But it wasnt me!!
At 9am, after a hasty assembly of bikes, about 30 of us ventured out into the traffic of Giza, near Cairo, for a 28 km “fun ride”.
Getting ready to leave
Lorries and cars souded their horns, sometimes in encouragement (sometimes maybe not), children shouted “hello” and held out their hands to high-fives us as we passed; meanwhile we had to negotiate our way round donkey-carts and the roughness of the road.
Luckily we were going slowly. In the general free-for-all, one of my companions ran straight into a pedestrian’s backside, came off the bike, no harm done. There is a lot of checking and arranging of bikes and belongings and lectures before we leave. We are all keen to get going now.
I think I've got everything....
January 15th
After an opportunity to get the mechanic to look over the bike, we have another lecture before packing gear into lockers in the lorry.
We are up at 4am tomorrow for photo shoots by the pyramids (could I be bothered??) before spinning into the dark continent. I will try not to keep you in the dark too much.
This is going to be….I am not going to say awesome, or some such overused word…esoteric.
No more showers for a while as we camp in the desert on the way to the Red Sea.
Best Wishes,
Eric
hi eric,
when i read your caption “first fall”, i thought “oh no,” not before you’ve even started and then i thought, “must not tell mum”. i was glad to read on and find it was not you.all the same i’m pleased nobody was hurt.good luck ,again keep safe. love ruth x
Hi Eric
At last you’re on your way! I wonder though, will it be light enough to see who it is who’s standing in front of the Pyramids? We are all thinking of you in Norway and again, wish you luck and God speed!
With the help of Knut, Jonny, Jonas and Martin, we have started putting in a new kitchen in the flat. Jonas and Martin are having a break and are now sledging outside where Odd sledged when he was a lad!
Monasor have already started working on the lounge renovation at Casa Lucky and after Odd’s good news from his cancer specialist, we’ll be able to go to Spain after Odd’s last chemo treatment end of February. So if you want someone to catch your falling plant pots, Odd MIGHT do it if you ask nicely!
Weather here in Norway is not too bad, -2 and snowing a little. It’s got to be better where you are, enjoy the warmth!
Take care Eric, enjoy the adventure and keep out of harms way! Love from Odd and Brenda and the family x x
Eric finally I heard from you. I could not get my twitter right. I was so glad that it was not you who falled although I have sympathy with the one. Very glad no harm done. By now you are well on your way. It is very hot here in Port Elizabeth. It is every day around 26 to 30
Best wishes
Tia
Hi Eric, it’s good to know you are now well on the way.I hope you find it all – inspiring. I’m not sure that esoteric is the right word; or did you use it because it includes your name? (it-is-so-Eric).
We are now out of the grip of the cold here and are basking in a temp of 2C!
What are conditions like with you and how are you getting on with the tent?
Keep well, Brian & Brenda
Finally on the go! Congratulations and good luck for the big adventure! Our thougts are with you and in our minds we follow you.
Take care, Helmut & Ingrid
Hi Eric,
We want to wish you good luck on your journey. We have a lot of respect for what you are going to do.
Also wanted to let you know that me and Marloes saw the garden at Julia’s in december. It was great to see vegetables groing and made all the work worth it!
Again good luck and greeting from your Thamsanqa buddies.
Hi Eric,it would not be normal if you had not forgotten something,remember triathlons.Have an esoteric experience.you are in our prayers.
John
Wow, the moment arrives, official photo’s by the Pyramids, quick look at the sights and off.
By now I guess your starting to absorb the greatness of your challenge and looking forward to the journey ahead.
Take care, Im looking forward to the bloggs and most of all enjoy . Mike
Great to see you made the start, hopefully with all your luggage intact. This must be a momentous day in your life I do hope all goes well and you achieve your goal. I will be following your progress on here and Twitter.
take care hope all goes well and I will see you when it is all over. Dave
Good to hear from you Eric. Getting up at 4 am for a photo and then cycling off into the darkness is exhausting to think about. I am full of admiration. Hope you have your cleansing wipes with you.
Anita
Hi, Eric we wish you for your great cycling trip all the best and much luck! It is very interesting to read all the news of your trip take care and hopefully we see us when you back may be in the next winter-time because we are gooing back at easter
to germany. Great luck Paul & Ilona
Hi Eric!
I found your website on Twitter (as liladeva)and have been following since the beginning of the tour. I am so inspired by your journey and service to the children of Africa. Some of us on Maui are following Chris the mechanic. Great photos! Enjoy your time at the beach and ride hard!
Warmest Aloha! Marie