Gael warning in the Congo

[simondippenhall]

So my early start meant I had done the 500 or so KMs to Marsabit by 2 pm.

I wanted to stop here as I was now tires after the bad weather. Also my wife lived in Marsabit as a child so I planned a wander around.

First some biker nosh

Views of the town

Interesting tree trunk towing technique

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[simondippenhall]

Taximans pride

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[simondippenhall]

A tribesman filling petrol bottles, seen en route


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[simondippenhall]

As usual the women do the heavy lifting

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[Drumacoon Lad.]

Just to mention Simon has made it into Ethiopia but has no WiFi for updates.

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[simondippenhall]

Thanks Jim.

So now In yebello but the three fuel stations have no petrol. And as of this morning no water or electric in my room.

So the road North today may be fuelled by prayer (and jerry cans of petrol).


And may be the third day in a row in my high Viz book in the bag waterproofs!

More later when I get somewhere with more amenities.


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[simondippenhall]

So apologies (if anyone is actually following this story!) for the radio silence.

I have found enouuoetrik to get to Addus after a surprisingly bas set of roads North. Hopefully there I will find WiFi up to the take if loading the few photos I have taken so far (the cold at 2500 metres and the focus on finding petrol and avoiding all the Ethiopian life that lives on the road means that I didn't take the time for many photos!



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[simondippenhall]

Another petrol station without petrol


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[simondippenhall]

I eventually stop, exhausted, abouy170 Kms short of Addis....and find a place by the beautiful birdlfe of Lake Ziway

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[simondippenhall]

But on arriving here I heard a sound from the bike this afternoon, when I last started it, that I hoped not to hear again! The whip-like crack which I think is some kind of short-circuit. When I get to Addis tomorrow I will take a look at the coil plugs and also the battery connections...I wonder if the bit of car mat that Jim cleverly used in Botswana to shelter the battery terminal from the tank is still in place....?

It is one of the coil plugs shorting? I do have a spare old one (not sure it is 100%) so will need to check those out.

I am about 7,000 kms out from Windhoek now, and the TKCs are really wearing with all this tarmac, even though there was a lot of rough road yesterday where I was glad of the tread!

Wonder what the motorcycle tyre market is like in Addis? Better than Khartoum for sure...

Hoping to make Addis today and apply at Sudan embassy tomorrow for a visa, but still awaiting my local letter of invitation....


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[Rich C]

Most definitely we are following it and no need for any apologies! It's currently 10 degrees, very grey and wet in the UK so this is a welcome read!

 

[twizzle]

The bit I love the most about this thread.... all the way around Africa with System Panniers... when you consider how much is spent on Metal panniers for the Tesco run....

Perfect.....

 

[simondippenhall]

Cheers guys. Yes system panniers are fine, and I don’t even have engine guards! Clearly not rufty tufty enough to be a true GSer adventure bikerUsed my day off to check the electrics - and decided to check the tyres and found rear TKC down to22 psi.

So decided to find an air pump.and some petrol in preparation for tomorrow. Visited 5 petrol stations...only one had petrol so I topped up, none had air.

Recruited 2 young men to lead me to a cycle storewhere I had a demo of their bicycle pump. My helper for the front up to44 (I let it down after!) but could only get the rear to 33...so I gave him some money and declined to buy the pump. Must try to buy one in Addis as mine is useless!


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[simondippenhall]

I should mention that my day off results from kearnoof a banned demonstration in Addis which may kick off some protest today. So decides better to stay here and enjoy the lakeand the pool for another day whilst things calm down.

AndI have really enjoyed lazing around....got some WiFi army residence and realised that the ride up from Nairobi had tired me. Typically I get on the bike at 0730 or 0800 and ride til I stop for the day at 3.39 or 4.30, except for fuel stops....and on Ethiopian roads that made for a tiring experience. So good to recharge the batteries before getting to the Big Smoke of Addis.

I also received my local invitation letter today which is good news so I am now equipped to apply for a visa at the Sudanese embassy in Addis.

And finally(I blame t'internet!) I have agreed to buy Berin's very fine orange excited f350 anseven managed to pay him a deposit.

So hopefully when I eventually get back to UK I shall be throwing myself around the muddy scenery of Hampshire


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[simondippenhall]

Sorry it's an exc f 350...darn predictive text. Although I am excited!


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[Berin]

And tomorrow said exc-f 350 will be fitted with new tyres in preparation for delivery to Simon’s house later in the week.
It’s the first I’ve I’ve sold a bike to someone in Africa!

Safe travels, Simon


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[simondippenhall]

And tomorrow said exc-f 350 will be fitted with new tyres in preparation for delivery to Simon’s house later in the week.
It’s the first I’ve I’ve sold a bike to someone in Africa!

Safe travels, Simon


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And before any GSers chip in, Martin you will have the cash before delivery.


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[geotim]

Enjoying this Simon, great write up.

 

[simondippenhall]

Cheers Tim. You still based in Belgrade? Sorry I couldn't drop in on my Iran trip


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[Ash]

Superb & some....
As usual Simon..