In October 2008 I am taking part in an adventure of a life time in aid of 3 three very worthy charities, Unicef, Sentebale and Nelson Mandela’s Trust. I have signed up to motorcycle 2000 miles off-road along the wild coast of South Africa, where I will see first hand some of the poverty and AIDS stricken villages we are trying to help. The trip will take 10 days and is something of a marathon ride for the likes of me!
The itinerary is as follows:
Thursday 2nd OctDepart from Heathrow for Johannesburg SA.
Friday 3rd OctArrive in Johannesburg and catch connecting flight to the coastal city of Durban. The team will meet up and transfer to the Hotel. In the evening I attend do the introduction speeches and meet my trusty Honda CTX that will be my much loved companion for the next 8 Days.
Saturday 4th Oct
Depart Durban and ride into the famous 'Valley of a 1000 hills'. The route is a gentle introduction to what is about to follow.
Sunday 5th OctThe adventure really starts to unfold. We enter the Wild Coast and experience the mighty Mtentu River, Mkambati Gorge and finally after a long day in the saddle arrive at Port St John's nestled on the banks of the mighty Umzimvubu River.
Monday 6th OctThe Wild Wild side awaits and the Low Road vs the High Road is my decision…(Ive decided on the high road already!). The destination is the coastal village of Coffee Bay and the Ocean View Hotel. The days ride sees us hug the rugged coastline past the holiday villages of Mpande and Presley Bay. A day that will challenge my riding ability with rocky river crossings, muddy forest sections and the fast grass banks next to the beach... an awesome day I am assured.
Tuesday 7th Oct
The famous section that includes The Hole in The wall, The Haven Nature Reserve and the Mighty Bashee river….just a few of the riding delicacy's that I will enjoy en route to Kob Inn Hotel. The hotel has a pub that is nestled on the rocks with the crashing surf setting the scene…I already cannot wait for this point!
Wednesday 8th Oct
A well deserved rest day and the team together with the riders help us to change oils and give the hard working CTX's a once over. The rest of the day is spent at leisure on the beach.
Thursday 9th Oct
The mighty Gorge across the Qora river and the low road for everyone. This route takes us along the coast past the wreck of the famous Jacaranda which is one of many vessels that has been sunk by this stretch of coastline, Waves us to 30 metres have been reported by wide eyed captains on this stretch and the scenery is amazing. A great technical days riding with a WOW factor as we cross the mighty Kei river by motorised ferry and arrive at The Morgans Bay Hotel and surrounding cottages.
Friday 10th OctA big day as we head inland and pass through the port City of East London on our way to the Halyards Hotel situated on the banks of the Cowie River in Port Alfred. It's a 300km plus day and the comforts of the Halyards will be well received.
Saturday 11th October
Homeward bound to Port Elizabeth through the Big 5 Reserves of Kariega. A wonderful day that offers an enormous variety from Sand Dunes to tar. The final ride into Port Elizabeth is surrounded by police sirens, waving crowds and arrival at our Beachfront Hotel is emotional to say the least. The plan is to celebrate our achievement and party hard with a closing function of note.
Sunday 12 October
Breakfast, fond farewell and a short bus trip to Port Elizabeth Airport. Johannesburg awaits me for the connecting flight to London...
Monday 12 OctoberArrive home, and life will never be quite the same again.
I am trying to raise £10,000 in total, so far I am at £6,250, all support will be gratefully received. More details, and on line donating, can be found at http://www.graham-mclean.co.uk/ .
I will keep you informed of my progress leading up to the event, hopefully (communications willing) during the trip, and of course a full report on my return.
Graham McLean
The itinerary is as follows:
Thursday 2nd OctDepart from Heathrow for Johannesburg SA.
Friday 3rd OctArrive in Johannesburg and catch connecting flight to the coastal city of Durban. The team will meet up and transfer to the Hotel. In the evening I attend do the introduction speeches and meet my trusty Honda CTX that will be my much loved companion for the next 8 Days.
Saturday 4th Oct
Depart Durban and ride into the famous 'Valley of a 1000 hills'. The route is a gentle introduction to what is about to follow.
Sunday 5th OctThe adventure really starts to unfold. We enter the Wild Coast and experience the mighty Mtentu River, Mkambati Gorge and finally after a long day in the saddle arrive at Port St John's nestled on the banks of the mighty Umzimvubu River.
Monday 6th OctThe Wild Wild side awaits and the Low Road vs the High Road is my decision…(Ive decided on the high road already!). The destination is the coastal village of Coffee Bay and the Ocean View Hotel. The days ride sees us hug the rugged coastline past the holiday villages of Mpande and Presley Bay. A day that will challenge my riding ability with rocky river crossings, muddy forest sections and the fast grass banks next to the beach... an awesome day I am assured.
Tuesday 7th Oct
The famous section that includes The Hole in The wall, The Haven Nature Reserve and the Mighty Bashee river….just a few of the riding delicacy's that I will enjoy en route to Kob Inn Hotel. The hotel has a pub that is nestled on the rocks with the crashing surf setting the scene…I already cannot wait for this point!
Wednesday 8th Oct
A well deserved rest day and the team together with the riders help us to change oils and give the hard working CTX's a once over. The rest of the day is spent at leisure on the beach.
Thursday 9th Oct
The mighty Gorge across the Qora river and the low road for everyone. This route takes us along the coast past the wreck of the famous Jacaranda which is one of many vessels that has been sunk by this stretch of coastline, Waves us to 30 metres have been reported by wide eyed captains on this stretch and the scenery is amazing. A great technical days riding with a WOW factor as we cross the mighty Kei river by motorised ferry and arrive at The Morgans Bay Hotel and surrounding cottages.
Friday 10th OctA big day as we head inland and pass through the port City of East London on our way to the Halyards Hotel situated on the banks of the Cowie River in Port Alfred. It's a 300km plus day and the comforts of the Halyards will be well received.
Saturday 11th October
Homeward bound to Port Elizabeth through the Big 5 Reserves of Kariega. A wonderful day that offers an enormous variety from Sand Dunes to tar. The final ride into Port Elizabeth is surrounded by police sirens, waving crowds and arrival at our Beachfront Hotel is emotional to say the least. The plan is to celebrate our achievement and party hard with a closing function of note.
Sunday 12 October
Breakfast, fond farewell and a short bus trip to Port Elizabeth Airport. Johannesburg awaits me for the connecting flight to London...
Monday 12 OctoberArrive home, and life will never be quite the same again.
I am trying to raise £10,000 in total, so far I am at £6,250, all support will be gratefully received. More details, and on line donating, can be found at http://www.graham-mclean.co.uk/ .
I will keep you informed of my progress leading up to the event, hopefully (communications willing) during the trip, and of course a full report on my return.
Graham McLean
4 comments:
Graham - I am really really excited for you. Looking forward to keeping track of your adventure via your blog over the coming few days. Take care and ride safe!
Ben Clark
Graham - wishing you every success in your African Adventure. We will be keeping an eye on your progress via the blog. Take care and have fun!
Emma and Rose
Saw your mug shot on the Oxford Mail website: www.oxfordmail.co.uk/business/news/3662914.Graham_gears_up_for_charity_challenge/. Well done for taking on such an epic challenge - will watch your progress with interest!
Graham - wishing you all the best on your adventure. I hope you don't get too saddle-sore!
I will keep track of your progress and see you when you get back.
Glyn
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