It’s a year since we crossed the Sahara and tried to stay cool in 40-50° Celsius. Finally, here’s a video to show you what it was like. This is the real thing, including my footage from both good and bad times. Enjoy 😉
Days 29–31: In transit
This post and the following entries are just quick updates to let you know what we’ve been up to since my last post for day 28. Last Friday, on day 29, we took the bus back from the Ethiopian border to Khartoum. At the same time, Max, Muli, Sharita and Wynand started their journey...
We’re back in Khartoum—feels like homecoming, almost
I haven’t been posting these past days. To start with, I could blame it on poor Internet connection. To end with, it was more due to fully depleted energy levels, both of yours truly and every single one of my devices. When I posted this update on Facebook, I had reached my limits and...
Day 28: There’s always light at the end of each tunnel
Exhausted from the past three long days on dirt roads, I couldn’t wait to lie down in my tent last evening. Fortunately, it cooled down significantly as soon as the sun went down. However, rest and recovery didn’t come easy that night. I woke up again and again and again, if I managed to...
Day 27: Everyone falls; getting back up makes the difference
When I woke up, it was still fairly warm outside. It hadn’t cooled down as much as the other days. We were up for another hot day. Most nights since we’d been camping, I needed to get up once to pee, but otherwise slept through rather well. This night was different. My cough had...
Day 26: Know your limits
Today was a mando day (mandatory race day). According to Max, our race director, “this will be your hardest day so far. For all the racers, your time will start at 7.40am.” “Can I make a suggestion,” I dared ask during yesterday’s riders’ meeting, “not only for the racers but for everyone. Because it’s...
Day 25: When choice is between tough and tougher, you just need to harden the f..k up
Today was our first day on dirt roads. Tires changed last afternoon, we were all—mostly—feeling strong and ready to roll. Our directions were the most complicated we’d received so far. No more just going straight, but heaps of turns and way points: follow the power lines, follow the railway, or—best of all—soil changes from...
Day 24: Rules are here to be broken—use common sense instead
Today was our last day on tarmac. The directions have been relatively simple (as we’re used to in Sudan), mostly just straight with only a few turns. “At the Nile Bridge, don’t take photos,” Tallis warned us, “the police might fine you or, even worse, ask you to delete all your photos.” For whatever...
Day 23: There are no heroes, just ordinary people doing something extraordinary
We’re now heading towards the Ethiopian border. The coming few days are said to be some of the toughest on our tour, testing our stamina both mentally and physically. “Some of you will want to throw your bike at the truck when you reach camp,” Tallis warned, and others just daring to smile might...
Day 22: Never give up!
Only two days ago, I mentioned a few accidents we’ve had a long the way—worst of all, Bernd who had to fly back home for professional treatment. Three new teeth had to be implanted, and his broken gum is still healing, but guess what—Bernd is back! He will be cycling with us again from...
