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:

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; if I am unable to get a visa for Sudan then I still have several options including sailing from Egypt to Saudi Arabia then cycle down the coast of the red sea before catching another boat back to either Djibouti or Somalia and then on to Ethiopia and worst case scenario I could fly from Cairo to Addis Ababa.

I am fortunate that I am a resident of a country in the European Union and that I 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 I will be getting them either on the border or in the capital city of the previous country.

EQUIPMENT:

The bike I’m using is covered in more detail on the bike page. The most important consideration when choosing a bike was that it was simple, tough and maintainable. To cover this I chose a Thorn Nomad from St John’s Street Cycles in Bridgwater, Somerset (www.sjscycles.com). It’s made from steel and it is therefore possible weld should anything break. I’ve chosen a Rohloff Hub because all the moving parts are internal and less susceptible to the effects of the varying weather and conditions on the trip. I’ve chosen a Brookes saddle as I am assured they are the most comfortable-mine is currently still as hard as a rock but I’m told it will mould into shape after a few weeks.

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’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 cycling shorts, cycling gloves, long and short sleeve t-shirts and a goretex raincoat.

As for medical supplies I shall take a fairly comprehensive pack including antibiotics, and antimalarials.

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.

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.

Another key consideration is vaccines-I’ve had so many I feel like a pincushion! 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.

CHARITY:

This is of key importance. It’s more than where the money goes, it’s your inspiration and when you have a bad day (which are bound to happen) it’s thinking of who you’re helping that helps you break through the wall.

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.