Africa by Motorcycle

The diary shows entries in date order. Use the blog format to read it in reverse date order.

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Enough dreaming – Time for action Wednesday, April 16, 2014 - For at least 10 years I have been restless and wanted to do something with my life beyond the ordinary. Some would call it a mid life crisis, I would say it is a realisation that the clock is ticking and things you wanted to do in life remain undone andare not currently likely to […]
Choosing a Bike Tuesday, April 29, 2014 - Having read many other experiences of different bikes, my initial leaning toward the BMW 650GS has changed. The BMW seems to be pretty bullet proof but when things do go wrong it gets very expensive very quickly. I have read reports of electrical issues, waiting for parts, difficult diagnostics etc. The other issues are the […]
Route Planning Thursday, May 1, 2014 - I have been researching routes and software to store the routes and help with the planning. I think I will use tripit as it gets good reviews and having played around with it it would seem to do what I need. Routes across europe are plentiful. After that most people seem to choose going through […]
Preparation Thursday, October 9, 2014 - Preparation for the trip has started in earnest now. Mainly this has involved spending large amounts of money. So far I have: BIKE Bought the bike, a 2012 Yamaha XT660Z Tenere with 9000 miles on the clock but in showroom condition. The bike came with Yamaha hard panniers and hard top box. I have had […]
Photos of the Bike Saturday, October 11, 2014 - I took the bike out for a ride today to test a camera mount I have added. I have a Nikon AW120 digital camera which is very robust and waterproof – I did a thorough test including dropping it from the bike at about 10Mph; not deliberately – note to self, do not fiddle with […]
Radiator protector fitted Saturday, November 8, 2014 - I have fitted a metal radiator protector obtained from Altech Designs who sell them on e-bay. It appears very good quality and looks good. Fitting was straight forward as it goes over the existing plastic coverand completed within 15 minutes. They give longer bolts which replace the stock ones.
Innoculations Saturday, November 8, 2014 - I have been to see the practice nurse at the local GP surgery and come away several hundreds of pounds lighter, an arm full of needle holes and an appointment to go back for more. My tetanus/diptheria/polio was boosted a few years ago and I did receive the usual childhood jabs so those are all […]
Route Planning 2 Saturday, November 8, 2014 - A lot has changed since I put up my original route planning post so I thought it best to post again. The current plan is to leave the UK at the end of March/beginning of April 2015. The route will be: UK – France – Spain – Morocco – Western Sahara – Mauritania – Senegal […]
Street Child Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - I have set myself two challenges for this trip. One is to raise money for Street Child who work in Africa to help kids who are for whatever reason left to fend for themselves. One of the outcomes from of the Ebola outbreak is that thousands of kids are left as orphans and in desperate […]
More Bike mods plus camping gear Saturday, November 22, 2014 - I have now fitted a set of heated grips to the bike as well as an auxiliary power socket and USB charging point. I have also done a test pack of most of the kit to check for space – I need not have worried, I have plenty of room.
New site URL and logo Thursday, December 11, 2014 - I have moved the site to a new domain www.john-barrett.uk/africa Please update your bookmarks. I have designed a new logo for the trip, I hope to make stickers and badges to swap with fellow travellers and Scouts I meet on the road.
Patrick Davey – On his way Friday, December 19, 2014 - I have been watching the blog of an Australian Patrick Davey who is travelling a similar route to me. He left the UK this week on his way to Cape Town. Here is his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/drcanafricanadventure/timeline And he has a satellite tracker plotting his current location: https://share.delorme.com/PATRICKDavey
True Size of Africa Friday, December 19, 2014 - How big is Africa? – The standard world map does not give it’s true size due to the way the Earth is flattened to put on paper. A guy called Kal Krause has produced this image which gives a better idea of the scale.
More bike mods – LED flood lights and Barkbusters Friday, January 2, 2015 - I have done some more work on the bike. I have installed a pair of high intensity led spot lights to boost the poor light from main beam on the bike. LEDs have come a long way ams give a lot of light for little power. They are mounted below the main light cluster just […]
Call for Sponsors Sunday, January 4, 2015 - Sponsors are needed to raise money for Street Child, a charity helping to rebuild the lives of children orphaned by Ebola in West Africa. Sponsorship could be from a few pounds from an individual to hundreds of pounds from a business. In return for donations of over ┬ú250 I would put company logos on the […]
Sponsored by Evolution Signs Friday, January 16, 2015 - David Woodthorpe of Evolution signs has kindly and generously made signs for the Panniers and back box. There is plenty of space on these for extra sponsors, all money donations go directly to Street Child.
Wales Online and Wales Today Sunday, January 18, 2015 - Walesonline and Wales Today have published an article today about the trip: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/i-wanted-can-meet-grandad-8464900 The article is also in the printed paper Wales on Sunday
Article in the Tivyside newspaper Wednesday, January 21, 2015 - This article was in this week’s Tivyside, a local paper here in West Wales.
Thank you to Capel Dewi Community Saturday, January 24, 2015 - Tonight Tom Cowcher did a slide presentation and talk about thetrip to Africa he made 30 years ago with his wife Eva and 3 friends. The evening was well attended by the Capel Dewi community and half the proceeds will be donated to Street Child. The talk was very interesting and many of the issues […]
Article in Cambrian News Thursday, January 29, 2015 - The Cambrian News printed an article about the trip. http://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/news/i/45685/
Ferry Booked and other preparations Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - I am booked on the Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry for the 25th March. Other things done include getting an International drivers permit (┬ú5) and applying for a Visa to the Democratic Republic of Congo by post (┬ú150).
Ferry departure delayed Tuesday, March 3, 2015 - I had an email from Britanny Ferries today. My ferry has a stabiliser fault and has been taken out of service. I am rebooked on the Portsmouth Caenes route the following day.
Central wheel components Monday, March 16, 2015 - A big thank you to Central Wheel Components for donating 10 front and 10 rear wheel spokes that I can take as spares. Central Wheel Components
Ebola countries may be accessable Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - I spoke to Emma of Street Child today and it looks like it may be safe to travel through the Ebola hit countries of Sierra Leone and Liberia. This is great news as I may be able to visit some of the projects they have in those countries. Only one week until the start of […]
Servicing the Bike Sunday, March 22, 2015 - My old school mate Pete has been in West Wales this weekend. As well as catching up and socialising, he helped me service the bike and have some tips on removing tyres etc. We changed oil and brake fluids, new brake pads on the back, cleaned the brake calipers, removed the rear wheel to clean […]
24 Hours to Go Tuesday, March 24, 2015 - Final day at home so I have been packing and repacking the bike. I have finally found a configuration that works and is as balanced as I can make it. The spare tyres were a big problem and at one stage I decided to leave them behind. But I eventuality decided it was worth the […]
Draiglas Explorer Scouts Tuesday, March 24, 2015 - One of the objectives I have set myself is to meet with as many Scouts as I can along the way. It is only fitting that first on the list is my local Explorer Scout unit here in Teifi district, Ceredigion I have heard from several Scouts in Africa now including The Gambia, Morocco and […]
Day 1: The Journey Begins Wednesday, March 25, 2015 - Start: West Wales, End: Southampton, Distance: 240 miles. One refuel: ┬ú17.41 After a year of planning I am finally on my way to Cape Town. The journey was mostly along motorways and the weather was kind to me with no rain. The bike was a little twitchy at the front end at low speeds but […]
Day 2: Isle of Wight and ferry to France Friday, March 27, 2015 - Distance: 40km, Start Southampton, end Porstmouth. I had a great day today with Amy and the boys. We took the ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight and back. This afternoon we went to my daughter Gemmas house and had a great time with my grandson Timothy in the garden. I am now on […]
Day 3: A big push South through France Friday, March 27, 2015 - Distance: 640km, Start: Caens, France, End: Bordeaux, France. I had a massive push today to get through France and down to the warmer weather. A big thank you to all the people I met today on the boat and at service areas who stopped to chat and wish me luck. It was all on motorways […]
Day 4: Vinyards to Mountains Saturday, March 28, 2015 - Distance: 340km, Start: Bordeaux, France, End: Pamplona, Spain Yesterday after leaving the ferry I forgot the bike maintenance checks so last night I wrote a check list. The people looking through the dining area window seemed impressed as they watched me going through the list, checking fluids, adjusting chain, checking tyres… They did not seem […]
Day 5: Through the Heart of Spain Sunday, March 29, 2015 - Distance: 450km, Start Pamplona, Spain, End: Madrid, Spain This morning I thought I left in good time but i didn’t realise until later the clocks had gone forward so I lost an hour. Initially I set my Satnav to Salamanca avoiding motorways, my intention was to go via Portugal, a place I have never been. […]
Day 6: Madrid Monday, March 30, 2015 - Distance: 20km, Start: Madrid, End: Madrid The only travelling today was from my hotel to the centre of Madrid and back. I spent most of the morning in Parque del Retiro which is a massive 19th century park with a big boating lake, a crystal palace and a modern art gallery.
Day 7: Madrid to the Med Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - Distance: 620km, Start: Madrid, End: Calahonda between Malaga and Marbella, Spain Another big mileage day today. It started with long flat straight motorways through farmland growing every kind of crop. Surrounding the plains were mountains and no sooner was I in them, the olive trees began. And they went on, and on, and on, and… […]
Day 9: Tatouan to Rabat Thursday, April 2, 2015 - The bike needed a bit of maintenance this morning. The oil level was getting a little low as was the coolant; this is normal. Also one of the headlight bulbs had blown taking out the fuse with it: all easily fixed with the spares I am carrying. The ride was fantastic, especially the beginning through […]
Day 8: Europe to Africa Friday, April 3, 2015 - The missing day 8 post: I took my time getting packed and ready to go this morning. This was my first night camping and it was an opportunity for me to rearrange things in a logical way. By 10.30 I was on my way to Algeciras and the ferry. At every service station or layby […]
Day 10: Should I stay or should I go? Friday, April 3, 2015 - Distance: 110km, Start Kanitra, Morocco, End: Mohammedia, Morocco Today started very well with the best cup of tea I have had since leaving the UK and a tasty pancake breakfast courtesy of Bob and Ellie. Thank you for giving me a good start to the day and for your donation to Street Child.
Day 11: Rabat to Wassai beach. Saturday, April 4, 2015 - Distance: 470km Last night somebody on the HUBB confirmed that the Mauritanian visa was available at the border. I have decided to go for it. If the information is right it saves me three days in Rabat, if the information is wrong I will have three days travel down there plus three days to travel […]
Day 12: Easter on the beach Sunday, April 5, 2015 - Distance 0km I woke early to the sound of waves on the shore, had breakfast of a fresh orange and read my kindle for a couple of hours. Does life get better? I changed the tyres on the bike, did my washing, took a walk on the beach and sat on the rocks for a […]
Day 13: Into the Sahara Desert Monday, April 6, 2015 - Distance: 590km Just a quick update today as I have been on the road for 9.5 hours with only a 45 minute break for dinner. This bit was always on my list of NOT spots and apart from a few bright spots it has lived up to expectations with long straight roads with little variation […]
Day 14: Western Sahara and Two Oasis Tuesday, April 7, 2015 - ( What is the plural of Oasis? ) I woke just before the dawn this morning to see a beautiful sunrise. After getting packed I was on the move by 7.30. The road was a long straight one with the occasional potholes but unchanging. I had the desert to my left the sea to my […]
Day15 : What did you do today? Thursday, April 9, 2015 - Distance 560km, Western Sahara to Mauritania Well I did these things: 1. Woke up in a tent on a warm sandy beach. 2. Rode my motorbike through the Sahara desert 3. Crossed the tropic of cancer 4. Exited Morocco and braved their customs 5. Crossed no mans land, a 3km stretch of wasteland between the […]
Day 16: Not as Planned – So much better Thursday, April 9, 2015 - Distance: 230km To get a Senegal visa the procedure is to pay online and then take a confirmation email to the border and deal with everything else there. Despite several unsuccessful attempts to do the online bit overnight I decided to go to the Senegal embassy in Nouakchott and do it there. Problem 1 was […]
Day 17: A Dodgy Day Saturday, April 11, 2015 - This will be a long post but bear with me, it involves a scam, an arrest and me being separated from my passport and bike by the Senegal river. I left Steve early yesterday morning (thanks again for your hospitality) for the Senegal border and Rosso. Described by other travels in endearing terms such as […]
Day 18: To Dakar Saturday, April 11, 2015 - Dakar is probably most famous for the Paris Dakar rally but, now I am past that area, I can let my family known that the rally is now held in South America. The area I have just travelled through is regarded as too dangerous. So far Senegal has stood out for these reasons:Friendly and helpful […]
Days 19 & 20 – To come Monday, April 13, 2015 - Just letting everyone know all is OK – I will be doing blogs for these days tomorrow – Teasers: – I nearly met the president of Senegal, I slept near some lions and went for a walk with them this morning – as in walking alongside them like you would a dog, I crossed into […]
Day 19: The President is Coming Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - Two hours ago I was feeling a bit low, it was a horrible day on the bike and i was starting to think i may have to go off road a bit to find somewhere to camp. I am now sat on a game reserve park bench eating pasta, drinking coffee and listening to Lions […]
Day 20: Lions and a Concert Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - I awoke to the roar of lions and after packing away i went to see what the reserve had to offer. I could walk with the lions or do a safari. I decided walking with lions was all my budget allowed. What an incredible experience that was. It was literally like walking the dogs, the […]
Day 21: Public transport and Little Trees Wednesday, April 15, 2015 - Today has been about getting run over and meeting people. Omar took me to the bank, the phone shop (Internet now working) the market and to his family house. I have also met the teachers at the little trees skills training school that are hosting me, and a lot of local Scout leaders. To get […]
Day 22: Chilling Out Thursday, April 16, 2015 - Today has been a welcome break from the hectic schedule of the last few weeks. Omar took me to the local beach and the contrast between what the tourists see and what the people live is noticable. But what was also noticable was the lack of tourist. Probably because it is early in the season […]
Day 23: Jerre Jif Friday, April 17, 2015 - Gambia is… I could write so many things here but the reality is I cannot do the people justice in anything I write. I have been welcomed by smiling faces wherever I go, and want to come back; and I want to bring Scouts from the UK so they can get some of the energy […]
Day 24: On the road again Saturday, April 18, 2015 - I am lying in my tent acutely aware of every sound around me. The occasional vehicle on the road 50m away, the crickets all around,the donkey braying in the distance, and the something large shuffling through the leaves about 15m away. The something large and me have come to an understanding, I will stop making […]
Day 25: The President is Coming.. NOT AGAIN! Saturday, April 18, 2015 - My first camp in the true African bush went well. I had all my limbs in the morning and I slept soundly. That is after I put earplugs in, before that every rustle of the wind woke me up. The ride today was pretty much as the rest of Senegal; hot and dusty. There has […]
Musings: Trust Sunday, April 19, 2015 - While on the bike I have plenty of time to think. I think about family, friends, people I have met and loads of other stuff. Today I spent a lot of time thinking about trust and my attitude to strangers. My natural instinct toward strange people I meet at the borders is mistrust and assumption […]
Day 26: A Horrible Day Monday, April 20, 2015 - I left my hotel yesterday knowing I had a long way to go to reach the capital Bamako. It was about 650km away, about 7 hours riding. I made good progress in the morning with the day getting hotter and hotter but at least it was not dusty like Senegal. At 1pm the heat was […]
Day 27: Recovering Monday, April 20, 2015 - I do not know if it was the heat and exhaustion from yesterday or the meal I had when I arrived at the Sleeping Camel but my digestive system has been complaining since 4am this morning. I managed to get out this morning with the intention of getting visas for Ghana and Ivory Coast. At […]
Day 28: A walk across the river. . And a rush back Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - Not much to report today. The day started well, I had some breakfast and went for a walk across the Pont D’Matyres which spans the river Niger. My intention was to walk to the markets. After half an hour I was in a desperate rush to return to the smallest room. The rest of the […]
Day 29: Ghana Visa Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - After two days of needing to stay near the small room and feeling tired, I was not looking forward to going out on the bike to collect my passport (and hopefully visa) from the Ghana embassy today. Especially after being told by several people and reading on the Internet that they only normally issue them […]
Day 30: Bukina Faso Visa Thursday, April 23, 2015 - I picked up my passport with a Burkina Faso visa in it today. There was a mild panic from the guy behind the counter when he could not find my passport. The lady who received it yesterday had put it between the pages of a book.
Day 31: Bobo SomeThingOrOther Friday, April 24, 2015 - Distance: 540Km Actually its Bobo Dioulasso, a town just inside the border between Mali and Burkino Faso. I am stopping here in a cheap hotel for the night ready to cross the border into Ghana tomorrow.
Day 32: Welcome to Ghana: That will be ┬ú740 Please Sir!!! Sunday, April 26, 2015 - OK I will get it back as it is a deposit on a temporary import permit for the bike but it does mean a change in plan (again). I have to exit Ghana by the same border I entered to get my money back. On a brighter note I changed the chain on my bike […]
Day 33: Sleeping in a night club Monday, April 27, 2015 - I left my camp site today expecting dirt track roads all the way into town about 60km away. It was a nice surprise to find 1km later to be on good tarmac. Things got better as I started to feel better after a bad night. I think I have a chest infection hence the bad […]
Day 34: Near Death Experience Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - I arrived in Accra today, the capital city of Ghana. The route down was really nice with some lovely views, it was nice to see some hills, bends in the road,, banana trees and lush vegetation. I was regularly waved to a halt by friendly policemen (and women) who insisted I stop and chat, some […]
Day 35: Markets and Media Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - We went to the local market this morning to get some cord so I can do woggles with the local Scouts tomorrow. The transport system is similar to that used throughout West Africa where you flag down a minibus or taxi and share it with others going in the same general direction as you. The […]
Musings: Who is richer? The African or European? Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - The average European has: A house with separate bedrooms for the children. A safe and reasonably reliable car. Access to good education Access to health care Electronic gadgets The average African has: A community of people willing to give close support A large group of friends An extended family who live close by An appreciation […]
Day 36: Back to Burkina Faso Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - The Ghana customs have confirmed that my TIP deposit cannot be transferred to another border post so I must return to the entry point to get it back. I had expected that reply but i am extremely grateful to everyone who tried to make it happen. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Now I need to […]
Day 37: A Big Decision Thursday, April 30, 2015 - As you will have guessed from my posts over the last few days, I have been wrestling with a choice between continuing East then South to Cape Town and fly home, or to go West then South to Sierra Leone and then North back through Europe. It was not an easy choice to make but […]
Day 38: Lifes a Beach Friday, May 1, 2015 - Nice chill out day today. This morning I did a few housekeeping chores such as washing and walked down the road to buy a few things such as fruit. This afternoon I picked up Hussain and we went to the beach for the afternoon. I was probably the only white person out off hundreds of […]
Day 39: I found a KFC!! Saturday, May 2, 2015 - Kentucky Fried Chicken is a big vice for me. I hate their animal welfare standards, I hate they use shop much grease, I hate the fact that their chips are sometimes limp and soggy. But I LOVE the spicy coating. At home my regular order is a 3 piece variety meal. So to see my […]
Day 40: A Dam Good One Sunday, May 3, 2015 - I picked up Hussain this morning and we went up to the hydro electric dam at Akosombo. It is across the river Volta and provides much of the country’s electricity and that of neighbouring countries. I was expecting something huge but, although big, it was not massive. There is a natural gorge there so the […]
Day 41: Geocaching Monday, May 4, 2015 - For those that do not geocache. Please check out www.geocaching.com. I introduced Hussain to geocaching today. In the whole of the city of Accra there are only 3 caches. Hopefully now the Ghana Scouts will rectify that by hiding some more.
Day 42: Sierra Leone Visa Tuesday, May 5, 2015 - I received an email from Street Child today with a letter of introduction for my visa application. Due to power; cuts so nobody able to print it for me, I took a chance and went to the consul with it on a memory stick. Fortunately they agreed to print it for me. I should be […]
Musings: Power and the Internet Wednesday, May 6, 2015 - Since I have been in Ghana the electricity supply has been off more often than it is on. The current ‘power crisis’ has been going on for over a year now and shows now signs of improvement, despite several political promises.
Day 43: Sleeping, Reading and a Meal Wednesday, May 6, 2015 - I had a disturbed nights sleep last night. As well as they high humidity I had at least one small companion with me in the room. A hungry companion who had a nibble on my ankles and my back.
Day 44: Botanical Gardens Thursday, May 7, 2015 - After a quick meeting with the head of Ghana Scout and Guide Fellowship we went to the botanical gardens about 30km north of Accra. A nice place and picked up a couple more geocache finds at the same time
Day 45: Packed and ready to go Friday, May 8, 2015 - The bike is packed and I am ready to move north tomorrow. I plan to move quickly with the goal of getting as many kilometres ├¼n as I can by the end of the day.
Day 46: An Early Start Saturday, May 9, 2015 - I woke at five this morning and was up dressed and ready to go by 6am. I am making good progress and expect to be through Burkino Faso by tomorrow. Have somewhere nice to sleep tonight. Bit expensive but it includes food. Plan another early start tomorrow morning and another high mileage day. Not much […]
Day 47: Deception Revealed Sunday, May 10, 2015 - First off.. I am in the UK and have been planning this for the last two weeks. Don’t worry I fly back to Ghana next Friday to continue my journey. Why? I hear you ask? …
Days 48-51: At home with Amy Thursday, May 14, 2015 - Having spent the last few days relaxing at home with my future wife Amy, it is with mixed feelings that I start my journey back to Ghana to pick up my bike.
Day 52: Back to Ghana Saturday, May 16, 2015 - After saying goodbye to Amy amd the boys at Cardiff, the flights were uneventful. It was nice flying over Spain and Africa and seeing the same scenery I had seen at ground level. When i get home i want to do a side by side gallery of shots i have from both air and ground.
Day 53: Breakdowns and hospitals Saturday, May 16, 2015 - STOP PANICKING MUM! I was not the patient! I had a call from Hussain at 5.30am. He wanted me to get a taxi to his place and we would go together to pick up the bike. Why so early? His wife was sick and had gone to hospital. I tried to persuade him to forget […]
Day 54: An unscheduled departure from the vertical Tuesday, May 19, 2015 - Distance: 450km I am on the road again at last. I left Accra at 8am and headed North West. I entered Ghana on the East side so am travelling up the West side of the river Volta to leave by different scenery. So far I am not disappointed.
Day 55: Very tired Tuesday, May 19, 2015 - After two consecutive days riding for 11 hours, a lot of it on dirt roads, and a sleepless night in a hot and humid tent, I am exhausted. I managed to get to the last small town before the Hamile border post and find a cheap hotel. It has a shower and a bed and […]
Day 56: Results of a big storm Tuesday, May 19, 2015 - Distance 350km Last night I went to sleep with the sounds of a big thunderstorm. Lighting flashes were almost continual as was the rumble of thunder. I definitely made the right choice of not camping. I got a very good 9 hours of sleep and woke to a very different world to the one I […]
Day 57: Three days, Three Countries Thursday, May 21, 2015 - Opposite the hotel in Bobo was a bike repair shop so first thing I wandered across to ask about them helping do an oil change (they do the mucky bits of a service) we agreed a price and layer I came across with the bike. While he did the oil, I checked the plug, cleaned […]
DAY 58: Into Guinea Friday, May 22, 2015 - Distance: 380km I started the day unsure of where I would finish. The Michelin paper map showed an unpaved road between Bougoni in Mali and Kankan in Guinnea but neither Google Maps not Openstreetmaps said it was a complete road. They showed a gap and no route through. Internet searches gave no mention of a […]
Day 59: Pause for bike repair Saturday, May 23, 2015 - This morning I only had a kilometer to go to the village where I needed to get my passport stamped. Right from the outset the steering did not feel right. It was notchy when turning rather than smooth. Ok when going straight and fast but very difficult when going slow and using the steering to […]
Day 60: Great biking country Saturday, May 23, 2015 - Distance 350km Today has been a great bike riding experience it started with some straight forward good straight tarmac for high speed and burning kilometers. Then came some of the worst roads imaginable where the tarmac was either pot holed or missing for several kilometers at a time. I spent a lot of the time […]
Day 61: Swimming with the bike Monday, May 25, 2015 - Today was about great bike riding on mountain roads and on jungle tracks, falling off a ferry into a river, seeing fantastic wildlife, breakdowns and hospitality in a remote jungle village. It is going to be a long blog. ..
Day 62: Arrival at Street Child Monday, May 25, 2015 - After a good night’s sleep at Kabba crossing. James and his son (the headmaster) took me back up to the school. They teach 283 children in a tiny building so mostly use outside under mango trees as classes. This is fine at the moment but in 3 weeks the rainy season starts. When it rains, […]
Day 63: Visiting Street Child Projects Tuesday, May 26, 2015 - Today I followed Lamin, a Street Child voluntary social worker to visit some of his cases. I have heard some very sad and harrowing tales of sowing, loss, and sadness.
Benjamin’s Story Tuesday, May 26, 2015 - Benjamin is a normal 8 year old boy who lives in Sierra Leone, Africa. What makes Benjamin special is that he is the single survivor of a family of 14. Since Sepember 2014 Ebola has claimed his mum, his dad, his sister, aunts, uncles and cousins. It is impossible to imagine how he must feel.
Dora’s Story Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - Dora is a grandmother who is believed to be 102 years old. She looks after her four grandchildren aged 5, 11, 12 and 14 because their parents died from Ebola. She is at a time of her life when her children should be caring for her, instead she has suffered the loss of her own […]
Day 63: More Street Child Projects Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - I went out with Sheku, another social worker today. We started in Yelisander village where he asked the teacher at the school to send the Ebola orphans down to the community hall to meet me. I started walking down the road with about 4 children. Another joined us, then another. By the time we reached […]
Pate-Bana Marank Village Sunday, May 31, 2015 - A pregnant lady came to the village of Pate -Bana Marank and fell ill. The baby aborted and the woman died. The villagers were sad but in a rural area such as this it was not uncommon. Then the women who had attended the sick lady also became sick. So their families cared for them, […]
Day 64: After Ebola Sunday, May 31, 2015 - My third day of visiting Street Child projects was to a village south of Makeni. I have done a seperate blog for that. In the evening Rashinda, Alfred (both work for Street Child) and I went out for a meal with some people who work for the International Medical Corps.
Day 65: Sierra Leone Scouts Sunday, May 31, 2015 - My plan was to leave Makeni early to get to Freetown by midday. I had been told about a great camping spot on the beach. Just as I was about to leave the heavens opened and it was pouring with rain. It eased after a while so I headed out thinking it was not going […]
Day 66: On my way home Sunday, May 31, 2015 - Yesterdays visit to the Sierra Leone Scouts was the last meeting I had planned for this trip. I will spend the next 3-4 weeks travelling home. I had a slightly later start this morning and after a half hour fighting through traffic amd markets I was back into the countryside. By mid day and after […]
Day 67: A wonderful place to ride a bike Sunday, May 31, 2015 - I have spent the day riding on some of the best biking roads in the world (if you forget about the pot holes). The Guinea mountains are stuning amd mostly unspoilt.
Day 68: A great day but a worrying one Monday, June 1, 2015 - Why great? Well just look at the pictures of the road and scenery. New tarmac one minute, jungle tracks the next, then dirt roads. All through some of the most stunning unspolit mountain jungle. Why worrying? Because…
Musings: Animals on the road Tuesday, June 2, 2015 - Throughout Africa I have been dodging wild and domestic animals wandering on the road. Each of these animals has a different character and needs to be approached and passed accordingly.
Day 69: Going nowhere Wednesday, June 3, 2015 - After packing and leaving my hotel my plan was to limp the bike 30km across the border into Senegal where I had the correct money plus parts would be easier to get. The chain lasted all the way.
Day 70: On Tow Wednesday, June 3, 2015 - I woke early this morning to the sound of the call to prayer. The mosque was 10m from where I slept. After packing up and doing a bit of reading, the border post opened and the 100 or so cars that had built up overnight started to move off.
Day 71: Another great day Thursday, June 4, 2015 - After the trials and tribulations of the last two days I needed a good day to cheer me up. I am having it Ôÿ║
Musings: Naming the bike Friday, June 5, 2015 - I was thinking today that I had not given the bike a name. So then went through various options. I eventually decided on Dora as a tribute to the 102 year old lady I met in Sierra Leone who is now the carer for 4 ebola orphans. They are both strong characters that despite life […]
Musings: Africa and rubbish Friday, June 5, 2015 - Throughout Africa I have been struck by the amount of rubbish there is lying around. Senegal seems to be the worst although Gambia amd Mali were pretty bad as well. Mostly it is plastic bags, any perishable waste is either eaten by the local goats or even pigs in some towns, the plastic stays in […]
Day 72: Another President! Friday, June 5, 2015 - After my ordeal at the Rosdo border post on the way down, I decided to head for another smaller post called Diama to cross into Mauritania. Everyone said it is better, unfortunately it is now closed to all but military personnel so I was turned away. Rosso it is then…
Day 73: Wind and Sand and a Goat Saturday, June 6, 2015 - After breakfast with Steve in Noukchott I started North through the desert. The wind was fierce from the start and 90 degrees to the road. At least it was a steady constant wind not gusting.
Day 74: Cold in the desert Monday, June 8, 2015 - Here I am in the Sahara desert and for the first time in months I have had to do up my jacket during the day and put a warm fleece on in the evening. Tonight I will have to sleep inside my sleeping bag rather than on it.
Musings: Deepest Darkest Africa Monday, June 8, 2015 - 150 years ago anybody exploring Africa would not have any contact with friends or family for at least one or two years and may never be seen again. I have been blogging on the Internet daily and even when I cannot do that I have sent a text to Amy saying I am ok and […]
Day 75: Another windy day Monday, June 8, 2015 - The desert roads are long and boring. I have been on them all day so this blog entry is short.
Musings: Fuel consumption Monday, June 8, 2015 - Will I use more fuel on the way home going North than I did going South? I am going uphill !! Ôÿ║
Musings: Living without instruments Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - Since I took the bike for a swim in Sierra Leone the instrument cluster only displays in Klingon. This means I have no idea what speed I am doing, I have no fuel guage, and the odometer and trip distance counters are not usable.
Day 76: Mountains and Wealth Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - Afterr 5 days crossing the Sahara Desert I have finally reached the Atlas mountains and the relative affluence of Morocco.
Day 77: Nursing the bike Thursday, June 11, 2015 - The rear tyre is down to about 2mm of tread at it’s centre which is close to the UK legal minimum of 1mm. Also the steering head bearing has got worse. I decided to go to Agadir in the morning because I found two motorcycle companies on the Internet that may be able to help.
Day 59a: What I did not blog Thursday, June 11, 2015 - I did not blog this next story at the time because I did not want to worry you good folks. Especially those that were already overly stressed over my health and well being (hi mum). Now I am safely back in Europe I can tell you what happened in Guinea.
Day 78: Au Revoir Africa Thursday, June 11, 2015 - I went straight to Tangier med, the ferry port, this morning; only stopping for fuel and to buy a ticket at one of the service station sales booths. I arrived may after 12 and checked in for the 2pm sailing with FRS to Algeciras in Spain.
Day 79: Western Spain Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Although I have been riding on motorways all day, it has been through some spectator scenery. This part of the country is well worth visiting in it’s own right. The only thing is that it has been cold and windy.
Musings: Taking a risk Saturday, June 13, 2015 - My topic of thought yesterday was risks and attitudes to it. I do not conciously come up with a topic it is whatever pops into my head. In more developed countries we are very risk adverse. In poorer countries more risk seems to be acceptable. But is this REALLY the case?
Equipment: The Bike Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Over the next few days I am going to post reviews of some of the equipment I have been using. What worked, what did not, what was useful, what was not. It seems logical to start with the biggest and most expensive item the bike.
Equipment: Fansa Tank Bag Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Bought from winding roads. Over all I am happy with this tank bag although it does have a couple of problems that let it down.
Equipment: Bates Police Boots Sunday, June 14, 2015 - I went for these boots rather than biking boots because I can also use them off the bike. They are as supplied to UK police forces who I assume have thoroughly tested them so that is good enough for me. My feet are UK size 8.
Day 80: Not around the world. Sunday, June 14, 2015 - Philius Fogg went around the world in 80 days, I went to Ghana and back. I am happy with that, I met far more people. Ôÿ║ I was not expecting much on the ride yesterday morning. I had a message from am old Scouting friend who lives near Santander but unfortunately it was all a […]
Day 81: Ferry Home Sunday, June 14, 2015 - I am on the ferry from Santander in Spain to Portsmouth in the UK. The boat seems to be full of bikers who have been riding the Pyranees. You can tell they are bikers because they are all over the aged of 50, have beards and black t-shirts. Strangely many have Yorkshire accents.
Equipment: Camping Gear Monday, June 15, 2015 - I took a Coleman 2 man mummy style tent that I have had for years and still is going strong, a trangia muti fuel cooker with kettle, plates, cutlery etc. hammock, tarpaulin, water carrier and some other bits and pieces.
Day 82: Home Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - My first sight of the UK was the Isle of Wight in the distance. I am from Southampton so I know the area well. It was a real homecoming feel to sailing around the island and into Portsmouth Harbour.
Press Coverage: Wales Online and Wales on Sunday Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - This article was published in the Wales on Sunday newspaper and on the Wales Online web site: Wales on Sunday_21-06-2015_1ST_p26 Article on the Wales Online Web Site
Trip Statistics Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - During the trip I had a tracking app running on my mobile phone. I have now analysed the logs and: Total distance travelled was 17,877km (11,502 miles) This includes distance travelled while exploring and travelling in cities, getting lost and backtracking etc. It is higher than I estimated because it includes the bends in the […]

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