Yvonne Dennis Diary Update
I apologize for any misspeled towns and lack of last names for a few riders. The completion on May 15 of 11,000 kilometers of cycling was something different for all of the 40-plus riders who participated in all or parts of Tour d' Afrique 2004. You've read many tales from the riders along the way. Here now from participants is a recollection of his/her best experience, worst experience and advice for next year's riders.
Brian Rogers
My best memory was in the Sudan when we all got lost in the desert in Kermah and everybody was so tired. It took 8, 9 hours and we all ended up at the same little little snack bar on the side of the Nile and everybody was all together. We all drank guavas and had plates of fruit and created a big mess. And then the truck was lost and we ended up sleeping in a little hotel called the Kermah Hotel. That was a great night.
Worst experience: In the Sudan again laying in my tent with diarhea having stomach convulsions and wishing I was home.
Advice: Bring a big tent. Get a three- or four-man tent.
Gerard
Best experience: Blue Nile Gorge. I enjoyed it very much. It was a hard climb - 20k down, 20k up. I didn't have to walk. I like climbing and it was nice to do that. You saw a lot in the distance. I was climbing with the truck and I had almost the same time as the truck.
Worst memory: That three people had to go to the hospital - Mark, Scott and Pete. Advice: Be convinced of making the whole tour when you start and not thinking maybe, maybe not. You should be convinced of making that you can make it.
Dave Atlee
My best memory on this trip would probably be photographing the Samburu and Rendelle warriors in Marsibit. That's because I'mm into photography.
Worst memory: That was the approach into Marsibit. It was the only time on this trip where my legs honestly said to me i just do not want to go around in circles anymore. I barely dragged my ass into Marsibit. The probleem was I started out in the morning with my head in the wrong gear. I told myself it was going to be an easy day and that is the number one thing you do not do on this trip. Every day is difficult.
Advice: Come prepared with good equipment. You must have a good bike. No junk. This is no place for junk. And the most important thing is to treat every day with respect. Every day is difficult. Never ever tell yourself this is going to be an easy day or your doomed right from the beginning. You have to put your head in first gear and leave it there.
|
Posted May 18, 2004 by Tour Participant
Rider Quotes | South Africa |
|
