a

Mitchells Plain Primary School - 500 Skateboards

2008-05-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Durbanville Kinderhuis

2008-04-20T09:07:00.001-07:00

The Bikes are safely back!!!

2008-04-14T23:32:00.001-07:00

HANDOUT OF SKATEBOARDS

2008-04-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

NAME & QUANTITY
Sophikane school 300
Heatherdale childrens home 20
Steinthal children's home 150
Beautiful Gate Home 29
Boys Town 12
Boys Town 49
Cape Youth Care Centre 120
Durbanville Kinderhuis 150
Leliebloem House 45
Holly Cross 30
Helping Hands 25
Andrew Murray Children's Home 101
St Francis 28
SA Children's Home 29
St Michael's Children's Home 19
Al Maun 15
GC Williams House 62
Marsh Memorial Home 60
SOS Children's Home 120
Milnerton Primary School 200
Michells Plain Primary School 310

TOTAL 1664

Thx All

2008-01-28T03:28:00.000-08:00

Thx to every person who has supported us so well throughout the trip, back home, on the blog, and along the way. We have met so many wonderful people who has helped us on the trip to the UK.

Keep watching the blog for news and photo`s on the skateboard handout in Cape Town, coming up soon.

Stop the clock

2008-01-28T03:27:00.000-08:00

London

2008-01-28T03:26:00.000-08:00

You need to move the bikes, please.

2008-01-28T03:19:00.000-08:00

Security was on us on Trafalgar square very quickly, as they have picked us up on CCTV. The champers will have to wait.

That is IT, London

2008-01-28T03:15:00.000-08:00

Here we are, safely in London, 17 000 km`s later!

What a feeling!!

Paris Mug Shot

2008-01-28T03:09:00.000-08:00

Many thx to KFM, 94.5, breakfast team, for there support. They have interviewed us twice on the trip so far.

In Paris

2008-01-28T02:38:00.000-08:00

Cold starts

2008-01-28T02:33:00.000-08:00

Winter in France. We had to stock up on new jackets and winter gloves for the last part through Europe. Lots of snow on the mountains in Italy.

Skateboard design

2008-01-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

Our Skateboard design for the 1800 skateboards witch we will hand out to underprivileged children in Cape Town. The shipment is due mid February, and we will then distribute the skateboards to the children. Keep watching our blog for photo`s thereof!!

Last few days

2008-01-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

We are now only 1600 km`s away from London, and we should have the bikes back out of customs on Monday 21st, and will then leave Milan for Monaco. Our Flight back to SA is booked for the 25th, and we should make it on time. We are now enjoying a much easier part of the trip than the 14 000 km`s travelled trought Africa.

Spending the Euros

2008-01-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

Cant leave the store without some Ferrari goodies. We will come back later for that nosecone.....

2004 Championship Ferrari

2008-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Visiting Milano is not complete if you do not make a visit to the Ferrari factory store. Here you can buy anything from a Ferrari baby grow, to a Ferrari surfboard @ 1200 Euro. And a used nosecone @ 9000 Euro, will make your bar the envy of your friends!

In Milano

2008-01-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

The cathedral Duomo in Milan central, an impressive sight with 3200 small statues, and over 600 years old. Milan is a beautiful city with friendly people, and much easier to travel in, than Egypt.

Mediterranean Sea - The Surprice

2008-01-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

We made it to Marsa Matrouh, on the Mediterranean Sea, on way to Libya, but were we in for a surprise. Well this is the story.

We made our way through the Egyptian customs, over to the Libian side, and then our day went totaly pear shaped. We where refused entry into Libya due to some visum translation not in our passports. We had the Arabic translations done for us back in South Africa, but this official was not happy with our translations, and now we where stuck. With single entry visum for Egypt, how will we be able to reenter Egypt again. We will also need to re register the bikes thru customs.( A process whitch has taken allot of time back in Aswan). In all confusion, I have left my ignition on, and as we tried to make our way back to the Egyptian side, no spark! Out came the tools, and after some time only, we found the blown fuse next to the battery box.

Back on Egypt side, the officials really helped us well, and reregistrated the bikes in a couple of hours, and our passports where stamped, single entry cancelled, and we where legally back in Egypt again.

So what now?

As there is only one ferry from Africa (Tunisia), and Libya is no longer an option, we now have to airlift the bikes to Italy.

So we made our way back to Cairo, and made the 700 km trip through rain and cold, but we have our plan B in action now.

The bikes are booked in at Air France, and will leave for Milan on Wednesday the 16 th. We will make sure of custom formalities, and we will then fly out on Tuesday the 15 th, to Milan.

Once we received our bikes on Friday or Saturday, we will make our way to Monte Carlo, Paris, and YES, London.

One for the road

2008-01-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Last photo taken before we head of for the North coast of Egypt, on our way to Libya.

Lining it up

2008-01-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

Lining it up? Just checking that these Egyptians has done there job correctly. Jip, all looks ok from here. We had time for some fun pic`s before making our way to Alexandria.

On Top

2008-01-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

We thought the pyramids where much bigger? SM reaching for the top and scratching some ancient stones on the pyramid`s top.

Pyramids of Giza

2008-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Team photo time again, hey where is our feet Mr China man, who has taken this photo?? Well at least we got the shot and did not paid for this pic. See all the rain clouds, and we have waited for the fog to clear, before we could take some photo`s at the pyramids here in Cairo.

Cape to Cairo Club

2008-01-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

We now have joined the Cape to Cairo Club. Safely in Cairo after 13 000 km`s. !! What a nice feeling. Shortly after this photo was taken a security officer threatened to remove our cameras as they did not like the KTM `s right in front of the pyramids. To commercial for them. Relax guys, this is for our blog only.

Gulf of Suez

2008-01-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Travelling from Hurghada along the Read Sea was special. This photo was taken with the Gulf of Suez in the background. The road is in a good condition and we speeded up to 140km/h, to make up for lost time. We travelled 800 kilometres on this day, and made our way to Cairo just before dark.

Entrance to the Temple

2008-01-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

An impressive entrance to the temple on the Nile river in Luxor.

Era long gone

2008-01-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

Some temple remains here in Luxor. Unfortunately we had not enough time to visit all the temples and the Valley of the Kings, due to our lost time in Aswan.

Luxor

2008-01-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Early morning photo at Luxor, and wow, this is so great to see in real life. Behind this temple lies the Nile, and the Valley of the Kings.

Mugg shot 3

2008-01-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

We had to hurry, as we had to catch the next armed convoy leaving @ 08H30, forHurghada on the Read Sea, and the next convoy only leaves at 14hoo. But we got our firts mugg shots.

Mugg shot 2

2008-01-13T08:26:00.000-08:00

In true breakfast spirit, this photo was taken at 8 in the morning at Luxor. We had to pay a local to take some team photo`s, as nothing is for free here in Egypt.

Mugg shot, 94.5 Kfm

2008-01-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

At last the bikes where registered and on the road again, after a lot of hassle, custom delays and yet another public holiday. We left Aswan on Tuesday the 8th of January, for Luxor. We made the trip to Luxor in a armed convoy, as this is the only way foreigners are allowed to travel between cities in Egypt. This photo is taken early morning at a temple remains in Luxor.

Monastery in Nubian Desert

2008-01-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

The camel ride took us to this Monastery in the Nubian Desert today here at Aswan. Cant wait to have the bikes back, and quite a awkward feeling without the bikes after 5 weeks of travelling.

SM at the Tombs

2008-01-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

Tomb raider, no just enjoying every moment here in Aswan.

SM and Bob Marley

2008-01-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

SM and Bob, and what a funny and cool camel he turned out to be. SM`s 1st camel ride. And the KTM top? Its quite chilly here in Aswan, but after the heat in Sudan, this is better weather to travel in.

Egypt at last

2008-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

After our Ferry ride from Wadi Halfa, its so nice to be in Egypt, ATM`s,beer, good food, hot showers.......

Nubian Sunset

2008-01-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

Another day gone by on our trip, SM took this sunset pic at our campsite in the desert.

Touring Aswan

2008-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Without the bike today we had time to explore Aswan, here with the Nile in the background. Aswan is very tourist friendly, with allot to do and see. At last we had some beer!!

Camel ride in Aswan, Egypt

2008-01-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Where is the bikes? We are waiting for the bikes from Wadi Halfa, and should have the bikes out of customs by Sunday 6th, to be off to Luxor and then Huargada at the Red Sea. So we have been riding camels today instead. (Bob Marley and Ziggy, 2 cool camels)

Nile cruise

2008-01-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

Relaxing on the boat, cruising the Nile today.

Boatride on the Nile

2008-01-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Taking some time to do sightseeing in Aswan today.

Where are we now?

2007-12-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

We are waiting for the ferry to Egypt on Wednesday the 2nd, so we are camping out here in the Nubian Desert, close to Wadi Halfa till then. So this is our campsite for a few days.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!

(We will have a very dry New Year.....)

Breakfast at the Nile.

2007-12-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

We stopped here to have breakfast along the Nile. (It was sardines and bread with Tabasco, what a brekkie). The scenery is stunning!!!

Team Meisters

2007-12-31T07:17:00.000-08:00

For the girls, but we had to get the background in. So beautifully along our route, and this turned out the best ride so far. From Dongola to Wadi Halfa in Sudan.

KTM `s still going great.

2007-12-31T07:12:00.000-08:00

Apart from SM`s flatties, the KTM bike are doing so well. Next to the Nile in Sudan for a quick rest for bike and rider. So glad we are doing this trip in winter time.

Powder Puff

2007-12-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

Riding next to the Nile was no plane sailing, huge patches of powder puffs awaits the riders. (Gee gas Sakkie!)

In the desert

2007-12-31T07:02:00.000-08:00

Taking a break in the desert from Khartoum, on our way to Dongola in Sudan. Life is hard in the desert, so glad we are only passing by, but we will never forget all we have seen.

Following the Nile

2007-12-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

In Sudan, following the Nile all the way to Egypt.

This was the best ride so far, so beautifully, still looks like Bible pictures, and the people where so friendly along our route.

More KTM Adventure riders

2007-12-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

A Swiss and German rider, on there way south to SA. So nice to meet up with guys sharing the same adventure. Good luck guys!

Mountain View

2007-12-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

A 180 km`s gravel road to Sudan border. Lots of dust, but awesome ride!

Big Rock

2007-12-27T08:20:00.000-08:00

Road to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. So nice to ride again!

Merry Xmas

2007-12-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

To all our love ones, Family, friends and all supporters, here from Gondor, Ethiopia, a very merry Xmas. ( The wine is from SA!!)

The real Adventure Man

2007-12-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

We were fortunate to meet up with Joe Pichler, a professional KTM Adventure rider. Joe has recently completed the South America`s, and have travelled Africa before. Visit his website to view his aewsome photo`s: http://www.josef-pichler.at/index.htm

The waiting game in Addis

2007-12-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

We will be in Addis Abeba till Monday 24th, as the Sudanese Embassy is closed for some holidays.

We now prepare ourselves for the roads of Sudan to Egypt.

Jan from Prague has now left us, and we will surely miss our Czech friend.

Bikeshop at Moyale

2007-12-20T09:33:00.001-08:00

At last this front wheel is sorted out for good.

RM and Jan made the ride from Turbi to Moyale, while SM joined his KTM on the police Land Rover.

New wheels.

2007-12-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

SM at last on the smooth roads in the Highlands of Ethiopia.

Winter in Ethiopia

2007-12-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

The roads are very good in Ethiopia, apart from cows, donkeys, goats and sheep on the road, it was a pleasant ride.

Bandits between Turbi and Moyale

2007-12-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

There is still bandits in this area hiding away in the mountains, hijacking trucks along this road between Turbi and Moyale.

Read more.....

Turbi massacre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
The Turbi massacre was the killing of about sixty people by feuding clans in the Marsabit District of northern Kenya on the early morning of 12 July 2005.[1][2] Hundreds of armed raiders of the Borana tribe attacked the Gabra people living in the Turbi area, north west of Marsabit. Twenty-two of the sixty confirmed dead were children, and over six thousand people fled their homes, most of them fleeing to Marsabit town. The fighting was a result of competition over scarce water and pasture land in the arid region along the Somali border, as well as a recent political division along ethnic lines. The fighting in Turbi is similar in cause to that between the Garre and the Murule in Mundule in January and February of 2005. Cattle rustling is relatively common practice in this region, and some reports suggest that the massacre may have begun as a cattle raid. The Gabra people, victims of the massacre, had been accused in June of stealing hundreds of cattle and goats.
A week after the massacre, Kenyan Red Cross reported that Marsabit had around nine thousand displaced persons, mainly Gabra people. The Red Cross appealed for 53.9 million Kenyan shillings ($709,000) in aid, but received only a small proportion of what they had asked for. The people of Marsabit have long complained that they are overlooked by central government. The wounded of Turbi had to travel 130 km to reach Marsabit hospital, which has only one doctor.
Three days after the massacre, with ethnic tensions still running high, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Zica, Luigi Locati, was shot dead in Isiolo. Although Isiolo lies quite a distance south of Marsabit, it has the same ethnic and religious makeup. In both places, about 40% of the people are Christians, 32% Muslims and other 28% believe in traditional or other religions.

Many thanks

2007-12-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

The police and military of Turbi, where we have spend the night, and who have helped us so well. We will not forget all of these people.

That front wheel again...

2007-12-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

SM`s yet another flatty, this time it was not possible to fix. Uploading the KTM on the Landy to be taken from Turbi to Moyale.

No shade - Marsabit - Moyale

2007-12-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

On this stretch of road there is no shade, RM riding the stones to Moyale.

Lets go

2007-12-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

Time to move on again, after another water break.

Water break

2007-12-20T08:39:00.001-08:00

Suddenly water became your best friend, we have spend 9 hours on this road.

SM in the heat

2007-12-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

Although very hot, we have enjoyed the challange of this road.

Hot stones

2007-12-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

So far all good, the tyres still holding out on the hot stones. (But something is about to happen)

Strecth .....

2007-12-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

SM still having some energy left in the heat.

We traveld 30/40 km ph on this strecth of road.

Any faster, and your bike will not last.

Road from Marsabit - Bit like Mars

2007-12-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

This was our toughest part so far.

Noghthing but sand and volcanic stones.

Flatty again.

2007-12-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Locals came to the rescue, at Log-Logo 48km from Marsabit. Thanks to Raphael and friends for helping SM in a great way. Thx guys!

More bad luck

2007-12-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

SM repairing front flat with Jan helping. Nice friend! It was very very hot today.

Jan`s big crash

2007-12-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Our new friend, Jan from Prague, took a nasty tumble today. Him and the bike was fine to continue the tuff road.

Off we go.....

2007-12-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Jan from Prague took this pic. for us.

Taken 16/12/2007

Flooded road

2007-12-13T05:33:00.001-08:00

Close to border of Kenya.

Halfway stop.( Arusha - Tanzania)

2007-12-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

This is the halfway mark between Cape Town and Cairo.

Madai Campsite

2007-12-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

All wet after a heavy storm the previous night.
After a few beers we have left our boots in the rain....

Happy Face

2007-12-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

One more smile.

Water Hazard

2007-12-13T05:21:00.000-08:00

SM sharing a moment with local Tanzanian kids on way to Kenya.

Rood to Moshi (Tanzania)

2007-12-13T05:17:00.000-08:00

Waterbreak next to road, with Umarura Mountains in the bacground.

Killimajaro is next.

First Bike wash

2007-12-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

On our way to Tanga. That rear tyre is now asking for replacement very soon.

Grinding roads in Tanzania

2007-12-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

RM having a good ride.

Nice to be alive.

2007-12-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

5700 km`s done so far and the KTM`s are holding just fine. I am up for a rear tyre change soon.RM.

Road to Tanga

2007-12-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

We have being so lucky avoiding rain storms on our trip so far, and again this was the case today.

SM doing his thing

2007-12-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Road to Dodoma , Tanzania. We will never forget this long stretch. Do rather take tar road from Iringa to Morogoro.

Iringa to Dodoma, the nightmare.....

2007-12-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

This is the beginning of a 6 hours battle, on a 280 km rattle road to Dodoma.

This has tested the loaded bikes.

All stll fine.

This is a mushroom

2007-12-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Massive mushrooms for sale in Tanzania, on route to Dodoma. We did not buy any.

Bibles in Malawi ( X-ingafrica for kids)

2007-12-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

We have handed out some children Bibles to kids in Malawi.

Lake Malawi.

2007-12-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

2007-12-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Rockmeister Take on it so far Day 1 – 7:

It’s all that I have expected, it’s awesome so far with a lot of riding, riding and more riding. Lots to see and as I am typing this mail, I am sitting next to Lake Malawi overlooking a awesome view, having a green beer ( ok, a few)!

The boarder crossings went very well so far, thanks to good planning. We had some thought riding the last 2 days spending 23.5 hours on the bike travelling, out of 48 hours. Today is a slower day, but we are still well on target. (4500 km`s traveld so far).

We have been using our tents every night so far, and tonight will be our first night in a bed, here at Mayoka Village next to the Lake Malawi, and yes all the photo’s I have seen in the magazines, they are true, its awesome here.

Thank you for all the support so far, love you all!

Rockmeister

Stevemeister says:

Well , well where do we start , except for 2 very sore arses we are doing just fine, the bikes are going like a dream. Overall we have had a awesome experience slept in the bush twice, went 2 today without a shower, spend more or less 10 hours on the road everyday riding but that’s what we are suppose to do riding and riding.

We went thru Zambia soaking wet but we pushed on like two brave adventure riders and made it safely to Malawi after another easy border crossing.

Chilling at the moment at lake Malawi having a ice cold Beer and enjoying the view .The people in Malawi are very friendly and helpful and hopefully we can have a decent nights rest.

Tomorrow we are off again into wild Africa and on our way to Tanzania hopefully everything will go according to plan, looking forward to tomorrow.

Thanks for all the help and support and a I MISS U KIMMY !

Stevemeister

Lake Malawi.

2007-12-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

This was our first lodge sleepover, and what an upgrade from our tents. Lake Malawi rocks and will see us again. (not on this trip thou)

In Malawi

2007-12-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

On route in Malawi to Lake Malawi. The ride has been awsome so far. This part was very hot and humid.

X-ing single lane bridge.

2007-12-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Stevemeister x-ing a dodgy wooden bridge between Chipata and Lilongwe, Malawi.

Downpour in Zambia.

2007-12-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Burning time, Stevemeister with new hairstyle.
Due to heavy rain and potholes we had to make a stop and wait for the rain to settle down.

Meisters on the ferry.

2007-12-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

Show me your license.

2007-12-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Stevemeister busy with serious negotiations on border to Zambia......

KTM `s x-ing Zambezi

2007-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

On the ferry between Botswana and Zambia.

Chobes elephants next to main road....

2007-12-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

To be ever so alert of wildlife crossing the main road between Nata and Kasane. (Botswana)

The road from Nata to Kazungula

2007-12-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

The road we traveled from Botswana to Zambia.
Lots of wildlife on this route.

Elephant Sands - Goodbye

2007-12-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Christo of Touch the Wild, so kind to taxi our kit, out to the main road. Off to Zambia border post.

Water ....

2007-12-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

After 2 days withouth a shower, sweaty and stinky Steve takes a dive.... into Elephans Sands Camping site in Botswana.

Tomorrow we head for Zambia.

We are both doing just fine!

Welcome to Quarry Inn Botswana

2007-12-04T08:41:00.001-08:00

Our firts night in Botswana, as we ran late, we had to find a camping site of our own.

It was a sandpit!

The road to Nata - Botswana

2007-12-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

and they are off ....

2007-12-03T02:31:00.000-08:00

Rocco and Stephen are off on thier epic adventure, they left at 10:00 on Saturday... visit this blog again soon for regular updates ....

The Aim,Why,How,When, The Team....

2007-11-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

1.The Aim!

Two friends, two bikes, 50 days, 16 000 kilometers, 1000 skateboards, 1000 smiles, Cape Town to London, 2007/8!

2. Why?

The answer very simple, WHY NOT?

Take up the challenge, live life, act now, follow your dreams, we have read it and heard it all before, but although these slogans may be old cleche`s done to death, how many of us create opportunities for ourselves to experience something special in life?

This is exactly what we are doing now, thinking now of 100 reasons to GO and not thinking of 100 reasons not to go on such a long and challenging trip.

After all, it will be much easier spending the December summer holiday in Cape Town with family and fiends than taking on a 16 000 km long unknown trip through Africa, but then the opportunity might not pass us again as there are no guarantees in life about tomorrow.

3. X-ingafrica 2 London?

X-ingafrica will give us the opportunity to experience some of the wonders that Africa has to offer all in one trip. The following is just a few to name right now.

Victoria Falls
Mount Kilimanjaro
Lake Malawi
Pyramids of Giza
The Nile

The Red Sea

We are sure there is a lot more surprises awaiting us on the 50 day trip, and hopefully all of these surprises will be pleasant, but somehow - yes you have guest right – we strongly doubt it, but that is just adding to the adventure, namely the unknown factor of Africa.

Apart from the above we will also learn more about Africa’s people and their way of life, and culture compared to ours, and the rest of Europe.

In Europe, we will have the chance to see The Tower of Pisa, the French Riviera, The Eiffel Tower, The Euro Tunnel between France and England and finally to reach our destination, Trafalgar Square in London.
The final stretch of road from Italy to London should be much easier and forgiving than the previous 14 000 kilometers through Africa.

4. How?

We will be x-ing with two KTM 950 Adventure bikes, as this will give us the best chance to achieve our goal, Cape Town 2 London in 50 days.

The KTM motorbikes are well tested in the Dakar races throughout the years, economical to run and to maintain.

5. When?

We will be departing from Cape Town on 1st December 2007 (Doodles, Table View @ 10h00), following an East Africa route through the following 15 countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Italy, Monaco, France, and finally 50 days and 16 000 kilometers later, England!

The count down has begun!!

6. The Team?

The two man team, Rocco van den Bergh (39) and Stephen Enslin (28), will be taking on the roads and tracks of Africa.

The Adventure is upon us. It is Time!