Frequently Asked Questions
OK, this is where you can have your burning questions addressed.
Q: Is this an expedition or a race?
A: Both. Some people want to see how fast they can complete it, or possibly even try to get the world record for fastest Africa crossing by bicycle. Others want to pedal at their own pace, and soak up as much of Africa as possible along the way.
Q: Which are you doing?
A: Expedition. I’m can’t imagine going all the way to Africa to focus purely on biking while ignoring the scenery, wildlife, and cultures along the way. Besides, I’ve never been much of an endurance athlete.
Q: Why are you doing this?
A: Several reasons. To experience Africa. To do it at a human pace without the isolation that motorized transport provides. To cross an entire continent using only human power. To challenge myself in ways I never have before. To finish the entire thing, E.F.I.
Q: What is E.F.I.?
A: Every Fabulous Inch. It’s a status given to the very few riders that have pedaled Every Fabulous/Fine/Fantastic Inch from Cairo to Capetown, never once riding in a support vehicle. The reason that this is such an exclusive club is that in addition to the obvious mental and physical strain of the extreme conditions and distances, luck plays a big part as well. Illness, injury, and bike failures all have the potential to put you on the truck and out of the club.
Q: How many other crazy people are doing this?
A: I don’t know exactly. Somewhere around 50 people are signed up to do the entire ride. Still more are signed up to ride different sections. You can read their profiles and decide for yourself if you think they’re as crazy as me. I haven’t met them yet.
Q: Do you have to carry all your own gear?
A: No. It’s a supported ride. A truck will carry all our camping gear. We only have to carry water, snacks, and some tools and spares for the day.
Q: Where will you be sleeping?
A: In tents. There may be an occasional hotel, but most nights we’ll be camping as a group.
Q: What about food?
A: It’s included. Mostly. On riding days we’ll be provided four meals per day. On rest days, we’re on our own for food.
Q: Can you do this on a vegan diet?
A: Can I do it at all? I guess we’ll see. Our chef knows about my plant-based diet so there will be food available. I don’t expect any problems due to diet and neither does he. I’ve been eating this way for eight years, and it seems to be working for me so far.
Q: When is the ride?
A: January 15-May 15, 2010. I’ll be arriving a few days early, and staying about a week extra at the end as well.
Q: What countries does the ride pass through?
A: 10 countries. Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Q: How long is the tour?
A: 12,000km, or about 7,500 miles. (Hint: I keep this written in big letters at the top of the page if you forget.) We cover the distance over 120 days; 96 days are riding days and 24 are rest days. That means an average of 125km or 78 miles per riding day.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Contact me.