The heat is off...
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This week we welcomed back Steve Hobson, editor of sister title Motor Transport, after his gruelling 420km cycle ride across Tanzania for charity Transaid. The five-day challenge saw Steve and 24 industry executives cycle in 46'0 heat across tough sand and mud tracks. The aim was to raise £75,000 to help fund professional driving courses in east Africa for bus, coach and HGV drivers. Steve blogged the whole experience here are our highlights: Day Two
After a night spent under canvas, it was another 5.30am alarm call today. Though the cycling has been tougher today, we are more relaxed. taking it a bit easier and not pushing on as hard. The 40°C heat plus a couple of minor crashes has taken its toll and four of the group have had at least some time riding in the support vehicle. The locals are incredibly friendly, but don't appear to get many visitors as we attract hordes of onlookers whenever we stop.
Day Three On the bikes at 6,30am. Our destination today is the Saadani national park, where after lunch we plan to ride through the park to the coast. We are told lions won't take on 25 cyclists, but a bull elephant will!
Day Four The heat took its toll today and by 3pm I had to find some shade and on doctor's orders have a cooling soak with water! The heat, coupled with severe saddle soreness, turned what had been tough, but enjoyable, into a bit of an endurance test. The only consolation is that tomorrow is the last day!
Final day Arrival at the Giraffe hotel on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam dressed in Transaid t-shirts and balloons (for some reason!) provided an emotional moment: elation for those of us who have struggled and slight disappointment for the keen cyclists who lapped it up. Guess which category I came into?!
• For the fult adventure: www.roadtransport com/tanzania