This morning, we’ve crossed the border from Namibia into South Africa—our 11th and final country. Both countries being relatively well developed (neither of them requiring a visa, at least not for most of us), this should have been a quick and easy procedure. By the way, if you’ve read my blog entry for day 3...
Day 114: Our last rest day—preparing for a tough home-run
Today has been our last rest day on the tour. Next time we wake up and don’t need to ride a bike, we’ll already be in Cape Town! Where has the time gone!? It’s also been our laziest rest day of the entire tour. We’re camping directly at the Orange River, which forms the...
Day 113: Tourists hardly ever get to see the full picture of local realities
It’s not all just touristy glamour in Namibia, as this photo of vineyards in Aussenkehr might suggest. This is where the workers live that support the local economy, right next to a top-notch Western style supermarket for tourists—shanty town nicely decorated with straw/wood to fit into the landscape and please our eyes? NB: I...
Day 112: Speak up and take action to implement your ideas
Given I’m writing this blog with the theme of one lesson a day, I’ve had the following idea very early on (already in Sudan, I think): Wouldn’t it be nice to have a video in which each of us tour participants shares one lesson we’ve learnt on this trip? It should be a great souvenir for...
Day 111: Nothing is done until it’s done
Today has been a pleasant change from sand and corrugation. The first 30km of the dirt road was rather smooth and hard. Then, from Bethanie onwards, it turned into perfect tarmac. A nice (coffee) shop in Bethanie provided a welcome break from our routine. And with a bit of tailwind, we were flying until lunch. Thereafter, we’ve...
Day 110: Better safe than sorry
“Should I also carry some wet wipes?”, I pondered in the morning while inspecting my diminishing supply of tissue paper for the road. “No, I never need much anyway”, I decided. However, I didn’t consider that I had over-eaten on our tinned fruit salad last night, and—as I realized not long into my ride—that...
Day 109: Don’t be shy to ask for help
Today would be a difficult day, Tallis had warned us—lots of sand and corrugation. At least the road turned out to be wide enough to choose a path of least pain—deep sand and gravel versus pronounced corrugation. Since I’d gotten the hang of cycling through sand without falling, my choice was clear. However, the resistance...
Day 108: Rest day in the Namib desert
If the photos of the past days haven’t convinced you yet, hopefully today’s shots will: Put Namibia onto your bucket list! This is an absolutely stunningly beautiful country. Come and visit! Photos showing: Sunrise at Dune 45 in Sossusvlei area Dead trees in Hiddenvlei area Sesriem Canyon
Day 107: Dare to get naked and live without regrets
Today has been the day of the (in)famous Naked Mile—a TDA tradition, the origins of which no one seems to know. “No way, I’m not going to participate”, I’d said over the past weeks, and even just yesterday evening. This morning, I’ve changed my mind. Would I regret it if I don’t? I didn’t...
Day 106: Sharpen your saw
Today has been absolutely spectacular—unexpected so, for most of us. The morning started with a scenic ride through a countryside that reminded of Arizona (so the Americans say), or cowboy-land (as I would call it, using western movies as my benchmark). At one time, well-nourished horses were running alongside us as we sped over the dirt road....
