and it turns out he loves professional cycling. I told him that when I was younger I raced against cyclists who are now cycling in the Tour de France. One of them was Chris Froome, the winner of Le Tour in 2013. The Father likes him and also knows that Chris was born in Kenya. I told him Chris lives and trains in Monaco and Johannesburg. The Father also mentioned to me that the 2nd winner of the Tour of Italy, Gilberto Simoni comes from the same town as him. As we continued to talk over Gilberto Simoni, I continued to share my passion and knowledge of the sport and told the Father that I knew that Gilberto was married to a lady from the famous cycling family, the Mosers, and that Moreno Moser was a new, young and good pro. The Father was impressed with my cycling knowledge but then again, the average Italian loves professional cycling. They`re really into it! .

Day 25 Wednesday 12-03-2014 15째 36.08N, 032째 31.70E / Course: 223째 @ 0 knots 36째C at 376m above sea level

An early start to the day today. This morning I prayed and read the Bible with the Spanish Father Jorge. It was pleasant because the serman was done in English. When I was in Aswan, Egypt with the Comboni Priests praying and reading was done in Italian and Arabic. After the service I had breakfast with the Fathers and then took a walk to the Airport to organise my travel registration - Sudanese Red Tape Bulls#it! After finally finding out where I should be, I had to walk back to where I was staying with the Fathers to get more money because the travel registration was 365 Sudanese pounds whereas it was 240 Sudanese pounds a few weeks ago (which wasn`t a lie). Two Korean guys were also present there to sort out their documentation as well. Anyway, after I got more money I decided this time I`d cycle back to the airport. Then when I was back at the airport the officials said they couldn`t help me and then I started arguing with them. One official spoke French and I managed to converse with him in my broken French. I gave him a hard time but at the same time he was very helpful. The Koreans also sorted their documentation so now everyone was happy. I then had lunch with the Priests before going to a shopping mall to buy a charger and some food. Later in the day I chilled out with Father Jorge and then I walked to go and see the Blue Nile where I met some young students who spoke good English. One of the students had spent eight months in London.

After taking some photos I went back to where I was staying. I did some computing, ate dinner, started to pack which slowly but surely began to make me nervous. Later in the evening I said my goodbyes to one or two of the Priests.

Day 26 Thursday 13-03-2014 14째 24.33N, 033째 31.04E / Course: 141째 @ 7.7 knots 36째C at 418m above sea level

I left Khartoum today. I packed up early this morning for my journey to Wad Medani and I had also arranged to say goodbye to an old Father Salvotore. Before I got to talk to Father Salvotore I said goodbye to an Ugandian Priest who spoke good English. I said thank you to him for hosting me along with the other priests and said to him that I hope to see them all again in the future (highly unlikely though). He said that men are not mountains meaning we move and might meet again. That was nicely said I thought. Then old Father Salvotore and I met. He gave me two gifts. One of which was a pendant which he pinned it onto my cycling shirt and said it represented the Holy Spirit and that it would carry me safely on my journey through Africa. I was and I am very happy with it. We then prayed together and parted company. Unfortunately Father Jorge was not around so I couldn`t say goodbye to him. Eventually I left the priests and Khartoum, passed the airport and got myself on the road to Wad Medani which was totally uninspiring and dangerous. I had to get off of the road several times for buses and other vehicles. I was invisible to them. Other times the wind was so strong it blew me off of the road several times. I had so many close calls today that if I was a cat a few of my nine lives would`ve been used. I came into Wad Medani relatively early and booked myself into the best dump I could find. I managed to clean up a bit and ate dinner at a restaurant where I was served by a nice waiter called Gamar. I will try to contact him when I arrive in South Africa to tell him I`ve made it. We`ve exchanged details so we`ll see. I`m sure I`ll keep my word. Then back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow, I didn`t sleep in my room. I slept outside of it because it was cooler.

Odometer - 2,192 Km . Distance - 199.47 Km . Time - 8.49.55 sec . Average speed - 22.5 Km/h .

Day 27 Friday 14-03-2014 14째 01.43N, 034째 59.38E / Course: 104째 @ 3.5 knots 31째C at 490m above sea level

I left Wad Medani today. It was nice to exit the town by going over the Nile. The rest of the day however turned out to be a long one. Sometimes I was really flying on the bike with tail and crosswinds and other times it was tough going with headwinds and the hot sun beating down on me. The nature has changed around me. I`m no longer in desert conditions. It`s more like semi-desert condtions now. Traffic is also much better today than it was yesterday but not 100% either. The locals are now common and the further I get out of the city the more unintelligent they seem. It`s either that or I`m tired and getting irritated with everyone. This evening I wound up at a real dump and parked my bike with my luggage and all next to a bed that was offered to me whilst I went and had a cup of tea with a nice local by the name of Nile Abdalla. Upon my return I realised that some of the kids who were hanging around and stole food out of my bike bags. I was very relieved that they only stole my food, it could`ve been much worse. They could have stolen my cycling shoes, money and passports. My new found friend Nile was also upset with the kids and told them on my behalf that Muslims aren`t permitted to steal, I hope the message got across to the kids but I don`t think it did though. On the whole, it was a kak (terrible) day today!

Odometer - 2,383 Km . Distance - 190.28 Km . Time - 10.05.04 sec . Average speed - 18.8 Km/h .

Day 28 Saturday 15-03-2014 13째 32.72N, 035째 42.00E / Course: 124째 @ 2.1 knots 29째C at 590m above sea level

This morning I left the dump I was staying at to travel in the direction of Gedaref. It took me forever and a day to reach it though. It was extremely hot and windy but once I arrived there I happened to meet a nice guy who spoke English. He worked as a chemist in Gedaref with other foreigners and advised me to book into a hotel for around 200 Sudanese Pounds but I realised I didn`t have the money to do so. I did however have enough money to buy food and drinks and realised that I had to find a place to sleep in the bush as there were no other options. So after stocking up I got heading towards the Ethiopian border and finally I had a bit of a tailwind which I was grateful for because I was tired and running out of energy and any help in whatever form was welcome. I eventually got to set up my tent in a cool spot. Carefully making sure the locals didn`t see me. I got to eat before I retired for the evening, under a wonderful full moon. It was great to be outdoors, just God and I. I slept for many hours, it was cold every now and then but not too bad. I also said a prayer tonight for a young kid I met at the same time as the chemist. He had a really badly infected eye that according to me, needed surgery. I prayed that he could be healed, shame.If he was a Dutch kid I`m sure the doctors would`ve operated on him a long time ago, I find it really sad that I couldn`t help him.

Odometer - 2,512 Km . Distance - 129.67 Km . Time - 7.30.08 sec . Average speed - 17.2 Km/h .

Day 29 Sunday 16-03-2014 12째 46.57N, 036째 24.48E / Course: 138째 @ 2.5 knots (crossing into Ethiopia) 35째C at 582m above sea level

I left my beautiful camping site this morning and progress was okay. The nature has changed and the climbs have begun. Crossing the border into Ethiopia was not a nightmare but I had to go from one check point to another. There were 4 - 5 check points in all and the custom officers really get involved in helping out, especially the money exchange, obviously hoping for a bit of a tip of course. I tipped this time because they did help me sort out a lot. Ethiopia looks okay but it`s a rough place so far. Lovely landscape but poor and desperate people. This evening I booked myself into a hotel called Hotel Zambaba and met a cool bloke (guy) there by the name of Behailu. He gave me a lot of tips about his country and its people. He is a smart bloke and works for himself as an engineer. He also told me the following: *Ethiopia has 80 tribes, each with their own language. The tribes are mainly situated in the South of the country. ** The capital, Addis Ababa, is the headquarters for the United Nations in Africa and also for the African Union. ***Coffee originates from Ethiopia and remains organic/biological. ****Bahir Dar is the source of the Nile. *****Ethiopia is the only country in Africa never to be colonized.

Odometer - 2,636 Km . Distance - 124.18 Km . Time - 6.43.54 sec .

Day 30 Monday 17-03-2014 12째 35.44N, 037째 26.45E / Course: 100째 @ 2.8 knots 25째C at 2155m above sea level

This morning at 6.00 am I left hotel Zambaba in Shehedi and initially it went well. The terrain was undulating but not extreme. The people were friendly and the kids weren`t throwing stones yet. It was a nice cool and overcast day for cycling. Ethiopia is beautiful, mountainous and green. Later in the day the real mountains began. I had some serious climbing to do. The massive climbs did nothing to break my will though as my goal was to reach Gondor before dark so nothing else counted. Cycling to Gondor was pleasant but I must admit every now and then I had hordes of kids running alongside me or even in ones and twos and they pull on my bags and kept asking for money, money, money. It got so bad at one point that I used to scream at them which gives them a fright and made them run away before returning and carrying on. They spat on me and even threw stones at me. I haven`t been hit yet but I know it`s going to happen soon. I hope to make it through Ethiopia safely, God willing! Today in Gondor as my day was ending, I needed to find a cheap hotel or somewhere to stay. In the middle of all of the chaos I saw a bloke (guy) and the forces that be, told me to approach him. I approached him, his name was Leul and spoke brilliant English and he immediately helped me find accommodation. Turns out he is a student at a local University studying Travel and Tourism and that he nearly went to Pretoria, South Africa to finish off his studies . He was very kind and didn`t leave my side until everything with regards to my stay was sorted out. Meeting someone like that at the right time and in the right place is not coincidence, it`s meant to be!

Odometer - 2,794 Km . Distance - 157.41 Km . Time - 10.49.15 sec . Average speed - 14.5 Km/h .

* the balloons were bought as gifts for the many children I met along the way...

Day 31 Tuesday 18-03-2014 12째 35.34N, 037째 26.34E / Course: 341째 @ 0 knots 23째C at 2160m above sea level

Today I met an American by the name of Jesse at the hotel I am staying at in Gondor. However, first things first, I slept well last night. I got about 8 - 9 hours which was followed by a good breakfast in the hotel`s restaurant. I even got to watch the BBC at the same time and catch-up on the world`s news. But back to Jesse. I met him in the gardens of the hotel, he was studying the local language with one of the locals. It was great to speak to him and learn about Ethiopians and their country. Jesse also told me about the road I`ll be taking to Addis. Jesse lives in Gondor with his wife, and two children and they also plan on adopting two Ethiopian kids. Shame, the guy who was teaching him the local language was crippled, that hurts me . It touches my heart and big respect to him for trying, in fact massive respect! I didn`t catch his name but could feel that he was a good guy and apparently he is studying English. Today I had to work on my bike, it needed a lot of attention so that`s why the rest day today. I also repacked my equipment and ate lunch here at the hotel where I was planning to stay for the whole day until Leul came by and took me on a Tour of the area at his expense! Wow! We went to the Fasil castle or Gondor castle which is a World Heritage site. We also went to go and view Fasiledas`bath. Once again Leul paid for everything, including the tour guide. I wanted to contribute but he wouldn`t let me! He wants to help me with my cause. I told him he is not a rich man and that I must pay for the tour and then he said not to worry, God will take care of it, wow, so much faith. He also paid for dinner later, pppppffffffffff, what a nice man. I`ll try to help him out somehow in the future. He longs to study abroad, maybe we`ll see one another in Europe or South Africa, I truly hope so.

Day 32 Wednesday 19-03-2014 10째 40.81N, 037째 15.69E / Course: 187째 @ 2.1 knots 21째C at 1883m above sea level

I left Gondor this morning as a man on a mission. I had to reach Bahir Dar and Lake Tana. Leul and the American, Jesse told me that it was beautiful there. I had to get there before sunset, it was a must of course! What a beautiful cycle, awesome scenary. Sometimes I stopped to take it all in and also to take several photos. There were stages during the cycle when I felt extreme happiness. Arriving at Lake Tana was amazing. I booked into Hotel Ghion, it was okay. Then I went for a short walk along the shores of the lake, it was also okay. Saw several foreigners which is good for me as now and again I`m lonely, so seeing foreigners somehow raises my spirits. Tonight I received an unexpected call from JP and Renate in the Netherlands. That was cool and fun!!! At the hotel I ate a mediocre dinner and hung out with a drugged up Swiss guy and his Ethiopian girlfriend, who previously lived in Switzerland for many years. She speaks German but has returned to Ethiopia because she loves it so much. Tonight I had three prostitutes approach me. They always kept trying to convince me to sleep with them, if it wasn`t the one it was the other. The hotel knows that they`re working it so no problem. I of course stayed away and actually started to be a bit rude to them as they were getting on my nerves.

Odometer - 2,963 Km . Distance - 168,84 Km . Time - 8.28.09 sec . Average speed - 19.9 Km/h .

Day 33 Thursday 20-03-2014 10° 40.81N, 037° 15.69E / Course: 187° @ 2.1 knots 21°C at 1883m above sea level

I left Bahir Dar and Lake Tana this morning. Cycling through the town I noticed some officials wearing Ethiopian jackets. I think they were managers of runners but unfortunately I didn`t see any road runners, despite police and marshalls being present. I would`ve loved seeing the Ethiopians run. Then as I was climbing out of town a young cyclist by the name of Daniel joined me. He was a nice guy and could speak a bit of English. He told me he was out to do an easy ride to loosen up for an upcoming race and that he would ride with me for a few kilometers which was kind of him. Then we came across cycling officials and cyclists (The Ethiopian Games were taking place in Bahir Dar). I got chatting to the officials, they were great and happened to be trained by the Dutch as managers, officials and mechanics, well-done Holland! I said goodbye to them after a nice conversation and Daniel cycled with me once more and then we also said our goodbyes to one another. The rest of the day was spent cycling with the earlier viewed cyclists team time trialing past me, nice! Afterwards I was definetly on my own for the rest of the day. The roads were undulating and it was an uninspired cycle from village to village. Later it did become prettier and prettier! Eventually I entered Finote Selam and cycled through the streets looking for a place to stay, there was no chance to camp here and that wouldn`t have been wise! Then the forces that be, took me to the end of the street where I saw a foreigner. I got talking to him and heard he had a South African accent. I asked him if he was a Saffie (South African), he said no. He was a Rhodesian living in Pietermaritzburg and also has a house in the Wilderness. His name is Will, a tough character. I asked him for an okay place to stay at and he said I must book into the same hotel as him. The one we both were standing in front of. Done! I was so happy to see him, it felt really good to be with one on my own. Will currently works in Ethiopia and treated his crew and I to drinks and a great Ethiopian dinner. Eventually Will and I hung out together at the hotel after dinner and got talking. He had a farm In Zimbabwe which was taken from him in 2003 and then he was forced to move to South Africa with his wife and family and he hardly had money and that at the age of 40. He eventually got contract work in Africa for the big bucks. When he was younger he fought in the Rhodesian Army and later for the mercenary group, ‘Executive Outcomes’. After he said this I knew exactly who was sitting opposite me, a frigging hard boy, you could see it, hear it. He has been all over the world for war and work. Odometer - 3,138 Km .

Distance - 174,90 Km .

Time - 8.57.54 sec .

Average speed - 19.5 Km/h .

Day 34 Friday 21-03-2014 10째 10.03N, 038째 09.04E / Course: 120째 @ 2.6 knots 25째C at 2477m above sea level

This morning I woke up in a nice bed, I really enjoyed my stay in the hotel here in Finote Selam (Flame of peace). I met Will downstairs at 6.30AM, we had a chat whilst drinking an incredible coffee. I forget its name but up to now it`s the best I`ve ever had! After breakfast Will and I had pancakes and fried eggs, aaahhh it was heaven on earth for me. After breakast we said ciao to one another but we`ll meet again shortly. Will has invited me to stay with him and his mates in Addis Abeba once I arrive there, great !!! Today went okay. I met two German motorbikers on the road and they were travelling from Cape-Town to Ciaro, they were a nice couple. We took photos of ourselves and exchanged e-mail addresses. Later in the day I met a Frenchie by the name of Loic Munaro who was also cycling from Cairo to Cape-Town along with a guy from China or Japan (I didn`t meet him because he was behind us still climbing. Loic said he was overweight and had far too much luggage with him). It`s funny because locals were telling me for days that there were two cyclists ahead of me and now finally contact, nice how that works. I asked Loic to join me all the way down to Cape-Town, that would`ve been cool because he said his oriental friend was slowing him down a bit. Loic didn`t want to join me because he preferred to ride about 80 km a day, more or less half of what I do, what a pity, he was a really cool dude. I`m sure it would`ve been fun together. The rest of the day was ordinary, lots of road works, the roads were super bad and I also had kids shouting money, money, money, you, you, you and where do you go or where are you go before a few of them connected me with a stone or two resulting in me swearing at them and showing them my middle finger! Sometimes I even turned around and went for them, they are obviously not too educated and not well brought up, so what, I never got hurt today.

Odometer - 3,292 Km . Distance - 153.97 Km . Time - 8.56.92 sec . Average speed - 17.2 Km/h .

Day 35 Saturday 22-03-2014 09째 43.90N, 038째 48.99E / Course: 120째 @ 4.9 knots 28째C at 2511m above sea level

This morning I left Dejen and within 1 km I was descending into the Blue Nile Gorge. The roads were bad but what a view. I think it took me about an hour to get to the start of the climb. Afterwards, the real climbing began. As I just started my first climb I met a Kiwi/Aussie couple and their kids. They were a nice family and were travelling in a 4x4. They gave me their kid`s chocolate chip cookies. I of course took them, sorry kids! Africa is a tough place. The couple told me what to expect for the next 100 km, eish (ouch). Climbing out of the Blue Nile Gorge was hardcore but doable. It took me around 2.5hrs to get to the top. On my way up my new Rhodesian mate, Will, passed me in the car. He was going to his home in Addis Abeba. He told me to join him and his housemates on Sunday when I arrived in Addis, DEAL! I like Will, he` s tough. When I arrived in Monestry of Debre Libanos I followed the advice of the Kiwi/Aussie couple and booked into the Etho German chalets or Park hotel and it`s one of the best things I have ever done, what a view! I also met my future wife today, wow, A Dutch girl by the name of Eva. As I arrived she was on the verge of leaving, unfortunately. She is a photographer and is in Ethiopia on a project. She was stunning and we had 20 minutes to talk though. She was so interested in me and my trip and I was just thinking you`re going to be the mother of my children. We`ve exchanged e-mail addresses, time will tell...

Odometer - 3,420 Km . Distance - 128.24 Km . Time - 8.08.43 sec . Average speed - 15.7 Km/h .

Day 36 Sunday 23-03-2014 08째 59.92N, 038째 47.05E / Course: 182째 @ 1.7 knots 27째C at 2356m above sea level

Today I left the chalets in the area of the Monastery of Debre Libanos with today`s goal being to reach Addis Abeba and to hook up with Will and the Saffies (South Africans). The cycle to Addis was okay, undulating but not extreme. I experienced a lot of verbal abuse along the way but it didn`t get physical. On the outskirts of Addis I saw the famous runner Kenenisa Bekele`s training resort, cool! Further up the road I saw an athletes village with a photo of Haile Gebralassie`s photo present to advertise it and was also very cool to see. Arriving in Addis was hectic, not easy but luckily it wasn`t too busy. Maybe because it and was a Sunday. Several people directed me towards the Edna Mall where I met up with Will. He took me to the South African safehouse where I met Gary, a Saffie, his Ethiopian girlfriend and a Jewish bloke (guy). The guys are feeding me and housing me and it`s really so good of them. I`ve had Rooibos tea, biltong (dried meat), chocolate, Coca Cola and a great dinner. There`s lots of interest in me from other foreigners here, which is nice but I must keep my feet on the ground and stay humble. *Today in the middle of Addis I once again met Behailu Alemu, the guy I chatted with at the hotel in Shehedi after crossing the Sudanese Ethiopian border. I saw him in front of the Edna Mall, unbelievable running into him again and that in a city with six million people in it. He wanted me to stay with him but of course I wanted to hang out with Will and the boys. This trip is amazing and it was meant to be!

Odometer - 3,531 Km . Distance - 111.34 Km . Time - 6.01.05 sec . Average speed - 18.5 Km/h .

Day 37 Monday 24-03-2014 08째 59.93N, 038째 47.05E / Course: 11째 @ 0 knots 22째C at 2345m above sea level

Today I did my laundry, washed and serviced my bike, unpacked my gear and the repacked it. I also went into town to check it out. Bought a few groceries and happened to find an internet cafe where I caught up on my e-mails and Facebook. I`m doing okay! I watched Bourne Identity part 1 and part 2 with Will and company and that was relaxing for me. It`s nice to come down to Earth a bit. It however makes me feel guilty but then again I need to make the most of the oppurtunities to eat a lot and well and to catch up on sleep. This is a once in a lifetime experience for me and I know that. This evening I ate a mega amount meat. The boys and I had a braai (bbq), a Rhodesian, a Saffie, a Jew and a Canadian were all present and we had a good time.

Day 38 Tuesday 25-03-2014 08째 59.93N, 038째 47.05E / Course: 11째 @ 0 knots 22째C at 2345m above sea level

If I analyse today it was more or less the same as yesterday. I continued sorting out all of my gear and I went to the internet cafe twice. Basically I just kept busy in my own way. I also managed to get my head shaved so that has made me feel better as well. I also shaved my beard and my legs so now I am the real deal, lol! Later in the evening I noticed a Saffie cook, Gary having a drink in the streets of Addis with his Canadian mate. I also met Ambage, a bloke (guy) who used to work for Gary at Ethiopian Airways. He is building a house in Addis but owns and works at a restaurant in Awasa and says when I`m down there I must look him up. He also said that I can stay with him, I think I`ll do that. After a drink with the boys I joined Will and the rest of the crowd for a pizza at a restaurant and we all ate our hearts out. I needed to because I hit the road again tomorrow and much energy is needed. The b;okes (guys) picked up the bill again, very kind of them!

*38 days on the road to date. *23 days spent cycling = 153.52 km per day (3,531 km) *15 days off because of forced delays and rest days .

Day 39 Wednesday 26-03-2014 07째 35.91N, 038째 41.68E / Course: 183째 @ 1.7 knots 25째C at 1589m above sea level

What a day!!! It was hectic trying to get out of Addis Abeba, Phew! Last night, Sephie, the Jewish bloke (guy) drew me a map to get out of town on the safe and scenic roads which I followed initially but then it sort of went wrong because his maps became confusing to me. I asked the locals for their help but that`s when it really went wrong. They helped me but their help was of no value so I made the decision to exit the town on the busy and dangerous roads, but roads that were easy to find and that did the job for me. I finally I got out of Addis but it wasn`t fun. I`m so happy nothing happened to me. The rest of the day went well. I felt good and I was flying and the bike went really well! Today I got 215 km in the legs and at the end of the day I wasn`t quite sure where to stay and saw resorts advertised but was reluctant to choose one and then I saw a board saying Overlanders, Beach, Camping and that got my attention. I cycled the 2 km over sandy paths to get to this wonderful camping site on the shores of beautiful Lake Langano. It`s so so pretty and I`m amazed! At the camping site I met an American family who have lived in Ethiopia for 21 years doing God`s work. They spread the word and also help locals with health care etc. I honestly feel that God or some forces are with me on my trip through Africa and then meeting this family for me is another sign that God is aiding me. What are the chances that I find one of the most beautiful camping sites in the world and people there that are so interested and willing to help me with my mission. They bought me supper this evening and even payed for my camping site, I`m so grateful of course!

Odometer - 3,747 Km . Distance - 215.34 Km . Time - 9.38.52 sec . Average speed - 22.3 Km/h .

Day 40 Thursday 27-03-2014 06째 44.62N, 038째 24.19E / Course: 198째 @ 2.3 knots 20째C at 1595m above sea level

I left paradise (Lake Langano) late this morning. It was so good to be there and I slept so well in my tent. What a place, what a venue! After waking up I slowly got organised inbetween being feed breakfast by the American Missionary family. I had Rice Crispies with a banana in it. I also had coffee with milk and sugar, potatoes and even toast, it was so awesome. They even gave me food for my travels, so very kind of them. Just before I left we took photos of ourselves and one another and we also exchanged e-mail addresses, who knows if we stay in touch?! Cycling to Awasa was okay, not too bad. In Awasa I met with Ambaye (Saffie (South African) Gary`s friend//Ethiopian Airways) and we had a little chat. I got the impression a day or two ago from both Gary and Ambaye that I could stay and eat with him which turned out to be false. Ambaye couldn`t help me because of family commitments. So on I went to Yirga Alem which took much longer than anticipated because of all the climbing I had to do and over very poor road conditions and many shouting kids. I was so so stupid to cycle in the dark. I had lights on the bike but it was very dangerous. I must not do this again, life is too important but eventually I had no choice and I was cycling in the rain. Anyway, I`ve booked into a hotel now and I`m safe and sound. Tomorrow I need to exchange some Dollars asap because I`ve got zero Ethiopian Birrs which is no fun at all. Today I got beaten up, I really hope tomorrow is better.

Odometer - 3,866 Km . Distance - 119.51 Km . Time - 6.22.34 sec . Average speed - 18.7 Km/h .

Day 41 Friday 28-03-2014 05° 55.05N, 038° 14.89E / Course: 110° @ 0 knots 28°C at 2258m above sea level

BLAH What a day, had it rough climbing out of the Rift Valley and that combined with loads of road works which made progress really slow going. In essence, I cycled through a nice piece of the world, hilly, green and lush but at present I`m really off of Ethiopian people especially the youth. The whole day and I mean the wholeeeee day I heard “you”, “you”, “you”, “you”, “where are you go”, “give me money”, “give me pen”?! There were stages while cycling when I shouted at the kids, turned around on the bicycle and chased them. I even swore at them and showed them my middle finger and this from a guy who is cycling through Africa to raise money and awareness for orphans in South Africa. I even had a few issues with some adults but so be it. In the evening all was forgotten when I checked into a very cheap and nasty pension/motel, the worst yet. The shower even had used condoms on the floor but you can`t camp here, it`s too densely populated. Tonight I had some drinks and a good chat with some locals in a bar next to the pension/motel. We all got on well and that`s the way it should be, easy going. Nuff said ...

Odometer - 3,996 Km . Distance - 129.52 Km . Time - 8.57.92 sec . Average speed - 14.4 Km/h .

Day 42 Saturday 29-03-2014 04° 53.06N, 038° 08.41E / Course: 206° @ 0 knots 25°C at 1623m above sea level

This morning I woke up early but I was already semi awake thanks to my neighbours having sex in the room next to me, so be it. One of my first tasks to do this morning was cook for myself. I didn`t have supper last night and I was hungry. As I was cooking breakfast I heard my neighbour panicking because he couldn`t get out of his room, the door was jammed or something so I helped him open it and he was surprised to see me. I don`t blame him. A white guy in the middle of nowhere coming to his aid. He said thank you and I answered “it`s a pleasure”. As he exited the room so did a young girl and I felt hollow inside. It was dark but I saw that she wasn`t a woman . She was definetly a girl and I felt like such a plank. Here I`m helping a pervert get out of his room and say it`s a pleasure when he thanked-me. I felt so stupid but what could I do. I made myself feel better by thinking that I freed her of him. Anyway I cycled from kak (horrible) Gedeb today to Yavello. Once again the first few kilometers involved climbing, poor roads and begging being done by the locals. As the day wore on the enviroment changed. The roads have become much smoother, the climbs are disappearing and there are alot less people this side of the world which is mentally nice. Away from the masses. In Yavello I have met a Frenchie, Luc Cotterelle who has been travelling around Africa by motorbike for over two years (www.le-grandraid.com). He smells really bad but I like him. We have exchanged our African knowledge with one another and he has given me fantastic tips of places to stay in the near future. This evening we had dinner together as well. He quit everything in France to do this trip, he had to, he was on the verge of major burnout because of the rat race. He loves travelling around Africa and says he needs passion in life.

Odometer - 4,130 Km . Distance - 133.92 Km . Time - 8.09.25 sec . Average speed - 16.4 Km/h . * Replaced my current Schwable tyres with new ones today.

Day 43 Sunday 30-03-2014 03° 32.69N, 039° 02.89E / Course: 296° @ 0 knots 30°C at 1138m above sea level

This morning I got up at 4.30 am to do my final preparations on my bike and to pack. I got a lot done and then I went to the Frenchie`s room at 7 am. Luc was showered and feeling good about himself. We went and had breakfast together. At breakfast we talked about life and its pressures and how fast forward it is going and resulting in many people suffering from depression and burnout. We both agreed that life = perform, perfom, perform and that we both stepped out of it to follow our dreams and passions and also in my case, to help others. We were eating breakfast together in the sun in Ethiopia and grateful for it. Back at the hotel we said our goodbyes and took photos of one another before going our own ways. Then slightly later Luc passed me on his motorbike and we held one another`s hands for a few seconds and said cheers as he went to the right and I went to the left. That was a very special moment for me, moral boosting in fact. The rest of the day went fine, initially good roads, nice nature, several climbs but no problems. I even saw four Dutch guys on their motorbikes being followed by a support vehicle going in the opposite direction. I waved to them. Luc actually told me I`d see them. Later in the day I wanted to stop in Mega but it was a real dump so I continued to cycle and my goal was to reach the border post of Moyale before sunset. Wow, I was flying on the bike and started to think I`d make Moyale before sunset but it wasn`t to be. Shayne !!! You`ve done it again, riding in the dark at the end of the day, not wise!!! However I must say that it was beautiful in the bush of Southern Ethiopia under the beautiful stars. There was a reason I started my cycleing later than usual and there was a reason I didn`t stop in Mega, God works in mysterious ways. I think he wanted me to see the beautiful nature I was surrounded by during nightfall. There were some places where I did have to take care of potholes but I eventually arrived in Moyale safe and sound. I ate at a hotel and booked into it as well. It`s rough here, I don`t see a place to camp, luckily! Tonight I got to watch some news and football on television which is nice and tomorrow I hit Kenya or she hits me. Odometer - 4,338 Km . me –11.01.12 sec .

Distance - 208.85 Km . Average speed - 18.9 Km/h .

Ti-

Day 44 Monday 31-03-2014 03° 30.45N, 038° 38.86E / Course: 264° @ 1 knots (crossing into Kenya) 29°C at 704m above sea level

Today I crossed into Kenya, I`m now using my South African passport so no more visas needed and this is how it will be all the way down to South Africa from now on. At the border post I asked an official if Northern Kenya is safe because about three months before my arrival I heard that Inter-clan clashes had claimed about 100 lives and displaced over 30.000 people. Northern Kenya is also known for its Shifta (bandits/outlaws) but the officials said all was calm. At the border post one was also able to hire a 4x4 with armed escorts for example to follow you until you reached safety. That`s not my style and of course I didn`t have the money for it, it costs hundreds of Dollars so I`d rather use that money for charity. Today Kenya beat me up six love (cricket term). I`m quite excited to be in this country but must admit I haven`t seen much of it because I`ve had to keep my eyes on the road. The roads here are horrendous, unforgiving and to add insult to injury it rained which is lekker (nice) because it cools one down but on that note there was mud everywhere which meant slow going for me. I also managed to fall off and into the largest puddle around. The fall wasn`t painfull but meant that my bike and I were covered in more mud than before. There were also times that I couldn`t cycle and had to push my bike. I eventually also had to stop and release the rear wheel to clear all of the mud out of the brakes etc so that the wheel of course could turn instead of getting jammed and forcing me to a halt. I`m now in a cheap and nasty hotel again. I wanted to go sleep at the police station but I see it`s too far off the main road. The young owner of the hotel is good to me and has given me water to wash my bicycle down and myself. So the bike is cool, the brakes, pedals and gears are all clean but the rest is friggin’ dirty. In a day or two when I arrive in Marsabit (I hope) I`ll strip it down and give it a good wash and service. Now to chill and recover in Sololo Junction.

Odometer - 4,421 Km . Distance - 82.64 Km . Time - 6.19.02 sec . Average speed - 13.0 Km/h .

Day 45 Tuesday 01-04-2014 02째 42.35N, 038째 05.24E / Course: 315째 @ 0 knots 32째C at 576m above sea level

This morning I left Sololo quite early. I wanted to get going asap to prevent being caught out by rainas that would have caused me big problems. The roads were rough going again, really tough. Luckily no rain today despite rain clouds looming. I really went over bad sections of road today but at the same time I was pleasantly surprised by some good sections as well. Some of the roads have been tarred, thank goodness! Thus hard going, easy going, hard going and easy going the whole day. I was happy to see eagles, camels , and even troops of monkeys. Now and again I was able to take my eyes off of the road and look at my surroundings and it was beautiful, stunning. Eventually I arrived in a village called Bubisa. I got myself a room here, washed, sorted myself out and then went and hung out with the Kenyans in a local cafe/ restaurant/rest area It was quite nice hanging out with them, just chilling. I drank cold Coca-Cola, ate biscuits and had the best homemade tea. Then back to my room where I first sat outside looking at the beautiful stars (even got to see a shooting star). I also texted JP and Renate via my Yellowbrick GPS.

Odometer - 4,545 Km . Distance - 124.20 Km . Time - 9.12.14 sec . Average speed - 13.4 Km/h .

Day 46 Wednesday 02-04-2014 02째 19.57N, 037째 59.29E / Course: 194째 @ 1.2 knots 30째C at 1357m above sea level

Wind, wind, wind and more wind. Today was meant to be a simple day, short and sweet. A quick cycle from Bubisa which is on the outskirts of Marsabit to Marsabit`s city centre. Before I got cycling I slept in a bit, then I had the best tea up until now, biscuits and a coke at the local cafe/restaurant/rest area that I hung out at last night. I noticed it was windy before I left but it really came at me today. It was a headwind and the worse I`ve experienced since leaving Cairo. So I slowly but surely moved forward meter by meter and not only that but I also had to cycle over bad sections of roads. Climbing was involved as well. I saw a wonderful crater, roughly 12 km outside of Marsabit. Scenary wise that was maybe the highlight of the day. As I arrived in Marsabit, I spoke to the locals and got myself a place to eat and sleep once again at the Comboni priests. I`m very fortunate they are willing to help me out like the priests did in Egypt and the Sudan. Initially I wanted to go and camp at the famous Henry`s camp, but I`ll go and look at it tomorrow. Luc, the Frenchie I met the other day says it`s great, I want to go and see where he stayed.

Odometer - 4,594 Km . Distance - 48.98 Km . Time - 5.04.33 sec . Average speed - 9.6 Km/h .

*The head of the school here, a lady said "You will make it" when I told her I was cycling to Cape Town, she was convinced!

Day 47 Thursday 03-04-2014 02째 19.58N, 037째 59.31E / Course: 89째 @ 0 knots 22째C at 1377m above sea level

Another rest day and nothing too exciting to report on. I got up early this morning and attended Mass with the Father and sisters. I expected some of the public to attend as well but it was just us. The feeling here is much different when compared to my stays at in Aswan, Egypt and Khartoum, Sudan. The priests in Egypt and in the Sudan were more in numbers but also more open as priests/people. Anyway, that`s how it goes sometimes. One more day of rest here tomorrow and and then I`ll be leaving on Saturday in the direction of Nairobi. There are still many hard kilometers before I get there though but I`m looking forward to seeing it. I`ve always wanted to cruise around Nairobi since landing there for an hour or so in 1990 with my family travelling in the direction of Paris, France to attend my sister Belinda`s wedding. I believe one must take care there because traffic is hectic and I also hear that there are some dangerous areas. I`ll ensure that I arrive in Nairobi during the day which will be safer. Today I went and visited Camp Henry where cool Frenchie Luc Cotterelle camped at the other day. It`s okay. I also took photos of the camp but also of remarks written in a visitors by Luc, that was fun.

I also had the privledge of meeting the owners of the camp, Henry and his Kenyan wife, Rosanne. Henry left Basel, Switzerland 35 years ago to come and live here in Marsabit.

Day 48 Friday 04-04-2014 02째 19.58N, 037째 59.30E / Course: 345째 @ 0 knots 27째C at 1362m above sea level

The highlight of my day was walking up a mountain to go and visit a Shrine there. I met two young male students and a few other people inclusive of a Sister, and they were all very kind. I took photos of them and vice versa. We took photos in the church, or Shrine, as well as outside with some amazing views. It was good to stay here for two days but at the same time it`s time to get out of here as I need to get on with it! Later in the day I made my way down the mountain and back to the Comboni priest`s church where I have really enjoyed the staff here, especially Christeen the secretary and Alice the cook/cleaner who waited until 6 pm at the church gates to say goodbye to me. What an awesome and strong woman she is. I really like her. I`m starting to get anxious now about continuing my trip. I`m a little bit scared but that`s always the case when I grant myself a day or two off somewhere, so maybe it`s best to keep it down to one day stops instead of two.

- 48 days on the road now. -17 days off - forced delays but inclusive of rest days. -31 days cycling = 4,594 km = 148.19 km per day on average.

Day 49 Saturday 05-04-2014 01째 24.93N, 037째 43.42E / Course: 196째 @ 2.6 knots 35째C at 610m above sea level

Today I cycled from Marsabit to Merille, 121 km and all of it off road. I wasn`t feeling well either but luckily I left early in the morning and during the beginning stages of the cycle I had the wind behind me and there was a lot of cloud cover which kept it cool. I cycled past a lot of tribal people today and they kept asking me for water and sweets but I wasn`t prepared to stop so I just greeted them and cycled on. This action seemed to upset many of them and then they pulled out their swords/knifes and started to run after me, it was either that, or stones were thrown at me. At one stage stones were thrown at me and then I slowed down and turned around which resulted in the tribal people running away from me. Also , I had a young man run next to me, he was a tough one. I could feel and see his intensity, he insisted I give him water which I didn`t and then if I`m not mistaken I saw his hate for me and he started to run faster as I started to cycle faster. He wanted my blood so what I did was point to his left, this startled him for a second because he looked to his left which bought me a meter or two and left him in my dust. Then to rub salt in the wounds, I waved at him but to my amazement he waved back, plank (silly person)! Eventually I arrived in Merille where I rented a cheap room in a tin shack, no chance I`m camping in this area. Nice Kenyans whom I had a cold drink with organised the room for me. It was okay at the "hotel" where I stayed, quite social actually. I also met other Kenyans there who were educated and one of them had even worked in Namibia as a soldier in 1989/1990 and knew Namibia, Botswana and South Africa well. He toured South Africa but said it wasn`t too pleasant because it was still under apartheid. Anyways, we still got on with one another just fine.

Odometer - 4,715 Km . Distance - 121.00 Km . Time - 9.46.18 sec . Average speed - 12.3 Km/h .

Day 50 Sunday 06-04-2014 00° 21.15N, 037° 34.99E / Course: 187° @ 2.5 knots 33°C at 1103m above sea level

AMBUSH!!! I slept well last night and left Merille in good spirits today because from here on in, tarred roads. Today I wanted to cycle at around 20 km/h but soon realised with the wind and the roads climbing ever so gradually it wasn`t going to be possible. After cycling for 30 kilometers or so I noticed three tribal guys on my right hand side and in the bush. As I approached them they ran out of the bushes with AK-47s, cocking them and pointing them at me. I calmly slowed down, raised my left hand and said “whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa” and started to turn around. I was calm but thought stuff this, I`m going back to Merille (it`s so bizare that I wasn`t prepared to stop). As I was turning around the tribal guys became angry and signalled me to come back and pass them. I of course did so and also noticed they had lowered their weapons. So as I passed them I looked at them and they looked at me and it went well but about 10-15 meters later I heard something behind me and looked back. One of the tribal guys was running after me with his AK-47 pointed at my head. I looked him in the eyes and thought to myself, his two mates aren`t going to shoot me because he`s in the way and he`s not going to shoot me, my gut said no ways so I pedalled on and didn`t look back anymore. The rest of the day was uneventful but I did however manage to talk to a local or two afterwards and they told me these guys killed a Chinese bloke a while back and that they tend to stop the transport trucks or taxis, beat the passengers up and steal their belongings. They sometimes even burn the transport trucks. At the end of the day I booked into the Madiba Hotel and was so depleted that I ate goat`s meat and drank camel`s milk. It`ll be a dark day in hell before three guys in skirts armed with Ak-47s will stop me from reaching Cape Town.

Day 51 Monday 07-04-2014 00째 08.51N, 037째 28.33E / Course: 47째 @ 0 knots 22째C at 2045m above sea level

Today I left the Madiba Hotel with a good breakfast in my stomach and I was determined to at least make it to Nanyaki today and see and experience the equator. To get to Nanyaki meant a lot of climbing which is no problem but then, rain, rain and more rain. Initially it was no problem as I enjoyed it after all the hot days I`ve experienced but unfortunately it became heavier and very cold forcing me to stop at a little portable roadside shop to seek shelter. Whilst there I met some nice people. The owners and a good bloke (guy) a soldier by the name of John, who was hanging out with the owners. The rain also put a spanner in the works with regards to his plans for the day. He gave me many local tips and also told me to go to Camp David which was 200 meters from the portable shop to seek shelter once more. I did just that after he was good enough to exchange some Dollars for me to pay my expenses at Camp David. We have exchanged e-mail addresses or at least he has mine so I`m sure we`ll be in touch, I enjoyed meeting him. *Stay positive Shayne!

Odometer - 4,884 Km . Distance - 28.01 Km . Time - 2.44.24 sec . Average speed - 10.2 Km/h .

Day 52 Tuesday 08-04-2014 00째 08.51N, 037째 28.33E / Course: 47째 @ 0 knots (crossing the Equator) 22째C at 2045m above sea level

Okay, finally I got to leave Mera today after yesterday`s rain storm. This morning I was still cold to the bone when I left Camp David. After about 2 km of cycling I saw a truck coming down the hill and in essence it crashed right in front of me. I don`t know what happened but my first thought was break failure. So the truck came from the left lane onto the one I was in and then luckily for everyone it crashed into a ditch to slow itself down. It was amazing to see the truck just crumble in front of me but it was really amazing to see the driver and passenger more or less be flung out of the windscreen with minimal injuries. I`m so fortunate that I wasn`t maybe 30 seconds faster otherwise I would`ve been under the truck. The rest of the day went well. I saw Mount Kenya with ice on its peaks, cycling through beautiful rolling hills with the sun on my back. I saw massive farms owned by foreigners who farm flowers which was very impressive to see. Later I passed Nanyaki and arrived at the Equator, wow, that was special. I was so happy to be there. I had photos taken of myself there of course and stood in the same place as my deceased friend, Glenn Coleman did several years ago. Glenn had photos taken of himself there when he was in the British Army and based in the area (saw loads of British soldiers and establishments today). Later in the day I stopped at a Milk bar and ate a lovely large tub of strawberry yoghurt, mmmmmmmm! Approaching Nairobi is interesting, it`s hilly , green and the houses are beautiful. I`m now in Sagana which is about 100 km from Nairobi, exciting!!! Tomorrow I want to hit it early and get myself sorted out at Jungle Junction, a famous spot for Overlanders. We`ll see how long I stay as I`m quite keen to see Nairobi.

Odometer - 5,031 Km . Distance - 147.03 Km . Time - 7.18.14 sec . Average speed - 20.1 Km/h .

Day 53 Wednesday 09-04-2014 01째 21.75S, 036째 44.39E / Course: 214째 @ 2.1 knots 24째C at 1832m above sea level

I left Sagana this morning but early into my cycle I stopped at a farm stall and had two strawberry yoghurts. Oh they were so lekker (delicious) I must admit. Today was a slog for me, as I was empty and flat. I have lost a lot of weight and I need to put it back on. Cycling to Nairobi was uneventful, boring but also very dangerous. The motorists here are crazy. Fortunately all went well despite some very close calls. I thought entering Nairobi was going to be super exciting but it wasn`t really. I found it normal but that`s okay. However I must say that the Kenyans in general are very friendly and helpful. When I was looking for Jungle Junction and asked for directions, it was no problem. Kenya has treated me well, I can`t complain. I`m now at Jungle Junction and it`s paradise and so awesome. I feel so at home here and it`s perfect for Overlanders. You can drink, eat, get your washing done, do your own cooking, shower, shave or whatever. It`s also quite nice to still see the British influence here from years ago. I`ve also seen many whites here, British Kenyans or Vanilla Gorillas. I met a couple today and the lady had previously lived in Randburg, South Africa many years ago, what a small world.

Odometer - 5,159 Km . Distance - 128.07 Km . Time - 7.55.32 sec . Average speed - 16.9 Km/h .

Day 54 Thursday 10-04-2014 01° 21.75S, 036° 44.39E 24°C at 1832m above sea level

Today I had a great day at Jungle Junction and in Karen which is on the outskirts of Nairobi. This morning I basically unpacked and repacked my equipment. It`s good know where everything is, as it tends to settle me. I ate breakfast here at the Junction, it was okay. Later in the day I cycled to a mall and treated myself to a chocolate milkshake, chocolate muffin, chocolate cake and a large cafe latte, mmmmm. I just chilled at the mall which was called ‘Crossroads’ and downed everything whilst watching life pass by. Karen reminds me a bit of South Africa actually. Blacks and Whites living amoungst one another in the suburbs surrounded by shopping malls etc. I enjoy seeing the White Kenyans because it makes me feel at home but also because it reminds me that I`m nearing home in the form of South Africa. I can`t wait to get there, but first it`s all about the journey and not the destination. There is a cool French lady here at Jungle Junction, her name is Mallender and she is also travelling through Africa but by motorbike. Her boyfriend was with her in the beginning but now she is going on further alone. Respect to her. At present her bike is bust (the radiator) but she goes for it by stripping it, taking it in to get repaired and then putting all the parts back together again with her own two hands, and I thought I was tough.

Day 55 Friday 11-04-2014 01째 21.75S, 036째 44.39E 24째C at 1832m above sea level

It rained last night but my tent did the job. I stayed warm and dry which is of course good news. Today was more or less the same as yesterday, just keeping busy with packing, getting my laundry washed and working on my bike. Today I bought a spoke spanner as I`ve lost mine. I ordered the spoke spanner from a roadside bike shop here in Karen yesterday. The owner is very cool, his name is Stephen and it turns out that he has worked as a mechanic three times with/for the Tour de Afrique organisation which is run annually from Cairo to Cape Town. Stephen offered me a lot of advice with regards to the rest of the trip through Africa. He says from here on in it gets easier and that I have survived the worst section being Northern Kenya. He says Northern Kenya is very hostile but I knew that. I hope he is right because now I`m starting to enjoy the trip a lot. I gave him a gift today, a bandana and he was chuffed (happy) with it. We took photos of one another, I love meeting all of these people, good people indeed.

Day 56 Saturday 12-04-2014 02째 32.49S, 036째 47.34E / Course: 177째 @ 1 knots (crossing into Tanzania) 28째C at 1277m above sea level

Today I left Jungle Junction in Karen, Nairobi and my new found friends after eating breakfast with a few of them. It`s really not nice to leave such places or people after making oneself comfortable there for a day or two. Anyway my cycle went okay today. Initially I had to get out of town and then I had to contend with an undulating course, potholes and wind. Finally I hit a stretch of road that was good and the speed picked up. That felt better despite still contending with the wind. I knew Mount Kilimanjaro was in the area but I didn`t see her and then all of a sudden she appeared. Wow it was so amazing to see her, I was quite surprised, she was massive. There were stages during my cycle when I couldn`t take my eyes off of her. She really made me happy and warmed my heart for several hours. I`m so blessed to have this oppurtunity to ride through Africa and it`s definetly a once in a lifetime oppertunity so I must make it count. Now I am in Namanga River Hotel, Brenden or Brandon, an Amercian I met at Jungle Junction told me to stay here. Dinner was great and I really needed it. It`s a bit expensive here but I arrived late and didn`t really have time to look around at other places. Tomorrows breakfast is included, so I hope it`s good.

Odometer - 5,330 Km . Distance - 170.52 Km . Time - 8.20.49 sec . Average speed - 20.4 Km/h .

Day 57 Sunday 13-04-2014 03째 21.27S, 036째 39.02E / Course: 189째 @ 3.9 knots (crossing into Tanzania) 25째C at 1433m above sea level

I had a nice breakfast today at the Namaga River Lodge, it went down well. I had breakfast together with a British lady from London and her son of two years. Eli joined me for a few minutes, that was pleasant. She now lives in Kenya and is married to a Kenyan, Kruger, and he too seems like a good bloke (guy). This morning I crossed into Tanzania quite easily, I had no real problems. The first part of my ride into Tanzania went okay, it was windy and slightly undulating but I managed to pace myself well. That changed later as the wind became a hinderance and then came the climbs. I could only do what I could do, slowly slowly catch the monkey. At one of my stops today I interacted with the famous Masai tribe but they refused to let me take photos of them, fair enough . Later in the day I met a man by the name of John. He cycled alongside me and was interested in my ride through Africa. He asked me to stop and take his phone number because he wants me to call him when I arrive in South Africa. He is a local tour guide (everyone in Africa seem to be local tour guides ) and loves what I am doing. He even invited me to come see his house but I couldn`t because of time constraints, pity. Now I`m at Sakina campsite, camping in their garden which is fine, as it`s nice and cheap. Robert the owner also directed me to a hotel around the corner where I had a fantastic and well needed dinner.

Odometer - 5,435 Km . Distance - 105.06 Km . Time - 5.47.52 sec . Average speed - 18.1 Km/h .

Day 58 Monday 14-04-2014 03째 41.76S, 035째 56.34E / Course: 244째 @ 2.1 knots 30째C at 1002m above sea level

Today I departed Arusha . I was lucky though because it rained all night and even this morning. I actually thought I would have to stay another day. Cycling went fine this morning, quite steady, no big climbs and the wind was from behind and to the side. After a few kilometers I had to stop and eat and eat I did. I ate meat, rice and vegetables, which was very nutritional. Last night I ate out and now again but I think and I know that I`m tipping very poorly despite the good food and service. I need to work out this Tanzanian currency, as they use big amounts and it feels as if one is paying too much. After lunch I hit the road and a few minutes later four blokes (guys) came past me on their motorbikes with Cape Town, South Africa number plates. I waved like a mad thing to get their attention which I did and eventually we all stopped and got talking. It was so nice meeting up with Saffies (South Africans). They were travelling from Cape Town to Cairo and like me are half way through their trip. It must be so much fun travelling together. When they are in Nairobi they will be stopping at Jungle Junction. I`m so jealous but will look them up when I am back in South Africa.

Odometer - 5,548 Km . Distance - 112.73 Km . Time - 5.52.55 sec . Average speed - 19.1 Km/h .

Day 59 Tuesday 15-04-2014 04° 44.13S, 035° 50.13E / Course: 149° @ 0.5 knots 24°C at 1506m above sea level

What a day. I pushed the envelope for sure. The first 80 km went well today, it actually went quite quick. Tanzania is becoming interesting now, as it’s hilly but very green. In fact it is actually tropical. Anyway, the first part of my cycle went smoothly as previously mentioned but the last 63.51 km were all off road and really tough roads. The road went up and down and it was in poor condition but at least it was in the beautiful jungle. I was on the verge of almost stopping at the end of the day to camp but kept asking locals where the town of Kolo was and they all told me 3 km, 5 km, 35 km, 15 km, then 13 km up the road and then 7 km up the road. All this incorrect information kept me going because apparently Kolo was just around the corner. The locals started to make me wild with anger with their lack of intelligence with regards to distance and out of stubborness, I thought to hell with it. I will reach Kolo whether it was nightfall or not just to show them!!! I`ve lost a lot of respect for the locals in this part of the country. How can you live in a place and not know more or less how far away the next town is. It need not be 100% accurate and a few kilometers off is okay. But not more than 10 km’s though. Received a message from JP today, that I need to arrive in Cape Town on the 28th of May. JP says I need to ride 130 km a day, mmm, I think it is more but he is the Google maps expert so best I start getting serious and get on with it. I`ll make it! Apparently the Desmond Tutu HIV Youth Centre is planning a big arrival for me.

Odometer - 5,691 Km . Distance - 143.51 Km . Time - 9.05.36 sec . Average speed - 15.7 Km/h .

Day 60 Wednesday 16-04-2014 04째 44.11S, 035째 50.16E / Course: 91째 @ 0 knots 24째C at 1516m above sea level

Today I left Kolo (yes I made it yesterday) and straight away it was tough going. Heavy offroad conditions, climbs and very stoney descents, blah! I experienced these conditions all the way to Kondoa Irangi where I stopped to regroup. I met a nice guy there called Amanichami and he sold me some very nice bread from his little bakery and then took me to a small restaurant where I could have a snack or two and he advised me on the road ahead. He told me to be careful if I slept in the bush as there were lions and cheetahs present. Leaving Kondoa was still tough going, very very bad roads and they were exhausting but later they improved. Still offroad but better. I stopped again later to have chips and eggs in a village - lekker (delicious)! The meal gave me the force for the rest of the day`s cycle. I also bought Coca Cola and fruit for the tough road ahead. Pushed the envelope again today - very stupid. Cycled through the beautiful lush jungle at night instead of camping and then I cycled at night riding in the direction of Dodoma, stupid and dangerous but I came out of it at an okay place to stay. It was nice cycling under the moon and stars though.

Odometer - 5,861 Km . Distance - 169.44 Km . Time - 11.55.12 sec . Average speed - 14.12 Km/h .

Day 61 Thursday 17-04-2014 06° 52.33S, 036° 02.35E / Course: 161° @ 4.9 knots 26°C at 740m above sea level

I left the outskirts of Dodoma fairly late this morning because yesterday night I got in late. Before I left I checked out the town I was staying in and bought some stock for the road ahead and I also had a haircut and shave ‘Tanzanian style’. It was not super professional but better than nothing. This morning I hung out with two blokes (guys) at the place I was staying at. They were cool, chilled, friendly and one of them worked or works with Somalian refugees. He is of Kenyan descent and his name is Paul. I said cheers to them later in the morning and we all went our own ways of course. My cycle to Chipogolo went quite well today. The roads were good and the offroad sections were not as bad as the past two days. Thank goodness for that!!! I fell off the bike today but it was not hard and it was my own fault. I remounted immediately and got on with it. I must say, I was really happy to reach Chipogolo where I found okay accommodation and got to eat well. A local guy helped me out. A young guy but I didn`t tip him. I never tip not that he was expecting it though. I did however, buy him and myself a nice meal of rice and beans and then we had a tomato each afterwards. He was grateful to me and I was grateful to him for his help.

Odometer - 5,981 Km . Distance - 120.34 Km . Time - 6.33.31 sec . Average speed - 18.3 Km/h .

Day 62 Friday 18-04-2014 07째 44.66S, 035째 42.99E / Course: 200째 @ 2.3 knots 29째C at 1569m above sea level

I left Chipogolo early this morning because I had to make it to Iringa. Why Iringa? Well according to my map there are no guest houses to stay at between Chipogolo and Iringa. My cycle went very well today on tarred roads for I think I cycle around 90 km. I was home free, no more dirt roads but then just before the 100 km mark I hit an offroad section, phew... Not only did I have to contend with being offroad but I also had to climb again and in the wind (I think I`ve had the wind against me everyday whilst being in Tanzania). The highlight of my day was meeting four Saffies (South Africans) in a 4x4 who were doing South Africa to Nairobi and back again. They were heading home and came alongside me on a nasty rocky climb, it was nice to talk to them, my own people, so cool. They even offered me a bit of assistance iin all forms but I was good. It was however very generous of them. They took photos of me and said that they would post them on the SOSA website. I hope so! It`s a pity I was pressed for time otherwise we all could`ve stopped to chat and take group photos, anyway, ce la vie. I was eventually surprised to arrive in Iringa after 150 km and not 170 km according to the sign boards. That worked out well for me. I`ll take it. Almost immediately I was able to book into a lodge called the Ereto Lodge which is inexpensive and surprisingly good, wow! It is a nice place to freshenn up, just what the doctor ordered. *Today I cycled through a swarm of bees with my cycling top wide open and thought to myself, I`m done, this is the end but nothing happened, not one sting or anything which is a miracle!

Odometer - 6,132 Km . Distance - 150.99 Km . Time - 9.19.49 sec . Average speed - 16.1 Km/h .

Day 63 Saturday 19-04-2014 08째 30.53S, 035째 03.43E / Course: 220째 @ 2.6 knots 21째C at 1874m above sea level

This morning I left Iringa at around 9.am. Because I was offered breakfast, one must always accept, basic or not, food is food. Cycling today was no fun as it basically rained the wholeeeeeeeeeeee day. I tried to escape it as I have done so far whilst in Tanzania. So far I have always been lucky with regards to the rain that is up until now though. At one stage I was so cold I went into a cafe and had to eat warm fried chips, rice and beans and I also had a Coca Cola. That warmed me up combined with a change of clothing. Afterwards I could get going again. I did a few good kilometers after the pit stop but was unable to reach my target town of Makambako. I fell 50km short of it. I`ve stopped in a very rough town now but like yesterday I have found a nice guest house to stay in and recover. I have electricity, hot water and it`s clean and inexpensive, perfect! After sorting myself out I went into town and purchased groceries and with the help of the locals. I organised a nice hot meal (rice and beans again) and a warm cup of coffee, mmmmm. Right place at the right time with regards to the locals, so I`m very fortunate.

Odometer - 6,254 Km . Distance - 122.21 Km . Time - 6.50.03 sec . Average speed - 24.1 Km/h .

Day 64 Sunday 20-04-2014 08째 51.46S, 034째 00.92E / Course: 251째 @ 2.8 knots 30째C at 1182m above sea level

Today I battled to leave the guest house I was staying in because the rain clouds were looming again and I so badly didn`t want to cycle in the rain again. I left later than I usually do to ensure I`d stay dry, ja (yes) right! Got hit by the rain again today but it was okay, bearable and not as bad as yesterday. Still obviously wet and cold but Malawi is waiting for me. I have to get to her as soon as possible. At one stage during the cycle I managed to cycle out of the rain and into the sun and blue skies. That was freaky and great, lovely and once again, just what the doctor ordered. I had a long stretch of road where I cycled with no rain and had a side/tailwind. I got the kilometers in for sure despite the roads being undulating and full of potholes. Towards the end of the day I got hit by rain again, forcing me to stop and seek shelter. At that stage I regretted not stopping in the previous village at a dodgey guest house but I was greedy for kilometers which forced me to push on. Fortunately my greed payed off and I know find myself at a perfect guest house in Chimala, cheap but definetly not nasty. A nice guy studying to be a lawyer by the name of Anthony, took me down the road so that I could eat a meal which I did. I treated him to one as well and a nice Pepsi. He is studying in Dar Es Salaam. I hope he qualifies as he`s a good bloke (guy) and smart and already has a business or two at present. Tanzania is quiet beautiful now and again, but I`m battling to see it through the rain and with my eyes on the road because of all the potholes and dangerous trucks.

Odometer - 6,402 Km . Distance - 148.05 Km . Time - 6.43.17 sec . Average speed - 22.0 Km/h .

Day 65 Monday 21-04-2014 09° 15.46S, 033° 38.62E / Course: 222° @ 2.8 knots 25°C at 1515m above sea level

I have to be honest, Tanzania has been okay but an anticlimax after Kenya. In Kenya, I experienced Mount Kenya, the Equator, Jungle Junction in Karen, Nairobi and sights of Mount Kilimanjaro. I also enjoyed the nice, calm and intelligent Kenyans who were very polite and spoke good English. , I have met some beautiful people in Tanzania but the Tanzanians remind me of the Ethiopians, whistling at me, shouting at me and asking me for money. I think I was spoilt with the Kenyan’s except the three tribal guys who held me up in northern Kenya with their AK-47s...The weather conditions here are also tough as it`s cold and always raining. I`ve had three days of it and just want to get into Malawi now. I hope it`s warm and dry there and I also hope that the community are warm and friendly just like the Kenyans, I also hope that they are smart. If all goes well I enter Malawi tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Odometer - 6,526 Km . Distance - 123.32 Km . Time - 7.07.33 sec . Average speed - 17.3 Km/h .

Day 66 Tuesday 22-04-2014 10° 12.77S, 034° 05.72E / Course: 155° @ 2.5 knots (crossing into Malawi) 29°C at 472m above sea level

I left Tukuyn this morning after a big rainstorm last night and one again this morning. I was starting to think that I wasn`t going to get onto the bike because of all of it. Fortunately I dressed up like an Eskimo and went for it! Basically it was awesome cycling. Descending all the way to the border of Malawi. I was flying and got the kilometers in quite quickly. Just before crossing the border I could see Lake Malawi from the mountains that I was cycling in, very pretty indeed. Then my day was ruined a little bit just before the border where I exchanged Tanzanian Shillings into Malawian Kwachas on the black market. I got done in by three blokes (guys) I was dealing with for about €28. At first I was angry with them but I was at fault because of my poor mathamatical skills!!! Later in the day and now in MALAWI I pulled myself together and started cycling well and arrived at some Dutchies. I saw that their lodge, ‘Floja Foundation’ was advertised on the side of the road. It had a painting of a Dutch flag on it (which was just done by Jan earlier in the day) and I said to myself I must go stay there. Jan and his wife, Floor have a place right on the lake where I camped. It`s so beautiful. Jan and Floor run a school here, more of a Day Care Centre for children, able and disabled. They even have a Dutch girl her from Brabant, Holland, volunteering her services, all very nice people. I ate dinner with them and also had a good breakfast here. P.S. - They also work with Orphans . *Received a phone call from JP on Floor`s mobile phone this evening and it was really great to speak to him again. It helps you know talking to those who stand behind you , it gives one a moral boost for the last bit of my trip.

Odometer - 6,657 Km . Distance - 131.00 Km . Time - not recorded . Average speed - not recorded .

Day 67 Wednesday 23-04-2014 11째 01.39S, 033째 51.96E / Course: 195째 @ 2.2 knots 29째C at 478m above sea level

I left the Dutchies fairly late this morning. I was up early but all the preparation one has to do before leaving takes up so much time (camping involves deflating one`s matress and then packing it along with a sleeping bag and of course the tent as well). I also had to pack clothing that I hung up to dry. Nearly all of my cycling gear was wet due to the Tanzanian rains. Finally I got going at 11 am and I was flying. I was easily averaging around 20km/h and what a beautiful cycle I had along Lake Malawi. it was stunning, amazing, awesome wow wow wow!!! Lake Malawi is amazing, massive and so blue. I`m truely blessed to see her. During my cycle I stopped and drank Super Meleu, a Malawian Milk and Cream drink, lekker lekker (delicious)! I enjoyed it and I think it`ll help me put on weight or at least keep my weight stable. During my cycle today I had to go up a mega climb and it took forever but it was good. I managed it well, I don`t mind climbing. Today I saw a lot of Saffies (South Africans) overlanders, as it seems as if Malawi is a popular destination for the Saffies. Seeing them all is starting to make me realise that I`m getting closer to home. I cannot wait to see my family and friends again but there is still a long way to go and anything can happen. I really hope I can complete my mission and help the little ones I represent. Today I cycled in the dark again, frigging stupid and I have to stop doing this. *A young guy called Gift rode alongside me today on his bicycle and said God will help you on your journey.

Odometer - 6,793 Km . Distance - 135.58 Km . Time - 7.19.43 sec . Average speed - 18.5 Km/h .

Day 68 Thursday 24-04-2014 11째 53.66S, 034째 10.04E / Course: 161째 @ 2.2 knots 23째C at 478m above sea level

After leaving Rumphi this morning progress was good. I got in a lot of kilometers quite quickly but then had to contend with wind and hills. I felt empty as well, low on energy and I forced myself to stop for about 30 minutes to eat, drink and be merry. I felt much better afterwards and had a lot of energy to reach Mzuza where I saw a Shoprite (South African supermarket) and decided I was going to buy chocolate there. I asked a Swiss overlander couple, Margreth and Werner to please take care of my bicycle as I wanted to go into the store. On that note they invited me into their truck, gave me Swiss chocolates and fed me lunch. They were very social and generous, kind, basically everything good. We had a nice time sharing our stories and eating together. Unfortunately we eventually had to part ways but they did tell me to go to Sunga Moya Campsite which is where they stayed the day before, so I did just that. They said it was a great spot. I had tears in my eyes when I left them because they were so good to me. I`ll look them up for sure when I get back to Europe! Margreth even spoke of our guardian angels looking after us. That was nice to hear. Eventually I got to Sunga Moya after a wrong turn in Nkata Bay. A local helped me find the place by calling the owner with his mobile. Thanks for the help Brando!

Odometer - 6,960 Km . Distance - 167.48 Km . Time - 8.27.27 sec . Average speed - 19.8 Km/h .

Day 69 Friday 25-04-2014 12° 21.44S, 034° 03.96E / Course: 192° @ 1.4 knots 28°C at 478m above sea level

I left the Sunga Moya campsite today. I was up at 5.15 am to start with packing-up, eating and the rest of preparations, gosh, this camping story takes up mega time. I think I only hit the road at 10.45 am, which was way too late! Cycling did not go well this morning. I was completely empty but hoped to kick in during the afternoon but it wasn`t happening. So plan B, C and D had to come into play and those plans were to stop , eat, ride on and repeat. The first stop was for bananas, the second stop was for energy drinks, bread, bananas and chocolate biscuits. Finally the third and final stop was for a plate of fish and chips. I ate them as if it was my last meal on earth. I needed the energy. After the fish and chips I decided to go for it but the body wasn`t responding so I pulled into the Ngala Beach Lodge and wow, it`s stunning here. It`s God`s own back garden. A stunning white beach where one can camp for around €8 per day. It`s so beautiful here that I`m going to stay on another day despite positive pressure to reach Cape Town by the 28th of May, s#it. I hope I can make it as it`s going to be tight. What is also so nice about being here at Ngala is that one can see Mozambique on the other side of Lake Malawi, very interesting.

Odometer - 7,032 Km . Distance - 72.21 Km . Time - 3.54.45 sec . Average speed - 18.4 Km/h .

Day 70 Saturday 26-04-2014 12째 21.44S, 034째 03.96E / Course: 251째 @ 0 knots 23째C at 493m above sea level

I had a chill out day at Ngala Beach Lodge and Lake Malawi. It was nice to sleep in a bit today and knowing I did not have to cycle. I used the day wisely though. I prepared my bike for our last few kilometers together. I washed my clothes and sort of repacked all of my gear again so as to know where everything is. That also gives me peace of mind. I have really enjoyed the company of Rolf, a German overlander on pension. We hit it off well since last night when I arrived. He cooked supper for me and even breakfast this morning. My job is to do the dishes which he hates doing. I don`t mind at all though, no problem. It`s also nice to have good conversation again. He has passed on quite a bit of travel tips to me as well. He has travelled quite extensively through Africa, thus the right man to listen to. He can also listen to the Bundesliga on his phone here whilst at the lake. It was great to hear how it`s going with the German football league as it all makes one feel closer to home and civilisation. To sum it all up - lekker (good) to chill here with my new mate! P.S. - A Saffie (South African), Scot and a German just pitched up as well , nice people. > www.walkingforlions.org

Day 71 Sunday 27-04-2014 13° 42.57S, 034° 37.32E / Course: 158° @ 3.7 knots 26°C at 510m above sea level

I left paradise this morning and my new found friends in the form of the German pensioner and overlander, Rolf and these guys -> www.walkingforlions.org The day went very well indeed, I cycled really well. The wind was in essence behind me the whole day and I think that`s a first time since I entered Tanzania! I think I deserve it though, lol! The roads I travelled today were also not as undulating as in previous days. They were much flatter so it was a good oppurtunity to get the miles in which I did! I raced against a few locals today as they tend to overtake you and act like big deals and ride away from you. Usually I let it be, but today I gunned it and put a few of them away good and proper. I might add, they see it as fun but it irritates me. One cycles the whole day and then they take you on with a fresh pair of legs, ba$tard$. Towards the end of the day I let them have their own way. I still need to cycle for a good month so I need to keep my powder dry. Now I`m camping at the Safari Beach Lodge. I`m camping in their garden for arund €4. If I want to stay in their single person`s room it`ll cost me $125, no way!!! The lodge is situated by Senga Bay, I wanted one last chance to see beautiful Lake Malawi. I love her so much that I cycled an extra 30 km’s to get here. You never know but this might be the first and last time I see her. Drinking a Kuche Kuche beer now, mmm, lekker (good). *According to Rolf`s calculations, I need to ride 147 km per day to arrive in Cape Town on the 28th of May and not 130 km...

Odometer - 7,242 Km . Distance - 209.41 Km . Time - 9.43.56 sec . Average speed - 21.5 Km/h .

Day 72 Monday 28-04-2014 14° 00.12S, 033° 40.36E / Course: 252° @ 2.7 knots 23°C at 1128m above sea level

Today I cycled from Senga Bay to just beyond Lilongwe and it was all just work. It is official, I`m definetly not going to see Lake Malawi anymore, that gift is over. I had quite a heavy day today as there were many climbs to contend with inland. I expected that though but there were some toughies included. Fortunately it seems as if the wind is going to be behind me from here on in. A massive and I mean a massive irritation today was when the kids and youth ask/say ‘give me money or give me my money’, that really gets under my skin. At one point a school kid chased me down on his bicycle and rode alongside me and said give me my money resulting in me grabbing him, shouting at him and then I pushed him and his bicycle into a ditch causing him to crash, did he learn his lesson? I don`t think so! What a terrible lot, absolutely no pride, they all think it`s a game this begging story. Anyways now I`m at the Barefoot Safari Camp, nice staff, Charity, a lady who runs the show put me in a covered tent here and just as well because of all of the rain. It`s nice to not use my tent today, only the inflatable mattress and my sleeping bag needed unpacking. Met German overlanders here, Julia and Paul. They own a massive truck that they have built up, amazing, it`s perfect, in true German style. Paul comes across as highly intelligent and skilled, they even served me a cup of Rooibos tea, nice. We all had a chat last night and they know Africa well and have given me loads of tips, I`ll use them for sure .

Odometer - 7,375 Km . Distance - 133.57 Km . Time - 7.26.26 sec . Average speed - 17.9 Km/h .

Day 73 Tuesday 29-04-2014 13째 34.94S, 032째 36.59E / Course: 292째 @ 2.7 knots (crossing into Zambia) 25째C at 1046m above sea level I left the Barefoot Safari Camp today and immediately it went well. I had flat roads and mainly a tailwind and sometimes a bit of a sidewind. On the way to the Zambian border I made sure I ate quite a bit and I also bought a lot of food because I didn`t know what to expect in Zambia with regards to groceries etc. At one of my stops at a garage station some South African overlanders approached me and we obviously said hi to one another, they were from Pretoria and Cresta, Johannesburg, they were speaking Afrikaans. The rest of the day was good as well. Always stopping to eat and to buy food. Then the border crossing itself went well, quite easily in fact. It was exciting, exiting Malawi and entering Zambia. On the border I met a nice American missionary family who work and live in Chipata, Zambia and gave me tips with regards to Chipata and a little beyond. I liked them as they were very pleasant. As I got to the border I found Chipata to be a very exciting and happening place. Immediately I saw that one could organise food etc. I even managed to officialy exchange my Malawian currency into Zambian currency, I`m so glad I didn`t exchange my money on the black market. Afterwards I also withdrew money and then treated myself to a Debonaires Pizza and Steers chocolate milkshake, mmmmm, great. The staff of both businesses were so impressed with my trip that they even took photographs of me and us. I`m now staying at Mama Rula, it`s cool here, mellow. I also bought supper for myself.

Odometer - 7,516 Km . Distance - 140.48 Km . Time - 6.41.57 sec . Average speed - 20.9 Km/h .

Day 74 Wednesday 30-04-2014 14째 17.67S, 031째 20.34E / Course: 239째 @ 5.6 knots 24째C at 993m above sea level

I gunned it today from Chipata to Petauke. Cycling went really well. I had the wind behind me for more or less the whole day . The roads were also okay and it wasn`t too hilly but not flat either . I did however manage to turn the big gears . So far the Zambians have been fine and good to me but I won`t talk too soon. I need to keep my feet on the ground, stay sharp and aware . Today I never really had the time to look around and to take photos, but Zambia does seem to be beautiful. I hope I have time tomorrow to do tourists things . Other impressions of today were leaving Mama Rula. It was kiff there, quite hip, I enjoyed the other guests and staff. I even got to watch international football and a Jean Claude Van Damme movie which was actually okay. He has aged though but he is still around. More impressions were the Zambians showing interest in me and taking photos of me and us . I`m under pressure though, I need to reach Cape Town in 28 days starting from tomorrow . I don`t know if it`s possible. I`ll need to do about 155 km a day which is in essence, a superhuman performance.

Odometer - 7,691 Km . Distance - 175.29 Km . Time - 8.01.32 sec . Average speed - 21.8 Km/h .

Day 75 Thursday 01-05-2014 14째 17.67S, 031째 20.34E / Course: 239째 @ 5.6 knots 24째C at 993m above sea level

Today went well again with regards to many things but mainly with regards to getting the kilometers in, 172.68 of them to be exact. I`d say that the first half of my cycle ride went rapid today over a flat to slightly undulating course and that the second half of my ride was tougher. The roads were over hilly terrain but what went up also went down, so I could always maintain a relatively high speed and finally reach Bridge Camp at River Luangwa. Will, the owner is a Dutch South African. He is a former cook and has worked all over the world. A lot of his background is in South Africa though. His folks still live in Pretoria. He owns an awesome place here at the river but after ten years wants to sell up and buy a place on the Garden Route in South Africa, cruise there and then organise motorbiking trips from Cape Town to London and vice versa. Good luck to him. Earlier in the day a beautiful Zambian family stopped me on the side of the road and we got chatting and exchanged our details and took photos of one another. They respect what I`m doing and I of course respect them for being who they are and secondly because they more or less also support an orphanage here where they have grown up. Other Zambians have also stopped me to give me water and Coca Cola and the blokes (guys) from Debonaires in Chipata also happened to drive past me and then stopped me and told me to drop in for a pizza in Lusaka because they also have a store there. These Zambians sure are nice people.

Odometer - 7,864 Km . Distance - 172.68 Km . Time - 8.45.56 sec . Average speed - 19.7 Km/h .

Day 76 Friday 02-05-2014 15° 16.00S, 028° 59.67E / Course: 257° @ 3.2 knots 19°C at 996m above sea level

Today was just one hard slog from the beautiful Bridge Camp by the Luangwa River to where I am now. Camping at a Police Station around 70 km away from Lusaka. It was really tough today. Climbing, climbing and more climbing but the scenary was amazing though and it was also nice and hot. Today was just work and surviving. However the story of the day was the following: I was really pushing myself to get the kilometers in that I was prepared to cycle in the darkness of the evening which is what I did. I felt safe with my bike lights burning and with my yellow reflective jacket on. The locals were telling me that the next big town with nice places to stay inclusive of electricity was just up the road and like a fool I once again believed the "accurate" information and kept cycling on. At one stage I was cycling and then passed and greeted a young lady who also happened to be cycling to her village. She asked me where I was heading to and I told her that I was going to the next town just up the road and she told me to stop. I didn`t but I did slow down to chat to her. She did not want me to go on with my night cycling, She persisted because she said the next town was in fact way up the road and that it would be dangerous for me to continue on. I eventually listened to her and then she took me to safety at the local police station. She said I could sleep here in my tent after introducing me to the police officers. Nayame is a beautiful 24 year old and I had a good connection with her. What a beautiful energy. I have actually fallen in love with her, I think! She also has a click with me because she is now sending me sms’s. After getting set-up or at least introduced at the police station, she wished me well and went home to her grandfather just over the street. This evening a nice young boy helped me set up my tent.

Odometer - 8,013 Km . Distance - 149.17 Km . Time - 8.23.52 sec . Average speed - 17.7 Km/h .

Day 77 Saturday 03-05-2014 15째 46.54S, 028째 10.92E / Course: 236째 @ 2.2 knots 27째C at 998m above sea level

Today I left my camping site at the police station in whatever town I was in and that was a shame. Nayame came and said goodbye to me, what a nice person. She told me her parents died when she was eight years old and her grandmother has just passed away, I think at the beginning of the year and now she lives with her grandfather. They`re farmers. There is definetly a bond between us, maybe we`ll become good friends in the future. Today I got sponsored a meal and drinks at Debonaires and at Nandos in Mandahill in Lusaka. The guys in the form of Sean, Salman, Ross and Musama looked after me very well, including their staff. Zambians are lovely people and I love Zambia. It`s beautiful from the wildlife to the suburbs and malls as well. Now I`m at an okay spot called Choco`s B Lodge in Kafue but I really want to get down to Livingstone and Victoria Falls and then into Botswana etc and eventually Cape Town. I can`t wait to see my family and friends again. The skies here in Zambia remind me of home and are so blue.

Odometer - 8,146 Km . Distance - 132.68 Km . Time - 6.35.47 sec . Average speed - 20.1 Km/h .

Day 78 Sunday 04-05-2014 16째 15.76S, 027째 28.46E / Course: 234째 @ 2.3 knots 24째C at 1128m above sea level

Today I`d like to write about interesting things but I had an uneventful day. No great shakes but not that that is a negative thing. It was just work today, cycling and more cycling, even the scenary became less exciting. The beginning parts of the ride were okay but eventually the last half of the cycle became dull, flat and boring. However, I`m still grateful to be here and alive and well. Today I also stopped at Debonairs in Mazabuka where I nearly killed two kids who kept staring at me whilst I was eating my pizza. I left the shop, shouted at them and chased them away. I think I`m a bit tired of pushing myself all of the time and through that, I become easily irritated, shame for the poor kids but they did go a little too far. Their parents must teach them and provide for them, not me. My other two stops were pleasant though, especially my last one. Met such nice guys, I really like the Zambians very much, I`m very impressed with their kind natures. Talking about kind natures, Sitima Almond whom I met a few days ago before entering Lusaka, has really helped me via the mobile phone, tipping me with places to stay and local terrain. He really knows what is what even down to how many kilometers it is from town to town, wow! Maybe he is messing around with me and looking at maps whilst he is on the phone with me to come across as a Guru, lol. Bottom line though, I can feel he is an amazing dude, maybe another good friend in the making.

Odometer - 8,287 Km . Distance - 141.67 Km . Time - 6.55.26 sec . Average speed - 20.4 Km/h .

Day 79 Monday 05-05-2014 17째 01.80S, 026째 29.20E / Course: 230째 @ 3.1 knots 23째C at 1252m above sea level

I had a good cycle today, 163.61 km. It went well. I started earlier than usual this morning and it made a world of difference. So start earlier and finish earlier as that`s better for me. Initially I had a sidewind and headwind and fortunately it became a tailwind later in the day. During the day I had a few choice words with some locals young and old and even showed my middle finger to a group of men. That was really not wise Shayne, very stupid but I`ll work on it. I think my attitude may have to do with fatigue and when I`m tired I fight and don`t take flight. My tour is approaching its end and I`m obviously getting tired now but shame. I can be very unkind to some people and trust me I do feel badly about it today. I was also nasty to a youngster who just wanted to cycle with me, he definetly didn`t deserve my words. Anyways life goes on and I need to get to Cape Town asap. Easier said than done though, I now need to cycle a little more than 3000 km in 23 days, pppffff, I need a miracle to be quite honest.

Odometer - 8,451 Km . Distance - 163.61 Km . Time - 7.34.33 sec . Average speed - 21.5 Km/h .

Day 80 Tuesday 06-05-2014 17째 50.53S, 025째 51.72E / Course: 216째 @ 2.4 knots 26째C at 933m above sea level

Today I motored from Kolomo to Livingstone on the bike. The course was hilly and at least undulating but I always had a sidewind and tailwind (the Mozambique Current if I`m not mistaken). It was great to finally get the gears going. I was sooooooooo excited to get to Livingstone and all I wanted to do was go and see the Victoria Falls. Sitima whom I befriended several days ago was behind me in his car so to speak. He was leaving Lusaka and expecting to reel me in before Livingstone along with his colleague but it wasn`t meant to be. I crossed the "finish line" before him, lol. Livingstone is a nice little place and reminds me of South Africa a bit. The houses, the streets, the businesses and the blue sky. I`m just so happy to be here. Today was meant to be. I was very fortunate that the wind was behind me allowing me to finish my cycle early on which in turn allowed me to recover and catch up with Sitima once he arrived in town. Of course it also gave me the oppurtunity to go and see the magnificent Victoria Falls, wow, what a sight. It`s one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life and I`m so so grateful for the oppurtunity, it`s really a gift to be here. After meeting Kingsley Holgate a famous South African adventurer and having photos taken with him, I went and ate a Steers burger and Debonaires pizza. I bought groceries and had a visit from Sitima in the evening. I also spoke to JP from SOSA on the phone, all in all a great day and evening. *Met a Zimbabwean at the Falls today who stayed for a short while in Brackenhurst, Alberton, South Africa which is just around the corner from my mom and dad`s house. He even knew several of the street names. I was shocked by him, what an amazing world we live in.

Odometer - 8,576 Km . Distance - 125.29 Km . Time - 5.01.50 sec . Average speed - 24.9 Km/h .

Day 81 Wednesday 07-05-2014 18° 07.78S, 025° 21.02E / Course: 239° @ 1.7 knots (crossing into Botswana) 36°C at 1049m above sea level I had a big scare today - LIONS! Left Livingstone today, no problem, easy to do and then I crossed into BOTSWANA via ferry and I had no problem with customs in Zambia nor Botswana. Today whilst cycling through Chobe National Park I got close and nearly personal with wild elephants. They were beautiful and it was a wonderful experience. During the beginning stages of my cycle in Botswana I saw several camp sites but didn`t stop to camp at any of them despite sunset being on its way. I decided to push on because I was hungry for more kilometers to be covered. Robert Knol, my friend and the current Cairo to Cape Town World Record Holder also told me during my preparations for my cycle through Africa that there was a campsite 35 km after crossing the border and that was my goal, to reach it. Robert was wrong! During my cycle a nice man by the name of Johan Gouws stopped ahead of me and asked me what I was doing and I proudly told him that I was cycling from Cairo to Cape Town. He told me that I was in Lion Country and that the end of the day was fast approaching which in essence meant that the lions were starting to become active. I was in two minds with regards to pushing on but decided not to turn around because I felt I could find a nice safe place to camp before the lions became active. Johan did not agree with me and told me that there was no camping up ahead but he`d go up the road and look for me but at the same time stay in my vicinity to keep me safe. Eventually he came back to me and insisted I didn`t continue on but I didn`t want to listen to him so asked him to follow me by car with the headlights on until I reached safety. He answered “no”, and that it was wise for me to climb into his car. I finally listened to him and he took me to a resort where I heard all the stories of the lions and realised Johan was a Godsend. I`m very lucky he came onto my path as I could`ve been lion bait. Tomorrow Johan will collect me early in the morning and take me back to the point where I finished at so as to resume my ride - EFI = Every Fucking Inch!!! Today was the first time I thought of quiting my tour through Africa or at least making it drastically shorter however the locals and Saffies (South Africans) here at the resort have encouraged me to go on and not to worry about the lions.

Day 82 Thursday 08-05-2014 18째 07.78S, 025째 21.02E / Course: 239째 @ 1.7 knots 36째C at 1049m above sea level

This morning Johan collected and took me back to the point where I ended my cycle yesterday. Every inch through Africa has to be earned. It is so good of Johan to do this for me. I mean, what can I say about the man, he helped me last night with everything and again today. Before I left with Johan a guy by the name of Riaan, a Saffie (South African) who also comes from Alberton, South Africa where I grew up, let me share his bedroom last night instead of sleeping in the toilets/showers. They were awesome guys and I`ll definetly be looking the both of them up when I arrive back in South Africa. I owe them big time! Anyway, Johan and I unloaded my gear out of his car and had a good chat. We took photos of one another and said bye! Later in the morning I saw Johan stopped alongside the road and he had gotten out of his car so I stopped and asked him what`s up. He replied and told me to look to my right which I did. I saw nothing and he told me to look up and then I saw vultures circling in the sky not so far from the road. Johan said there was a kill by the lions a day or two ago. I would have definetly been toast if I camped by the roadside the previous evening. Today`s cycling went well. It`s not really exciting here in Botswana just long straight roads, bush and herds of elephants crossing the road every now and again. I must admit though that the clouds and blue skies are beautiful. It continues and continues to make me think of South Africa, she is so close, I can smell her. *People/motorists are stopping to take photos of me and to give me refreshments.

Odometer - 8,833 Km . Distance - 122.03 Km . Time - 6.11.37 sec . Average speed - 19.7 Km/h .

Day 83 Friday 09-05-2014 20째 09.88S, 026째 10.59E / Course: 159째 @ 9.7 knots 31째C at 917m above sea level

I left the Sladden Roadworks Department site this morning. The staff there were very kind to help me out and the locals told me of this place and I was obliged to camp there because it was too dangerous to do so in the bush. Fortunately, I was able to have a warm shower there yesterday and sort of wash my clothes and last but not least I could sleep in a old cabin/office space which had lights. It was dirty though, and I needed to sweep the floor first though, and found a dead mouse or two. I swept everything into the corner and then got on with it. Last night was true survival. I lived like a dog but I made it through the evening. Depression hit me before I went to bed but I think it came on because I was hungry and tired. Today was super boring. Long straight roads and the nature did not really change. I saw herds of elephants crossing the road often though, and later in the day I came across two full size elephants who blocked my way forcing me to risk it and go past them on the opposite side of the road and within 30 meters of them. It is such a pity I could not film my experience but I needed both hands to pull on the handlebars just incase the elephants went for me but what a freaking awesome experience though!!! Before entering Nata an officer at a control point asked me why was I playing with my life by cycling through areas containing lions. I told him that they are only present at night and that I was not worried but I knew he was right... Got in a lot of cold drinks and chocolate today, lekker (nice).

Odometer - 8,969 Km . Distance - 135.64 Km . Time - 6.44.45 sec . Average speed - 20.1 Km/h .

Day 84 Saturday 10-05-2014 20° 11.39S, 025° 18.40E / Course: 271° @ 2 knots 25°C at 934m above sea level

I had a bad night`s rest at the place I stayed at last night, as there were so many mosquitos. The staff at the basic Nata Guest Inn were very friendly and efficient. They really went out of their way with regards to preparing me dinner last night and breakfast this morning. Before I left the Nata Guest Inn this morning I said goodbye to the staff inclusive of the manager. Straight afterwards I cycled to the local garage for a juice and a slab of mint chocolate, mmm, lekker lekker (delicious). Today`s cycle was super boring as it was one long straight road, I`m sorry but I can`t make something so dull sound awesome, my only goal today was to reach Planet Baobab in Gweta asap so as to recover and check my equipment because tomorrow is going to be a really big day! Tomorrow I have to cycle 200 km from Gweta to Maun because there are no places to stay at between the two areas/spots/villages/towns and I am not camping in the bush. Another reason I need to go big tomorrow is because I have to get the kilometers tally for The Wheels of Hope back on course. I`m a bit behind and the pressure is on to get to Cape Town on the 28th of May, 18 days from tomorrow.

Odometer - 9,064 Km . Distance – 94.93 Km . Time - 4.48.56 sec . Average speed - 19.7 Km/h .

Day 85 Sunday 11-05-2014 20° 01.15S, 023° 26.18E / Course: 275° @ 4 knots 33°C at 938m above sea level Todays diary entry begins with yesterday. Yesterday I finished my cycle quite early at Planet Baobab. I was immediately impressed by the resort and my jaw dropped as it was stunning. I was on the verge of booking a camping spot, but then remembered that I put some cash away in an envelope in one of my bags just incase of a rainy day. I had difficulty booking a room, and I felt guilty but then I thought I`ve got to live and enjoy this trip as well, and not only that I needed a lot of good sleep because the past two evenings have not been good. I was shown my room which wasn`t a room, it was a stunning little house surrounded by Baobabs, wow wow wow! As soon as I was settled I went for a swim which was so good for the muscles and for the moral. I was the happiest man on earth and I met a nice Dutch couple there and pleasant Aussies. After my swim I went back to my place and started preparing for todays epic cycle. I got myself in order, my equipment and in fact everything (the advantages of being indoors with space and light). The resort offers a bed and free breakfast but I told them I was leaving early in the morning so couldn`t eat breakfast so then they allowed me to eat dinner for free. A steak. I met an old colleague of my brother-in-law from their Nestle days together there as well. He also sponsored me a drink and we spoke about life. He was just retired (early), extremely wealthy but also searching what life was all about. It was amazing, the guy was in a position that many would love to be in but was still not sure of where he belonged. It`s all about the journey and not the destination as they say and I learnt a lot from him. So I left the beautiful Planet Baobab very early today after a very good evening`s rest, finally! Today I was on a mission as I had to make it from Gweta to Maun because there was no place to stay at between the two towns and not only that I needed to get ‘The Wheels of Hope’project back on track and did just that with a 200 km cycle today. The cycle was once again unexciting, no doubt despite seeing three large elephants up close and receiving some Coca Colas from the Aussies I met yesterday at Planet Baobab. The stretch between Gweta and Maun was really isolated and I only managed to get refreshments once. Luckily I knew it was going to be like this and I coped well with regards to keeping my powder dry. Now in Maun, I`ve organised a nice place to stay at a good rate and it`s perfect. I even ate dinner here. I`m really not into camping at present, especially after days of big mileage, the last thing one wants to do is put up a tent and cook for oneself. Anyway, happy with today`s cycle, staying humble though as there is still a long way to go.

*Enjoyed two great cups of coffee this morning at Planet Baobab, morality boost. Odometer - 9,267 Km .

Distance - 203.30 Km .

Time - 10.08.38 sec .

Average speed - 20.0 Km/h .

Day 86 Monday 12-05-2014 20째 28.70S, 022째 42.02E / Course: 236째 @ 2.6 knots 32째C at 920m above sea level

I cycled from Maun to Sehitwa today and once again long straight roads and not stimulating at all. It is seeing this type of landscape that makes one appreciate a nice little town like Maun and a nice little room to stay in whilst there. The whole trip has been like that, roughing it but on the odd occassions you find yourself in a nice little place that is warm and dry and has a television, fridge, electricity and hot water. During my cycle today two kids on the side of the road asked/begged me to give them food or money. I forget which one but I got so angry with them and all the people that are always begging me for something that I stopped and climbed off of my bike and told them to give me their food (milk). I asked them to give me food/money. Why did I have to give them what I have but get nothing in return. What makes it my job to give, give, and give. I really had a fit and noticed my words and actions went right over their heads as they didn`t understand me at all. They just had total expectation. Shame, they did offer me their milk though. As I was leaving they tried again with me which made me swear at them which is in appropriate. This evening I booked into a guest house in Sehitwa, It`s the same price as yesterday`s place but not half as good but it`s okay to stay in. Nice kind host though, a kind guy around 23 years old.

Odometer - 9,375 Km . Distance - 107.33 Km . Time - 5.40.56 sec . Average speed - 18.8 Km/h .

Day 87 Tuesday 13-05-2014 21째 41.56S, 021째 38.92E / Course: 218째 @ 3.4 knots 29째C at 1142m above sea level

I did a big cycle today from Sehitwa to Ghanzi. I had to make it to Ghanzi because of no places to really stay at inbetween. I pushed it hard to make it to Ghanzi before sunset. It was a nice day, clear skies and sunny but quite windy on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, that and a slight but consistent all the way up to Ghanzi or so it seemed that way. I`m getting stopped on the roads by locals who see me earlier in the day at one point and then seeing me again later in the day at another point. They really impressed with the time and distance I`m putting in but then again it`s not like I`ve got anything else to do. Got myself into Ghanzi just before sunset where I am able to camp in the gardens at the back of the hotel, it`s great, it`s spacious, clean, and has mega good lighting. I ate here at the hotel, a buffet, I really dished up a lot because I need it after today`s effort, the food was good. Just before I booked in at the hotel I went to the local supermarket and stuffed my face before buying groceries for tomorrow. Whilst there and sitting on the floor eating my Romany Creams (cookies) a black gentleman knelt down by me and asked me questions,. He put his right hand on my left knee and his left hand on my right knee and impressed me with his soul, it was such an intense interaction, I`ll never forget it as long as I live. He later gave me his hand and wished me luck on my journey. He also wanted to give me money and I said no so he didn`t, that is the first time a black person has wanted to give me money and I think he needed it more than me, I wish I had gotten his details, God works in mysterious ways.

Odometer - 9,564 Km . Distance - 189.77 Km . Time - 10.20.27 sec . Average speed - 18.3 Km/h .

Day 88 Wednesday 14-05-2014 22째 08.39S, 020째 52.00E / Course: 137째 @ 0.1 knots 23째C at 1185m above sea level

Today`s cycle from the Kalahari Arms Hotel in Ghanzi was soooo boring. One is so isolated here in Botswana and it`s sometimes airy or scarey in a way. I`m so looking forward to getting out of here and into Namibia but I believe one is even more isolated there, well we`ll see. When I left the hotel this morning it was very cold and winter is definetly arriving here in the Southern Hemisphere. From tomorrow winter gear is definetly required in the mornings all the way down to Cape Town me thinks. What was cool about this morning was that I went to a petrol station for coffee because I was cold but they didn`t have any. They sent me to a little shop around the corner from them that made take away food and I organised two coffees despite them not selling coffee. It wasn`t on the menu, but the staff, in the form of nice ladies did me a favour and pulled some strings, which was very nice of them. They showed interest in my trip which was nice, what more could one ask for. Now I`m in a dorp (village) called Kalkfontein and have found a cool spot to camp. The place is called Jungle Light and owned and run by a lady called Riana who was born in Uniondale and raised in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. She is lekker crazy but in a good way. She has a nice spot here and I feel very at home here! I`m now sitting in the dining room while she is cooking an awesome meal for me in her awesome crazy kitchen. Apparently she is a chef and I believe her when I see how she performs in the kitchen.

dometer - 155 Km . Distance - 155.18 Km . Time - 6.25.14 sec . Average speed - 24.1 Km/h .

Day 89 Thursday 15-05-2014 22째 27.21S, 018째 58.68E / Course: 259째 @ 4.3 knots (crossing to Namibia) 21째C at 1449m above sea level

Jungle Light was awesome! I really enjoyed my short stay there and Riana and her son were very good to me. Both were just normal and kind. Riana is bizarre, but I understand her and of course accept her, not that she needs my acceptance. She`s just different but in a way that I like so much and she really made me laugh. What a character and very well spoken and intelligent as well. She made me such a wonderful meal last night, absolutely amazing and so much food that I was fortunate enough to eat the leftovers this morning and luckily I did because today was big. Really big! As I left Jungle Light I promised Riana I would make it to Gobabis in Namibia for her because of the great care she took to look after me. My body was full of energy as I aimed for the Namibian border. I was just full of focus and determination. The weather was also on my side, not too windy and only a slight sidewind. The border crossing went quite well and there was a bit of an arrogant bloke in customs on the Botswana side but no train smash. The Namibian side was good but just busy and costing me time, precious time because I needed to stay on schedule. As I got into Namibia I just gunned it. All I wanted to do was reach Gobabis and find a nice place to stay at which was warm and dry. I was so tempted to go to a camping site, but also so scared that if I did it would be such an anti-climax after my stay at Jungle Light. Anyway, after some night riding which was not wise I have made it to a nice place to stay at and I was also able to withdraw money to go and have dinner at the Wimpy beforehand. It has been yonks (long) since I`ve had a Wimpy (Fast Food Chain) meal.

Odometer - 9,893 Km . Distance - 205.90 Km . Time - 10.28.24 sec . Average speed - 19.6 Km/h .

Day 90 Friday 16-05-2014 22째 17.84S, 018째 00.90E / Course: 279째 @ 2.5 knots 21째C at 1576m above sea level

I left Gobabis today on the lateish side. I decided to stay for the offered breakfast at the Guest House. I ate and drank as much as I could. Once I got going I did another stop at the Wimpy Restaurant for a massive coffee. At the Wimpy I met two mountain bikers from Centurion, South Africa, a nice lady and a guy but I forget their names. They were on their way to a mountain bike race which starts in Windhoek and ends in Swartkopmund. We sat together and had a nice chat about my trip and life in general and it was very interesting. I`m pleased I also showed interest in them as it`s not all about me and I need to watch out for that. Anyway, they bought me a coffee which was very nice of them and then we all went our seperate ways. I had a lazy cycle, unfortunately not very driven because of my big effort yesterday. I figured I did not need to push it too hard but the disadvantage with that is that you can find yourself coming just short of places to stay. An early start equals an early finish and a late start equals late finish which I think is not wise in Namibia. I came across a young German bloke (guy) in a 4x4 at a road side cafe and asked him for a camping sites in the area. There were none so he said I must cycle 12 km offroad towards his family`s farm where his father would take me in and feed me which he did (amazing the forces that are in play on this trip of mine). Before I cycled to the farm I hung out with the German owner of the road side cafe, it was cool drinking coffee together and talking about our lives, past, present and future. His name was Frank and he had an interesting background.

Odometer - 9,991 Km . Distance - 97.78 Km . Time - 4.58.57 sec . Average speed - 19.6 Km/h .

Day 91 Saturday 17-05-2014 22° 33.81S, 017° 06.00E / Course: 252° @ 2.2 knots (10,000 km mark) 28°C at 1665m above sea level

I left Omitara this morning after a great breakfast with Harald, the owner of the farm. Okay, it was not a world class breakfast but average breakfasts nowdays are all world class for me. Harald is a strange bloke (guy) but he is okay. He definetly went out of his way to make me feel comfortable and I am grateful for that. I need all the help I can get. The cycling went well today. I knew I did not need to do big mileage so it was relaxed. Today I met Jurriaan and Andrea on the road. I first met them at Planet Baobab in Botswana. They are Dutchies from Amsterdam, tall, lean and both good looking. They stopped their car quickly to say hi, excellent for morality! We clicked in Botswana and now we see one another in Namibia just outside of Windhoek. Their safari holiday is over and they will fly back to Holland tomorrow and are a bit upset that they have to go back to reality. But that’s life, it was awesome to see them though. I had a snack at the International Airport once again just outside of Windhoek. It is not massive but I am pleased I got to see it. I am now at a guest house which is not expensive but not cheap either, blah! Windhoek itself looks quite nice. I could hang out here for a while but I must get on with my cycling to keep the kilometer pressure off my shoulders.

Odometer - 10,103 Km . Distance - 112.05 Km . Time - 5.53.22 sec . Average speed - 19.0 Km/h .

Day 92 Sunday 18-05-2014 23째 18.70S, 017째 04.36E / Course: 188째 @ 0 knots 26째C at 1417m above sea level

I had a short cycle today from Windhoek to Rehoboth which is a small town mainly for coloured people. This morning I was sponsored breakfast by the owner of the place I stayed at, Carbon Guesthouse and Self Catering CC. Of course this was very kind of the lady and all these little touches are so welcome and needed. Anyway, a late start for a planned and tactical cycle to Rehoboth which went very well because I had a tailwind for most of the way. Cycling through the City Centre of Windhoek was quite interesting. It`s clean, looks organised and is quite large. Maybe how South Africa used to look until its current decline. I arrived in Rehoboth early and stopped at a garage to get refreshments. I asked the locals to assist me with places to stay and they helped me. A nice man knew the area very well. If I am not mistaken, he was born and bred here. He told me of a place or two in the centre of town and of another place arounnd 20 km outside of town. I first visited one place in town which was clean and reasonably priced but I was tight fisted and too tight fisted to spend a certain amount of money and greedy for kilometers thus cycled to the place outside of town which was full!!! That meant I had to cycle another 25 km back to town. Lesson learnt, do not make stupid decisions Shayne! Spending money is allowed and slowly slowly catch the monkey with regards to kilometers and distance.

Odometer - 10,253 Km . Distance - 149.83 Km . Time - 6.37.46 sec . Average speed - 22.6 Km/h .

Day 93 Monday 19-05-2014 24° 37.78S, 017° 58.29E / Course: 148° @ 4.1 knots 28°C at 1115m above sea level

I have nothing to really write about today. Today was just graft (work). Left unexiting Rehoboth but at least it was safe and sound. On the way to my destination for today, Mariental, I was very fortunate to cross the Tropic of Capricon and I liked that, so that was one for the books. Later in the day whilst cycling I got stopped in the middle of nowhere by two nice young journalists from a newspaper based in Windhoek. They took photos of me and also asked me about who I was and what I was doing. Maybe I am going to be in the papers here so I also gave SOSA`s website address and JP`s facebook details as well as mine. They said they would post the photos there which would be cool. I think that would make a lot of people happy, to finally see a pic ure or two of myself. Now I am at Rest Nest which is a very nice B&B in Mariental. Mariental is a ‘kak dorp’ (terrible town) but it is okay. I am happy though because I purchased groceries and had a nice room inclusive of DSTV (satellite).

Odometer - 10,435 Km . Distance - 182.22 Km . Time - 8.02.54 sec . Average speed - 22.6 Km/h .

Day 94 Tuesday 20-05-2014 26° 12.91S, 018° 10.89E / Course: 173° @ 4.1 knots 21°C at 1027m above sea level

I awoke at 3 am today and departed Mariental at 5.30 am in the cold and the dark, why though?! Well I really wanted to reach Keetmansdorp today which is 228 km away. Initially it was going very well but then a cold head and side wind hit me hard and threw all my plans out of the window. I kept fighting through and thought that I would still reach Keetmansdorp before sunset but God was the boss today and showed me that I am a mere mortal, a nobody. Eventually the end of the day arrived and I prepared myself to cycle in the cold and the dark by putting winter clothing on but also bright clothing. I was so stupid not to find a place to camp earlier in the day because I think I was playing with my life and maybe with the lives of others as well by cycling in the dark. I am sharing the roads with plenty of trucks and motorists and it had gotten to the point where it was not worth it anymore, neither for a charity, for myself or for anybody else!!! However I was fortunate enough to find an old abandoned campsite before it really became really dark. I had to cycle 1.5 km off road to get there and I was really worried as to what I was going to do and where I was actually going to sleep. Fortunately I got myself together and set myself in front of an abandoned chalet. It was locked but I could sleep under a roof. I did not cook anything and I was in my sleeping bag at 8 pm. It was a clear night and so many beautiful stars to see.

Odometer - 10,630 Km . Distance - 194.46 Km . Time –11.31.14 sec . Average speed - 16.8 Km/h .

Day 95 Wednesday 21-05-2014 26째 34.65S, 018째 07.60E / Course: 187째 @ 1.1 knots 25째C at 965m above sea level

Wow! I got in 11 hours of sleep. It has been a long time since I had slept so much and so deeply. Yesterday when I arrived at my "camping" spot I was scared to an extent but I do not know why really, but I have to admit I was happy to wake-up where I did and enjoy an amazing sunrise. I cycled slowly to Keetmansdorp. Today I am tactical because I am saving myself for tomorrow, I need to go big again. Keetmansdorp is really old fashioned but nice in a way and it reminds me of South Africa in the 80`s but it is definetly a dorp (village). I am now set up at Bernice`s B+B because the hotel in town was too expensive for me and when I asked them for cheaper places to stay at they sent me here which was very kind of them. Bernices`s B+B is cheap but very nice. Very neat and professional for a place that is in the sticks. It is done up with pride which I like and the owners are cool, Stef and Christi, old timers. Got groceries in town which is always good. At the same place, a day earlier, on the day a youngster threatened to stab me. He did not even faze me as I am so hardcore at the moment. I have been through it all. I had dinner in town at the hotel that put me onto Stef and Christi`s B+B. It was a good meal and it has given me a lot of energy for tomorrow`s cycle. There`s still a long way to go, so close but so far and I hope I make it. At dinner tonight I enjoyed a conversation with two Russian doctors who work in Mozambique. They are touring Namibia of course, and one or two more here in the Southern Hemisphere. They also know South Africa pretty well.

Odometer - 10,675 Km . Distance - 45.41 Km . Time - 2.34.28 sec . Average speed - 17.6 Km/h .

Day 96 Thursday 22-05-2014 27째 43.98S, 018째 22.71E / Course: 169째 @ 2.4 knots 20째C at 1089m above sea level

I left Keetmansdorp at sunrise today and it was actually a nice stay, got to watch DSTV (satellite) and I enjoyed the facts that it gave me a chance to regroup myself .I managed to service my bike and replace my rear tyre which was tough to do with my numb left hand (since Egypt by the way) and threw away dead weight in the form of old equipment because I am within sight of South Africa now and I am sure the bike will make it. The first half of the cycle went okay as I was in Zombie mode. Just doing what I had to do, cycle, cycle and cycle some more. I dressed really warmly today and it worked. The cold wind did not nail me. At first lots of head wind and then also from the side but it was not too extreme. What was nice though was that the scenary has begun to change. I am now surrounded by mountains and the roads are not flat anymore but undulating and in my favour because it meant I was in the wind and then suddenly out of it and it went on and on like that. The descents were great because I could pick up my speeds nicely. I stopped in the middle of nowhere to eat my basic lunch and then looked around me and realised what beauty I was surrounded by. I could have sat there they whole day. Later in the day I stopped at a little store and had a pie with Springbok meat inside of it. that was really really nice, and then I took to the road again and flew. The roads levelled out again and I had a strong tailwind blow me all the way into Grunau. The kilometers passed by so quickly in the last hour. Grunau is a very small dorp but it is okay. I got myself into a cheapish room and bought groceries from the Shell garage. Now I`m about to eat supper at the hotel I am staying at, nice.

Odometer - 10,840 Km . Distance - 164.46 Km . Time - 8.07.22 sec . Average speed - 20.2 Km/h .

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Day 97 Friday 23-05-2014 28째 44.62S, 017째 37.02E / Course: 213째 @ 5.5 knots 29째C at 179m above sea level

Grunau ---> Noordoewer. I had no problems today and just cruised. I was very fortunate that the wind was kind to me. It was mainly coming from behind and the side and only headon right towards the end of my cycle but by that stage I had achieved the kilometers and I wanted to in the allocated time. Met some pleasant people in the hotel I was staying at last night and after the first 20 kilometers of my cycle today they stopped alongside me whilst I was standing next to my bike and asked if I needed assistance. I told them no thanks and that I had just stopped to change my clothes and then we all went on our merry ways but super nice of them though. Today the scenary was unbelievable. It was true Namibia and in a way it felt as if I was cycling on the moon. When I entered Namibia it was great and now as I am leaving it, the same applies. The middle of Namibia is kak (terrible)! I am now at an okay hotel alongside the Orange River and a stones throw away from South Africa. The hotel is in a village but it is not even a village. It is too small for that, lol. Anyway, it is a base and a good place to start my cycle tomorrow. Today whilst cycling I had a close encounter with a snake on the road. It was not full size but not the smallest either, it was silver in colour and came out of the bush into the road, stopped, raised its head and looked at me and just as I nearly cycled into or over it it quickly went back into the veld (field. I was shocked at the snake`s speed. Just after our close encounter, I swore like a trooper and had goosebumps on my legs because of the fright I got. *Today got to watch The Giro`d Italia on television good for the soul. Odometer - 10,980 Km . Distance - 140.79 Km . Time - 6.29.51 sec . Average speed - 21.16 Km/h .

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Day 98 Saturday 24-05-2014 29째 40.01S, 017째 53.07E / Course: 165째 @ 2.3 knots (crossing to South Africa) 26째C at 940m above sea level

I crossed the Namibian South African border today. I am home and I am in South Africa baby!!! My welcome into South Africa by immigration was a warm one and also very efficient. I was a little surprised it went so quickly. My cycle today was not spectacular, it was honestly just work and all I wanted to do today was reach the town of Springbok which I did quite easily despite the wind blowing from all directions. Today I saw my first road sign that said Cape Town. It said 611 km which was wonderful to see. I am so close but also so far (sort of). I need to keep my head and get to Cape Town in one piece and of course on time. Whilst on the road today I met a Dutch couple who live in New Zealand. So we all stopped and had a quick chat. They have cycled all over the world and said that they heard about me on Radio 702 a few days ago. I was surprised and they said I am the guy doing 140 km a day and that I am famous, lol, good ole JP Skinner was obviously very busy behind the scenes. He loves being on the radio and it has become his new kick. He is addicted but oh so good at promoting us as today proved. Springbok has many B+B`s and I had a good look around and ask for the best price and by doing so got a place at the Springbok Lodge and Restaurant. The room is simple but just what I need and their restaurant is amazing. Old fashioned but done in such a classy way. They have old memorabilia all over the place. It`s great and my dad would love it here, he`d recognise a lot from the old days.

Odometer - 11,103 Km . Distance - 122.30 Km . Time - 6.53.55 sec . Average speed - 17.7 Km/h .

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Day 99 Sunday 25-05-2014 29째 34.12N, 032째 21.50E / Course: 115째 @ 9.2 knots 18째C at 22m above sea level

I left Sprinbok today at 8 am which is a tad late for me. Initially the cycle went well and then became a bit tougher with the wind and climbs but no drama. I did not panic because today was not about the big miles. At about the 70 km mark I stopped at a coffee shop in a very very tiny dorp (town) to drink coffee and I also had breakfast muffins, waffels and ice cream, yip, I am home baby and loving it. I also met an awesome British couple at the coffee shop and they were participating in a Classic Car Safari in Southern Africa in their beautiful old Jaguar. They were in their 70`s and such cool people and they had so much energy and were very interesting. They have done these car tours all over the world including Australia. They ship their car to wherever and then go for it. They also own a house in France so they seem to have done very well for themselves. The bloke (guy), Phillip, is an avid cyclist and enjoyed my experiences. We got talking about cycling in general, British cycling, Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish and also about the Tour de France starting in England this year. Phillip says the Tour starts approximately 15 miles from his house. Today the four Australians that I met in Botswana (the ones who gave me Coca Cola on the road) stopped on the side of the road again to once again say hi and offer me Coca Cola, amazing!

Odometer - 11,222 Km . Distance - 119.69 Km . Time - 6.21.52 sec . Average speed - 18.8 Km/h .

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Day 100 Monday 26-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level Today`s goal was Klawer. This morning I left Garies, a real dorp (village) but at the same time it`s a place I want to return to in the future by car and on my own. Why? I don`t really know, maybe it`s because of the feelings I have experienced there. It`s a place where beautiful locals have rented a beautiful room to me for a mere R250.00 (€16). It`s a place where I`ve had a nice chat with a lady at the local cafe. She was a bit of company for me. It`s an old town which is situated on the N7 which is the Namibia to Cape Town route and also a town that makes me think of my folks, especially my dad because he knows and enjoys a lot of the history of South Africa and would`ve liked to spend an hour or two here. My stay here also made me start thinking that I`m nearly finished with my mission. It`s nearly over and soon I`m going to see my family and friends again and soon I`m going to meet those less privledged than me, the ones I have cycled for. I can now start thinking of them, before I couldn`t, I had to be selfish and put myself first. I didn`t have the energy for anything else but that`s changing now. Today`s cycle was just work once again. My focus today was just to reach Klawer as I have to finish in Cape Town on Wednesday and it`s as simple as that. That`s why I did big mileage today, to take the kilometer pressure off of my shoulders. Today I met a guy by the name of Alex on the road, a Spainard cycling from Cairo to Cape Town as well, but he has done it over a 6 month period. When I met him he had just got a puncture and I offered him my help and supplies, but he met a guy who had a lodge in the area called Hardeveld Lodge and he offered Alex his help. I did give Alex my glue to use to patch his tubes however Kobus, the lodge owner returned in his car with a tube and high pressure pump and a beer for Alex which was hillarious. Alex was sorted, lol. Kobus himself is an avid cyclist and had some gear at his lodge to help out cyclists on the road and who use his premises to rest and recover. *Before Kobus arrived to help Alex we had a good chat with one another. Alex comes from the same village as Spanish football star, Fabregas and they were at school together and used to be on a talking terms but he says that Fabregas comes back to the village every now and again but hardly remembers Alex, such is life.

Odometer - 11,394 Km . Distance - 171.35 Km . Time - 9.54.55sec . Average speed - 17.2 Km/h .

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Day 101 Tuesday 27-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level

I left Klawer today. I had a good stay there last night, and everything went perfectly. Before I hit the main road this morning I stopped at the local ‘Engen garage’for a snack or two, for a post breakfast which was wise because it was still dark outside. When it was lighter I hit the road and oh my word, I was shocked at the beauty I saw between Klawer and Picketburg. I had forgotten how beautiful South Africa is. I am in awe of this place. I enjoyed the whole route from point A to point B, absolutely stunning. I loved seeing Clanwilliam and the Clanwilliam Dam. I was so excited to be on the bike today despite the many climbs and roadworks and despite nearly being wiped out by an oncoming motorist. I saw the asshole overtaking the car in front of him and could not believe he went through with his action, despite seeing me. As he neared me I waited until the last second to swear and put my middle finger at him. If I had done so sooner he might of pushed me off of the road, what a plank (idiot). There were only a few centimeters in it, that was a close shave. I was so verbaly abusive to the bloke (guy) that I actually had a feeling he would turn around and come for me, but I was ready for it. It did not happen but I wish I had spat on his windscreen, a nice greenie (flem) would have done the job. Anyway, I pulled myself together within a minute or two and continued enjoying my amazing surroundings but I was back on selfish mode and had to think of only myself again and not the kids that I am going to meet tomorrow. Today`s incident with the motorist was a reminder that anything can happen and that it is still a long way to go. Towards the end of the day I stopped at a Garage on the outskirts of beautiful Citrusdal and had a nice chat with the owner and his friend. They asked me what I was doing and I told them and they really found it interesting that I have cycled from Cairo and that I was heading towards Cape Town . They told me they often see world travellers on their bikes passing by on the N7 and just as they said that we saw one rider pass the garage with his loaded bicycle. My instinct said go and chase the dude down to interact but then my stop at the garage was going well and I wanted to enjoy that and the company there.

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Day 101 continues Tuesday 27-05-2014 29째 34.12N, 032째 21.50E / Course: 115째 @ 9.2 knots 18째C at 22m above sea level

Eventually I climbed out of Citrusdal which was a toughie and I descended into a beautiful valley. The descent and high speeds got my adrenaline going as did the view of the valley and I cycled like the wind. I was absolutely flying, cars were going past me blowing their horns and I know they could see and feel my energy and that made me cycle faster. I was truely in my element. Just before sunset I got myself into Picketburg and I went to the first garage I saw to ask for directions for a place to stay. The young ladies there were very helpful and gave me some good tips. Afterwards I just stayed at the garage for a few moments to refresh myself and a bloke (guy) came to me and said excuse me, may I ask you a question to which I of course replied yes to. He asked what I was doing and I told him my little story and just saw how he lite up. He could not believe what I have done up until now and sometimes I feel the same and I think I am on the verge of something very special.

Odometer - 11,548 Km . Distance - 154.56 Km . Time - 8.47.14 sec . Average speed - 17.5 Km/h .

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Day 102— the last day! Wednesday 28-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level

I arrived in Cape Town today and now currently battling to make a diary entry. I have been putting off the entry for as long as possible because I do not know what to write, or rather I know what to write about but there is so much to tell, how on earth do I put what I`m experiencing and feeling onto paper. It`s almost like my cycle through Africa was ‘Mission Impossible’. Okay, to make it easier for myself I will start the entry from when I woke up this morning. I got up really early today so as to give myself time to put on a lot of winter clothing because today I wil be cycling in a rainstorm for hours on end. I have come so far that I cannot mess it up now. The approaching storm has been mentioned to me over the last few days and has had me worried because initially I was expecting it to hit me today head on which could put a serious spanner in the works with regards to meeting JP on the outskirts of Cape Town and in turn getting to the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre on time apparently for a reception to celebrate my cycle through Africa for SOSA. I however, have been assured by one or two locals that the storm will not hit me head on. It first goes up the western coast and then turns around and sort of come back at one, or so I have been told. To test the local knowledge I said bulls #it to the people who have said this to me, but they insisted that`s how it works in this part of the world. If several locals say the same thing then you can believe it, my friend and current Cairo to Cape Town World Record Holder, Robert Knol taught me this trick about Africa. Ask several people the same question and then take the best three out of five answers.

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Day 102— the last day continues! Wednesday 28-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level

Anyway, I left the place I was staying at owned by a nice gentleman which was pensioned at around 5.30 am. He did me a favour by waking up early and nicely escorting me off his premisis, the poor bloke (guy). I could see he was not used to being up at this time of day or night, lol. He knew of my mission though and played his part in a good start which usually means a good finish. I shook his hand and departed for destiny but before I knew it I stopped at the garage that I hung out at the day before because it was still too dark to hit the road and it was raining. I was not mentally ready to take on the rain and cold just yet. I had to psyche myself up first. At the garage I had a few snacks and started to realise it was going to be a tough day with no presents from the Gods above. I knew a lot could go right but I also knew a lot could go wrong. Sometimes it took me the whole day to ride between 40-80 km in the middle of Africa so I thought today could be the same. So, as the sky lite up and I went for it. My last day on the bike and luckily I ate alot last night at a beautiful little restaurant. I ordered one meal after another, I just ate and ate and ate and I think in doing so surprised the owner with what I could consume. It was a two in one meal, as I was celebrating what I`ve done up until now but also loading up so my thin body so I could prepare for the cold of today. Progression was slow, the storm was intensifying and last night`s meal was being burnt up very quickly. My body needed the energy to fight the rain and cold but also the wind which wasn`t headon but hit me from the right side. Man, did I suffer like a dog, the fight was within, but progress was slow and today was one of the coldest days on a bike for me ever. I was leaning into the wind, that`s how strong it was blowing and I had to keep making sure my beanie was well over my right ear because the rain and cold were hurting it. There were also times I needed to take a natural break but could not remove my gloves with my hands. I needed to remove them with my teeth. I eventually also managed to have a wizz (wee) on the side of the road which was a miracle because I could hardly pull part of my shorts down.

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Day 102— the last day continues! Wednesday 28-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level

As I continued I realised I was in big trouble! I was frozen to the bone and had to get off of the road quickly because I was not going to make it like this. Eventually I got off of the road and into an industrial area. I forget the name but it was really depressing. To add insult to injury, I saw no shops or cafes where I could eat and get warm. I panicked a little bit as it was vital to eat and drink something warm. So I was definetly in trouble. Fortunately I found a cafe at the last minute so I was saved. The ladies there had to help me with my hot chocolate as I could hardly hold the cup. I knew I had to keep an eye on the time because JP was waiting for me further down the N7, but I thought to myself, sod it, he just has to wait. I needed to take one step back to take two steps forward as there was no use in suffering from hyperthermia. The ladies at the cafe were good to me and I got in some warm drinks and food and slowly started to warm up and then made a break for it. Exiting the town up a climb back onto the highway was achieved with nearly everything I had left in the tank. As I was doing this I looked to my right and left and the storm was beating nearly everyone and everything up but I wasn`t going to be it`s victim. I kept at it, nearly there Shayne! Conditions improved later in the day but it was still not perfect but it felt as if I was in the eye of the storm and it was time to grab my chance. The legs started to turn nicely and the gearing up became larger. I was starting to enter the zone, it was finally happening. Before I knew it I was flying, frigging flying and at one point I was nearly tempted to stop again at an Engen garage to go and drink a mega Wimpy coffee but I resisted the temptation as I needed to get to the finish. It was now or never! Finally I remember sort of going up a long drag, cresting it and then the slight descending into the outskirts of Cape Town started. Perfection was coming into play and everything started to feel easier. Maybe it was because of easing weather conditions or was it because of my calling becoming reality! Who knows but I was pushing my heavily loaded bike as if it weighed a feather and saw a signboard indicating a right turn into Melkbosstrand. I have a history there but at the same time I realised I would soon be seeing JP. Melkbosstrand is not far from central Cape Town. The N7 was becoming dangerous and still no JP and then I went under a bridge and saw a few cars parked on the left side with JP hopping over the barriers heading back towards his car to obviously get out of the rain and cold.

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Day 102— the last day continues! Wednesday 28-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level

As I saw him doing this I screamed JP! He heard and saw me and started running back towards the highway shouting ‘Shayne!’ It was done, we fu*#ing did it!!! We pulled it off and I do not know how, it was a miracle, I think. JP was not alone, he had company. Three ladies and a bloke (guy) from ‘The Out of Africa Children`s Foundation’. I had no idea who they were but we greeted one another as if we knew one another for ages. I thought to myself, if JP is associated with them then it must be good. I later heard that SOSA is going to assist them in the future but that is a whole other positive story. A minute or two passed and JP and I got to embrace each other, talk and look at one another for the first time in months. It was a bit emotional as I had tears in my eyes but didn`t want to cry. I had to stay humble, that was my new mission for the rest of the day. It was difficult though as I wanted my ego to come through and scream and shout but then I thought of Robert Knol. He was down to earth and humble on his arrival in Cape Town and that was the example that I was going to follow as well. I remember asking JP if several of the sponsors had kept to their word and paid him, he said yes. I also asked him if he was happy with the money we raised and he said yes again but wouldn`t disclose the amount because that was a surprise for me and the others later in the day at the Desmond Tutu HIV Youth Centre. After alot was said and done, JP wanted me to load my bike onto his car, I hesitated as we were in the vicinity of Montague Gardens and not in the centre of Cape Town. I needed to cycle every centimeter through Africa on my own, no cheating. JP and I went into discussion, it was bizzare, I could not imagine getting off of my bike and I asked JP stupid questions, I asked is the trip over, he said yes, I asked am I in Cape Town and he said yes, I needed confirmation that Montague Gardens was part of Cape Town and JP said it was! I later learnt that Montague Gardens is around 15 km from central Cape Town and realised that my trip was over and that I had nothing to prove to anyone anymore. I started my trip on the outskirts of Cairo and now I finished my trip on the outskirts of Cape Town! We loaded my bike and after 3.5 months I could finally switch off. It was time to go with the flow and let JP take over. He had the day planned to the last little detail.

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Day 102— the last day! Wednesday 28-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level

First stop, Bloubergstrand with Kim, Sherrol, Kevin and a friend in tow for a few fun photos and a cup of hot chocolate sponsored by them. It was nice to see the ocean again along with good company. Then we all parted ways. JP and I heading to his Granny and Aunt, Denny and Des`s house in Muizenberg to have lunch and recover a bit before a function at the Desmond Tutu HIV Youth Centre. Whilst in the car I managed to eat three slabs of chocolate that JP had purchased for me inbetween calls to my family whom I had no contact with for over three months. I was in Cape Town but at the same time I was not. Everything was so surreal, I mean I have seen the pyramids in Egypt, the desserts of the Sudan, the mountains of Ethiopia, the equator in Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Lake Malawi in Malawi, Victoria Falls in Zambia, the wildlife of Botswana, the endless horizons of Namibia and the beauty of South Africa, unbelievable. Denny and Des were wonderful. Welcoming us into their house and offering us lunch, not only that but, such wonderful personalities as well and so kind. After lunch my bike and I were driven to the Desmond Tutu HIV Youth Centre. Just before arrival, I was dropped off with baggage and all so that I could cycle the last kilometer or so, to and onto the premises. We wanted to create a bit of a show for the kids there and of course the sponsors, friends and fans. Unfortunately things were delayed for a few minutes because of a bus hitting a pedestrian further up the road. JP, the SOSA gang and the ‘Out of Africa ‘crew eventually got through but I had to wait a few minutes for them to park their cars and get ready to welcome me at the gates of the centre. Whilst I was waiting around the corner a young kid who hangs around at the centre came and spoke to me, we had a nice little chat and he told me he was also going to the centre to see me cycle in, nice.

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Day 102— the last day! Wednesday 28-05-2014 29° 34.12N, 032° 21.50E / Course: 115° @ 9.2 knots 18°C at 22m above sea level

Before the kid came and spoke to me I was enjoying sitting on my stationary bike with my head up in the clouds and then I looked over my left shoulder. The bus that had actually killed the pedestrian came past. I had seen the bus all along and the backed up traffic, but now I saw the covered body. What a reality check. I actually sat there and said a prayer for the deceased and the deceased`s family. On one corner death and despair and around another corner hope and faith, it`s a cruel, crazy but beautiful world. Then I was signalled to start pedalling and make my official arrival which I did. I cycled around the corner, unfolded my South African flag and waved it up in the air, and to my amazement I saw a lot of people welcoming me "home". I would have been okay officially finishing my trip on the outskirts of Cape Town but this was nice too. Wow, it was a great welcome home and it could not have been better. I met Thandi Tutu, Desmond Tutu`s daughter. I met Dante Robbertze, Programmes and Operational Manager at the Centre, Marilyn May from Atlantic Hope who SOSA support along with The Out of Africa Children`s Foundation with both being based in the Cape Town. I also met Richard Pinker the Managing Director of Ricoh South Africa along with his colleagues, friends (for me in the form of Ria Moothhilal. He is a new friend now, but he is actually a friend of a friend that I have never met before but has also cycled through Africa but with his mates over an eight month period a year or so ago. He actually offered me a lot of advise via social media before I left, volunteers and last but not least, the kidssssssssssssssss. Then the rest was a flash, introductions, speeches, shows, music, crying. Questions were answered and photos were taken.

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My whole life I`ve wanted to be a world class athlete, the best of the best but my DNA has limited me to being an above average athlete over the past 25 years however my trip through Africa was a world class performance. I know this for a fact, okay, I could`ve gone much faster but SOSA and I decided to play it safe before I left putting health and safety first but mentally, physically and emotionally I was second to none. I kept it together for 102 days, it felt as if I arrived in Cape Town with an Olympic Gold Medal in my pocket and then to be rewarded with â&#x201A;Ź 25,481,13 // ZAR 363,031,16. JP and his wife Renate put their faith and personal money into me and it was not always easy between us. We sometimes clashed with one another a bit under the pressure. I wanted to earn them more which in turn helps them help others , when all was said and done. Well at least I thought so. Richard Pinker asked for the microphone and gave a small speech and donated an extra ZAR 50.000 on behalf of Ricoh South Africa and that made me happy. That was better, high risk equals high reward! â&#x201A;Ź 29.000 and ZAR 413.000 was music to my ears, it made the risk well worth it. This evening was great, chilling out here at Denny and Des` house. We ate dinner, drank coffee, talked, smiled and it made me realise that I used everything that I had in me and what I`ve learnt from my family and friends to get this far. I gave every ounce of myself out there on the road to get donations for the children and only for the children and it was the best 3.5 months of my life! Odometer - 11.664 km Distance - 115.91 km Time - 5.48.41sec Average speed - 19.9 km/h

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Photographs by

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Cycle facts 

11,664 km cycle

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Tour de France 2014 was 3,664 km ...

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103 days

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142 km average per day

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30 kg of bicycle baggage

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No flat tyres!

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Warmest day was 39°C in Egypt- pg 23

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€ 28,984.86 / ZAR 413,031.13 raised

‘

” I asked my family for their blessing with regards to my cycle through Africa. I insisted on it because then I could give 100%, knowing I had their support. At the same time I never once made contact with my family during my cycle through Africa. I did not want emotion or doubt to creep in becuase I had a job to do...” - Shayne Rookhuyzen

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Acknowledgements Shayne Rookhuyzen for his dedication and drive to cycle 11,000km for orphans. Ricoh Europe and DHL as project sponsors of the Wheels of Hope initiative. Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Centre for their support and hosting Shayne’s arrival into Cape Town. Chantal Jacobs from Cactus Connection, South Africa for the graphics design. Karen Little for her editorial skills. Ricoh for sponsoring the printing of this book.

“Alvast Bedankt” “Baie dankie” “Thank you”

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