Because the five days through the Naukluft Namib proved to be equally challenging as the previous weeks I won’t bore everyone with another story of me running low on water and food and riding or pushing through this kind of crap.
Instead I’m going to share some photo’s, thought’s and experiences from recent weeks.
Things like some of the wildlife I’ve seen in recent weeks, all of which was “wild” and not in some game ranch.
This was amazing, about 20 of these guys sprinted across the road infront of me.
I don’t know what kind of bug this is but a whole swarm of them got pissed off with me when I started having lunch under “their” bridge. Leaving me running around flapping my arms like in a cartoon, one of them managed to sting me too…grrrr.
But, the life of a cycle tourist isn’t always hard work, sore legs, hungry and thirsty desert miles. From time to time its possible to have a fun evening getting looked after by the locals.
Though I’m not a fan of the “must do” tourist attractions I found the dunes in and around Sossusvlei something quite special…..
I got a lift into the dunes by some backpackers, and got reminded of the backpacking lifestyle. Unfortunately many backpackers see Africa like this, passed out with a hangover only getting woken up to take photo’s at the must see spots. Lonely planet boxes ticked they can move on to the next party.
A hard day at the blogging office 🙂
Tour cycling doesn’t make that beer belly go away quite as fast as you might hope 🙂 Maybe in central Africa I’ll get that Adonis like body I deserve.
I spent a couple of nights in these camping bunkers. Looks ugly and reminded me of a 1950’s atomic testing site film. But with afternoon temperatures of 45 degrees these bunkers stay fairly cool, saving the day and making you forget how ugly they are.
My luxury en-suite camping bunker!
Bunker or no bunker a sunset over the Zaris mountains is beautiful.
These things are a road grading team, nomads that live on the road and try to keep it in good condition. These guys are good for road conditions information( though what they call good is not always what I consider good) and have helped me out a lot with water at crucial moments.
Shane the tourist attraction, once again a dozen camera lenses stare at me from within a bus, at least these Germans where nice enough to stop and have a chat too (and donated a cold drink and apples 🙂 ).
Romantic sunset dinner for one please!
The desert man before a trip to the barber
A younger, cleaner, take home to your mother version after a trip to the barber..
So thats that, tomorrow I’m heading to Windhoek then saturday my best friend is arriving to visit me for a two week holiday, so ShaneCycles becomes ShaneTours (book now for 10% discount….) :).
So no tough guy cycling stories for a couple of weeks I’m afraid, Mr Hyde and I are going on holiday for a few weeks, after that its on to the Caprivi strip either via Namibia or Botswana via the Okavango, I’m not sure yet….
Enjoy the rest and holiday. My plan is comming together, ferry booked Europe starts 30.05.2012.
Drink beer be merry 🙂
hello, Shane.
I hope you still enjoy riding throug Africa. When do you aspected to be back in the Netherlands? I bought last week een good second hands bike a Vittorio.
I will follow you. Keep on going, Shane.
Mario
Thanks for yet another glimpse of your travels and experiences life in the wild and beautiful African desert. Your pictures are awesome! It looks kinda scary, though, to be so up close to the wild animals and bugs (AND tourists!)…with no place to run and hide if need be! Have a fun and restful holiday with your friend. I’ll be watching for more of your adventure in a couple weeks. Go safely!
Great pictures! I thought pumba are fictituos animals from Lion King until I saw your photos (^^;)
That’s a nice trip, probably see your six packs ab in a few more weeks!
Sorry Shane, but if you can’t loose those extra pounds in Namibia with all the extra work you did on these D roads, I’m not sure you will loose them in central Africa unless you get really sick that I don’t want to wish you.
I really like the pictures.
How’s the chain ring pb going?
Bruno
Fantastic photos! Thanks for taking the time to post these.
Love the ‘luxury accommodation with ensuite’ 🙂
Totally agree with your observation about the backpacker checklists… it’s why I refused to do a bus tour of Europe.
Enjoy the rest & free cake!
You, a hot tub full of chicks and a beer. Not too bad a life really is it buddy.
Hi Shane,
I liked your boring stories about sand, hard work and no water. It looks I experienced it. I am into your adventures. Maaruhhhhh…niet zaniken man. Ik moet er ook vroeg uit en ik werk wel door met deze hitte. Fietsen met je kadaver.
Besides teh desert is planning, logistics and patience there is also romance huh. I mean you alone there with drops of sweat slowly dripping of your body, hot adonis body, under a sky of stars, you and yourself all alone with feelings and desires , by yourself with that hot body………….
Serious question though it doesn´t seem like. You don´t get a sore arse with all that sweating and sitting all day??? Or do you have some talc to avoid it. Or special cycling shorts.
I already see you dancing and singing in the desert. It is really fun to do that. And those “moments” keep the spirit alive. Have fun.
Hi Shane
Your photos are amazing as is your trip. Enjoy the break and not having to plan ahead for water and food. Treat yourself to a “kleiner keiler” (spicy cherry liqueur)
Were in Namibia did you find an English calendar to remind you of mothers day in England?
Good effort mate!
I really enjoyed the 8.30 wake up call.
ps. She eventually figured out who they where from (with very little nose pulling)