Ziemas
12-20-06, 11:23 AM
I'm curious to find out if the bike she bought has rack mounts.....
Africa - bike for Africa - please help me!
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.cyklehike
12-20-06, 11:56 AM
Is this the one Flicca?
http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=14&itemid=223
http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=14&itemid=223
Shemp
12-20-06, 12:07 PM
Don't believe all you read......
If you really think Africa is THAT dangerous for tourists then you clearly know little about the continent.
What do you find so dangerous about America compared to Africa? Do you have some sort of concious or subconcious bias? Have you read too many things about the USA?
If you really think Africa is THAT dangerous for tourists then you clearly know little about the continent.
What do you find so dangerous about America compared to Africa? Do you have some sort of concious or subconcious bias? Have you read too many things about the USA?
Cave
12-20-06, 12:53 PM
I was talking to the guy in the bikeshop about carrying water, about putting three bottles on the frame like I have seen in pictures. He said in order to do that I would need just a normal cage to put on the upright part and then some sort of cage that carried two bottles to put on the lower cross bar thing, that I couldn't just attach two cages, one either side
You can use tape and hose clamps (el cheapo!) to attach extra normal bottle cages if the frame dosen't have "hardpoints" (the 2 bolts), or you can buy double cages (various shops, or over the net - google it, I can't be stuffed googling it for you this time!) to attach to your handle bars or back of your bike seat. If you are definitely going with a backpack, you can put a camelback bladder in the top, rather than bothering with more bottles than the frame will accommodate.
To use hose clamps (car hose clamps),
(1) Find some at Repco or Bunnings,
(2) get a bottle cage (cheap metal variety) and put a bottle in it,
(3) find a spot on the frame where it will fit without interfering with pedals, wheels or legs and mark with a texta the points on the frame where the hose clamps will go,
(4) wrap a few layers of duct tape or electrical tape where your texta marks are,
(5) put some double sided foam mounting tape on the frame, a little longer than the 2 texta marks,
(6) stick the cage (without bottle) to the double sided tape,
(7) use the hose clamps to hold the cage firm against the frame.
The electrical tape stops scratches and the foam tape gives a nice firm connection that damps vibration when everything mooshes into it.
Don't forget wine cask liners (or platypus bags), these are way cool for carrying lots of water when you need it.
Don't forget that you will probably be buying water, and probably in 1.5L bottles (check the seals before you pay, if in doubt add a water purification tablet then after the chemicals have done their thing add cordial, a Vitamin C or a Berocca to hide the taste ). These don't fit in bottle cages. You can improvise and strap them to a rack.
You can use tape and hose clamps (el cheapo!) to attach extra normal bottle cages if the frame dosen't have "hardpoints" (the 2 bolts), or you can buy double cages (various shops, or over the net - google it, I can't be stuffed googling it for you this time!) to attach to your handle bars or back of your bike seat. If you are definitely going with a backpack, you can put a camelback bladder in the top, rather than bothering with more bottles than the frame will accommodate.
To use hose clamps (car hose clamps),
(1) Find some at Repco or Bunnings,
(2) get a bottle cage (cheap metal variety) and put a bottle in it,
(3) find a spot on the frame where it will fit without interfering with pedals, wheels or legs and mark with a texta the points on the frame where the hose clamps will go,
(4) wrap a few layers of duct tape or electrical tape where your texta marks are,
(5) put some double sided foam mounting tape on the frame, a little longer than the 2 texta marks,
(6) stick the cage (without bottle) to the double sided tape,
(7) use the hose clamps to hold the cage firm against the frame.
The electrical tape stops scratches and the foam tape gives a nice firm connection that damps vibration when everything mooshes into it.
Don't forget wine cask liners (or platypus bags), these are way cool for carrying lots of water when you need it.
Don't forget that you will probably be buying water, and probably in 1.5L bottles (check the seals before you pay, if in doubt add a water purification tablet then after the chemicals have done their thing add cordial, a Vitamin C or a Berocca to hide the taste ). These don't fit in bottle cages. You can improvise and strap them to a rack.
Rowan
12-20-06, 01:08 PM
I wasn't going to write anything else because I thought the thread had run its course... but in response:
Rowan: I didn't mention the type of bike because I figured it would just give some people further reason to ridicule me, and whilst I'm pretty easy going and don't mind a bit of that, I didn't see the point of inviting it further. The bike is a Black Diamond 2007 Outlook with Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres, his name is Edward. I got the bike with the best components that I could. So there you go mate, have a laugh. Please note, I intend on taking public transport for some of this trip. To be honest, I'm not sure why you'd be giving me the one finger salute if it doesn't end up working out. I don't know what I have done to warrant that, or how any of this has affected you.
The Black Diamond is an MTB imported into Australia by Gemini. It is made by Mongoose. I don't have a particular problem with your choice. However, I do predict that you *will* have problems with the wheels, that are machine made, and therefore will have significant issues with trueness that you simply will not be able to fix yourself.
My advice (and probably the best you're going to get right now) is to take it either to Jaison at St Kilda Cycles (down near Luna Park) or Peter Moore at Abbottsford Cycles (under the Richmond Railway Station). Tell either of them that I sent you (Rowan the randonneur from Hobart).
St Kilda Cycles are a specialist touring shop (that also probably could have put you in touch with a decent second-hand touring bike at a price you could afford). They build their own bikes, too (under the Saints brand). Abbottsford Cycles doesn't sell bikes or cycling shoes, but has everything else there. They are the specialist store for Melbourne-based randonneurs, who require the utmost in practicality and reliablity. They are so convenient to get to because they are under the station.
Both shops will be able to do the job required to get at least some longevity out of the wheels. It might be a good idea to take the whole bike in to get them to do a full check on it. I can almost guarantee that the bike shop you bought the bike from didn't, and certainly didn't do the wheels. You *will* need to spend money on this, or you will be ditching the bike well before you should.
While they are working on the wheels, get them to insert a Slime or Mr Tuffy tyre liner in each one... that will be far more effective than any strategy you have in mind with the thornproof tubes.
While you are it, too, get them to drill holes and put in some Rivnuts for attaching a water bottle on the seat tube and the downtube. Tell them this and they will know what I mean (in the unlikely event they don't, get them to email me). In addition, get them to check your fit on the bike -- again I almost guarantee the bike shop you bought the bike at didn't. Get them to check leg extension on the downstroke, seat-to-handlebar length, seat position relating to knee over pedal spindle, and how level the seat is. In particular, when this has been done, mark the position of the seatpost where it goes into the tube at the clamp, so you remember the height when you have to reassemble the bike at the airport in Egypt.
Remember, too, I did give you the option of giving us (the naysayers) the one-figure salute first if you succeed. Why should I not expect the same privilege if you fail, particularly when you seem so intent on ignoring the advice that is being provided to you by very experienced touring cyclists?
I also have to ask... if you had been male, would this thread have gone on for so many pages, and would people have offered the same level of advice. I doubt it... Just by saying that you didn't want to leave yourself open to further ridicule indicates to me that you in fact do see the merit of the arguments that have been put forward about the folly of your adventures, but choose to ignore them.
Would you go to sea (and I mean ocean passages) without the basics of a life harness, flares, batteries and radios that work, some sort of navigation equipment, but with lousy 20-year old dacron sails busting at the seams, and with rusted galvanised rigging and without wet-weather gear, and with no idea of how to tie a knot let alone sail out of the harbour? You're seeking to do the same level of adventure with parallel equipment in cycling, yet you ridiculed the teenage round-the-world sailor for not knowing what to do with a tiller!
Rowan: I didn't mention the type of bike because I figured it would just give some people further reason to ridicule me, and whilst I'm pretty easy going and don't mind a bit of that, I didn't see the point of inviting it further. The bike is a Black Diamond 2007 Outlook with Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres, his name is Edward. I got the bike with the best components that I could. So there you go mate, have a laugh. Please note, I intend on taking public transport for some of this trip. To be honest, I'm not sure why you'd be giving me the one finger salute if it doesn't end up working out. I don't know what I have done to warrant that, or how any of this has affected you.
The Black Diamond is an MTB imported into Australia by Gemini. It is made by Mongoose. I don't have a particular problem with your choice. However, I do predict that you *will* have problems with the wheels, that are machine made, and therefore will have significant issues with trueness that you simply will not be able to fix yourself.
My advice (and probably the best you're going to get right now) is to take it either to Jaison at St Kilda Cycles (down near Luna Park) or Peter Moore at Abbottsford Cycles (under the Richmond Railway Station). Tell either of them that I sent you (Rowan the randonneur from Hobart).
St Kilda Cycles are a specialist touring shop (that also probably could have put you in touch with a decent second-hand touring bike at a price you could afford). They build their own bikes, too (under the Saints brand). Abbottsford Cycles doesn't sell bikes or cycling shoes, but has everything else there. They are the specialist store for Melbourne-based randonneurs, who require the utmost in practicality and reliablity. They are so convenient to get to because they are under the station.
Both shops will be able to do the job required to get at least some longevity out of the wheels. It might be a good idea to take the whole bike in to get them to do a full check on it. I can almost guarantee that the bike shop you bought the bike from didn't, and certainly didn't do the wheels. You *will* need to spend money on this, or you will be ditching the bike well before you should.
While they are working on the wheels, get them to insert a Slime or Mr Tuffy tyre liner in each one... that will be far more effective than any strategy you have in mind with the thornproof tubes.
While you are it, too, get them to drill holes and put in some Rivnuts for attaching a water bottle on the seat tube and the downtube. Tell them this and they will know what I mean (in the unlikely event they don't, get them to email me). In addition, get them to check your fit on the bike -- again I almost guarantee the bike shop you bought the bike at didn't. Get them to check leg extension on the downstroke, seat-to-handlebar length, seat position relating to knee over pedal spindle, and how level the seat is. In particular, when this has been done, mark the position of the seatpost where it goes into the tube at the clamp, so you remember the height when you have to reassemble the bike at the airport in Egypt.
Remember, too, I did give you the option of giving us (the naysayers) the one-figure salute first if you succeed. Why should I not expect the same privilege if you fail, particularly when you seem so intent on ignoring the advice that is being provided to you by very experienced touring cyclists?
I also have to ask... if you had been male, would this thread have gone on for so many pages, and would people have offered the same level of advice. I doubt it... Just by saying that you didn't want to leave yourself open to further ridicule indicates to me that you in fact do see the merit of the arguments that have been put forward about the folly of your adventures, but choose to ignore them.
Would you go to sea (and I mean ocean passages) without the basics of a life harness, flares, batteries and radios that work, some sort of navigation equipment, but with lousy 20-year old dacron sails busting at the seams, and with rusted galvanised rigging and without wet-weather gear, and with no idea of how to tie a knot let alone sail out of the harbour? You're seeking to do the same level of adventure with parallel equipment in cycling, yet you ridiculed the teenage round-the-world sailor for not knowing what to do with a tiller!
Machka
12-20-06, 01:51 PM
Another thing that hasn't been mentioned by all the "go for it" people is this ... the mental/psychological strain of long tours.
Flic, are you the type of person who has to text message someone every time you inhale, and call someone on your cell phone to announce in a voice loud enough for the whole world to hear every time you exhale? You know the types ... they permeate the universities, busses, and grocery stores. Or are you the type of person who can be alone for very, very long periods of time.
When you cycle and/or tour solo, you are alone. It doesn't matter how many helpful and friendly people you meet, and talk to, and travel with along the way ... you are alone. The people you meet along the way might care enough to give you something to eat and a place to sleep ... but they don't really care about you and your well-being. They don't want to know about your aches and pains, about your emotional struggles, or anything personal about you.
I've lived alone for many years, but worked at the same place during that time and had developed a group of friends. I didn't think the "alone" aspect of touring would bother me at all. It didn't for short tours ... but when the tour reached about the 6 week mark, it did start bothering me.
Do you have family and friends to call ... anyone who might possibly be able to come and rescue you if things go wrong? 8 months is a VERY long time to be out of touch.
As for nutrition, here are some articles which might interest you ... about a good protein source:
http://www.food-insects.com/Insects%20as%20Human%20Food.htm
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/2005/4/edibleinsects.cfm
http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2004/51409/index.html
http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB/PDF/pdf2006/2Feb/Banjo%20et%20al.pdf
About Dervla Murphy ... she started to ride around the world in 1963. The world has changed a lot in the past 44 years! Dervla Murphy had the desire to cycle around the world when she was 10 and got her first bicycle. She wasn't a novice rider by any stretch of the imagination, and she had been planning the trip for at least 20 years. She carried 60+ lbs of gear with her, including a gun which she had to use. She did cycle through Africa, but that wasn't her first trip. She started her adventures in Europe where she lived and where, if something went wrong early in the trip, she could get back home again without any difficulties. Nevertheless, she continued ... and she did encounter quite a number of difficulties.
http://cycling.ahands.org/bicycling/dervla.html
I'm all for travelling around the world ... and doing so by bicycle is, IMO, the way to go. I've got a goal of cycling in all the provinces in Canada, all the states in the US, all the states in Australia, and as many countries as I can. And I've already made quite a bit of progress toward that goal. I love reading stories about people like Dervla Murphy and Josie Dew http://www.josiedew.co.uk/ and other female cyclists who head out to see the world.
But I'm going to bring up a little point here ... the world is not necessarily a safe place for a woman travelling alone ... and especially alone without strong friends and family connections. http://www.humantrafficking.org/ http://www.unodc.org/unodc/trafficking_human_beings.html
Most of the people here who are encouraging you to go, telling you that you will be fine, and ridiculing those of us who are expressing a voice of caution, are MEN. It's a different world for men. Men don't generally have to worry about things like being raped. If men decide to hitch a ride somewhere to get out of trouble, the method of payment requested from them will most likely be money ... nothing else. Many men tend to be completely oblivious to the difficulties women can face in our own neighborhoods, let alone in other parts of the world. I'm pleased to see that there are a few men here who have been expressing some concern about a woman travelling alone ... IMO, they are the ones to listen to because they are more aware of what is going on in the world around them.
In addition to that, a bicycle is a very slow method of transportation. You mentioned you liked the freedom of renting a car rather than using public transportation. Well, a bicycle is really less "free" than public transportation because it is so slow. You could be days between "civilization" ... meaning that it could be days between being able to get food and supplies. It's not like a car where you can zip into the next town and pick up groceries. The next town might only be 50 or 60 kms away, but that could be a one to two day ride depending on conditions. (And that applies to the US, to Canada, and to Australia as well, not just Africa)
Just a few things to think about. :)
Flic, are you the type of person who has to text message someone every time you inhale, and call someone on your cell phone to announce in a voice loud enough for the whole world to hear every time you exhale? You know the types ... they permeate the universities, busses, and grocery stores. Or are you the type of person who can be alone for very, very long periods of time.
When you cycle and/or tour solo, you are alone. It doesn't matter how many helpful and friendly people you meet, and talk to, and travel with along the way ... you are alone. The people you meet along the way might care enough to give you something to eat and a place to sleep ... but they don't really care about you and your well-being. They don't want to know about your aches and pains, about your emotional struggles, or anything personal about you.
I've lived alone for many years, but worked at the same place during that time and had developed a group of friends. I didn't think the "alone" aspect of touring would bother me at all. It didn't for short tours ... but when the tour reached about the 6 week mark, it did start bothering me.
Do you have family and friends to call ... anyone who might possibly be able to come and rescue you if things go wrong? 8 months is a VERY long time to be out of touch.
As for nutrition, here are some articles which might interest you ... about a good protein source:
http://www.food-insects.com/Insects%20as%20Human%20Food.htm
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/2005/4/edibleinsects.cfm
http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2004/51409/index.html
http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB/PDF/pdf2006/2Feb/Banjo%20et%20al.pdf
About Dervla Murphy ... she started to ride around the world in 1963. The world has changed a lot in the past 44 years! Dervla Murphy had the desire to cycle around the world when she was 10 and got her first bicycle. She wasn't a novice rider by any stretch of the imagination, and she had been planning the trip for at least 20 years. She carried 60+ lbs of gear with her, including a gun which she had to use. She did cycle through Africa, but that wasn't her first trip. She started her adventures in Europe where she lived and where, if something went wrong early in the trip, she could get back home again without any difficulties. Nevertheless, she continued ... and she did encounter quite a number of difficulties.
http://cycling.ahands.org/bicycling/dervla.html
I'm all for travelling around the world ... and doing so by bicycle is, IMO, the way to go. I've got a goal of cycling in all the provinces in Canada, all the states in the US, all the states in Australia, and as many countries as I can. And I've already made quite a bit of progress toward that goal. I love reading stories about people like Dervla Murphy and Josie Dew http://www.josiedew.co.uk/ and other female cyclists who head out to see the world.
But I'm going to bring up a little point here ... the world is not necessarily a safe place for a woman travelling alone ... and especially alone without strong friends and family connections. http://www.humantrafficking.org/ http://www.unodc.org/unodc/trafficking_human_beings.html
Most of the people here who are encouraging you to go, telling you that you will be fine, and ridiculing those of us who are expressing a voice of caution, are MEN. It's a different world for men. Men don't generally have to worry about things like being raped. If men decide to hitch a ride somewhere to get out of trouble, the method of payment requested from them will most likely be money ... nothing else. Many men tend to be completely oblivious to the difficulties women can face in our own neighborhoods, let alone in other parts of the world. I'm pleased to see that there are a few men here who have been expressing some concern about a woman travelling alone ... IMO, they are the ones to listen to because they are more aware of what is going on in the world around them.
In addition to that, a bicycle is a very slow method of transportation. You mentioned you liked the freedom of renting a car rather than using public transportation. Well, a bicycle is really less "free" than public transportation because it is so slow. You could be days between "civilization" ... meaning that it could be days between being able to get food and supplies. It's not like a car where you can zip into the next town and pick up groceries. The next town might only be 50 or 60 kms away, but that could be a one to two day ride depending on conditions. (And that applies to the US, to Canada, and to Australia as well, not just Africa)
Just a few things to think about. :)
amaferanga
12-20-06, 02:18 PM
What do you find so dangerous about America compared to Africa? Do you have some sort of concious or subconcious bias? Have you read too many things about the USA?
Neither are particularly dangerous if you exercise some common sense and talk to the locals. That was my point. You have the standard misconceptions about Africa, nothing to be embarassed about, its quite common.
You really have no idea about Africa do you - you'll be telling me there are tigers everywhere next ;)
Neither are particularly dangerous if you exercise some common sense and talk to the locals. That was my point. You have the standard misconceptions about Africa, nothing to be embarassed about, its quite common.
You really have no idea about Africa do you - you'll be telling me there are tigers everywhere next ;)
Ziemas
12-20-06, 02:20 PM
Neither are particularly dangerous if you exercise some common sense and talk to the locals. That was my point. You have the standard misconceptions about Africa, nothing to be embarassed about, its quite common.
You really have no idea about Africa do you - you'll be telling me there are tigers everywhere next ;)
Do you think the OP has been exercising a lot of common sense?
You really have no idea about Africa do you - you'll be telling me there are tigers everywhere next ;)
Do you think the OP has been exercising a lot of common sense?
Shemp
12-20-06, 03:49 PM
Neither are particularly dangerous if you exercise some common sense and talk to the locals. That was my point. You have the standard misconceptions about Africa, nothing to be embarassed about, its quite common.
You really have no idea about Africa do you - you'll be telling me there are tigers everywhere next ;)
I bet I do have some misconceptions, but they're rooted in very real troubles faced on the African continent. So many nations in Africa, so many different political environments, so much more polarized divisions, that I think it's dangerous to paint with the broad brush as you have done. I have no doubts one can travel in relative safety in many areas however....
I'm not the least bit embarassed to second guess how wise it is to advise a person who has a) never been to Africa b) is travelling alone as a female in Africa and c) has never cycle toured d) is going thousands of miles on cheap, completely untested equipment.
I seriously am starting to wonder if you're just baiting this lady into her own demise, or at least into a miserable or unsuccessful experience. Everyone should do their own risk:reward calculations, however, one should have all the information and tools to make such caluclations in advance.
I'm not writing to argue, I'm writing out of good conscience.
You really have no idea about Africa do you - you'll be telling me there are tigers everywhere next ;)
I bet I do have some misconceptions, but they're rooted in very real troubles faced on the African continent. So many nations in Africa, so many different political environments, so much more polarized divisions, that I think it's dangerous to paint with the broad brush as you have done. I have no doubts one can travel in relative safety in many areas however....
I'm not the least bit embarassed to second guess how wise it is to advise a person who has a) never been to Africa b) is travelling alone as a female in Africa and c) has never cycle toured d) is going thousands of miles on cheap, completely untested equipment.
I seriously am starting to wonder if you're just baiting this lady into her own demise, or at least into a miserable or unsuccessful experience. Everyone should do their own risk:reward calculations, however, one should have all the information and tools to make such caluclations in advance.
I'm not writing to argue, I'm writing out of good conscience.
amaferanga
12-20-06, 04:44 PM
As someone who did their first proper tour in Africa with very nearly zero experience of touring (a single 3 day tour in Scotland was my only previous) I feel I am as well placed as anyone to advise Flic. Granted I'm a guy so I'm doubtless unaware of some of the problems a lone female might face on such a trip, but I know (since I've actually cycled in them) most of the countries on her likely route (with the exception of Egypt, Sudan and Somalia) and I know that the regions she will be passing through are (for now at least) stable. For the southern leg of the trip I could even advise Flic on where she'll find guest houses, where the good bush camping areas are, what villages have food, the best spots to cycle past elephants, contacts in most towns, etc., but I know that this is completely unnecessary as she'll get this information for herself from the locals, same as I did. I am not in any way "baiting her into her own demise", but giving her some encouragement. She clearly is going to do this trip regardless of what people post here have to say (particularly since most posting have not even set foot in Africa - I couldn't help but smile when I saw the link above where someone seemed to be suggesting Flic would need to resort to eating insects to survive!). Whether Flic makes it to South Africa or not, I very much doubt that it'll be an unsuccessful experience - almost certainly it'll be an unforgetable experience and probably for good reasons (mostly).
And to answer Ziemas, I don't see that Flic has demonstrated a lack of common sense. There's a lot she doesn't know, but she clearly knows enough to pull off this trip and she'll learn soon enough.
She may hate cycling, she may love it, who knows, but I admire her for actually having the guts to do this trip. I'm sure she's done her own risk:reward calculations and thinks its worth it. Some may think its not worth it, but that doesn't make Flic wrong.
We live and learn. First time I headed off to Africa on my bike my parents were convinced they'd never see me again, and did everything they could to persuade me to leave the bike behind and take the bus instead. Now (4 trips later) they know its nothing like as dangerous as they initially thought and my mum still managed to sleep every night during my last trip despite me going almost 4 weeks between emails once.
I know this has been highlighted already by myself and probably others, but provided Flic stays on fairly well used roads, if it does go horribly wrong then she can hitch a ride to the next town where there'll be telephones and internet cafes and lots of good honest people to help her. And before anyone points out that she can't possibly hitch as a single woman in Africa - yes she can (with the exception of South Africa). I'd be interested to hear of any instances of women (tourists) being attacked in any of the countries on Flics proposed route other than SA. If there have been any such attacks I'd bet my bike that they happened in tourist resorts.
There are a number of people posting on this thread that normally give great advice, but they're posting advice here based on what they read or what they heard and not from experience, which has little value.
I bet Flic has stopped reading now anyway so we're probably all wasting our time.......
And to answer Ziemas, I don't see that Flic has demonstrated a lack of common sense. There's a lot she doesn't know, but she clearly knows enough to pull off this trip and she'll learn soon enough.
She may hate cycling, she may love it, who knows, but I admire her for actually having the guts to do this trip. I'm sure she's done her own risk:reward calculations and thinks its worth it. Some may think its not worth it, but that doesn't make Flic wrong.
We live and learn. First time I headed off to Africa on my bike my parents were convinced they'd never see me again, and did everything they could to persuade me to leave the bike behind and take the bus instead. Now (4 trips later) they know its nothing like as dangerous as they initially thought and my mum still managed to sleep every night during my last trip despite me going almost 4 weeks between emails once.
I know this has been highlighted already by myself and probably others, but provided Flic stays on fairly well used roads, if it does go horribly wrong then she can hitch a ride to the next town where there'll be telephones and internet cafes and lots of good honest people to help her. And before anyone points out that she can't possibly hitch as a single woman in Africa - yes she can (with the exception of South Africa). I'd be interested to hear of any instances of women (tourists) being attacked in any of the countries on Flics proposed route other than SA. If there have been any such attacks I'd bet my bike that they happened in tourist resorts.
There are a number of people posting on this thread that normally give great advice, but they're posting advice here based on what they read or what they heard and not from experience, which has little value.
I bet Flic has stopped reading now anyway so we're probably all wasting our time.......
Alex L
12-21-06, 12:47 AM
Don't forget that you will probably be buying water, and probably in 1.5L bottles (check the seals before you pay, if in doubt add a water purification tablet then after the chemicals have done their thing add cordial, a Vitamin C or a Berocca to hide the taste ). These don't fit in bottle cages. You can improvise and strap them to a rack.
Cave, why do you think the 1.5ltr bottles don’t fit for bottle cages? All you need is just to bend a bit your standard cage and to use 1.5ltr bottles then on a constant base. Look at this picture (http://www.velo-idea.narod.ru./Turkey_foto/065.jpg), I had not any problem. I agree that 1.5ltr bottle is too long for mtn frame, if you put it in vertical cage, but it is possible to use analogous 1lt bottle instead of. I think this is better than standard 0.7ltr.
Alexey
Cave, why do you think the 1.5ltr bottles don’t fit for bottle cages? All you need is just to bend a bit your standard cage and to use 1.5ltr bottles then on a constant base. Look at this picture (http://www.velo-idea.narod.ru./Turkey_foto/065.jpg), I had not any problem. I agree that 1.5ltr bottle is too long for mtn frame, if you put it in vertical cage, but it is possible to use analogous 1lt bottle instead of. I think this is better than standard 0.7ltr.
Alexey
Cave
12-21-06, 04:40 AM
I might try 1.25L PET softdrink bottles. I couldn't get 1.5L water bottles to fit in the frame, and they are a bit fragile and get crushed in the bottle cage. Looks like you managed fine, though.
In SE Asia all the commonly available bottles for commercially bottled wated seem to be 1.5L or 500ml, and the most commonly available plastic bottles in Europe and Egypt are the same, so I assume the same is true in the rest of Africa. Could be wrong, I've never been south of Abu Simbel.
In SE Asia all the commonly available bottles for commercially bottled wated seem to be 1.5L or 500ml, and the most commonly available plastic bottles in Europe and Egypt are the same, so I assume the same is true in the rest of Africa. Could be wrong, I've never been south of Abu Simbel.
Flic
12-21-06, 04:48 AM
Well this is a little embarrassing. You are right cyclehike... The bike is Actually a Diamondback Outlook 2007 (not a Black Diamond like I wrote!)... I was lying in bed last night reviewing the day and I laughed soooo hard when I realised the mistake I'd made... So much for not giving people reason to further ridicule me!!! Geeeeeeez Flic...
mudskipper99
12-21-06, 09:25 AM
Good to see you are still here Flic. You remind me of me, when I was younger. I was going to drive from Alaska to the tip of South America, by myself, in my Ford Escort. After driving around the U.S. and Canada in my Escort, I realized it was a bad idea. Ive driven all over all 50 states, and all Canadian provinces, except Nunavut. Not a whole lot of roads there. Every friggen time I got in the middle of nowhere, my car would break down. Most people I know, say I should write a book, I have so many great stories of getting stranded. Plus, I kept hearing about women getting raped in Mexico. Stab me, beat me, shoot me, but I cannot handle ****.
When I went to drive up into the Northwest Territories, Canada, I went to the Northern part, on the 777km/480mile gravel Dempster Hwy up to Inuvik. There is a 372km/230mile stretch with no gasoline, no houses or people. Nothing. Everyone is supposed to bring there own gas, since a lot of time there is no gas until Inuvik, at the end. There is only a few tiny villages/towns on this road, until the bigger Inuvik at the end.
I spent years researching this area, finding every picture of the road I could, and any travel diaries. Bought a more reliable, new VW Golf too. People warned me how bad the bugs were, and its not a good idea to drive a hatchback there, but I had to do it.
First, the Alaska Hwy was in really horrible condition from the harsh winters. I thought, how bad can it be, its all paved? It was getting to me, day after day of bone jarring road, with few gas stations.
Driving the gravel Dempster Hwy, the bugs were 10times worse than I could of every imagined. Thousands of mosquitoes swarming around me, while im trying to cook lunch on the side of the road. Since I was franticly waving my arms non-stop, trying to get them off me, I could barely eat.
Then a big storm came up, and the road got extremely slippery. It was pouring rain, and snow in the mountains, and the chemical they spray on the road, to keep the dust down, turns to slime. It was very scary. I slid down a huge hill backwards, and came inches from slideing off a cliff. Got one flat tire, then another, because they use sharp and pointy slate rock for gravel, that I could not tell from the pictures of the road I saw.
Every flat tire I had to wait hours for another person to come by, it was freezing cold, with very strong winds, and I kept getting stranded up above the Arctic Circle. When I ran out of spares, I had to ride hours with the next passerby to get a new tire, then hitch a ride back to my car, and get help changing the tire. I found out how to change a tire before I left on this trip, but the jack just sunk into the mushy dirt road and got stuck, and I wasnt strong enough to get the bolts off.
I was lucky I was able to find tires up there. If they didnt have the one left in my size, I would of been stuck there for a week or two, waiting for one to be delivered from Edmonton, or somewhere far. One town there was an unmarked garage, and a small hotel/campground. That was the whole town.
Even though I was very well prepared for that trip, it was a lot harder than I ever could of imagined, and I fell apart, thinking I would not be able to get off that gravel hwy, unless my car was towed. There is no tow truck even to tow my car anywere even. Driving a little hatchback up there was not a good idea. I was the only one in a regular car for hundreds of miles up there, that I saw. Everyone was in a truck or SUV. Luckily, the people up there are as nice as you can get, and I was very safe. Somebody on that road ended up driving my VW for me, about 100 miles, while I was in the passenger seat, until I calmed down. I was so scared of sliding off a cliff. Another car followed me for another 100 miles, to make sure if I got another flat tire, while im driving to get another spare (cannot be on that road with no spares left), I would have help. Somebody found my hub cap on a hillside, and gave it to somebody in the 1st town to give to me even. I was well known up there, the woman in a little VW.
I hope that if you find you are in over your head, you are able to find good people to help you out as I did.
I guess this is really long, sorry about that. Probebly nobody is reading this far.
When I went to drive up into the Northwest Territories, Canada, I went to the Northern part, on the 777km/480mile gravel Dempster Hwy up to Inuvik. There is a 372km/230mile stretch with no gasoline, no houses or people. Nothing. Everyone is supposed to bring there own gas, since a lot of time there is no gas until Inuvik, at the end. There is only a few tiny villages/towns on this road, until the bigger Inuvik at the end.
I spent years researching this area, finding every picture of the road I could, and any travel diaries. Bought a more reliable, new VW Golf too. People warned me how bad the bugs were, and its not a good idea to drive a hatchback there, but I had to do it.
First, the Alaska Hwy was in really horrible condition from the harsh winters. I thought, how bad can it be, its all paved? It was getting to me, day after day of bone jarring road, with few gas stations.
Driving the gravel Dempster Hwy, the bugs were 10times worse than I could of every imagined. Thousands of mosquitoes swarming around me, while im trying to cook lunch on the side of the road. Since I was franticly waving my arms non-stop, trying to get them off me, I could barely eat.
Then a big storm came up, and the road got extremely slippery. It was pouring rain, and snow in the mountains, and the chemical they spray on the road, to keep the dust down, turns to slime. It was very scary. I slid down a huge hill backwards, and came inches from slideing off a cliff. Got one flat tire, then another, because they use sharp and pointy slate rock for gravel, that I could not tell from the pictures of the road I saw.
Every flat tire I had to wait hours for another person to come by, it was freezing cold, with very strong winds, and I kept getting stranded up above the Arctic Circle. When I ran out of spares, I had to ride hours with the next passerby to get a new tire, then hitch a ride back to my car, and get help changing the tire. I found out how to change a tire before I left on this trip, but the jack just sunk into the mushy dirt road and got stuck, and I wasnt strong enough to get the bolts off.
I was lucky I was able to find tires up there. If they didnt have the one left in my size, I would of been stuck there for a week or two, waiting for one to be delivered from Edmonton, or somewhere far. One town there was an unmarked garage, and a small hotel/campground. That was the whole town.
Even though I was very well prepared for that trip, it was a lot harder than I ever could of imagined, and I fell apart, thinking I would not be able to get off that gravel hwy, unless my car was towed. There is no tow truck even to tow my car anywere even. Driving a little hatchback up there was not a good idea. I was the only one in a regular car for hundreds of miles up there, that I saw. Everyone was in a truck or SUV. Luckily, the people up there are as nice as you can get, and I was very safe. Somebody on that road ended up driving my VW for me, about 100 miles, while I was in the passenger seat, until I calmed down. I was so scared of sliding off a cliff. Another car followed me for another 100 miles, to make sure if I got another flat tire, while im driving to get another spare (cannot be on that road with no spares left), I would have help. Somebody found my hub cap on a hillside, and gave it to somebody in the 1st town to give to me even. I was well known up there, the woman in a little VW.
I hope that if you find you are in over your head, you are able to find good people to help you out as I did.
I guess this is really long, sorry about that. Probebly nobody is reading this far.
pmseattle
12-21-06, 09:44 AM
I'm planing to climb Mt Everest. I heard you need oxygen up there so I thought I'd borrow my uncle's scuba tank, what do you think?
Also do you think my old nike sneakers will do the job, or should I get some new flip flops? They're on sale at the drug store for $1.99.
Oh and also, I've never climbed more then a sand pile, but I figured what the heck! go for it, right?
Good luck on your Everest trip! Don't let the naysayers talk you out of it - it will be the experience of a lifetime! Having done many such trips myself in the Himalayas, I recommend a mask, snorkel, and flippers for simplicity and reliability instead of a scuba tank. It can be difficult to find a good dive shop up there if your air regulator fails.
Also do you think my old nike sneakers will do the job, or should I get some new flip flops? They're on sale at the drug store for $1.99.
Oh and also, I've never climbed more then a sand pile, but I figured what the heck! go for it, right?
Good luck on your Everest trip! Don't let the naysayers talk you out of it - it will be the experience of a lifetime! Having done many such trips myself in the Himalayas, I recommend a mask, snorkel, and flippers for simplicity and reliability instead of a scuba tank. It can be difficult to find a good dive shop up there if your air regulator fails.
Juha
12-22-06, 02:25 AM
Couple of things came to my mind when reading through this thread. First of all, this is teh internet. So Flic, take the advice you get (both types, the "GO GIRL" and "you're crazy") with a grain of salt. In the end it's your call.
Second, never EVER hesitate or second-guess after making a no-go decision in a potentially dangerous situation. This was taught to me by a more experienced sea paddler when I started kayaking solo. If you choose not to go (e.g. not start a long crossing in high winds, in kayaking), stick to that. You own that sort of consistency to yourself. Those decisions can be hard enough to make, especially when you're alone, so you need to trust yourself after the call. Once you get home, you can look back and speculate all you want. :)
On a more practical level, consider carrying water purification tablets. They weigh nothing, don't take much space but will help you staying hydrated. As mentioned, 1,5 litres will barely get you started. Water would be one of my main concerns in a hot climate.
Enjoy and keep us posted!
--J
typoes
Second, never EVER hesitate or second-guess after making a no-go decision in a potentially dangerous situation. This was taught to me by a more experienced sea paddler when I started kayaking solo. If you choose not to go (e.g. not start a long crossing in high winds, in kayaking), stick to that. You own that sort of consistency to yourself. Those decisions can be hard enough to make, especially when you're alone, so you need to trust yourself after the call. Once you get home, you can look back and speculate all you want. :)
On a more practical level, consider carrying water purification tablets. They weigh nothing, don't take much space but will help you staying hydrated. As mentioned, 1,5 litres will barely get you started. Water would be one of my main concerns in a hot climate.
Enjoy and keep us posted!
--J
typoes
NoReg
12-23-06, 12:18 PM
"Second, never EVER hesitate or second-guess after making a no-go decision in a potentially dangerous situation. This was taught to me by a more experienced sea paddler when I started kayaking solo."
It's interesting to consider that there is a lot of talk these days about inteligence reports and what kind of action people took from them. We know that hitorically the most important intel has often been ignored or scoffed at. In my case, almost every really bad choice that led immediatly to an accident, followed the kind of second guessing you are describing. Hard to know whether that really leads to anything one could do differently the second time. But maybe it is like multiple choice tests where the first answer is usually the best to go with.
I think it bugs people who have a high opinion of themselves, to see someone want to start at the top. But there are situations where that works and then you cut out the years of working up the ladder that some people never escape.
I think the wheels can be an issue. But I weight over 200 and I have riden many cheap bikes hard. often they do go out of true when they are new, usually the solution is obvious. Usually when it is retrued it stays that way. Many people these days regularly do to their bikes stuff that is wildly abusive, and the bikes are so good in general, they get away with most of it.
You should take some of what you hear from people who have been there and done that with a grain of salt. at least as regards risk. Not everyone will get in trouble, even the worst battles are survived by the majority, Keagan came up with 19% cassulaties as the turning point for the loosers. So no mater how "dangerous" a situation is, there will be lots of survivors who can attest to the safety of their holiday.
It's interesting to consider that there is a lot of talk these days about inteligence reports and what kind of action people took from them. We know that hitorically the most important intel has often been ignored or scoffed at. In my case, almost every really bad choice that led immediatly to an accident, followed the kind of second guessing you are describing. Hard to know whether that really leads to anything one could do differently the second time. But maybe it is like multiple choice tests where the first answer is usually the best to go with.
I think it bugs people who have a high opinion of themselves, to see someone want to start at the top. But there are situations where that works and then you cut out the years of working up the ladder that some people never escape.
I think the wheels can be an issue. But I weight over 200 and I have riden many cheap bikes hard. often they do go out of true when they are new, usually the solution is obvious. Usually when it is retrued it stays that way. Many people these days regularly do to their bikes stuff that is wildly abusive, and the bikes are so good in general, they get away with most of it.
You should take some of what you hear from people who have been there and done that with a grain of salt. at least as regards risk. Not everyone will get in trouble, even the worst battles are survived by the majority, Keagan came up with 19% cassulaties as the turning point for the loosers. So no mater how "dangerous" a situation is, there will be lots of survivors who can attest to the safety of their holiday.
slim_77
12-23-06, 08:02 PM
As someone who did their first proper tour in Africa with very nearly zero experience of touring (a single 3 day tour in Scotland was my only previous) I feel I am as well placed as anyone to advise Flic. Granted I'm a guy so I'm doubtless unaware of some of the problems a lone female might face on such a trip, but I know (since I've actually cycled in them) most of the countries on her likely route (with the exception of Egypt, Sudan and Somalia) and I know that the regions she will be passing through are (for now at least) stable. For the southern leg of the trip I could even advise Flic on where she'll find guest houses, where the good bush camping areas are, what villages have food, the best spots to cycle past elephants, contacts in most towns, etc., but I know that this is completely unnecessary as she'll get this information for herself from the locals, same as I did. I am not in any way "baiting her into her own demise", but giving her some encouragement. She clearly is going to do this trip regardless of what people post here have to say (particularly since most posting have not even set foot in Africa - I couldn't help but smile when I saw the link above where someone seemed to be suggesting Flic would need to resort to eating insects to survive!). Whether Flic makes it to South Africa or not, I very much doubt that it'll be an unsuccessful experience - almost certainly it'll be an unforgetable experience and probably for good reasons (mostly).
And to answer Ziemas, I don't see that Flic has demonstrated a lack of common sense. There's a lot she doesn't know, but she clearly knows enough to pull off this trip and she'll learn soon enough.
She may hate cycling, she may love it, who knows, but I admire her for actually having the guts to do this trip. I'm sure she's done her own risk:reward calculations and thinks its worth it. Some may think its not worth it, but that doesn't make Flic wrong.
We live and learn. First time I headed off to Africa on my bike my parents were convinced they'd never see me again, and did everything they could to persuade me to leave the bike behind and take the bus instead. Now (4 trips later) they know its nothing like as dangerous as they initially thought and my mum still managed to sleep every night during my last trip despite me going almost 4 weeks between emails once.
I know this has been highlighted already by myself and probably others, but provided Flic stays on fairly well used roads, if it does go horribly wrong then she can hitch a ride to the next town where there'll be telephones and internet cafes and lots of good honest people to help her. And before anyone points out that she can't possibly hitch as a single woman in Africa - yes she can (with the exception of South Africa). I'd be interested to hear of any instances of women (tourists) being attacked in any of the countries on Flics proposed route other than SA. If there have been any such attacks I'd bet my bike that they happened in tourist resorts.
There are a number of people posting on this thread that normally give great advice, but they're posting advice here based on what they read or what they heard and not from experience, which has little value.
I bet Flic has stopped reading now anyway so we're probably all wasting our time.......
Excellent points. I have some travel experience in western nations but I have a colleague and brother that has traveled into the edges of visible safety. Both have harrowing stories about 1) being drugged and waking up in the American Embassy (robbed) and in the other case 2) clubbed in the head, robbed, and, likewise, waking up in the US embassy. both are--STILL--travelers and "risk takers" but not nuts...:)
So, lesson learned: contact your embassy--in advance--and keep them posted of your plans and ask advice about routes. (Sorry if this was posted like 4 pages ago, I got tired of reading...)
Also, tatoo your flag on your forearm so they know what embassy to being you for a speedy recovery!:D
And to answer Ziemas, I don't see that Flic has demonstrated a lack of common sense. There's a lot she doesn't know, but she clearly knows enough to pull off this trip and she'll learn soon enough.
She may hate cycling, she may love it, who knows, but I admire her for actually having the guts to do this trip. I'm sure she's done her own risk:reward calculations and thinks its worth it. Some may think its not worth it, but that doesn't make Flic wrong.
We live and learn. First time I headed off to Africa on my bike my parents were convinced they'd never see me again, and did everything they could to persuade me to leave the bike behind and take the bus instead. Now (4 trips later) they know its nothing like as dangerous as they initially thought and my mum still managed to sleep every night during my last trip despite me going almost 4 weeks between emails once.
I know this has been highlighted already by myself and probably others, but provided Flic stays on fairly well used roads, if it does go horribly wrong then she can hitch a ride to the next town where there'll be telephones and internet cafes and lots of good honest people to help her. And before anyone points out that she can't possibly hitch as a single woman in Africa - yes she can (with the exception of South Africa). I'd be interested to hear of any instances of women (tourists) being attacked in any of the countries on Flics proposed route other than SA. If there have been any such attacks I'd bet my bike that they happened in tourist resorts.
There are a number of people posting on this thread that normally give great advice, but they're posting advice here based on what they read or what they heard and not from experience, which has little value.
I bet Flic has stopped reading now anyway so we're probably all wasting our time.......
Excellent points. I have some travel experience in western nations but I have a colleague and brother that has traveled into the edges of visible safety. Both have harrowing stories about 1) being drugged and waking up in the American Embassy (robbed) and in the other case 2) clubbed in the head, robbed, and, likewise, waking up in the US embassy. both are--STILL--travelers and "risk takers" but not nuts...:)
So, lesson learned: contact your embassy--in advance--and keep them posted of your plans and ask advice about routes. (Sorry if this was posted like 4 pages ago, I got tired of reading...)
Also, tatoo your flag on your forearm so they know what embassy to being you for a speedy recovery!:D
Losligato
12-23-06, 10:39 PM
I came upon this thread because my wife mentioned, just yesterday, that we are going to cycle through Africa on this trip... I had no idea until that moment.
We drove through South, East and Central Africa in a 1978 VW campervan that neither of us knew how to repair.
We did not die.
We were not eaten by the natives.
In fact, in the nearly two years we were in Africa we never had anything stolen and were never physically threatened.
It is always good to be prepared, and many of the replies here will give you a good foundation.
Often we were given advice like some of the more snide ones above. Don't get angry. Use them. In every reply there may be a tiny fact that will help you deal with a difficult situation in the future. Listen to what they say and then think through the problems they suggest.
But don't let all the details and the negative tone derail you.
In the end it will come down to your wits and your strength. Only you know if you have it in you.
Good luck
http://www.vwvagabonds.com/Index1.jpg
We drove through South, East and Central Africa in a 1978 VW campervan that neither of us knew how to repair.
We did not die.
We were not eaten by the natives.
In fact, in the nearly two years we were in Africa we never had anything stolen and were never physically threatened.
It is always good to be prepared, and many of the replies here will give you a good foundation.
Often we were given advice like some of the more snide ones above. Don't get angry. Use them. In every reply there may be a tiny fact that will help you deal with a difficult situation in the future. Listen to what they say and then think through the problems they suggest.
But don't let all the details and the negative tone derail you.
In the end it will come down to your wits and your strength. Only you know if you have it in you.
Good luck
http://www.vwvagabonds.com/Index1.jpg
Visionquest
12-24-06, 09:57 AM
A whole lot of people on this forum have forgotten what it's like to be young and invincible. While I think this trip is downright stupid, I've never done anything worth while without thinking to myself "This is by far the Stupidest thing I've ever done!!!" It is a beautiful thing to be young, to be able to laugh in the face of danger and doubt simply because you have balls of steel and can bounce back from just about anything.
There is a lot of great advice on this thread. Sort through the negativity, Post your log and I think you'll be just fine. We're routing for you...whether it seems like it or not!
Godspeed and many blessings.
There is a lot of great advice on this thread. Sort through the negativity, Post your log and I think you'll be just fine. We're routing for you...whether it seems like it or not!
Godspeed and many blessings.
Machka
12-24-06, 02:55 PM
Flic would do well to read many of the other threads in this forum before she heads off.
She might also want to have a look at these sites, or similar US ones: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/her_own_way-en.asp
Flic, just curious ... how many kilometers have you logged on your new bicycle now?
She might also want to have a look at these sites, or similar US ones: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/her_own_way-en.asp
Flic, just curious ... how many kilometers have you logged on your new bicycle now?
Flic
12-25-06, 10:26 PM
For anyone whoose interested, I just went on my first ride :-) It was 17km, which was suprisingly easy! I don't know how long it took because I forgot to time it...
NoReg
12-26-06, 01:57 PM
Outside Magazine's current issue has an African tourism segment. They seem to think it is safe. Of course, like any place you mostly find what you are looking for.
Machka
12-26-06, 02:36 PM
Outside Magazine's current issue has an African tourism segment. They seem to think it is safe. Of course, like any place you mostly find what you are looking for.
I'm willing to bet the article in the magazine talks about specific parts of Africa, and I'm sure that certain areas are perfectly safe. Other areas, however, are not.
For example, now that Ethiopia has declared war on Somalia ( http://www.sudantribune.com/ ), I think I'd avoid those areas in particular ... and according to the Canadian travel warnings site I posted above, the Canadian government is advising all Canadians to leave Somalia immediately. If you have a look at that travel warning site, you'll also see that there are several areas where non-essential travel is not recommended.
Flic should probably have a look over that site and make note of the specific areas where travel is not recommended in case those places are along her route. And she should probably try to keep on top of things while she is there through the internet, radio, or whatever.
I'm willing to bet the article in the magazine talks about specific parts of Africa, and I'm sure that certain areas are perfectly safe. Other areas, however, are not.
For example, now that Ethiopia has declared war on Somalia ( http://www.sudantribune.com/ ), I think I'd avoid those areas in particular ... and according to the Canadian travel warnings site I posted above, the Canadian government is advising all Canadians to leave Somalia immediately. If you have a look at that travel warning site, you'll also see that there are several areas where non-essential travel is not recommended.
Flic should probably have a look over that site and make note of the specific areas where travel is not recommended in case those places are along her route. And she should probably try to keep on top of things while she is there through the internet, radio, or whatever.
NoReg
12-26-06, 06:10 PM
Same is true of anywhere, but they are certainly claiming a broad ability to travel and explore not just limited, prepared trips.
Flic, most important thing is to find a way to be comfortable on your bike. Work on your riding position, whether you need to change you seat or pad out your handelbars, clothes, lubrication, all the meriad things that contribute to comfort. If you can keep peddling comfortably all day long you will eventually get where you are going.
Flic, most important thing is to find a way to be comfortable on your bike. Work on your riding position, whether you need to change you seat or pad out your handelbars, clothes, lubrication, all the meriad things that contribute to comfort. If you can keep peddling comfortably all day long you will eventually get where you are going.
Dahon.Steve
12-26-06, 06:43 PM
In her book, Miles from No Where, the late Barbara Savage discusses her trip in northern Africa. There was a part where she would have been raped if it were not for her husband who fought off the attackers. They didn't even attempt to travel all the way through and it was dangerous enough.
Everyone talks about the technical specs of the bike as being the upmost important. What is equally important is what weapon she intends to carry.
Everyone talks about the technical specs of the bike as being the upmost important. What is equally important is what weapon she intends to carry.
Mzungu
12-26-06, 11:41 PM
Well Flic, I don't believe in giving advice.......
When you make it half way, stop at our house outside of Arusha, Tanzania. We live 1 km off the Cape to Cairo road.
When you make it half way, stop at our house outside of Arusha, Tanzania. We live 1 km off the Cape to Cairo road.
Ziemas
12-27-06, 03:26 AM
In her book, Miles from No Where, the late Barbara Savage discusses her trip in northern Africa. There was a part where she would have been raped if it were not for her husband who fought off the attackers. They didn't even attempt to travel all the way through and it was dangerous enough.
Everyone talks about the technical specs of the bike as being the upmost important. What is equally important is what weapon she intends to carry.
You haven't traveled much in the third world, have you?
Whatever you do, DON"T TAKE A WEAPON! The last thing you want is some bored customs officer, cop, or military man finding your weapon.
If you feel that you need a weapon rather than your wits to keep you safe you should just stay at home and watch National Geographic on television.
Everyone talks about the technical specs of the bike as being the upmost important. What is equally important is what weapon she intends to carry.
You haven't traveled much in the third world, have you?
Whatever you do, DON"T TAKE A WEAPON! The last thing you want is some bored customs officer, cop, or military man finding your weapon.
If you feel that you need a weapon rather than your wits to keep you safe you should just stay at home and watch National Geographic on television.
IronMac
12-27-06, 06:10 AM
So, lesson learned: contact your embassy--in advance--and keep them posted of your plans and ask advice about routes.
I had to laugh at this one...I was entering the Serb-Croat (whatever) civil war and stopped by the Canadian consulate in Vienna for advice. They said "We do not suggest you go and we will not help you if you get in trouble". :rolleyes:
I took the train when I heard what I thought was artillery.
I had to laugh at this one...I was entering the Serb-Croat (whatever) civil war and stopped by the Canadian consulate in Vienna for advice. They said "We do not suggest you go and we will not help you if you get in trouble". :rolleyes:
I took the train when I heard what I thought was artillery.
amaferanga
12-27-06, 08:34 AM
Why waste the time of embassy staff when parents or friends can keep track of your progress?
e.g. I think it'll take me 5 days to get to the next town with internet cafe/mobile phone coverage so I'll add 3 days on to that and tell my parents/friends that if they haven't received word from me after 8 days then I'm (possibly) in trouble somewhere between town A and town B and they should then make enquiries through the embassy.
I don't think the embassy of any country would be mounting a full scale search for a tourist missing for a few days. I know that the British embassy wouldn't as they simply don't have the resources.
Best source of knowledge when travelling is and will always be the local people/police/military and not the embassy tucked away in a fortified compound in the capital city or any foriegn government advisory. Government advisories will only tell you if your insurance company will pay up if you do get into a spot of bother (most won't pay up if the government of your home country advises against all travel to a country or specific region).
I agree with Ziemas - absolutely do not even consider carrying a weapon through Africa as bags will be searched at most border crossings and often at checkpoints within countries. Carrying a weapon would only increase the chances of someone using one on you. Probably more likely someone would use your weapon on you.
The ignorance shown on htis thread is both comic and dangerous.
e.g. I think it'll take me 5 days to get to the next town with internet cafe/mobile phone coverage so I'll add 3 days on to that and tell my parents/friends that if they haven't received word from me after 8 days then I'm (possibly) in trouble somewhere between town A and town B and they should then make enquiries through the embassy.
I don't think the embassy of any country would be mounting a full scale search for a tourist missing for a few days. I know that the British embassy wouldn't as they simply don't have the resources.
Best source of knowledge when travelling is and will always be the local people/police/military and not the embassy tucked away in a fortified compound in the capital city or any foriegn government advisory. Government advisories will only tell you if your insurance company will pay up if you do get into a spot of bother (most won't pay up if the government of your home country advises against all travel to a country or specific region).
I agree with Ziemas - absolutely do not even consider carrying a weapon through Africa as bags will be searched at most border crossings and often at checkpoints within countries. Carrying a weapon would only increase the chances of someone using one on you. Probably more likely someone would use your weapon on you.
The ignorance shown on htis thread is both comic and dangerous.
Mzungu
12-27-06, 11:47 AM
Excellent points. I have some travel experience in western nations but I have a colleague and brother that has traveled into the edges of visible safety.
So, lesson learned: contact your embassy--in advance--and keep them posted of your plans and ask advice about routes. (Sorry if this was posted like 4 pages ago, I got tired of reading...)
Also, tatoo your flag on your forearm so they know what embassy to being you for a speedy recovery!:D
You gotta be joking Slim:
-Ask Embassy staff about routes for riding a bicycle? They have NO clue except where luxury hotels are.
-I have been at parties when the embassy staff are discussing our kind of travelers. Anyone who travels by bike make embassy staff lives miserable they say.
If I listened to the embassy I would desert my wife, roll up my windows, lock the door, and catch the next plane "home".
So, lesson learned: contact your embassy--in advance--and keep them posted of your plans and ask advice about routes. (Sorry if this was posted like 4 pages ago, I got tired of reading...)
Also, tatoo your flag on your forearm so they know what embassy to being you for a speedy recovery!:D
You gotta be joking Slim:
-Ask Embassy staff about routes for riding a bicycle? They have NO clue except where luxury hotels are.
-I have been at parties when the embassy staff are discussing our kind of travelers. Anyone who travels by bike make embassy staff lives miserable they say.
If I listened to the embassy I would desert my wife, roll up my windows, lock the door, and catch the next plane "home".
Dahon.Steve
12-27-06, 07:56 PM
You haven't traveled much in the third world, have you?
Whatever you do, DON"T TAKE A WEAPON! The last thing you want is some bored customs officer, cop, or military man finding your weapon.
If you feel that you need a weapon rather than your wits to keep you safe you should just stay at home and watch National Geographic on television.
There are ways you can construct a weapon from separate parts and assembled during the trip. It doesn't have to be a gun to be a weapon folks. Barbara Savage would have been raped without her husband and may not have returned back alive. It's not ignorant trying to denfend oneself and a home made weapon is better than nothing.
Whatever you do, DON"T TAKE A WEAPON! The last thing you want is some bored customs officer, cop, or military man finding your weapon.
If you feel that you need a weapon rather than your wits to keep you safe you should just stay at home and watch National Geographic on television.
There are ways you can construct a weapon from separate parts and assembled during the trip. It doesn't have to be a gun to be a weapon folks. Barbara Savage would have been raped without her husband and may not have returned back alive. It's not ignorant trying to denfend oneself and a home made weapon is better than nothing.
Rowan
12-27-06, 09:14 PM
I think the things like the Savage story and the others mentioned need to be kept in the context of *when* they occurred. There are currently things happening in many countries that have not happened before because of insurgencies of one kind or another, and they represent similar, but different dangers to a cycle-touring female. Carrying a weapon is not a solution to safety. Being astute in your judgments is a much better course of action.
Just to make sure... I would have been as critical of Flic and her choices in timing and bicycling even if she had been intent on cycling from Adelaide to Darwin, or from Cape York to Cairns, or across the Tanami Desert, or along the Canning Stock Route, or even parts of the Maroondah Highway. They are all in Australia. Australia has as many dangers as any other continent; mostly they are natural, and in those cases, the weather is as dangeous as anything else. There are human dangers, too... there is one prominent current case under appeal dealing with the murder of an English tourist in a remote Northern Territory location.
Indeed, there are areas of Melbourne and Sydney that I would not advise any female cyclist to traverse because of the people who occupy those suburbs and their attitudes to females and property in particular.
In the absence of on-the-ground and *current* information from the quite significant number of countries she intends to visit, Flic has been advised to make use of the various web-based services that are available to ensure she is fully conversant with what is happening and what might happen. Even then, there are no guarantees, as 89 Australians and around 110 others from around the world found out when they were killed in the Bali bombing in 2002. And yes, it also is true that young people perceive themselves as having an invincibility... the same invincibility that sees so many killed in car accidents (how many P-platers and young drivers have been killed, Flic, in Australia since the school holidays started?).
My central concern with Flic, however, is the apparant lack of preparation for the African trip from a cycling and adventuring point of view. The fact that it took around 160 posts on a thread for her to be able to buy a bike indicates this lack of preparation and insight. The fact that she did not even recall the brand of her bike also indicates to me a lack of comprehension and concern about her ability to even read a map and signpost -- a fundamental to travelling *anywhere* in the world.
Eight months on a bicycle is a long time, especially starting in the tropics and traversing territory that is unfamiliar to a rider. I will concede that eight months also is plenty of time to find out about how to ride a bike.
But if she fails to follow through with the bike, her portrayal is likely to be more as a failed bicycle tourist... when the bike is a merely a whim, a prop, in this adventure. If she does get herself in strife, the coverage in Australia will be" "Cyclist rescued" rather than "Tourist rescued". For many people, the former headline unjustifiably reflects badly on us yet again as irresponsible members of the community.
You know the salute deal with me, Flic. Take care out there, and I urge you not to take unnecessary risks so you actually do succeed. And I am sure there will always be advice here should you need it (or not). Good luck.
Just to make sure... I would have been as critical of Flic and her choices in timing and bicycling even if she had been intent on cycling from Adelaide to Darwin, or from Cape York to Cairns, or across the Tanami Desert, or along the Canning Stock Route, or even parts of the Maroondah Highway. They are all in Australia. Australia has as many dangers as any other continent; mostly they are natural, and in those cases, the weather is as dangeous as anything else. There are human dangers, too... there is one prominent current case under appeal dealing with the murder of an English tourist in a remote Northern Territory location.
Indeed, there are areas of Melbourne and Sydney that I would not advise any female cyclist to traverse because of the people who occupy those suburbs and their attitudes to females and property in particular.
In the absence of on-the-ground and *current* information from the quite significant number of countries she intends to visit, Flic has been advised to make use of the various web-based services that are available to ensure she is fully conversant with what is happening and what might happen. Even then, there are no guarantees, as 89 Australians and around 110 others from around the world found out when they were killed in the Bali bombing in 2002. And yes, it also is true that young people perceive themselves as having an invincibility... the same invincibility that sees so many killed in car accidents (how many P-platers and young drivers have been killed, Flic, in Australia since the school holidays started?).
My central concern with Flic, however, is the apparant lack of preparation for the African trip from a cycling and adventuring point of view. The fact that it took around 160 posts on a thread for her to be able to buy a bike indicates this lack of preparation and insight. The fact that she did not even recall the brand of her bike also indicates to me a lack of comprehension and concern about her ability to even read a map and signpost -- a fundamental to travelling *anywhere* in the world.
Eight months on a bicycle is a long time, especially starting in the tropics and traversing territory that is unfamiliar to a rider. I will concede that eight months also is plenty of time to find out about how to ride a bike.
But if she fails to follow through with the bike, her portrayal is likely to be more as a failed bicycle tourist... when the bike is a merely a whim, a prop, in this adventure. If she does get herself in strife, the coverage in Australia will be" "Cyclist rescued" rather than "Tourist rescued". For many people, the former headline unjustifiably reflects badly on us yet again as irresponsible members of the community.
You know the salute deal with me, Flic. Take care out there, and I urge you not to take unnecessary risks so you actually do succeed. And I am sure there will always be advice here should you need it (or not). Good luck.
Ziemas
12-27-06, 11:06 PM
There are ways you can construct a weapon from separate parts and assembled during the trip. It doesn't have to be a gun to be a weapon folks. Barbara Savage would have been raped without her husband and may not have returned back alive. It's not ignorant trying to denfend oneself and a home made weapon is better than nothing.
This is a serious question; have you ever traveled in third world countries?
This is a serious question; have you ever traveled in third world countries?
G. Hoffman
12-28-06, 11:54 PM
In her book, Miles from No Where, the late Barbara Savage discusses her trip in northern Africa. There was a part where she would have been raped if it were not for her husband who fought off the attackers. They didn't even attempt to travel all the way through and it was dangerous enough.
Everyone talks about the technical specs of the bike as being the upmost important. What is equally important is what weapon she intends to carry.
I gotta say, having just finished that book, you have a completely unrelated memory of the incident in question. Three guys rode up on a motorcycle and made some crude suggestions, but at no point did they lay a hand on her. The impression I got was that some of the Muslim men in Egypt made some assumptions about her because she was riding a bike. Basically, she was so far out of their experience that they didn't have a socially ingrained way of dealing with her, but as soon as she and her husband made it clear their attention was unwelcome, they left her alone. It was FAR from being a "near ****."
Gabriel
Everyone talks about the technical specs of the bike as being the upmost important. What is equally important is what weapon she intends to carry.
I gotta say, having just finished that book, you have a completely unrelated memory of the incident in question. Three guys rode up on a motorcycle and made some crude suggestions, but at no point did they lay a hand on her. The impression I got was that some of the Muslim men in Egypt made some assumptions about her because she was riding a bike. Basically, she was so far out of their experience that they didn't have a socially ingrained way of dealing with her, but as soon as she and her husband made it clear their attention was unwelcome, they left her alone. It was FAR from being a "near ****."
Gabriel
Losligato
12-29-06, 11:46 PM
you have a completely unrelated memory of the incident in question.
Funny, I thought the same thing when reading that post but I did not have the book here to reread it.
The overall message of Miles From Nowhere is that the world out there beyond the borders is not so terrifying. Barbara Savage was tragically killed while training for a triathlon in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara.
If you carry a weapon you will, more than likely, find yourself in a situation where you will need it.
If you do not carry a weapon you will, more than likely, find ways to avoid needing one.
Funny, I thought the same thing when reading that post but I did not have the book here to reread it.
The overall message of Miles From Nowhere is that the world out there beyond the borders is not so terrifying. Barbara Savage was tragically killed while training for a triathlon in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara.
If you carry a weapon you will, more than likely, find yourself in a situation where you will need it.
If you do not carry a weapon you will, more than likely, find ways to avoid needing one.
Dahon.Steve
12-31-06, 02:44 PM
From miles from nowhere:
"They climbed off the motorcycle and stood close to me. Then one of the men motioned for me to go into the bushes with him; but before the man's words and gestures had time to register in my brain, Lary's fist had exploaded in the side of the man's face"
They didn't lay a hand on her because her husband puched one of them in the face. Larry knew those men wanted to **** Barbara and he didn't wait until they started ripping her clothes off before he became violent! She also grabed her bicycle pump in case they decided to attack at one time.
Ask yourself these questions. Why did they ask her to go into the bushes with him? What would have happened if she were all by herself when those men approached her and told her to lay down in those bushes?
My memory was quite fine and she was nearly raped. That man who asked her to go into the bushes wanted to **** her. If her husband were not there to defend Barbara, the book might never have been written. If these men carried any weapon, both would not have returned back alive. They were even luckier those men didn't fight back because they were outnumbered three to one.
"They climbed off the motorcycle and stood close to me. Then one of the men motioned for me to go into the bushes with him; but before the man's words and gestures had time to register in my brain, Lary's fist had exploaded in the side of the man's face"
They didn't lay a hand on her because her husband puched one of them in the face. Larry knew those men wanted to **** Barbara and he didn't wait until they started ripping her clothes off before he became violent! She also grabed her bicycle pump in case they decided to attack at one time.
Ask yourself these questions. Why did they ask her to go into the bushes with him? What would have happened if she were all by herself when those men approached her and told her to lay down in those bushes?
My memory was quite fine and she was nearly raped. That man who asked her to go into the bushes wanted to **** her. If her husband were not there to defend Barbara, the book might never have been written. If these men carried any weapon, both would not have returned back alive. They were even luckier those men didn't fight back because they were outnumbered three to one.
Ziemas
12-31-06, 04:47 PM
From miles from nowhere:
"They climbed off the motorcycle and stood close to me. Then one of the men motioned for me to go into the bushes with him; but before the man's words and gestures had time to register in my brain, Lary's fist had exploaded in the side of the man's face"
They didn't lay a hand on her because her husband puched one of them in the face. Larry knew those men wanted to **** Barbara and he didn't wait until they started ripping her clothes off before he became violent! She also grabed her bicycle pump in case they decided to attack at one time.
Ask yourself these questions. Why did they ask her to go into the bushes with him? What would have happened if she were all by herself when those men approached her and told her to lay down in those bushes?
My memory was quite fine and she was nearly raped. That man who asked her to go into the bushes wanted to **** her. If her husband were not there to defend Barbara, the book might never have been written. If these men carried any weapon, both would not have returned back alive. They were even luckier those men didn't fight back because they were outnumbered three to one.
So to sum it all up they didn't need a weapon. Thanks for clarifying that.
"They climbed off the motorcycle and stood close to me. Then one of the men motioned for me to go into the bushes with him; but before the man's words and gestures had time to register in my brain, Lary's fist had exploaded in the side of the man's face"
They didn't lay a hand on her because her husband puched one of them in the face. Larry knew those men wanted to **** Barbara and he didn't wait until they started ripping her clothes off before he became violent! She also grabed her bicycle pump in case they decided to attack at one time.
Ask yourself these questions. Why did they ask her to go into the bushes with him? What would have happened if she were all by herself when those men approached her and told her to lay down in those bushes?
My memory was quite fine and she was nearly raped. That man who asked her to go into the bushes wanted to **** her. If her husband were not there to defend Barbara, the book might never have been written. If these men carried any weapon, both would not have returned back alive. They were even luckier those men didn't fight back because they were outnumbered three to one.
So to sum it all up they didn't need a weapon. Thanks for clarifying that.
Cave
12-31-06, 05:08 PM
This is totally bizarre. Weapons while bike touring? Weapons while on holidays? Get over the adolescent male fantasies, please.
If you must, post on the new thread I've just started.
And happy new year.
If you must, post on the new thread I've just started.
And happy new year.
G. Hoffman
01-01-07, 01:37 AM
From miles from nowhere:
"They climbed off the motorcycle and stood close to me. Then one of the men motioned for me to go into the bushes with him; but before the man's words and gestures had time to register in my brain, Lary's fist had exploaded in the side of the man's face"
They didn't lay a hand on her because her husband puched one of them in the face. Larry knew those men wanted to **** Barbara and he didn't wait until they started ripping her clothes off before he became violent! She also grabed her bicycle pump in case they decided to attack at one time.
Ask yourself these questions. Why did they ask her to go into the bushes with him? What would have happened if she were all by herself when those men approached her and told her to lay down in those bushes?
My memory was quite fine and she was nearly raped. That man who asked her to go into the bushes wanted to **** her. If her husband were not there to defend Barbara, the book might never have been written. If these men carried any weapon, both would not have returned back alive. They were even luckier those men didn't fight back because they were outnumbered three to one.
I'm afraid I don't see how you could possibly get **** from that. He made a suggestive motion. He was being crude and rude, but that is hardly the same as threatening violence. I am willing to bet that if she (or her husband) has simply let them know their advances were unwelcome, they would have left. More to the point, if they had been planing violence, they are unlikely to have simply run away because he hit one of them.
I'm sorry, but the way you are reading that shows a distrust of people which is awfully pessimistic.
Gabriel
"They climbed off the motorcycle and stood close to me. Then one of the men motioned for me to go into the bushes with him; but before the man's words and gestures had time to register in my brain, Lary's fist had exploaded in the side of the man's face"
They didn't lay a hand on her because her husband puched one of them in the face. Larry knew those men wanted to **** Barbara and he didn't wait until they started ripping her clothes off before he became violent! She also grabed her bicycle pump in case they decided to attack at one time.
Ask yourself these questions. Why did they ask her to go into the bushes with him? What would have happened if she were all by herself when those men approached her and told her to lay down in those bushes?
My memory was quite fine and she was nearly raped. That man who asked her to go into the bushes wanted to **** her. If her husband were not there to defend Barbara, the book might never have been written. If these men carried any weapon, both would not have returned back alive. They were even luckier those men didn't fight back because they were outnumbered three to one.
I'm afraid I don't see how you could possibly get **** from that. He made a suggestive motion. He was being crude and rude, but that is hardly the same as threatening violence. I am willing to bet that if she (or her husband) has simply let them know their advances were unwelcome, they would have left. More to the point, if they had been planing violence, they are unlikely to have simply run away because he hit one of them.
I'm sorry, but the way you are reading that shows a distrust of people which is awfully pessimistic.
Gabriel
jankon73
01-01-07, 11:28 AM
I await the amusing FARK headline describing your imminent failure.
Seriously, take a step back and look at this nonsense:
-No previous biking experience,
-No bike or bike repair knowledge,
-A plan that could not be more vague,
-"Start in Egypt and head south",
-"I am hella brave and lucky".
Lucky?! Oh dear....
As much as I appreciate your aspirations and motivation, you would be a fool to seriously consider such a trip right now. You need to do some serious research and training before you jump into this nonsense, otherwise, you are inevitably destined for a long, sobering walk back. That is, if injury or death doesn't get you first.
Because you work in an 'outdoors store' does not mean you have the knowledge or experience necessary for such an expedition. Your nievete astounds me.
Get the facts, get the experience, get the knowledge, get a PLAN.
Save the people the time, effort, and expense of conducting the search and rescue mission.
...and if this is a joke, well played! You duped me!
Seriously, take a step back and look at this nonsense:
-No previous biking experience,
-No bike or bike repair knowledge,
-A plan that could not be more vague,
-"Start in Egypt and head south",
-"I am hella brave and lucky".
Lucky?! Oh dear....
As much as I appreciate your aspirations and motivation, you would be a fool to seriously consider such a trip right now. You need to do some serious research and training before you jump into this nonsense, otherwise, you are inevitably destined for a long, sobering walk back. That is, if injury or death doesn't get you first.
Because you work in an 'outdoors store' does not mean you have the knowledge or experience necessary for such an expedition. Your nievete astounds me.
Get the facts, get the experience, get the knowledge, get a PLAN.
Save the people the time, effort, and expense of conducting the search and rescue mission.
...and if this is a joke, well played! You duped me!
Rugen
01-01-07, 02:40 PM
I agree with the rest of you, I lived in the US and never felt unsafe, even wandering around Oakland which is supposedly sketchy at 4:00am was never a problem (catching buses that always left at that time)... but I'm sure there are sketchy bits somewhere... And similarly there are sketchy bits of Africa too.
The problem is when you find the sketchy bits, your ability to rely on luck and the adventurous spirit to pull you through diminishes rapidly. You have a rosy view of Oakland. I've lived there for 10 years. Oakland isn't the hell that the media depicts, but you were lucky... wandering around Oakland at 4AM was a stupid thing to do. At the point where you enter a sketchy area it's experience and training that pull you through, which you don't seem to have. When I first started reading your posts, I thought you were 10 years old, with the level of naivety about bikes... moreso the naivety of planning a tour of Africa with no bike experience.
I wouldn't tour the U.S. (a place where it's a lot easier to find someone to fix your bike) unless I:
-knew how to replace spokes & true a wheel.
-Repack bearings including hubs. If you've got a cartridge BB, pray that that doesn't go in the bush.
-Have the tools for this.
-Know my upper cycling limits. Figuring these out the hard way isn't a luxury you can afford when you're leagues from the nearest hospital.
-Know the distances from cities where parts may be available, or a full shop. I can't imagine what this would be like in Africa.
-People are giving you great advice on water, but that's in the best shape, probably from people in good shape for touring already. If you sustain injury, you're going to need more water.
Other advice:
-Don't push your knees.
-Know where the hills are.
-Spend some quality time with your family before you go.
The problem is when you find the sketchy bits, your ability to rely on luck and the adventurous spirit to pull you through diminishes rapidly. You have a rosy view of Oakland. I've lived there for 10 years. Oakland isn't the hell that the media depicts, but you were lucky... wandering around Oakland at 4AM was a stupid thing to do. At the point where you enter a sketchy area it's experience and training that pull you through, which you don't seem to have. When I first started reading your posts, I thought you were 10 years old, with the level of naivety about bikes... moreso the naivety of planning a tour of Africa with no bike experience.
I wouldn't tour the U.S. (a place where it's a lot easier to find someone to fix your bike) unless I:
-knew how to replace spokes & true a wheel.
-Repack bearings including hubs. If you've got a cartridge BB, pray that that doesn't go in the bush.
-Have the tools for this.
-Know my upper cycling limits. Figuring these out the hard way isn't a luxury you can afford when you're leagues from the nearest hospital.
-Know the distances from cities where parts may be available, or a full shop. I can't imagine what this would be like in Africa.
-People are giving you great advice on water, but that's in the best shape, probably from people in good shape for touring already. If you sustain injury, you're going to need more water.
Other advice:
-Don't push your knees.
-Know where the hills are.
-Spend some quality time with your family before you go.
Machka
01-01-07, 02:51 PM
I await the amusing FARK headline describing your imminent failure.
Seriously, take a step back and look at this nonsense:
-No previous biking experience,
-No bike or bike repair knowledge,
-A plan that could not be more vague,
-"Start in Egypt and head south",
-"I am hella brave and lucky".
Lucky?! Oh dear....
As much as I appreciate your aspirations and motivation, you would be a fool to seriously consider such a trip right now. You need to do some serious research and training before you jump into this nonsense, otherwise, you are inevitably destined for a long, sobering walk back. That is, if injury or death doesn't get you first.
Because you work in an 'outdoors store' does not mean you have the knowledge or experience necessary for such an expedition. Your nievete astounds me.
Get the facts, get the experience, get the knowledge, get a PLAN.
Save the people the time, effort, and expense of conducting the search and rescue mission.
...and if this is a joke, well played! You duped me!
+1
Seriously, take a step back and look at this nonsense:
-No previous biking experience,
-No bike or bike repair knowledge,
-A plan that could not be more vague,
-"Start in Egypt and head south",
-"I am hella brave and lucky".
Lucky?! Oh dear....
As much as I appreciate your aspirations and motivation, you would be a fool to seriously consider such a trip right now. You need to do some serious research and training before you jump into this nonsense, otherwise, you are inevitably destined for a long, sobering walk back. That is, if injury or death doesn't get you first.
Because you work in an 'outdoors store' does not mean you have the knowledge or experience necessary for such an expedition. Your nievete astounds me.
Get the facts, get the experience, get the knowledge, get a PLAN.
Save the people the time, effort, and expense of conducting the search and rescue mission.
...and if this is a joke, well played! You duped me!
+1
Machka
01-02-07, 03:04 PM
Flic, have you given any thought to how you are going to handle your period while riding your bicycle through Africa for 8 months?
jibi
01-02-07, 03:11 PM
flic
most of the female tourists I know use
http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_whatisit.html
george
most of the female tourists I know use
http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_whatisit.html
george
Cave
01-03-07, 11:36 PM
flic
most of the female tourists I know use
http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_whatisit.html
george
+1
My wife is extremely enthusiastic about her mooncup, uses the brand referred to above. Says it is dramatically better for anything active, for travel and for camping.
----- EDIT -----
Actually she uses a different brand - see below.
most of the female tourists I know use
http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_whatisit.html
george
+1
My wife is extremely enthusiastic about her mooncup, uses the brand referred to above. Says it is dramatically better for anything active, for travel and for camping.
----- EDIT -----
Actually she uses a different brand - see below.
Machka
01-03-07, 11:54 PM
Two questions about this mooncup ....
What do women do with it, with regards to emptying and cleaning it, when they are in the middle of nowhere with no public toilet facilities? You can't just empty it out into a stream or onto the ground! Do the women collect it all in a waterbottle or something until they do get back into civilization again?
How comfortable is that stem for cycling?
What do women do with it, with regards to emptying and cleaning it, when they are in the middle of nowhere with no public toilet facilities? You can't just empty it out into a stream or onto the ground! Do the women collect it all in a waterbottle or something until they do get back into civilization again?
How comfortable is that stem for cycling?
Cave
01-04-07, 12:08 AM
What do you do when you need to go to the toilet in the middle of nowhere? Same issues with any bodily waste disposal, bury 15cm or more deep, 100m or more away from habitation or water sources. Far less of an issue than pads or tampons, as the cup needs to be emptied only 3-4 times per day (on a heavy day) and there is no cotton to dispose of.
Needs to be washed out between uses - use a dedicated water bottle. Needs a more thorough clean before/after each cycle.
The stem is not an issue, the cup sits a fair way up (I'm told) - as my wife says "either you're wearing the cup wrong or you're wearing the bike wrong" :)
Apparently some brands have longer stems that benefit from being trimmed
The main issue would be insertion, apparently position and relaxation can be issues. She has always been able to wait a few hours until we reach a public toilet (we haven't done any remote camping together). She thinks it is much more convenient and comfortable than tampons. Also, much easier to carry "just in case".
Needs to be washed out between uses - use a dedicated water bottle. Needs a more thorough clean before/after each cycle.
The stem is not an issue, the cup sits a fair way up (I'm told) - as my wife says "either you're wearing the cup wrong or you're wearing the bike wrong" :)
Apparently some brands have longer stems that benefit from being trimmed
The main issue would be insertion, apparently position and relaxation can be issues. She has always been able to wait a few hours until we reach a public toilet (we haven't done any remote camping together). She thinks it is much more convenient and comfortable than tampons. Also, much easier to carry "just in case".
Cave
01-04-07, 12:28 AM
Hey, she just got home, she can tall you 1st hand:
Well, the cup needs to be changed a lot less frequently than pads or tampons. I get down to twice a day at the lighter end of my period. Now that I have been using the cup a few months, I find it just as quick as changing a tampon and a LOT more convenient in terms of not needing to carry or deal with bits of used cotton! Just deal with the contents as any other toileting issue. I carry a water bottle and wash out the cup and reinsert - no mess, no fuss.
Admittedly, the down side of cups is that it can take a while to get used to it. It took me about three cycles before I felt really confident with it and stopped carrying a spare tampon just in case. The time it takes to insert at the beginning is also a bit of a pain, and some people have issues with leakage, especially post-vaginal birth. For all the detail you ever wanted to know, and more, try looking for the livejournal discussion board about menstrual cups at livejournal.com. It is all there in gory living detail, complete with pictures! Most of us there have come to the conclusion that it is SO worth the initial "teething troubles" once you get the hang of it. Diva cups (US brand) has a one year money back guarantee so if you don't like it, there's no risk.
I actually have a "Lunette" from Finland which has the softest stem but most Diva cup or Mooncup (UK) users just cut the stem off. There is also a "Moon cup" which is made by a US company to copy the UK version by the ones who make the "Keeper". Don't get a keeper - they are made of latex rubber and can cause allergies. The others mentioned are all medical grade silicone.
Thanks sweetie, you were right that I would want to tell everyone about my cup, but you can talk to your friends again now.
- E
Well, the cup needs to be changed a lot less frequently than pads or tampons. I get down to twice a day at the lighter end of my period. Now that I have been using the cup a few months, I find it just as quick as changing a tampon and a LOT more convenient in terms of not needing to carry or deal with bits of used cotton! Just deal with the contents as any other toileting issue. I carry a water bottle and wash out the cup and reinsert - no mess, no fuss.
Admittedly, the down side of cups is that it can take a while to get used to it. It took me about three cycles before I felt really confident with it and stopped carrying a spare tampon just in case. The time it takes to insert at the beginning is also a bit of a pain, and some people have issues with leakage, especially post-vaginal birth. For all the detail you ever wanted to know, and more, try looking for the livejournal discussion board about menstrual cups at livejournal.com. It is all there in gory living detail, complete with pictures! Most of us there have come to the conclusion that it is SO worth the initial "teething troubles" once you get the hang of it. Diva cups (US brand) has a one year money back guarantee so if you don't like it, there's no risk.
I actually have a "Lunette" from Finland which has the softest stem but most Diva cup or Mooncup (UK) users just cut the stem off. There is also a "Moon cup" which is made by a US company to copy the UK version by the ones who make the "Keeper". Don't get a keeper - they are made of latex rubber and can cause allergies. The others mentioned are all medical grade silicone.
Thanks sweetie, you were right that I would want to tell everyone about my cup, but you can talk to your friends again now.
- E
jibi
01-04-07, 05:23 AM
My partner Lin says much the same. find using the mooncup is much more comfortable than other methods, and can ride without discomfort.
She sometimes uses, like Josie Drew, a poncho to go to the toilet at the side of the road, squats inside like a peruvian woman.
For cleaning it she squirts water from a bidon if there is nothing else around, but ususally we are at a campsite or B&B with better facilities.
She sometimes uses, like Josie Drew, a poncho to go to the toilet at the side of the road, squats inside like a peruvian woman.
For cleaning it she squirts water from a bidon if there is nothing else around, but ususally we are at a campsite or B&B with better facilities.