Wednesday, April 22, 2015

April 22

The off road starts tomorrow and we have a three day section of hellish conditions according to the TDA people. They were working on the SAG vehicles all day today.  They were repairing and welding bike racks on the roof of the vehicles because they said the section will bring even the best riders to tears.  The bike racks will be needed because of how many people in previous years gave up and took the SAG trucks.  :(

This is where we are as of today:


Wish me luck as we head out into the Namib Desert (I got the spelling right this time).  :)

Heck only 1,300 miles left to go!  And mostly off road, sand and if it rains mud...
Yay!!!
Posted by at
Labels:

5 comments:

  1. Bob and LindaApril 22, 2015 at 9:09 PM

    Hey Mike,
    Good Luck with the challenge-hope you have a tail wind.
    For the whole trip, We've been curious about the logistics support.... kind of along the lines of C2C. (We've been following the 2015 C2C Operation which wraps up next Monday) So a few questions: How many and what's the make up of your support staff? Number and type of support vehicles? Could we see a photo of one of the vehicles? Do they set up and take down your tents? I'm impressed that they have welders along! Does the Sweeper stay with the last guy? Do they use 2-way radios at all? Ok,OK,I know--YOU'RE THINKING: ENOUGH OF THE 20 QUESTIONS!!! From what I've gathered from your journal, they've done a heck of a good job planning and executing an operation that is much more complex than Hannibal crossing the Alps and then some! And there's always something new to look forward to!
    Press on with vigor!
    Bob and Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownApril 30, 2015 at 12:59 PM

      There are 11 staff one of whom is an excellent mechanic that welds. They have 4 vehicles, 2 are very large trucks the size of the Penske. The other two are a Land Rover and a Toyota extra can pickup. You get a locker on one of the large trucks that is rather small. It would not have fit all the luggage people brought on the C2C trip. It must fit your luggage and your tent and your sleeping pad, sleeping bag, spare parts etc. they do not set your tents up or blow up any sleeping pad. You have to do that after you get in from riding. This trip is in no way anywhere near the level of support as the C2C trip. The food is no where near the quality of Anne's cooking either.
      Hope that helps.

      Delete
  2. ImanawesomegirlApril 22, 2015 at 9:28 PM

    Good Luck Mike. You can do this! Think of how far you've come and everything you have endured. Most of all......remember to have fun and take time to enjoy the scenery (I've heard Namibia is beautiful is a very different kind of way!) Be safe and looking forward to the updates

    ReplyDelete
  3. ShirazMomApril 23, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    Namibia looks absolutely beautiful (I admit I just saw it on the Amazing Race) so at least you'll be riding slowly enough to enjoy the views! Take lots of photos and notes please so you can tell me if Namibia should be on my travel list. Debra

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 23, 2015 at 7:13 PM

    Like I said before, I think the sand and loose gravel would do me in. Good luck with it it and be strong.

    Ray

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)