16th Jan
After a 4am rise we finally loaded our meagre belongings in the lockers assigned to us in the two lorries and began a dawdling 14km convoy to the pyramids for an opening type ceremony. It was weird as tourists were taking photos of us instead of the pyramids.
At the designated camping ground, we put up our tents, had soup, cleaned our bikes, had a meeting to get directions for tomorrow, ate our spaghetti bolognaise-as much as we wanted-and went to bed.
Cooking
17th Jan.
I woke up to a lot of voices round the lorries. I presumed the team were preparing for breakfast. Not wanting to be late, I got up, grabbed a spade and went into the desert to dig my one foot hole; not being able to penetrate the ground, I made a pyramid instead! The routine is to put lubricant and sun-cream on, don the lycra and take down the tent and heft it all over to the lorry. Nobody else had stirred so I started to do some exercises- boy was I going to be prepared for this lot! A guard came over and I asked the time. It was 3.15. I unrolled my sleeping bag and took another 2 hours on the pavement.
Evening in the desert
The racers are not allowed to leave camp till 7am. I went off with the leading group-probably my first and last time-and we bombed along at 50 plus. Marcel, one of the two fastest, was just in front of me. At 54kph, he takes his hands off the handlebars and starts fiddling with his top; I am behind, holding on for grim death; it is hard not to be demoralised.
This day proved to be one of the hardest rides I have ever done. We did 168 km, most of it into a headwind that got up to more than 30kph. It weighed heavily to be told by the team that there is always a very strong wind round here, but it is always in the other direction. Last year they were doing 40 kph and not pedalling.
Everyone suffered. 13 riders got picked up by the dinner truck. I got in at about 3, but it took me till the 6pm nightly talk on the following day’s route to clean up with baby wipes, sort out and get my tent up. The wind and hard ground made it very difficult.The meeting lasted 5 mins as the sky was crackling with lightning. Rain- unheard of in Egypt at this time of the year,we were told- followed. We all quickly queued up for our rice stew. Some sat in the rain to eat, some under the tarpaulin covering the cooking area. I sat under the lorry. At 7 we were all in our tents. But the wind became a gale and threatened to tear our tents down and expose us to the rain.. At times I was supporting the tent with my leg in one place and my arm against another. I don’t remember falling asleep. I do remember thinking that tomorrow may not be fun.
Chris the Mechanic fixing my bike - bent derailleur and no grease in crank
As it happened, no damage was done. After porridge and peanut butter pitta sandwich, we took off for the 133km. We only got 20 kms before we were stopped at a police checkpoint. The road ahead was flooded. They agreed that we would get through but, being very sensitive over our security, were worried that they would not be able to follow. After a half-hour, they relented. Winds were generally more favourable. I had altered my bike position in the hope of reducing the backache and knee problems. It was going very well.After the 70 km lunch stop (the length of time you stop is counted in your time), the Sinai peninsula became clearly visible on our left.
Me - waiting for the police to let us go
Our desert campsite was again battered by winds.
Everyone is slowly getting to know each other. There are a lot from Aussie and N.America. Everything is awesome. The coffee is awesome. What do they say when they see the Victoria Falls??
Jan 19
I rode with Dan today, a big, young Aussie. We drafted each other. Our average speed was 28kph. (Yesterday, I averaged 30, a personal best). Coming into Safaga, a small port on the Red Sea, seemed like rising in to Paradise. We are camping on the beach; there are beers, but no wind.
Best wishes,
Eric
How fantastic this must be for you mate, after such preperation you must be enjoying every minute of these opening days. I will definately be looking forward to the bloggs and pictures, I can only imagine the experiences you are goinmg to have.. Enjoy and Remember everything…what an adventure..take care Mike
Eric, Mike talk about enjoying and think of suffering. I enjoy reading these pages. It surely is a different experience. I had a few laughs seeing you sitting under the truck in the rain. And thank you very much we have received more money. It is wonderful. It will go towards school books. In Afrikaans Vasbyt. Ask the South Africans if you ever met them Lood after yourself.
Tia
Hi Eric! The video in this post is quite impressive!! Good job so far – watch the backache and knees!!!
What a wonderful experience and to think your pages allow us to join you. Take care Eric we are thinking of you. Dave said “pace yourself as we want to see you complete this expedition safely”.
Love Sue and Dave
Hi Eric. You are the best! Thank you for allowing us to do the journey with you. Great reading & RIDING! The next thing you will be doing is writing a book – a bestseller! Dont push yourself too much, take it easy, we are looking forward to you in SA. Many blessings! All our love. Peter & Daphne
Hi Eric,I love your sense of humour – sometimes it is the only way to endure things. It is fun to follow the route and recognize the area. I hope the section along the river Nile is more comfortable and the boat trip will allow you some rest.
Keeping our fingers crossed and waiting for the next blog – Ingrid
From all at Moraira Ladies Luncheon Club, well done Eric, keep going we are watching you daily.
Lots of love.
Pamela
Hi Eric
What an adventure! It’s like reading “Boy’s Own”. Odd says, he hopes you stood at the FRONT of the pyramids for your photo!
You must now be an expert at putting up a tent, but I do think it’s time you bought a watch! Odd’s praying for your wind to be BEHIND you in future but says to make sure you have your wipes handy! He also wonders if eating porridge every morning will give him the energy to finish installing this bloody kitchen before Christmas!
Thanks Eric for giving us the opportunity of taking part in your fascinating adventure. Keep safe and well and enjoy the ride Eric.
love and best wishes from Brenda and Odd in snowy Norway!
Hi Eric
What an adventure! It’s like reading “Boy’s Own”. Odd says, he hopes you stood in FRONT of the pyramids for your photo!
You must now be an expert at putting up a tent, but I do think it’s time you bought a watch! Odd’s praying for your wind to be BEHIND you in future but says to make sure you have your wipes handy! He also wonders if eating porridge every morning will give him the energy to finish installing this bloody kitchen before Christmas!
Thanks Eric for giving us the opportunity of taking part in your fascinating adventure. Keep safe and well and enjoy the ride Eric.
love and best wishes from Brenda and Odd in snowy Norway!
Hi Eric,
You don’t know me, but I like to give a reaction!
I was working at Thamsanqa last july/august.
It’s very brave what you are doiing, such a long trip by bike.
I wish you good luck and of course much pleasure too!
Take care…
kind regards from Anneke
Hi Eric,
right back from vacation, I started to read your latest updates. I see you already started the BIG JOURNEY, wow! I, on behalf of the Be More team, wish you all the best for this ultimate challenge.
Take care & have fun,
regards Debbie
Hi Eric Good to read your blogs, but have to tell you you are not alone, Carole is also learning how to dig holes as the septica is not working too well. We have found her a big spade!!! Take care of yourself, keep pedalling. love from us both.
Well done, Eric. It sounds exhilarating. Love your story.
I’ve just got all my ’stuff’ back from Spain and it swamps my little flat. Thank you so much for collecting everything for me.
Today, I have found out that Virgin Media have given me the same telephone number as my landlord! Hopefully, all will be resolved tomorrow.
Think I will have to have an adventure once I am sorted.
Best wishes
Anita
Hi Eric,
I see you are 10th place on the Red Sea Coast section – WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susan & Mattew
Great momentous start hope you reach your goal Dave & I are rooting for you Have a safe journey look after yourself. Love your blog I feel like I am there with you your discription of each day is so goodI feel every kilameters you do
Best wishes
Caz & Dave
30 kph!!!!!! Average!!!! I won’t tell you mine, it would be a shame for me.
Good Luck Eric
Hi Dad,
Amazing stuff! Very AWESOME!!! Ha! Hope your back is getting better and keep us updated. Really enjoyed reading all that. Kids think their Grandad is very ‘cool’
Love Catherine
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So proud of you Eric.Love telling people in the shop of your exploits.Stay strohg and keep well. Dave