Enduro Africa 2007 - The Captain's Log

Day 1 – Arrive in Durban
Met at Heathrow with big group of cautious bikers. Cramped flight but got some sleep. Landed at Jo’burg in the pouring rain! Quick flight to Durban into the sunshine, then transfer to Salt Rock Hotel for a great welcome… 70 shiny, new bikes, branded and on parade, including one in reception, with Enduro Africa banners dotted around, rooms all sorted, then a warm welcome in the bar and restaurant. First riders briefing (Orange team, with Mike, our Napoleonic Leader and Anton, sweeper and super-mechanic), easy day tomorrow… So Stuart gives us his ‘Enduro’ rendition of Mustang Sally… genius.

Day 2 – the ride to Leisure Bay (258km)
Early start with a sore head and still yawning… a swim in the tidal rock pool (with 12 dolphins out at sea, past the rock-fishermen) sorted that. Drums with breakfast and send-off with a police escort.
Tarmac ride past airport and Zimbali Lodge onto the M4 for 30km’s then dirt trails.
Breezeblock huts scattered on hills, on to first water break by the industrial papermill.
Then ride across “Remegen” bridge (lookalike) to more sand trails and rocks, with rolling hills and views. Lunch at KFC (!), then tarmac roads through Ramsgate to Margate(!). Bridges over big river gorges with sandbanks at river mouths.
Staying in chalets, dotted around a park, with swim in the big breakers in the sea – salty tumble-dryer, but invigorating.
Some beers and braai in the evening, with Mike taking a swim (“Where’s the English DEFENCE”). Early sleep – hope my boots don’t give up the ghost!

Day 3 – The “Low Road” to Mboti River Lodge
Breakfast with the monkeys around the swimming pool. Talk of ‘severe storms’. Turns into a hellovaday!
A few K’s of tarmac, then onto dirt tracks and up the hills. Stopped to gather the groups, then a ‘victory circuit’ around a school with kids cheering… really moving.
Up first steep incline, then down dusty track to riverbed. Then climb 1 – rocky, tight and steep – keep the power on – trust me it’s steep! Crowd formed at the top to watch us chucking the bikes around! Took two hours to get us all up the hill. I fell once but made it OK.
Sweeping, winding dirt roads for many miles to stunning valleys. Down to river bridge then “High or low road?” choice. I went “low” (we’re here to ride...) and got a fistful of adventure… (the rest went up the hill and off to the waterfall.)…
24 of us went through gorse tunnels and ploughed fields on the side of hills and riverbeds to hills 2, 3 and 4. Dear god.
Hill 2 – straight and steep with slippy shale / slate, constant spinning, keep it pinned. I made it up 80% then stopped.
Hill 3 – Boulders (no, really) and a tight route. Lots of bashing of bike baseplates and levers but fought it to the top.
On top, we helped others up and waited for group, but saw lightening storm in the distant!
15 mins later it started – rain then lightening, thunder, hailstones (like gobstoppers) and more rain.
Hill 4, slippy and muddy – got halfway then back-wheel clogged with mud… walked the bike up and helped others. 3 made it, rest walked bikes up in torrents.
No wet-gear (muppet0, so rode to hilltop and sheltered under eaves of a hut. Then 500 yards to someone’s house for a beer sheltered from the storm. 24 beers and lots of wringing out. Then 40kms of cold, dark, wet to Mboto River Lodge – sanctuary.
ALL STILL GOING.

Day 4 – Easy riding to Hole in the Wall Inn.
Fast ride on dusty, winding hills of the Tanskei. Easy ride, with lots of speed. Stopped at Port St Johns for lunch at the NEWS café. Patched up the bikes and swam in the sea (next to 30-a-side beach football game. With thanks to our sponsors…including:

Day 5 – Biggest day…
Up at 6am, riding at 7. The Hole in the Wall viewpoint…
Then down (near-vertical) boulder field and up rutted hill with lots of “offs”. More hills and river crossings (3 or 4) – I’d have got the river if not for that pesky out-crop – lying in the river with foot trapped under the bike.
Opted for the high road, with lots of dust and good riding – one massive wobble when I hit a boulder and “fish-tailed”. Another wobble, I was overtaking then came across a “ploughed field of ruts” – just hang on. Down to Kob Inn for rest day and bike checks – oil, tyres, brakes.
Day 6 – Best day ever…
Start after rest day…visited the school near Kob Inn, where Enduro Africa teams are sponsoring desks and chairs for the school.

Then straight into “the gorge” with long, rocky down slope and river crossing – a few fallers, including ol’ John… (9 grand-children) who dropped in the river 3 times. On the third time, he walked to the bank, when someone shouted “You forgot your bike” … so he went back and got it – what a hero!

Then the long climb to the top… 300 metres of rocky, steep climb with big chunks. Hot, hot sun and lots of trouble, but we MADE IT!

More rivers, climbs and drop-offs then into deep sand – winding and tricky – keep the power on.

On to the beach for the wreck of the “Jacaranda” and a dip in the sea – sweet, cool refreshment.

Doc and the ambulance picked up Mitch and his broken ankle (but not before 10kms of pain and sand)! He’d got 5 minutes down the road to the hospital when the ambulance turned around to pick up his mate and his broken collarbone! (He hid a ridge and cart-wheeled down the road for 30 yards. Quite impressive. (3rd friend Simon is now looking nervous!)

Aaron had a brief stop, to remove the night adder from his handlebars! Then on the Kei Mouth river ferry with 30 bikes, before heading to Morgans Bay. (As in Captain Morgan, the pirate. Capital M; small ‘organ’.)

Day 7 – Morgans Bay to Port Alfred – the longest day (325km)
A day of desert and forest with some of the most diverse scenery.
We left Morgans Bay with the hotel maids singing as we left (pleased to see us go?). An early puncture slowed us down, with Dave collecting a flying tyre iron on the nose – nice shot, Anton! We then rode on tarmac for an hour in the mist and clouds – Doh!
Then onto dirt roads, with lots of dust for miles and miles (100?). Heading into a lefthand bend, I clocked Stuart had ridden into the bushes…BRAKE! Just in time to see Simon lying in the barbed wire, his bike 20m down the railway tracks. Gaffer taped Simon’s broken wrists (!) then rode on.
Stopped at golf club for drinks and sandwiches (this is surreal); Simon gets proper strapping and opts to ride on for forest stage – brave lunatic.
Then on to forest section near Gubu river Dam (“Turn left; Don’t miss; Follow forest tracks for 32.5km!!” God bless you Merv, you are a hero). Pine trails and lanes with lots of rocks, sandy trails and ruts. Aaron takes a tight corner… and a branch clips his handlebars, throwing him into Mike and breaking his left leg below the knee. He’s smiling and the Doc / morphine haven’t arrived yet!
More dusty trails and tarmac (60kms of each) to Halyards Hotel by the river in Port Alfred. Seven still riding – Me, Stuart (Maddog), Mike, John, Kevin, Warren and Nick – but all here in spirit, with Mitch and Martin back from hospital in plaster. The doc was a bit busy to notice as he rode his Bushlander into the swimming pool… first the lights stayed on(!) then, when fished out, the bike started 30 seconds later. What machines. Honda – the power of African dreams.

Day 8 – The final run to Port Elisabeth
Up early and lots of water, then fast dirt for 100km to safari park. Ride through the gates (not sure if the “Dangerous Game” signs refer to us) and up to lodge – impala, kudu and warthogs. Then drive through park with lions, giraffes and zebras. Lions have been feasting on old rhino but we get a braai at the camp.

Then fast sand (scary – hang on, power on). Then a fast, last blast to Port Elisabeth… don’t want it to end.
We regroup outside PE, then ride as an 80-strong cavalcade into Port Elisabeth, lead by John (grandfather of 9 and conqueror of Africa), with police escort and sirens through red lights waving and backfiring bikes. Sandy crashed twice (after 1500kms off road), second time landing on the guy with a broken collarbone – nice! To the hotel and hearty congratulations. What a rush… We did it!

TRULY AWESOME.

and we're off..

First 260 km today. All safe. Swam in the sea with dolfins. Then on the bikes. Over river gorges, dusty trails and lots of sand. Only 2 bikes crashed. Tomorrow the real deal starts. Fantastic organisation.

We're off !!!

Ain't no stopping us now (remember your darned passport, muppet) and we're away. Here's a map of the route: http://www.tiny.cc/enduromap216.

Come on Africa, throw your best at us...

T minus 10 days and counting

Packing... checking... sorting... copying... repacking... training... testing... remembering... repacking... thinking... registering... insuring... cleaning...

Too many ing's... not enough 'ed's. And not much 'riding' in this weird weather. 'Climate change' is like saying 'predictable rugby'...

Better go and repack!

.........

Not long to go now...

...(apart from 2,500km!)

With 2 months to go until the start of the "Ride for Life" through Africa, plans are well underway. Most of the kit is ready, the bikes are on order, the tickets are booked and paid for... now I'd better get myself fit ... eek!

The video of the 2006 Enduro Africa showed mountains being climbed (to South Africa's only ski resort), rivers (and I mean rivers, not streams) being forged (and I mean crossed, not counterfeited), a brokwn arm (nice one Steve) and lots of tired but happy souls.

Riders for Helath continues to do fantastic / exemplary work providing both aid and training... a really different charity that doesn't give, it helps.

Ironically, I'm now working at EA (Electronic Arts) which sits well with my own personal EA (Enduro Africa 07)...

Happy trails...

A ride on the wildside...

As part of my rigerous (eh?) training (EH?), I've just been to Scotland (Pitlockerie, highly recommend it) for some white water rafting, canyoning and clay shooting. Great fun, excellently organised by Nae Limits - highly recommend them). I lost my watch, my breath, all semblence of dryness and a very bad hangover, but what a blast!

Also I've been watching the DVD of the 2006 "Ride for Life" the inaugural Enduro Africa trip. As well as being full of entrepid adventurers and a motley assortment of characters (a mad collection of bikers basically) it looks as challenging as it looks fun.

Steep mountains, rocky riverbeds, fast dust-tracks (you know the ones that give you a ginger beard, even ladies) and stunning people. There are accidents (including Simon "Says" who threw himself into a ravine, using his bike as a crash-mat), incidents (bike + pool = mud), emotions and a HUGE amount of pride.

I can't wait, but I reckon we're nowhere near prepared for what lies in store. Ride for life, indeed.

The Pub Quiz Challenge

“If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs, then you’re a winner, my child.”
And if you can’t, then please ‘Donate now’ by clicking the button --->>

7pm, 24th May at the Pontefract Castle, 71 Wigmore St, London, W1U 1QA
(Or is it Q&A?)

Teams of 3 or 4. £20 per team.
Charity gets 40%. Winning team gets 30%. 2nd winners get 20%. 1st Losers get 10%.

So grab your grey matter, sharpen your synaptics and trick-out your trivia.

And your starter for 1… what’s the only national flag that is entirely one colour?
[“That’s easy… it’s Japan.” “But Japan is red AND white”. “Wha’evaaaaa”.]

……

Raising money for Riders for Health charity

The target is to raise over £5,000 and I have a series of events this summer to entertain you.
Please donate ---- > click "Donate" button.
And please put at least 2 of the dates in your diary now:

Trivia Challenge Quiz – Thursday 24th May
Think you're a wise, old owl? Think you've got some not-so-grey matter? Think you and your mates are smarter than a Doctor of Genius at the Symposium of Trivia? Then gather some friends and join the fun. There will be big cash and prizes, laughs and some brain-crushing teasers. To be held in a pub in Marylebone.

Ibiza Club Night – Saturday 30th June
At a secret venue in London, we will be hosting a club night with the best DJ's and the best music to liven your soul. With great music and a kicking atmosphere, this will be a great night. Be one of the first 50 to buy a ticket and win a VIP trip with Limo and cocktails. So get a crowd together and come along to celebrate the summer.

Kids "Ibiza Festival" in the park – August
We bring the fun of the festival to the kids. There will be bubbles, water, music, clowns, face-painting, games, smoothies, ice lollies and a cracking picnic. Probably in a park, probably in South West London. You can even bring the grown-ups too.

Evening Gastronomique – Friday 5th October
We will have a specially-designed 5-course menu of the finest delights, coupled with the finest wines. For a fixed price, enjoy a wealth of fantastic flavours, tastes and gastro-experiences.

Charity Auction - October
Please consider what you may be able to offer for a charity auction. From your specialist services, to valuable gifts, we will offer all the items online, before culminating in a special auction event (hopefully with celebrity support).

Bike Nut Swap

I'm trying to swap a nut (small, metal) for a motorbik (brand new, shiny) and you can help.

Follow the progress at the Bike Nut Swap website and see what's on offer. You're bound to want it, so just think about something you have at home that you don't want as much and offer me the swap. If you get it, then it's yours. Free. No charge. Just a swap. Lovely jubbly.

On so it goes on.
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This summer's gonna be HOT !!

The Easter eggs are barely gone and already the sun's shining... happy days. But the journey to Africa continues and that means more fundraising. I'm planning a few events for the next months but here are some tasters...

Pub Quiz
Test your grey matter against teams of know-alls. "It's on the tip of my tongue" doesn't cut the mustard. So get the drinks in, get busy with the total recall and watch the wild cards.

Charity Dinner
We will be hosting a charity dinner at a London restaurant with 4 courses of the finest fresh food, some fantastic wines and great service. There will even be a short charity auction at the end with some cracking lots donated by friends and corporate sponsors.

Festival in the Park
Definitely aimed at the younger audiences, I'll be arranging a bonanza, bumper afternoon of fun in one of London's beautiful parks. With entertainers, picnics, music and games galore, this will be for the young at heart (preferably under 7!)

And remember it's all for a brilliant cause, Riders for Health.

I'll keep you posted here or via email. Happy trails.
......

What's the plan? And who's gonna be Stan?

The Bike Nut Swap has moved on from Day 5 of 24, through the West Wing (series 6) and on to a fabulous Nokia handset.

Looking forwards to the sunshine, here are some ideas that I'm planning for fundraising this Spring and Summer in London...

• Pub quiz night
• Party in the Park (probably for families)
• A charity auction evening
• Fairtrade stall

I will not be shaving my head (I hope) or running a marathon (I pray).

I'll keep you posted about progress and plans... and check out the latest on the Bike Nut Swap at http://bikenutswap.blogspot.com

Please "Make a donation" using Paypal or email me with your pledge -->

The next step for the swap

Now we're rolling. We've swapped the music CD for a full series of agent Jack Bauer.

That's right. DAY 5, 24.

In all his hard-bitten glory.

Doing the right thing.

And nailing the bad guys.

And now it can be yours ... if you can just find somthing to swap for it...

Dig deep... and spread the word. It's for charity. What would Jack do?

Cambodia is the maddest place ... ever

Please donate ---- > >

I've just come back from a 'dress' rehearsal, practice run bike trip through Cambodia. And that place is as mad as bag of frogs. I will put up a longer post over Christmas, but basically we (me, TC and 4 friends) did 500 miles over 6 days, off road through jungles, hils, rivers and trails. It was epic. I'm sure it's a beautiful country, I just didn't see much of it cos I was hanging on to a screaming 2-stroke beast that was charging through sandy, rocky, muddy trails a\t 4o miles an hour.

There only have 2 rules in Cambodia:
Rule 1: No headlights during the day (unless you're immportant.. and if you have to ask...)
Rule 2: No other rules!

Here's an example of a ferry. And this was the deluxe version. Anyway, enough of that and more later.

Please dig deep for the great cause that is Riders for Health.
.........

The swap goes up...

Please donate -----> >

At last we've broken the deadlock ... we've swapped the Tibbet does Tibbet classical music CD for a copy of Casino Royale - a full one year before it officially hits the streets. So if you want a Christmas supping martinis with 007, get your swapping hat on and put to one side those generous but utterly-not-you Christmas presents. To swap, just add your comment to this post and we'll find the best swap...

We're going to keep going till we get to a new motorbike or beyond.
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The party's over...

Please donate ------>>

Well, the dust is settling and the party balloons are popped. We had a cracking night at Halo bar in Battersea. After a terrifyingly slow start (where even the other party organiser didn't show up till 9pm) the venue slowly but surely filled out.

We had some great (complimentary) DJ's [a HUUUGE thanks to Linda, Sam and Ben - top work] playing some eclectic but uplifting music, and they managed to get the more adventurous up on the dance stage.

We raised £400 for Enduro Africa so a massive thanks to everyone who came and / or donated. We'll be having another one around Easter time so watch this space.

.........

Do they know it's Christmas time at all...

Please donate - click the button ---->
Or send me a cheque (Simon S, c/o twentysix, 1 Dorset St, London, W1U 4EE)

They'll know it's Christmas when the party starts...

1st December in Halo bar, the best bar in London (well Battersea Park Rd), with Dj's, celebs, great music and some free booze. If you're quick.

Email me for tickets / reservations. All proceeds (after £10 of entertainment costs, mainly for free drinks) go to Enduro Africa.

Cheers. Now book your tickets. You can either:
- make a donation of £19 multiples for each of your guests (click 'make a donation' opposite)
- or send me an email at: mail.stokes@gmail.com
- or post me a cheque at the Dorset St address at the top of this post.

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Dusty Trails in Kmer Country...

Please donate using the button over there --->
Or better still send me a cheque.
.......

I'm off next week for a trial run ... 8 days off-road biking through the outback of Cambodia. I'm meeting a friend who lives in Phnom Penh, probably in the Heart of Darkness bar for a beer or two. Then we're hopping on a couple of off-road bikes (if TC's pulled one of them out of the river)and tracking down some rural retreats.

The rough itinerary is:
13th arrive Phnom Penh for beers
15th back roads to Kampot
16th Bokor
17th Kampot for a couple of days with a few day trips including Kep and maybe Koh Tongsai 19th Kompong Saom for beachy stuff
22nd back to PP

This gives me time to trial my boots (ouch), gloves (argh), and helmet (oof) as well as things like mosquito nets, water carriers and malaria tablets. We'll be kipping under the stars (mossy-fodder) and learning how to chill a beer in under 2 minutes (I'll teach you). And crashing. Lots. Should be wild.

Here's a map. I'll post some photos in a couple of weeks.









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Kickstart for Christmas...

Please make a donation (or donate £19 for each party ticket) ---->

It's time to kickstart fundraising and I can't think of a better way to do that than throwing a party.
Here's a copy of the flyer (I hope you can read it, but I've listed details below too)...


The party is on Friday 1st December from 7.30pm until around 1.30am. It will be at the Halo bar in Battersea Park Rd. There will be great music, some free drinks, lots of laughs and lots of lovely people. We'll continue the "swap for a bike" on the night.

Tickets are £19 each (every 10th ticket is free) and you can pay by cash, cheque, or paypal donation - just click [Make a Donation] on the right and make sure you include your email. Tickets will be sent out at least a week before the event.

Please, please, please come along with a bunch of friends (and also spread the word). Any suggestions, requests and ideas are appreciated.

"Cheers"

Please make a donation (or donate £19 for each party ticket) ---->

...........................

It's "Party Time"

Please donate ---->

The first event is now booked ... and it's going to be a cracker!

Friday 1st December in Battersea Park Road, London, SW11. 200 people in Halo (the best bar in London, with special thanks to Derron) having a wild time. We've got (in no particluar order):

• DJ's getting us in the club mood
• Free drinks for early arrivers
• Laughing gas (probably)
• Some 'do snacks' (probably)
• Live music (maybe)
• A 1.30am licence
• ...And you (hopefully)

The flyer will go out this weekend (or email me at mail.stokes@gmail.com for a copy).

Tickets are £19 each (with every 10th ticket free) and you can pay any way you like (including online through Paypal - just make a £19 donation, multiples of) and email me your guestlist. Please book sooner rather than later to ensure numbers and to make it a success.

ALL the proceed go towards the charity trip or will be ploughed back into making it a fun night.

"Remember where you lost it"...

Buy tickets now by clicking the 'Make a donation' button and giving £19 per ticket ---->

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Hibernation over...

Please donate now ---->

Phew... it's been a busy month (work-wise) so it's been quiet here... but it's getting better now so we're back. Firstly, another HUGE thank you to Ian and Sara for their donation. Extremely generous and really appreciated.

Now some more great news... we've got a venue for the first fundraising party. The Halo Bar in Battersea for Friday 1st December. Flyers being designed. DJ's being booked. Details being detailed. Watch this space. I'll post a flyer on here along with details of how to buy tickets.

Also, I've got a practice run in Cambodia in November of this year, visiting TC in Phnom Penh then biking out to temples and beaches for a few days. I'll post some updates on here...

Happy trails.

That's grand, Grommit...

Please donate ... Cheque or donate button -->

Fantasmagorricle. We've passed £1000 and we're motoring on! A huge thankyou to the adorable Kate B for the extremely generous donation. I'll make sure you get VIP at the club night in November.

The first 'club' night will be in November in a bar in London... Think African Manumission. Then think again. Details will follow shortly.

I've written to the press but had no calls yet (clearly they're figuring some tall-poppy front page angle) but if anyone has any suggestions or contacts, please shout.

Come along, Grommit. Time for Wensleydale.

Swap 3 - the CD of your dreams

Please donate [Total so far: £698.10 and a CD] ...it's a great cause >>

If music is the food of life, then feast your eyes on this 'supersize me mega meal'. The trusty, shiny allen key (below) has been swapped for a CD of the finest classical music in all the land. (Thanks dvc)

A CD even shinier than the key, even more useful and full of pleasure-giving potential... A handy drinks coaster for your finest cocktail... Or a shiny, circular mirror to reflect on your finer features... Or a source of the sweetest, most inspiring tunes that life can offer, warming your soul and lifting your spirits. Tippet conducts Tippet (and who better to). Symphonies 2 and 4, by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Oh yes. Escape to a world of enchantment as the notes slowly drift (that's enough...)

Surely that's got to be worth something to someone. Shirley, probably.

Please offer your swaps in the comments below and I'll be delighted to let you know what tempts us up the swap ladder.

And we're off!

Please donate (cash / bank transfer preferred... Paypal is also good) >>

We've had the first swap! I'm now the proud owner (and offerer) of a groovy Allen key ...

... swapped for the shiny nut with lots of potential. Good luck, little nut. Live long and prosper little nut.

So there must be someone out there with a yearning, burning desire for an Allen key? If it's you (or someone you know) then please get in touch. Thanks.

You're not nuts enough...

Please donate --->

I've had no interest yet in my nut (see below) which I'm trying to swap my way up to a new bike for the charity... but I'm persisting.

More donations are coming in - huge thanks to Cristel for your great generosity - what a superstar. I'm up to £598... now.

Please donate generously and get me over the £600 mark and onwards to Africa.

A brief interlude

Please donate - email me for bank sort and account numbers.

I'm up to £578.10... Thanks Anna Yarnell, you're a star.

I've been on hols hence the gap in updates. Latest news... I'm working on plans for fundraising events and a club night and a pub quiz night are on the drawing board.

No offers for the swap of the nut (which I'm hoping to trade up for a motorbike to raise funds with - see below ) so far but I'm quietly confident. Go on... You know you've got something curious that you'd rather swap for a juicy nut!

I'm off to Cambodia in Nov to see a friend and we're planning a few days of off-road touring so I'll get a sneak preview of what I've signed up for.

From nuts to bikes... will it work?

Next hair-brained scheme... (Hair-brained... what's that all about).

Well, we're going to swap a common nut (metal, not pea) for a brand new motorbike.

Remember red paper clip man... the genius of Kyle MacDonald and his ability to swap a red paperclip for a house? So I have one shiny nut that I would like to swap for something valuable.

If you have something, anything, please post a comment (click the 'comments' link below), offering your swap and I'll let you know which one I choose. And so on. And so on. Let the trade begin. [And please, please spread the word!]

Come on, you've gotta have something more valuable than a nut.

The meter's running...

And doing really well. We're up to £636 and change, with huge contributions from Robert and Eileen, Anna, and a curious stream from dvc. You lovely people. And thanks Steve for the change. No really.

Thanks Nick and Mark R for the pledges... I'll be round later (with my bike chain and a gnarly, threatening grimace) to collect.

You can donate now by Paypal, click the *Make a donation* button. -->

Riders on the storm...

Donate now please ---->

The bikes that are used for the 'Enduro Africa' 2,500km ride are then left in Africa to do their good work, distributing healthcare, medicines and aid to remote parts and providing priceless lifelines. The bikes used are mildly modified trail bikes that are very hard-wearing (they have to be when you're being chased by a water buffulo) and can cope with serious terrain. They look ok, sound ok (roaring lions?and handle well.

Most importanly they get out to the places that are both difficult to reach... and to get out of! Often places that can't be reached by car (too rough) or helicopter (too pricey).

Must be hot in all that gear though.

Another fuel injection...

Thanks to Anna who now takes over the mantle of both prettiest (sorry Ben) and most generous sponsor, earning herself a place in the VIP area of the club night, when it happens. Thanks for the donations.

Total so far is £535...

Cheques can be made directly to Enduro Africa and they can issue a receipt, if that helps anyone.

I've heard that the Enduro Africa crew are out in South Africa preparing the recce for the trip ... and it's snowing in the mountains. That's Africa... hot place where it doesn't rain much. And unpredictable. At least we've got the sunshine.

A few of you have asked, so I'll try to find out more about the bikes and post it up here....

And we're off...

Donate now or the puppy gets it ----->

A HUGE thank you to Ben P, the very first donor (money, not organs, that is).

Ben also currently holds the records for the fastest donation, the largest donation and the best looking donor. And the smartest.

However, all of these awards are up for grabs, so come on you lot... rise to the challenge. Empty that annoying pot of change on top of your chest of drawers and get down the back of your sofas.

Which way?

.........................................................Please donate now --->

Good question... Roughly this:

Day 1 - After a pleasant flight into South Africa the group arrive at the wonderful coastal city of Port Elizabeth where the original settlers arrived in 1820. With no Jet Lag to worry about (as there is a mere 1 hour time difference) we settle into a local hotel. We get down to business quickly; introduce you to the team and your trusty Yamaha 200AG. A brief orientation ride will be conducted in the late afternoon and this will give you the opportunity to test the bikes in varied riding conditions. The briefing and dinner will be conducted with the beautiful Algoa Bay as your backdrop, a wonderful way to start this amazing Adventure.

Day 2 - An early start after breakfast and the group wind their way along the rugged coastline of Port Elizabeth and soon enter the beautiful Longmore Forests which will offer the riders incredible views of Cape St Francis and Jeffrey’s Bay, home to the worlds greatest surfing spot, “Super tubes”. We leave the forest and wind our way through the city of Uitenhage and onto our overnight stop, The Stables. A very unique venue on the borders of the famous Addo Elephant Park.

Day 3 - A special day and our 1st big riding day. Over the famous Zuurberg pass and Olifantskop Range and through the quaint towns of Bedford, over the KatBerg Pass and we arrive at Wildskutberg Game Reserve. Hippo’s Rhinos and a wide variety of wildlife should keep you wide awake as you enter the reserve. Accomodation will be interesting but comfortable.

Day 4 - Into the area of Queenstown and we start heading North onto the highest point in South Africa and our very own ski resort – yes we have the entire resort, Tiffendale. Our route takes us through some magnificent mountain passes, the Otto Du Plessis being one that will take your breath away. It’s onto Barkley East, into the trout fishing village of Rhodes and a climb up to over 7000 feet and our home for the night.

Day 5 - Today will be the toughest. An early departure from the resort and we tackle the famous Naudes Nek, over the Escarpment and into the forests of Maclear. We wind our way through the ancient Transkei area and onto the Wild Coast where our overnight stay is the famous Hole in the Wall Hotel. This is big decision time for the riders as the group decides on the Low (Difficult) Road or the High (easier) Rd. The Enduro Africa support crew is nearly doubled for this leg of the ride as we ensure that all the riders get through this awesome terrain safely over the next few days.

Day 6 - Welcome to the most beautiful riding area in the world, The Wild Coast. With some riders tackling the cattle paths, river crossings and others choosing the inland option, rest assured, both are awesome. The rural villages of the Transkei are dotted with subsistence farmers, stray animals and over 15 rivers, this will most certainly be one of the highlights of your Enduro Africa experience. After crossing the last river, the mighty Banshee, we make our way through the town of Willowvale and onto the coastal Hotel of Kob Inn. A pub on the rocks and our home for 2 nights. The famous Kob Inn dancers and singers will surely get those cameras clicking.

Day 7 - A rest day on the sunny shores of the Qora River. It’s a day to catch up on some sun and surf and generally just “kick back”. Those that are feeling energetic, a beautiful beach walk to Mazeppa Bay or a paddle up river are some of the offerings at hand.
Day 8 - Hopefully today we will encourage all our adventure seekers to choose the more testing route and tackle the 4 x 4 route to the Kei Mouth, catch the Ferry and wind our way through the towns of Kei Mouth and Morgan’s Bay and onto the game reserve and safari lodge at Inkwenkwezi. A game drive, tribal drumming and dancing, together with some real African cuisine should be a really memorable evening.

Day 9 - Inland we go and into the mountains and forests. Great twisting dirt roads through the town of Stutterheim, the famous mountains of Hogsback and a wonderful mountain retreat, the Katberg Hotel are all features of this great day’s ride. A truly beautiful day which should get the entire group on a high. The heat of November will be cooled off with a swimming pool of note at our destination.

Day 10 - Our penultimate day and we head off into Settler country where 4000 hungry and exhausted British settlers landed in just 21 ships in the year 1820. One of the famous stops will be in the little town of Bathurst where the oldest pub in South Africa, the ‘Pig and Whistle’ will welcome us with open arms. Then its on to Port Alfred and The Halyards Marina Hotel.

Day 11 - Our last big push sees our epic journey come to an end. It’s a great days ride as we move back to the coast and hug the massive dunes of Woody Cape and onto the Sundays River. A Police cavalcade will escort the riders into Port Elizabeth. Expect an emotional ride in on the horns and up on the pegs. PE will supply the fanfare, pomp and ceremony to welcome you home. We arrive early afternoon and the balance of the day can be spent relaxing, sharing stories and preparing yourself for the ceremony that evening.

Day 12 - Enjoy the city, the restaurants and catch up on that last minute shopping for the family. PE has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and we have no doubt that lazing on one of these beaches will be a natural choice for many of the weary riders… don’t forget your sunblock!

Day 13 - Leave hotel and bid farewell to PE and Sunny South Africa. (Noooooooooo!)

So that should be simple then. Just an average couple of weeks for the real "Riders for Health" heroes though.

(Makes you feel small, doesn't it? "What do you do for a living, Daddy?")

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Preparation for the long journey...

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It's a long and winding road... boom, boom, booom. Or something.

And here's roughly where it started... aaaaah! Off roading into the deep and the dangerous. (I never did quite figure out how to strap that kneeslider on.)

So we covered the begining of the journey off. So what came next?

Well a bit of this and a bit of that and about 30 years of the other.

I got my first bike at 16, the unforgettable Suzuki RM100 motocrosser.

Oh yes. Trouble was, I couldn't kick start it. DOH! And when I did, I kept riding it into trees.

But then came the seminal moment. The Yamaha R6. Oh my gaaaaaaawd. Eye-poppingly gorgeous and beautifully forgiving.

"Fast?" I hear you ask?

I'm not sure. Ask the nice French policeman with the radar gun that I went past at around 170 who never seemed to bother pointing out the error of my ways.

(Only ever got my left knee down (so far) but that's the beauty of French roundabouts... anti-clockwise!)

So. That's the background. Next stop, Africa and doing some real "good". Giving something back for the years of fun we've had. So please donate. And please spread the word. Rider for Health. Enduro Africa 2007. http://enduroafrica2007.blogspot.com/. Good work, folks.

Thanks for your support...

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Donations please...

OK... the cold, hard reason we're here.

To raise money to help remote parts of Africa with the the things they need most... contact, help, support, medecine, etc.

There are several ways that you can donate:
- by Paypal - just click the *Make a donation* button on the right
- by bank transfer... just email me at mail.stokes@gmail.com with the title "Enduro Africa 07 bank transfer" and I'll email you the bank branch sort and account code
- by cash or cheque (made payable to Simon Stokes) to my home address (White Cottage, Newlands Corner, GU4 8SE)

Onwards with the journey...

Planning is going well but lots still to do... starting with fundraising...£5000 to go.

Please donate to this great cause. I have a PayPal account which you can donate straight into. [See the button on the right]

Please donate whatever you can and whatever feels right. It's for a brilliant cause and (I reckon) over 80% of your donation goes straight to helping people who need medical help the most in Africa.

Enduro Africa 2007 - the longest journey

OK - Day 1

The longest journey starts with a single step. (And then you swing your leg over, kick the starter and rev the engine). (Though that sounds ruder than it was meant to!)

I've signed up for Enduro Africa 2007 to raise money and motorbikes for a fantastic charity Riders for Health that delivers medecine and other aid to remote parts of Africa by the best (and sometimes only) means possible.

We set off for Africa in November 2007 to run in the bikes and have a brilliant 10 days riding through some of the best and most challenging countryside in the world. But first we have to raise as much money as possible for this great cause.

So that starts here today.

I've opened a Paypal account and we're taking donations. Details to follow shortly. Or you can send a cheque / note to me.

One date for your diary: Tomorrow (sorry for short notice) is the Day of Champions at the British Bike GP. (Riders for Health decription page here). The sole purpose is a unique opportunity to raise money for Riders for Health. Good luck folks.