Weekly update: 4th December 2011. 3 Wise Men.

This weeks update is proudly sponsored by Spearman Cycles Wollongong.  The men either side of me are Mr Peter Lamond (L) from Capetown South Africa and of course Mr Rodney Hilton Sanders (R).

Firstly congratulations to Rodney for completing the Tour of Thailand this week.  Rodney's journey took him from Chang Mai in the north to Phuket in the south. Tonight I sent away an email to a visually impaired cyclist who appears mad enough to come on the holiday next year.  I should know shortly the outcome of my email.

This week has been sending off emails and getting in touch with the police service re escorting the cyclists to the end of the tour.  Like everything when you're dealing with a bureacracy, it takes a mountain of work to get an answer.  

Last weekend I went down and watched the international criterium race at Wollongong Harbour, the end point of the West to East 2012 Tour.  What a fantastic race and more importantly a beautiful place to end our tour.  You will not be disappointed, I guarantee it.

Safe riding

Terry



Come and join me in a nice Sunday ride.

3 Peaks Challenge 2012

http://www.bv.com.au/general/great-rides/42359/

Members of eXsight Tandems at Wollongong Harbour, New South Wales.

Today an article appeared in the Illawarra Mercury touching on the history and members of eXsight Tandems.  I have to thank Geoff Stratton for giving the West to East Tour 2012 a plug for me.

I hope you can read the text.

Safe riding

Terry.

Aids in Botswana 2002

When Josh and I did our bicycle trip in 2003/04 through Africa, Josh came across a huge poster which gave all sorts of stats on health issues facing the people of Botswana.  This poster was actually hanging up on the toilet wall of the train station in a small town called Lobatse.  This was one of our more interesing lunch stops.

Lobatse is not the type of place you would stop at on your way to the delta.

The interesting thing about this poster is;

'8 years later, the problem is worse'.



Rodney Sanders.

This is Mr Rodney Sanders wearing team colours.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be posting photos of some of the members of

 'Team Rambor' from Tour D' Afrique 2011.   

Well nothing has happenend much this week other than work.  I did get a place on the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Wollongong for 2 years recently.  Now that will be interesting.

I've got another 2 people interested in the tour, and now it will all come down to who will commit on the 1st January 2012.  In the case of going over the 20 riders this tour will cater for, priority goes to those who have already nominated over the past couple of months. 

I've had a couple of people request further information on the charity side of the ride. Firstly I intend to raise money for the Guide Dogs and eXsight Tandems.  If cyclists either from overseas or Australia wish to raise funds for their own charity then that is fine.  I'm giving you an option just in case you find it difficult to find a worthwhile charity.

It's now raining in Wollongong the nicest town on earth.  So come on over and have a party in 2012.

Safe riding and watch out for those dogs.

Terry.

The perfect 'old bag'.

Although the bag has seen better days, this is the type of bag recommended for the tour.  I took this one along on the Cairo to Capetown trip and it survived quite well.  I'll be taking it again in 2012 West To East Tour.

I purchased the bag on ebay (Australia) for about $40 AUS.  It suppose to be a 70 litre size bag.  Roughly 90cm X 45cm.  This bag is big enough for the tent, sleeping bag, roll out mat and all the gear you need for 33 days.  You don't need to bring the kitchen sink with you as we're already bringing one with us. 

The weight limit for this tour is 30kgs per cyclist.  This does not include your bike as you'll be riding it EVERY day, with exception of a rest day here and there.

A bag like this will make it easy for the staff to unload and load the vehicles.  If you have any dietary requests, let me know so we can cater for them.  I can't cook to save my life, so all requests will be promptly forwarded onto the chef.  Mr Daniel.

Not long to 'D' day.  So safe riding and stay tuned.

Regards Terry

Tour update: 7th November 2011.

Good morning from the land downunder.  Well this week I got the design of the jerseys sent to me and just to give you a slight look, 2 of the logos are above.  The clothing is amazing and the designer did it all for free.  It pays to know people in right places.

The 2 charities we will be supporting on this trip are the Guide Dogs and eXsight tandems. Exsight tandems is the charity I rode for in Africa early this year, supporting visually impaired people.  Now to put you out of your misery, I have 13 riders ready to take part in this walk in the park holiday and we need 15 to get the circus on the road. 

There will be all sorts of competitions during the holiday and you will be required to participate.  I'm not going to get you to dress up ladies clothing, although I know a couple of guys who do fancy themselves in a dress.  I'm still pushing as hard as I can to get to 15 starters and then we're full steam ahead.

Until next week, safe riding.

Terry