The second section of this journey is called the Gorge and is seen by many past riders as probably the toughest part of the 12000km journey.

Departing from Khartoum, riders had eight days of riding, without any rest days, which included some of the worst unpaved roads they will come across on the entire trip, a border crossing, temperatures
averaging in the high fourties, the biggest climbs of the trip and riding at altitude.

Despite the extreme conditions and intensity of this stretch, or maybe because of it, this is also one of the most rewarding sections. It was a treat to travel on the back roads of Sudan and see places not many other tourists have seen before. For many riders the highlight has been the breathtaking views and interaction with the ancient and unique culture of Ethiopia.

For many the transition from Muslim Africa to the more tribal nature of Ethiopia has already given them the ride of a lifetime and they’re eagerly anticipating the next three months.

Participants have now been on the road for a little more than a month and have completed more than a quarter of the total distance between Cairo and Cape Town. As they approach Addis Ababa another chapter in their journey is coming to an end and a new one is dawning with Kenya approaching rapidly. Some days have been easier and some have been
incredibly hard but one thing is sure, all of them have been memorable.

Said Steve Smith:

The deserts were interesting but there’s just so much of it and I’m glad to have some different scenery now. In Sudan we would be riding for hours and hours without seeing anyone and suddenly someone appears out of nowhere, just going about their daily business. Generally the Sudanese people were really friendly and experiencing the Sudanese wildlife – like caravans of camels just passing by while riding – was fascinating.

Cycling through Ethiopia has been great. The landscape is fantastic thus far. I really enjoy cycling through the villages where there is less stone throwing with adults around and you get to see their way of
life with their little industries next to the road. It has been enlightening.

Said Alan Emerton:

It has been extremely hot since we left Egypt but I told myself at the beginning of the trip that I will never complain about the heat again, because it was so cold.

I loved Sudan, the people were so friendly and their honesty was exceptional. They would leave us at a restaurant without having paid our bill to go to prayer and return 15 minutes later with nothing but
trust that we will still be there to pay up. The flatness of the landscape did get to me after a while though.

I’ve enjoyed the Ethiopian landscape with its exceptional variety since we’ve been here. There are so many people next to the road and you have to stay friendly to prevent the kids from throwing stones at you and that gets a bit tiresome sometimes, but despite that I like the people and I love that I get to see what they get up to in their
daily lives.

For more information, visit www.tourdafrique.com

After being treated to a real African experience on the ferry between Aswan and Wadi Halfa participants set foot on Sudanese soil and were welcomed with open arms by the locals. Upon arrival it became apparent that even though these two countries are geographical neighbours and have a lot in common they are also very different. Riders realised that desert landscapes can change on a daily basis and since they’ve been in Sudan the landscape has taken on a majestic moonlike atmosphere. The most apparent difference between the two countries thus far though has been the behaviour of the people. Apart from the curious stares there has been nothing but smiles, friendly hellos and big waves, quite different from the treatment they received in Egypt most of the time.

As riders get to tick off the first 1000km on their journey, the real Africa is beginning to reveal itself and the icy Egyptian temperatures have made way for balmy daytime temperatures and warm Sudanese hospitality. TDA participants have been invited to have dinner with locals and friendly meetings next to the road are common, this is the kind of experience most was looking forward to when they signed up for this trip.

For those who are more concerned about cycling than experiencing the geographical change are further preparing them for the steep hills and unpaved roads that await them in Ethiopia. Rolling hills dominate the Sudanese landscape and thus far they have been treated by strong tail winds, however Mother Nature is sure to turn ugly in the near future.

During the first team time trial of 30km, the African cyclists showed their quality by achieving second place, just two minutes behind their German counterparts. The team consisted of South Africans Alan Emerton, Steve Smith and Miguel Teixeira, Namibian Alaric Britz and Sudanese Elsadig Yusof.

The daily camping routine is becoming normal now but the thought that this journey is still an infant and thousands of kilometers are yet to come is always at the back of riders’ minds. The first major landmark of Khartoum is approaching though and spirits are still high with 18 weeks to go and loads more memorable experiences to come.

Said Alan Emerton on departing from Egypt:

I enjoyed Egypt but I’m looking forward to experiencing more of Sudan. It was a little disappointing that I could never really engage with the Egyptian people. I felt a bit removed from the locals as there wasn’t a lot of interaction between us and them so I hope in Sudan we will get to engage with the locals and their culture more.

Cycling wise my body is still feeling strong and I feel that I am still getting stronger every day. I’m looking forward to taking on the other cyclists with road bikes on the unpaved roads of Sudan and Ethiopia because I think these conditions will even things out a bit and those of us with mountain bikes will hopefully be able to cash in.

So far the trip has been fantastic. The weather has played along, the cycling has been good and I’m enjoying it. There’s still a long way to go and I’m relishing every minute.

To celebrate its birthday, Tour d’Afrique Ltd. has published a coffee table book: 10: Celebrating Ten Years of the Tour d’Afrique Bicycle Race and Expedition. It is a powerful photographic journey of the gutsy men and women who, since 2003, have pedalled across Africa on the planet’s most exceptional bicycle adventure.

After riders started their epic four-month adventure last week they can now almost tick off the first country on their list with only about 300km of riding left in Egypt. As always the first week of the TDA was a good introduction to help all participants’ legs prepare for what lies ahead and many of them rode their first 100-miler ever on the second day of the tour.

The first six days of riding took place on the smooth and mostly flat Egyptian tarmac that runs through the Sinai Desert. After travelling south along the banks of the Red Sea for three days they turned inland toward the border between Egypt and Sudan at Lake Nasser.

Leaving the Red Sea behind, the thought of only seeing the ocean again four days before the end of their journey at Strandfontein on the west coast of South Africa, loomed large ahead of them. The enormity of the challenge they’ve taken on is starting to dawn on most participants and perceptions are already starting to change as Canadian rider, Andrew Younghusband said: “A few days ago I shuddered at the thought of cycling 130km, now I think 130km is a short day.”
The four South African riders are progressing well with the three men, Steve Smith, Alan Emerton and Miguel Teixeira placed in the middle of the field.

Said Steve Smith:

“So far the cycling has been going surprisingly well, but it is still very early days. I never expected it to be this cold but I read one of the 2010 participants book on his experience and in comparison to the weather they experienced I am happy that the first couple of days have been relatively easy.  If the first couple of days were a bit harder it might have prepared us better for what lies ahead, but having said that I know the hills are still to come and maybe these first few days have been a good introduction for our legs. I still feel strong although the 57km continuous climb on day four really took it out of me. Even after lunch when it was supposed to get easier, it didn’t.
There was a swirling headwind and it was a hard, hard day.

I am looking forward to going further south and experience the Africa that I was expecting, the bush and animals and sitting around a campfire. However, I know you have to go through Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia first to get to that part. I can tell you one thing though; I am going to be sick and tired of pitching and taking down my tent in four months.”

Cycle Tour

Today is a rest day in Luxor and my legs are shouting Hooray. Six days of riding and 4 desert camps. Desert camps are exactly that. A spot in the desert, pitch your tent and dig a hole for ablutions. I never thought Egypt could get so cold but in the morning in one of the camps the water left outside had frozen. Never really came prepared for the cold but once we get to Sudan apparently it warms up quite a bit. I’ve so enjoyed the openness of the Eastern Desert and at times it’s been only me and my bike for as far as can be seen. Most of the riding days I’ve felt strong and managed fine except for after lunch on day 5 after just having done a 57 km climb.

Thought my legs were used to the hills!! I think yesterday after lunch break was my best time as we had come to the fertile Nile valley and suddenly there is this dramatic change from desert to vast agricultural lands. With this came hordes of people, cars, bikes and donkey carts. Looks like they farm now as they did for centuries. Most times welcomed by the kids and locals along the route, but occasionally whacked with a sugarcane cane or pelted with a stone. We’ve had a few accidents along the way.

One of the riders, Shona ended up a night in hospital after being glanced by a truck. Very, very lucky!!!  

And another guy, Douglas the mechanic got nicked by a car yesterday in the chaotic traffic coming into Luxor.

A few cuts and bruises but ok. Bike not ok. Both South Africans!!!

It’s Friday lunch so surrounded by prayers from the Mosques.

Three more cycling days and we leave Egypt on ferry for Sudan.

Up to Khartoum it’s easy riding but then restart the real rough stuff.

Salaam from

Luxor.

Dr Emerton in Egypt

4Th day of the tour complete. It’s taken a couple of days to get into the rhythm of the tour but today was my best cycling day so far. I set off early and was the first on the road and had it much to my self until xamp. We are camped back right on the edge of the red sea.

Today was the first time that I cycled entirely on my own and on the way was so grateful that I have had this opportunity to do something that will I’m sure will leave me with an entirely different ourlook on life. So far Egypt has been much colder than I expected but riding through the eastern desert today left me awed. I’m in a little beach called Sarafta and have managed to find this internet cafe.

I will go and fine a barber to shave my head and my face now.

Take care and all be well.

Salaam.

Riding in Sudan

Dr Alan Emerton of Stellenbosch in Cape Town is the senior veterinarian at The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals – PDSA (SA).

He has been with the PDSA since 1998 and he is raising money and awareness for PDSA (SA). The money will go towards paying for much needed surgical equipment and supplies.  Amazingly, the only other PDSA in Africa is in Egypt and so Dr Emerton will be riding from PDSA Cairo to PDSA Cape Town.

Steve Smith is a 51-year-old Capetonian – “It’s a flipping ‘moer’ of a long way,” says Smith. “On a training ride to Melkbos and back, I couldn’t help thinking that the next time I cycle this route will be the final day of the 2012 tour. I could even then, feel the exhilaration starting to mount, and the sense of accomplishment was evident. I am determined to complete the journey. Of course one is anxious – about the people, the equipment needed, and inevitably the ‘what can go wrong?’ scenarios creep into one’s brain. I am not a worrier however, and once I touch down in Cairo, it’ll be all systems go! That’s when the excitement factor will hit me.”

Gauteng residents Shona Bell and Miguel Teixeira are 47 and 40 respectively and will tackle the adventure as a couple. “Through our businesses we are very active fund raisers all year round, with 2 dedicated months,” says Shona Bell. “March is our Food Drive and October is Breast Health. We are using this opportunity to create awareness of these and a new initiative we have. Within our businesses we will be using our epic tour to reach out to our members and their families as to how they can continue to make a difference in their lives and others.”

“It is hard to believe that the 10th Tour d’Afrique is about to start,” says company founder and environmental activist, Henry Gold.

“It feels like only yesterday that I was reading e-mails telling me that it could not be done, that I am a charlatan, that it is a publicity stunt that will never be attempted. But here we are at the start of one of the most remarkable annual adventures in the world. I want to simply wish all of the current participants a wonderful trip and may you enjoy this journey the way I enjoyed it when I cycled through Africa.”

“Crazy, doomed, hopeless, wonderful – my first thoughts when I read about the very first Tour d’Afrique,” says Lonely Planet co-founder, Tony Wheeler. “It really is the Mt Everest of cycling. I didn’t realise that a few years later I’d join in the crazy caper. My only regret from my ride? That I couldn’t just keep going.”

The journey takes 120 days of which 95 are cycling days, averaging 125 km each day, and 25 are rest days. Support trucks transport the gear and equipment, and an experienced crew sets up camp each night and prepares four meals a day.

On their journey through 10 African countries ¬- Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa – the riders travel past ancient temples, through game reserves teeming with wildlife, across deserts and the foothills of legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, alongside the rugged and biblical landscape of Ethiopia’s Simian Mountains and through Botswana and Namibia’s most magnificent wilderness areas.

One of the main goals of the company is to raise awareness of the damage being done to the environment through society’s increasing use of motorized transportation.  Dangerous levels of CO2 in the atmosphere as a result of the use of cars worldwide play large part in the global warming crisis.

“It’s common sense that the world needs to restrain the growth and use of car transportation.” said Gold.  “By proving that it’s possible for ordinary people to cross an entire continent by bicycle, we hope to inspire more people to use bikes instead of cars in their daily lives.”

Whether participating as a racer or adventure cyclist, the Tour d’Afrique challenges riders physically and mentally like no other – with rewards of unsurpassed terrain and diversity and an incomparable feeling of accomplishment that few have the opportunity to experience in a lifetime.

For more information, visit www.tourdafrique.com

The Tour Begins

Cairo, Egypt – The 10th Tour d’Afrique (TdA) is officially underway.

45 Cyclists took off from the majestic Pyramids of Giza, close to Cairo on Saturday morning with the soul aim of reaching Cape Town in four months’ time and the honour of calling themselves cross-continental cyclists.

Riders set out on the first stage of this, the longest timed stage race in the world, early on Saturday and completed 134km to reach their first desert camp. The next seven days will see them covering more than 1000km as they gradually travel further south toward  the Sudan and ever closer  to their final destination, Cape Town. Cycling out of Cairo proved once again to be a challenge as the cyclists disrupted traffic even more than it usually is in Cairo, but everything went smoothly and the group was soon met with any cyclist’s

dream: smooth, flat pavement with a gentle tailwind to nudge them forward.

The TDA took place for the first time in 2003 when company founder, Henry Gold ignored all warnings and followed his dream of making this journey achievable for many people that previously could only dream of doing anything like this.

This year’s participants include riders from almost all the continents with representation from North America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa. The first Taiwanese cyclist to take part in the tour is sound proof that the TDA gospel is spreading around the world slowly and surely and a TDA with participants from every continent will be imminent.

South African representation is in the form Steve Smith, Alan Emerton, and Shona Bell and Miguel Teixeira -FROM GAUTENG – all with the same aim of riding every fabulous inch on their bikes. This will include 12 000km across ten countries, namely Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and finally South Africa.

It’s going to be long, dusty and incredibly hard but at the moment all riders are fresh and looking forward to the challenge. No-one knows what lies ahead for the next four months but one thing is for sure, Table Mountain is going to be a sight for sore eyes on 12 May.

At the end of their first day the riders camped out in the Sinai desert after a long day of convoy riding. As a few snores fill the Egypt air, the reality has now really set in that there isn’t any turning back any more. Although everyone is yet to settle into the daily tour routine the first day went smoothly and it should be in no time at all that we arrive at the ferry crossing to enter the Sudan.

For the next few days riders will be enjoying some of the best paved roads they’ll find in Africa. The road is smooth, flat and the wind seems to be working with them, more than against. Racing will start in all seriousness on Sunday with the first mandatory stage to take place over approximately 160km. This will be one of the longest days of the whole tour and the presence of a team of local Egyptian racers as well as fresh legs all round mean we might see some fast racing.

But before that there’s some time to admire the star-filled sky and the chilly desert air.

Steve Smith:

So far the weather has been perfect for riding but I ‘m really looking forward to heading further south because it has been extremely chilly at nights and I don’t do cold very well at all.

Alan Emerton:

The roads have been excellent and flat, there are absolutely no hills to speak of in Egypt. Though we’ve had close to perfect riding days it is a lot colder than what I had expected so far. I’m not sure why I thought it wouldn’t be cold in Egypt in winter but now i know.

Everything has went well up to this point though, the flat roads have been a nice introduction to introduce our legs to what is waiting in the next four months.

Alan Emerton with PDSA staff at PDSA Offices

Dr Alan Emerton, Senior veterinarian at  The People’s Dispensary For Sick Animals – PDSA (SA) has been a part of the PDSA since 1998.  His passion for animals and for cycling has come together in a once in a lifetime opportunity – he has decided to combine these two passions by participating in the journey of a life-time, the TOUR D’ AFRIQUE.  This cycling tour – from CAIRO TO CAPE starts on 14^th of January 2012 fromCairo toCape Town.  Amazingly, the starting point isEgypt where the only other PDSA inAfrica is positioned. 

 The Tour d’Afrique is a 12 000km, four month cycle tour which will include various African destinations like, Egypt / Sudan / Ethiopia/Kenya/Tanzania/Malawi/Zambia/Botwana/Namibia and finally South Afirca on 12^th May.  The PDSA is a non profit organisation concentrating on the primary health care of domestic animals and cart horses.  We do not receive any government funding and Dr Emerton through this tour, plans to raise money and awareness for PDSA (SA). The money raised will enable the PDSA in acquiring much needed surgical equipment and supplies in order t continue offering the quality service that we do, to our poorer communities nationally.

As mentioned the PDSA is a welfare organisation focused on providing treatment and care to sick and injured animals, from owners in our communities, who are not able to afford the services of a private vet. We have three hospitals situated in George,Cape Townand inSoweto;   we have three satellite clinics situated in Athlone, Mitchell’s Plain and Pimville. Our nine mobile units reach 75 poorer communities that would otherwise not have access to any other welfare veterinary healthcare service.

A comment from our Dr Emerton:

“I am always happiest on my bike and a number of years ago, while driving through Namibia in a vehicle on some remote dirt track, I mentioned to a friend that I wish I could rather be on my bike. His reply was “ Tour d’Afrique”. So here I am.  I live in Cape Town so finishing the TDA here will make it extra special for me as well.  I will most probably be one of the older contestants at 60 but still feel extremely young and am looking to a few challenges from the younger riders. Even though I have had this TDA in mind for a number of years I made a last minute decision to enter which has made it very exciting, as everything is suddenly happening at an incredible pace. I will be raising funds for The People’s Dispensary For Sick Animals, PDSA (SA).  I know this is going to be a journey, both outward and inward, that I will never forget.”