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PLANNING:
If any of you catch yourselves thinking that it sounds like a nice trip and that you wouldn’t mind doing something similar then, firstly I’d say welcome aboard-one more of us and one less of them. However; immediately after saying that I’d suggest that you put down your pint and seriously consider all that a trip of this nature entails.
Below is a brief outline of just some of the issues you need to over come
Visas - Equipment - Water - Route - Health - Charity - Publicity
VISAS:
These are vital-without them, no matter who you are, it’s game over for your trip. Having said that, it is always possible to adapt a desired route to get around a problem country. For example Sudan
quick tip: Sudanese visa takes 6 weeks min to process from the U.K. some forums state 1 day is possible from Cairo ??? India also advisable to seek visa in good time from U.K. based consulate. if you have the time available to you.
We are fortunate that we are residents of a country in the European Union and that we have no real visa problems until Turkey. People from countries outside the E.U. would have a far greater headache when it comes to visas.
For most of my visas we will be getting them either on the border or in the capital city of the previous country.
want to find a British Consulate address or contact number? click here
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EQUIPMENT:
The bikes were using are covered in more detail on the bike page. The most important consideration when choosing a bike was that it was simple, tough and maintainable. Problem is we didn't have a lot of money, so we just went with what we owned at the time, from my research I would suggest one made from steel and it is therefore possible weld should anything break. I’ve chosen to run on rear derailers short of having a lot of moving parts, they are easily cleaned and maintained. Being x country mountain bikes they should stand up to the varying weather and conditions on the trip. I’ve chosen a Brookes saddle with gel cover as I am assured they are the most comfortable plus a suspension seat post for added comfort , I have heard horror stories of rashes, boils and sores from saddle rub on long trips !!!!!.
For my tent I have chosen a lightweight two-man tent so I can fit in comfortable with my kit in out of the weather too. Ii have a multi-fuel stove for cooking on. Clothing wise I have opted for British army clothing, hardwearing and windproof, varied different kinds of layers, ranging from waterproof, Gore-Tex, fleece, nylon, and cotton. I’m still deciding what to get for where-obviously conditions will dictate what I wear when and for how long although basically I will have with me a cap or hat, sunglasses, three pairs of shorts with removable padding , cycling gloves, long and short sleeve t-shirts and a Gore-Tex raincoat.
As for medical supplies I shall take a fairly comprehensive pack including antibiotics, and antimalarials. DO NOT FORGET YOUR OWN PERSONAL MEDICAL SHARPS, NEEDLES ETC, these can be purchased as a travel pack from most masta travel clinics or your local GP
Click herefor my travel checklist
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WATER
For water procedures, I have purchased a MOD approved inline filter for my camel bac system, from Surviva-pure this will enable me to virtually drink puddle water safely, but obviously certain precautions will be undertaken, you can never be too careful, what with the Africa cholera epidemic.
Step by step procedure
1) Find water source, cleaner the better
2) Filter out sediment using mill banks bag or similar or leave to settle for a few hours!
3) Add chlorine or iodine tab for purification
4) Filter through inline filter
5) Water ready for consumption 100% free from virus, germs, heavy metals and even the chlorine. Just like Evian!!!
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ROUTE:
There are several possible routes and you need to take into consideration visas, equipment, your general health amongst other issues. It is vitally important to check with your countries foreign office for any warnings on countries. Once you’ve considered these things and have eliminated areas you don’t want to travel through then the route pretty much picks itself. Minor alterations will always be made on route. Government advice is to register at your nation’s consulate on arrival into the country, just in case of political unrest you can be advised on repatriation. some countries it is the law that you register at goverment establishments i.e. Sudan you must register at the local police station on arrival into the town. for a wealth of infomation check out wikitravel and for maps of the route Click here
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HEALTH:
As covered in the equipment section above I will be taking a full medical kit, with the important items being syringes, antibiotics and antimalarials. I will also have an antibacterial bar of soap to try and reduce any minor infections. for the comprehensive list check out the travel checklist in the equipment section
Another key consideration is vaccines-I’ve had so many I feel like a pincushion! see your local travel clinic on advise regarding the regions your going to. The main ones are cholera (water purifying tablets only go so far), rabies (dogs like cyclists) and ensuring your up to date with tetanus, polio etc.
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CHARITY:
This is of key importance. It’s more than where the money goes, it’s your inspiration and when you have bad days (which are bound to happen) it’s thinking of who you’re helping that helps you break through the wall.
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PUBLICITY:
The media are a notoriously fickle bunch! However, the more media attention you receive the higher the likelihood you will make your sponsorship target. Try 1st your local newspaper, then local radio station, then E-mail everybody local companies alike. then why not try the national papers etc. for help on raising funds for your chosen charity. click here
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LASTLY:
Don't be put off by those who think your mad, and those who think your risking life and limb for nothing, don't think of what your leaving behind or of the unknown factors, trust me when I say don't let yourself procrastinate, see your goal, prepare to the best you can then just do it. I liken it to standing on the edge of a cliff waiting to jump in the water, you know it could go wrong and the fear sets in, but deep down you know if you do this it'll be an exhilarating experience. Go on just do it!!!
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