The topic africa-bike-adventure is absolutely new for me, but it sounds very interesting. I will read more about this topic and make me my own opinion. Thanks, Katy Wein
Inner beauty is a difference between an educated person, quiet and adequate. Your article is proof. Thank you.
trudy said: 2010.04.27 07:48
Hi Spencer, How are you? We hope all is well. Not long now and you will be back in Biddenden, you are missed. The nightingale has returned, we are all loving it. Keep well, safe last leg. Love from the 3 H’s
Pernille Terlonge said: 2010.04.18 02:27
Hi Spencer, just read through the blog and looked at your progress. Power to you my friend! You are really amazing, and to think you are doing this for children of the world! I hope you meet many of them on the way, and that you remain safe for the rest of your journey home. I will keep watching your progress, and send you all the best thoughts and wishes possible – amandla!! Drive safe.
Pernille
Great to hear you are still going strong Spencer, was a tad concerned when there was no blog for a while. All is good back here, you’ve missed some fairly wet weather! Good to see you’ve raised almost £20k already on your fundraising page.
We’re all thinking of you here at Dexterity in Ashford, take care.
Cathy Nel said: 2010.04.02 00:08
Hi baby. You are on the most difficult stretch now but you have done amazingly well and we are so proud of you. Cant wait for your return…counting the days but I will see you soon. Love you and miss you and with you all the way. Cat.xx
admin said: 2010.03.26 19:07
Hi Spencer
Just to say that all is OK here. Looking forward to some up to date photos.
Keep going and be careful.
Dad
spencer said: 2010.03.26 16:27
On my way and heading for Luanda but a long way to go. Hope the blog is sorted. Sending some new photos shortly to keep all up to date.
spencer
Spencer said: 2010.03.25 19:09
Spencer Says Hello all. Just into Angola where I will visit a Save the Children Project. Had some more trouble with the bike but on the road again.
Wiil give more info shortly
Spencer
trudy said: 2010.03.21 12:44
Hi Spencer, Sending positieve thoughts for the next step of the trip, It will be great, with you all the way. R,H,T. XXXX
Hi
awesome post – i’m creating video about it and i will post it to youtube !
if you wana to help or just need a link send me email !
Paul said: 2010.03.12 06:40
Still trying to keep up with your antics but it’s difficult as the posts and info on the site are all over the place…..
Hope you are safe and well
Paul & Muriel
Michael said: 2010.03.11 16:34
Alun said: 2010.03.10 20:49
Hi Dude,
Hows it going. I tried to get Lois telephone number yesterday, seems i have deleted it oops! so had to resort to emaiiling both Lois and Austin. Lois emailed me today to say you had managed to get her number.
I really hope you are well and pleased with what you are achieving.
I have started a job 3 days a week in a motorbike shop, part e-commerce part sales, like being a kid in a sweet shop, only downside I want every bike in the shop.
In the process of getting the plans all sorted for the Yamaha XT meeting in Hay on Wye 14-16 May.
I am looking forward to seeing you and your wonderful parents again on your return.
Very interesting blog. I will come regularly here. Thanks the author
trudy said: 2010.02.06 18:04
Hello Spencer, it has taken some time for me to know what Blog meant!!! We are thinking of you all the time and are with you all the way, googeling away, seeing what roads your on.So pleased your well and survived all that shooting horror. Can’t wait for you to be back and to hear all about the lovely people you met, and the beautiful countries you have seen. Take care and enjoy our splendid world. Much love and hugs from the 3 H’s.
Very often I visit this blog. It very much is pleasant to me. Thanks the author
Alun said: 2010.02.04 11:05
Hi Spencer,
Greetings from Wales. I hope you are well and things going to plan (well sort of anyway).
I have been in email correspondence with your folks. I hope the XT is surviving.
I am off on the Dragon Rally tomorrow 5/2, camping in North Wales, but check this out, I am doing it on a 20 year old Honda C90, no pizza delivery jokes please.
400 miles over 2 days, with a moped with a bit of clutch drag, what the hell am I thinking.
Hope Cathi and the kids are well.
Speak soon
Alun
Spencer said: 2010.01.31 15:47
Hi Baby Love you and missing you, hugs and kisses, don’t worry I’m doing fine. Daddy xxxxxx
Lynne said: 2010.01.30 23:06
Hey Spencer, looks like you have been having some adventures and a half, some (namely the shooting) I’m sure you would have rather done without. Just glad you are still in one piece..even though your bike may not be, bikes are replaceable, you aren’t so rather the bike than you. One day you will look back on all this and have the best memories ever, it really is worthy of a book!! You are incredibly brave and I take my hat off you to mate.
Keep safe and good luck
Lynne
XXX
Feaya said: 2010.01.30 22:12
hey daddy
i miss you and i hope all is going well ! i know your fine and keep going as fast as you can . Are you having a good time? i wish i could come on the back of the bike im really proud of you and i miss you lots
Feaya xx
Feaya said: 2010.01.30 22:09
hello daddy
i hope everything is going well and i know you are doing great ! keep going as fast as you can im so proud of you and i miss you lots of love
Feaya xxx
Caroline Bresson said: 2010.01.22 00:56
Spence
May the wind be behind you and all that..
Fantastic, wishing you all the best..
Safe journey home
Well done to you
Caroline X
Jill Watson said: 2010.01.11 16:02
Wow, what an awesome experience and worthy cause, may God have your back and you
hit your target! When is South Africa on the route? Regards Jill
Karl said: 2010.01.04 17:10
Hi Spencer,
how are you doing, after that bad experiance near to Logologo. Hopefully you recovered a bit from your injuries and get the bike repaired in Isiolo. We also hope you found a friend in Franziska. From our place in the mission in Sereolipi we heard the lorry going early in the morning on Sunday. We went the same day to Nairobi and are now in nice hotel at Diani Beach just to end our this year trip to Kenya. Greetings from your German friends Karl and family
Hi Spencer,
Just thought of you and wondered how you are fairing. (have temp internet failure at home) How was Christmas in Africa? How’s the bike?
Just off to France for a few days tomorrow to celebrate New Year’s with some friends and the kids! Got Mondo Enduro for Xmas and reading it (especially after reading Lois on the Loose recently) has made me somewhat jealous of you motorcycle adventurers!
Enjoy! Take care,
Happy New Year Spencer. What you have achieved so far is truly amazing. Tackling uneven roads must be very hazardous on your motorbike and we hope that the injuries from your recent fall haven’t caused you too much harm or discomfort. As you travel through East Africa you will be meeting wonderful people, whilst also baring witness to the impact of the drought that has gripped the region. With your incredible fundraising effort, you are raising money for children and families like these who struggle for survival in the harshest conditions. Save the Children wish you safety and good health as you continue your journey and hope that others will be inspired by your incredible passion and ambition to support our work. Our warmest wishes – Sarah Boniface, Save the Children (4 January 2010)
David O'Connell said: 2010.01.01 17:46
Happy and successful 2010 Spencer. Hope all is progressing well; we think of you often…safety first Spence. Kepp in touch.
Dave
Michael Conway said: 2009.12.31 19:17
Hello From Spencer
Happy New Year to all from Marsabit in Northern Kenya. Hope everbody has a great New Year party and special greetings to all bikers, friends and supporters around the world. Hope every one has a prosperous 2010.
Another incident today on the road from Ethiopia to Marsabit. Going round a bend at 60 kph on a muram road and hit a pile of rocks. Quite usual in this part of the world. Came off the bike and ended up with bruised ribs and a few scatches and cuts. Bike OK except for broken headlight(again) and another damaged tyre. Staying in a’luxury hotel’ tonight on New Years eve. One room wooden shed, no electicity, water bucket and outside loo under the stars. On the road south again tomorrow.
Bye
Spencer
Jackpot said: 2009.12.28 00:05
merry Christmas spanner having a drink for you, hope all is well. you are missing the great weather we are having………….cab jax
admin said: 2009.12.24 13:48
Dear Spencer
Greetings from Sami and the team from Lybia. Hope all is going well and enjoy Christmas wherever you are.
Sami
Tom and Julie Lupton said: 2009.12.24 10:56
Spencer,
Great to hear you have got to Addis in time for Christmas!
Everyone in Biddenden is following your progress and reports – most of us having to get out an atlas to work out exactly where you are.
Safe travelling over Christmas and throughout 2010.
With very best wishes
Tom and Julie Lupton
Michael Conway said: 2009.12.23 20:48
Click on to Older Comment below for updates
Michael Conway said: 2009.12.23 20:39
Hi Every one and happy Christmas from Spencer now in Addis Ababa after having some very rough riding over the past few days. The roads full of sharp stones that ripped one tyre to pieces and had to camp up for three days before a new tyre was located, the spare already blitzed. Lost contact as phone battery and spare died and other electonic gear shaken to pieces. Camera in a poor way!!! Bitten by some hideous insect whilst camping at night and result-Swollen arm and fever. Still suffering but on the way again and rode through the most amazing Ethiopian Rift Valley. No words to describe the scenery and the isolation. Now in a room for the night on the outskirts of Addis after nine hours of incredible riding. Next stop 230 miles on the way to Kenya. Happy Christmas to all Spencer
Relayed from Admin. The blog will be revised soon. For previous comments click on to Older Comments
Michael Conway said: 2009.12.18 13:25
Click on Older Comments at foot of page for previous comments.
Michael Conway said: 2009.12.18 13:20
Message from Admin
Recent comment on update regarding journey through Sudan can be found by clicking onto Older Comments. The blog automatically transfers to Older Comments when the total number reaches a bundle of fifty.
Please keep comments coming.
Latest is that no contact has been made for five days. Spencer should be somewhere in Ethiopia!!!
Michael
Jackpot said: 2009.12.18 13:09
Hi Spanner, we have been keeping up with your comments, stay well and hope to hear from you soon. Jax and Alan
admin said: 2009.12.17 20:33
Hi From Spencer via Admin
Bit of a problem in Sudan heading south through desert terrain, very spectaclur and eerie as nobody for miles. Stopped by the Military and told not to travel further south as ‘dangerous land’ . Escorted back and sent on another route to Omderman and had four puntures!! Fixed three but fourth no chance but not too far from a small settlement where a Sudanese ‘mechanic ‘ stitched up the tyre and then spread some ‘goo’ over it and magically fixed. What can you say?? Got to Khartoum, found another inner tube, and rested up for a night and next day set off for Ethiopian border. 100 klms down the road stopped by Police and asked for Alien Registration Cert. Never Knew it existed!! Sent back to Khartoum to get one. Hopefully on the way to Ethiopia tomorrow.
Admin says that this was reported four days ago but since then no more contact.
bob said: 2009.12.17 19:48
hi mate all good i hope ur doing well crack on my man from bob and linda
Hi Spencer, hope all is stll going well for you and you are safe. What an amazing adventure!! Keeping up with your posts on here so thanks for them. Good luck and be safe. Lynne XXX
Hi Spencer we are here in the Sahara Hotel in Khartoum. I’d found out that you cannot get cash from an ATM anywhere here in Sudan. But in Ethiopia it should not be that big problem. Here’s a linkto the net atm-locator.de this helps a lot. Do y’a need the tube foryour backtyre? I’d found a guy which has got. Try to me anyway
GR Frank
Michael Conway said: 2009.12.11 17:50
Hi From Spencer
Finally left Egypt on the way to Sudan on Monday 7th December.
Boarded the ferry at 9 a.m. and chaos ensued. 700 passengers for 300 births. A jumbled mess of bodies, packages. crates and animals. Had a cramped wooden seat in a corner with inquisitive and talkative Sudanese and Egyptians. The ferry left at 10 p.m., eight hours late and imprisoned for 18 hrs in my corner on the journey to Wadi Halfa. Great jubilation when we eventually arrived at our destination. (December 8th) Chaos and fenzy once again as a massive scramble for disembarkation. Motorbike left behind for the next freight vessel and praying that it would arrive the next day. It did arrive one day later!!! and last to be unloaded. Had to stay two nights in Wadi Halfa before bike and arrangements were sorted. Next stage very tricky as I am taking the West route to Omderman. Met another biker on the way going north who had taken weeks to get through Ethiopia and Sudan. ‘Good luck mate! You’ll need it on your own.’ Left Wadi Halfa early morning and have been travelling for six hours and have not seen another soul. Scary!!! Bye, Spencer, somewhere in the desert, which is spectacular and awesome.
ashraf said: 2009.12.09 12:09
hello my friend ,, i am Ashraf , i hope good trip for you and wish see you again
Alun said: 2009.12.08 22:13
Hi Spencer,
Glad you are making good progress and you are safe and well.
Alun
Jackpot said: 2009.12.06 10:09
Glad to hear you are doing so well, where do you think you will be for Christmas? Good luck for the ferry tomorrow and enjoy the desert!
Jax and Alan
admin said: 2009.12.02 18:56
Hello from Spencer
Looks as if I will be on my way to Sudan next Monday 7th on the ferry. Only arive in Wadi Halfa on Tuesday quite late which leaves me 8 days to get through the Sudan into Ethiopia as my visa expires on the 15th!! This is because the Eid Festival brought everything to a halt otherwise would have been in Khartoum by now. Probably take the western route to Omderman which will be tough going but avoids the usual overland 4*4’s and buses that follow the railway. Real desert trail riding on my now repaired bike, well nearly!! Whilst waiting in Aswan managed to get onto a small one masted craft and took a trip down the Nile. Amazing. Spent two nights camping on secluded beaches and fished for Nile perch. Met with crocodiles, lizards, ibis, egrets, herons and kingfishers. Sadly too much litter and Nile cruise ships to spoil the ambience but did eventually get to an isolated spot for total tranquility. Forgot to say that Shaun and Andrew from Diesel Film Co met me in Luxor and we did five days filming. There will be some photos on the web in a couple of days.
Please keep in touch. Spencer
Bill Barton said: 2009.12.02 16:30
Hello again Spencer,Glad to see you are making your way to The Sudan
Glad to hear you are safe,Typical of the Visa not to turn up. there will probably be lots of other small mishaps for you to deal with before you get back to UK. Will keep looking at your progress Keep Safe
Bill
Max Harman said: 2009.11.28 19:06
Hey Spencer ur doin very well! Keep up the speed on that bike. See ya soon!
Max Harman
Stephen Charlton said: 2009.11.27 19:13
Spencer
I’m following your trip with great interest. You must be saddle sore by now. I know IU am after about 5 days. Best of luck, mate and keep it upright. Cheers, Stephen Charlton
admin said: 2009.11.26 19:04
Last comment through admin from spencer.
Michael Conway said: 2009.11.26 18:59
Hi Everyone
Bit cut off at the moment in desert country!! Very hot and not the weather for black motor bike gear. Heading for Aswan with film crew and hopefully onward to Sudan in the next few days. Problem!!! Religious Festival no ferry!!! No Roads!! Can’t swim from Aswan to Wadi Halfa. Time to sit in the desert with camels.
Longer update early next wk.
Bye Spencer
David O'Connell said: 2009.11.25 20:28
Hi Spence,
Hope the ‘Return of the Yamaha 660′ goes smoothly. Your adventures so far sound cool, yet bold! I wish you well and look so forward to sitting with you one day and hearing the stories, especially with your talent for adding the comedy value! I wish Cathy and your daughters well also, I am sure the time will fly by.
Take care,
Dave O’Connell
Paul Shields said: 2009.11.25 07:36
Hi Spencer. Greetings from Swaziland. Things got a bit unpleasant for you in Egypt. Hope this is the last of it. All the best from Paul, Nadja & the boys.
Nina Finn-Kelcey said: 2009.11.23 19:59
Hey Spencer! I can’t believe you’re already so far South – Aswan is wonderfully laid back. I can see the adventures have begun already and how amazing to imagine you on the road to your next one. I’m so thrilled for you!
Best of luck and keep smiling!
Nina
admin said: 2009.11.22 12:55
Hi to all
Click on recent comments for update.
Spencer
admin said: 2009.11.22 12:41
Hi Everyone Arrived in Southern Egypt at the stunning town of Luxor-built on the site of the capital of the New Kingdom-Thebes which sprung up about 4000 years ago. Consequently Luxor is an amazing mix of provincial town and staggering monuments. (Sounds like a tourist brochure) I am staying in the Bob Marley Hostel !!!! which has all the Hippy cliches – Marley, Che Guevara, Nirvana posters dotted all over the place and decor which I could have designed when I was about 18!! It is a strange contrast when you look out from the hippy roof terrace and see the iconic Valley of the Kings-the final resting place of the pharoahs -the most famous of course being Tutankamen whose tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, and is so far the only tomb discovered intact. I am waiting here for the film crew,’ Return of the Mummy 4′, in my case return of ‘The Yamaha 660′, (when I get the repairs done) to do some shots in the desert and amongst the tombs. This is a good place to relax after 19 days of riding. Next stop Aswan and the ferry to the mighty Sudan. It will be a challenge even to get on the ferry. Spencer
Previous update from my arrival in Egypt reads as follows:
Had a strange day today-started riding at 4.30am and rode till six with plenty of breaks.Got from Giza to a city called Sohag in the south of Egypt about 190kms from Luxor.Followed the Nile and loved every minute.Did some offroad riding also.Arrived filthy but happy in Sohag.Negotiated a room for 60 Egyptian pounds(8 English)When I had unpacked everything they said they meant 60 english pounds.I loaded the bike up again and a group of about 12 proceeded to smash my front and rear lights and my wing mirrors.I rode off with them throwing stones at me.A bit rough!A taxi driver helped me-I followed his lights to a room about twenty minutes away and he charged me nothing.Theres good and bad everywhere but it did ruin a brilliant day.Anyway tomorrows another one-find Yamaha chap if possible and head on!!
Tina Weavind said: 2009.11.22 09:37
Who said Africa was for sissies? You sound quite philosophical about this Spence. Good for you, can’t believe it’s easy. What a fantastic thing to be doing though. Keep updating your blog if you can.
Bill Barton said: 2009.11.21 17:52
hello again Spencer,
Sorry to hear about your bad day,glad to see you are progressing, apart from vandals the Bike seems to be well.will keep eye on your progress keep Safe
Bill
Alan said: 2009.11.19 14:05
Hi Spencer, Well done, sounds like good progress, apart from the smashed lights. Where do you go next? Sudan? Where will you cross the border? – very best – AlanC
Ed Hill said: 2009.11.18 11:44
Hi Spencer, just to say that we at Your Ashford hope your trip goes well. Looks like you have made good progress so far. Let’s hope you don’t have too many incidents like your last post.
We will be keeping an eye on your progress.
Do let us know how things are going if you have time.
Ed
Your Ashford
Jackpot said: 2009.11.18 10:19
Hi Spencer, sorry to hear about your incident but I am glad to hear you are fine. My dad told me a saying,which suits me and probably most people who have lived in Africa, “in Britain, you exist, in Africa, you live! We keep thinking of you and wish we were there, me not on a bike tho, rather a big overlander! hee hee. Take care.
Jax and Cabs
Alun said: 2009.11.18 08:44
Hi spence,
Thats a bit of an arse, and the UK gets so much bad press when something like that happens over here.
Anyway really pleased progress is being made, and otherwise you are well. How are you going to do your hair now your mirrors are smashed.
Looking forward to the meal with you and Cathi when you get home.
Had an email from your Dad with some piccies of some ugly looking brute sat on my XT500, dont know who that could have been. Incidentally I sold the XT yesterday, still have 1 more in the garage though.
Alun
Sara Brett said: 2009.11.17 22:53
Hi Spencer, don’t let the b*~ta*ds get you down…. you’ll meet many more wonderful people than you do bad ones. Like the taxi driver…
Glad you got to see some of the ruins in Libya…. such an awesome place to see them, since there’s hardly any tourism (none, when I was there) so they’re still in good shape and not crawling with people.
What you’re doing is amazing. Keep up the good work.
Sara X
Vera Ndaba said: 2009.11.17 22:51
Hi Spencer,
Saw your request on facebook. Amazing to read and will follow your travels. Not a great experience today but you also discovered the good side of people. Take care of yourself and I think it is a really worthy cause.
Al the best,
Vera Ndaba (Your Dad and my Mum taught together at St. Marks/Simon and I were in WK together)
admin said: 2009.11.16 19:32
Hi Every one
Thanks for your comments. You will see that I am trying to access them through the Home Page and Updates so try both to contact me.
Some amazing spectacles in Cairo as I arrived in the midst of World Cup fever as Egypt trying to qualify. Some ‘pretty ‘ uncontrolled behaviour. swirling emotions!!! Mine included.
Spencer
Cheers Spencer
admin said: 2009.11.16 17:05
Lois
Great to hear from you. Yes have been speeding on through Tunisia and Libya but now at a halt in Cairo, lots of red tape and requests for hand outs!!!! You know what I mean. Hope to head south to Luxor tomorrow and some desert riding. Will be staying in a ‘Bedouin’ encampment on Wednesday and battling with sand storms.
Hi Spencer,
Sounds like you’re having a wild time! Hope it’s all going to plan, and if it’s not, then hope it’s fun! And don’t forget… take your time, you might never be here again.
Rock on!
Lois
Www delipps.. Very nice
Do not contact me again or you will be reported.
Do not caontact this site again. It will be reported.
Do not contact this site again> It will be reported.
Do not contact this site again. It will be reported.
Do NOT send me any more emails or they will be reported.
The topic africa-bike-adventure is absolutely new for me, but it sounds very interesting. I will read more about this topic and make me my own opinion. Thanks, Katy Wein
Your post, africa-bike-adventure was really content rich and straight forward for me to understand.
Thank you so much for such a great and inspiring post!
Hey bro! You are the best. Keep doing your job in the same way.
Good article. You must be a journalist?
Inner beauty is a difference between an educated person, quiet and adequate. Your article is proof. Thank you.
Hi Spencer, How are you? We hope all is well. Not long now and you will be back in Biddenden, you are missed. The nightingale has returned, we are all loving it. Keep well, safe last leg. Love from the 3 H’s
Hi Spencer, just read through the blog and looked at your progress. Power to you my friend! You are really amazing, and to think you are doing this for children of the world! I hope you meet many of them on the way, and that you remain safe for the rest of your journey home. I will keep watching your progress, and send you all the best thoughts and wishes possible – amandla!! Drive safe.
Pernille
Great to hear you are still going strong Spencer, was a tad concerned when there was no blog for a while. All is good back here, you’ve missed some fairly wet weather! Good to see you’ve raised almost £20k already on your fundraising page.
We’re all thinking of you here at Dexterity in Ashford, take care.
Hi baby. You are on the most difficult stretch now but you have done amazingly well and we are so proud of you. Cant wait for your return…counting the days but I will see you soon. Love you and miss you and with you all the way. Cat.xx
Hi Spencer
Just to say that all is OK here. Looking forward to some up to date photos.
Keep going and be careful.
Dad
On my way and heading for Luanda but a long way to go. Hope the blog is sorted. Sending some new photos shortly to keep all up to date.
spencer
Spencer Says Hello all. Just into Angola where I will visit a Save the Children Project. Had some more trouble with the bike but on the road again.
Wiil give more info shortly
Spencer
Hi Spencer, Sending positieve thoughts for the next step of the trip, It will be great, with you all the way. R,H,T. XXXX
Send me an e mail to explain.
michael.conway@canterbury.ac.uk
All the best Michael
Hi
awesome post – i’m creating video about it and i will post it to youtube !
if you wana to help or just need a link send me email !
Still trying to keep up with your antics but it’s difficult as the posts and info on the site are all over the place…..
Hope you are safe and well
Paul & Muriel
Alun said: 2010.03.10 20:49
Hi Dude,
Hows it going. I tried to get Lois telephone number yesterday, seems i have deleted it oops! so had to resort to emaiiling both Lois and Austin. Lois emailed me today to say you had managed to get her number.
I really hope you are well and pleased with what you are achieving.
I have started a job 3 days a week in a motorbike shop, part e-commerce part sales, like being a kid in a sweet shop, only downside I want every bike in the shop.
In the process of getting the plans all sorted for the Yamaha XT meeting in Hay on Wye 14-16 May.
I am looking forward to seeing you and your wonderful parents again on your return.
Keep safe and more power to your throttle.
Best wishes
Alun
eee, respect! cool post!
Really Good Work…. You Helping People A lot
Very interesting blog. I will come regularly here. Thanks the author
Hello Spencer, it has taken some time for me to know what Blog meant!!! We are thinking of you all the time and are with you all the way, googeling away, seeing what roads your on.So pleased your well and survived all that shooting horror. Can’t wait for you to be back and to hear all about the lovely people you met, and the beautiful countries you have seen. Take care and enjoy our splendid world. Much love and hugs from the 3 H’s.
Very often I visit this blog. It very much is pleasant to me. Thanks the author
Hi Spencer,
Greetings from Wales. I hope you are well and things going to plan (well sort of anyway).
I have been in email correspondence with your folks. I hope the XT is surviving.
I am off on the Dragon Rally tomorrow 5/2, camping in North Wales, but check this out, I am doing it on a 20 year old Honda C90, no pizza delivery jokes please.
400 miles over 2 days, with a moped with a bit of clutch drag, what the hell am I thinking.
Hope Cathi and the kids are well.
Speak soon
Alun
Hi Baby Love you and missing you, hugs and kisses, don’t worry I’m doing fine. Daddy xxxxxx
Hey Spencer, looks like you have been having some adventures and a half, some (namely the shooting) I’m sure you would have rather done without. Just glad you are still in one piece..even though your bike may not be, bikes are replaceable, you aren’t so rather the bike than you. One day you will look back on all this and have the best memories ever, it really is worthy of a book!! You are incredibly brave and I take my hat off you to mate.
Keep safe and good luck
Lynne
XXX
hey daddy
im really proud of you and i miss you lots
i miss you and i hope all is going well ! i know your fine and keep going as fast as you can . Are you having a good time? i wish i could come on the back of the bike
Feaya xx
hello daddy
im so proud of you and i miss you lots of love
i hope everything is going well and i know you are doing great ! keep going as fast as you can
Feaya xxx
Spence
May the wind be behind you and all that..
Fantastic, wishing you all the best..
Safe journey home
Well done to you
Caroline X
Wow, what an awesome experience and worthy cause, may God have your back and you
hit your target! When is South Africa on the route? Regards Jill
Hi Spencer,
how are you doing, after that bad experiance near to Logologo. Hopefully you recovered a bit from your injuries and get the bike repaired in Isiolo. We also hope you found a friend in Franziska. From our place in the mission in Sereolipi we heard the lorry going early in the morning on Sunday. We went the same day to Nairobi and are now in nice hotel at Diani Beach just to end our this year trip to Kenya. Greetings from your German friends Karl and family
Hi Spencer,
Just thought of you and wondered how you are fairing. (have temp internet failure at home) How was Christmas in Africa? How’s the bike?
Just off to France for a few days tomorrow to celebrate New Year’s with some friends and the kids! Got Mondo Enduro for Xmas and reading it (especially after reading Lois on the Loose recently) has made me somewhat jealous of you motorcycle adventurers!
Enjoy! Take care,
Happy New Year Spencer. What you have achieved so far is truly amazing. Tackling uneven roads must be very hazardous on your motorbike and we hope that the injuries from your recent fall haven’t caused you too much harm or discomfort. As you travel through East Africa you will be meeting wonderful people, whilst also baring witness to the impact of the drought that has gripped the region. With your incredible fundraising effort, you are raising money for children and families like these who struggle for survival in the harshest conditions. Save the Children wish you safety and good health as you continue your journey and hope that others will be inspired by your incredible passion and ambition to support our work. Our warmest wishes – Sarah Boniface, Save the Children (4 January 2010)
Happy and successful 2010 Spencer. Hope all is progressing well; we think of you often…safety first Spence. Kepp in touch.
Dave
Hello From Spencer
Happy New Year to all from Marsabit in Northern Kenya. Hope everbody has a great New Year party and special greetings to all bikers, friends and supporters around the world. Hope every one has a prosperous 2010.
Another incident today on the road from Ethiopia to Marsabit. Going round a bend at 60 kph on a muram road and hit a pile of rocks. Quite usual in this part of the world. Came off the bike and ended up with bruised ribs and a few scatches and cuts. Bike OK except for broken headlight(again) and another damaged tyre. Staying in a’luxury hotel’ tonight on New Years eve. One room wooden shed, no electicity, water bucket and outside loo under the stars. On the road south again tomorrow.
Bye
Spencer
merry Christmas spanner having a drink for you, hope all is well. you are missing the great weather we are having………….cab jax
Dear Spencer
Greetings from Sami and the team from Lybia. Hope all is going well and enjoy Christmas wherever you are.
Sami
Spencer,
Great to hear you have got to Addis in time for Christmas!
Everyone in Biddenden is following your progress and reports – most of us having to get out an atlas to work out exactly where you are.
Safe travelling over Christmas and throughout 2010.
With very best wishes
Tom and Julie Lupton
Click on to Older Comment below for updates
Hi Every one and happy Christmas from Spencer now in Addis Ababa after having some very rough riding over the past few days. The roads full of sharp stones that ripped one tyre to pieces and had to camp up for three days before a new tyre was located, the spare already blitzed. Lost contact as phone battery and spare died and other electonic gear shaken to pieces. Camera in a poor way!!! Bitten by some hideous insect whilst camping at night and result-Swollen arm and fever. Still suffering but on the way again and rode through the most amazing Ethiopian Rift Valley. No words to describe the scenery and the isolation. Now in a room for the night on the outskirts of Addis after nine hours of incredible riding. Next stop 230 miles on the way to Kenya. Happy Christmas to all Spencer
Relayed from Admin. The blog will be revised soon. For previous comments click on to Older Comments
Click on Older Comments at foot of page for previous comments.
Message from Admin
Recent comment on update regarding journey through Sudan can be found by clicking onto Older Comments. The blog automatically transfers to Older Comments when the total number reaches a bundle of fifty.
Please keep comments coming.
Latest is that no contact has been made for five days. Spencer should be somewhere in Ethiopia!!!
Michael
Hi Spanner, we have been keeping up with your comments, stay well and hope to hear from you soon. Jax and Alan
Hi From Spencer via Admin
Bit of a problem in Sudan heading south through desert terrain, very spectaclur and eerie as nobody for miles. Stopped by the Military and told not to travel further south as ‘dangerous land’ . Escorted back and sent on another route to Omderman and had four puntures!! Fixed three but fourth no chance but not too far from a small settlement where a Sudanese ‘mechanic ‘ stitched up the tyre and then spread some ‘goo’ over it and magically fixed. What can you say?? Got to Khartoum, found another inner tube, and rested up for a night and next day set off for Ethiopian border. 100 klms down the road stopped by Police and asked for Alien Registration Cert. Never Knew it existed!! Sent back to Khartoum to get one. Hopefully on the way to Ethiopia tomorrow.
Admin says that this was reported four days ago but since then no more contact.
hi mate all good i hope ur doing well crack on my man from bob and linda
Ðормально, можно cделать маленький Ñборник.
КажетÑÑ, Ñто подойдет.
Hi Spencer, hope all is stll going well for you and you are safe. What an amazing adventure!! Keeping up with your posts on here so thanks for them. Good luck and be safe. Lynne XXX
Hi Spencer we are here in the Sahara Hotel in Khartoum. I’d found out that you cannot get cash from an ATM anywhere here in Sudan. But in Ethiopia it should not be that big problem. Here’s a linkto the net atm-locator.de this helps a lot. Do y’a need the tube foryour backtyre? I’d found a guy which has got. Try to me anyway
GR Frank
Hi From Spencer
Finally left Egypt on the way to Sudan on Monday 7th December.
Boarded the ferry at 9 a.m. and chaos ensued. 700 passengers for 300 births. A jumbled mess of bodies, packages. crates and animals. Had a cramped wooden seat in a corner with inquisitive and talkative Sudanese and Egyptians. The ferry left at 10 p.m., eight hours late and imprisoned for 18 hrs in my corner on the journey to Wadi Halfa. Great jubilation when we eventually arrived at our destination. (December 8th) Chaos and fenzy once again as a massive scramble for disembarkation. Motorbike left behind for the next freight vessel and praying that it would arrive the next day. It did arrive one day later!!! and last to be unloaded. Had to stay two nights in Wadi Halfa before bike and arrangements were sorted. Next stage very tricky as I am taking the West route to Omderman. Met another biker on the way going north who had taken weeks to get through Ethiopia and Sudan. ‘Good luck mate! You’ll need it on your own.’ Left Wadi Halfa early morning and have been travelling for six hours and have not seen another soul. Scary!!! Bye, Spencer, somewhere in the desert, which is spectacular and awesome.
hello my friend ,, i am Ashraf , i hope good trip for you and wish see you again
Hi Spencer,
Glad you are making good progress and you are safe and well.
Alun
Glad to hear you are doing so well, where do you think you will be for Christmas? Good luck for the ferry tomorrow and enjoy the desert!
Jax and Alan
Hello from Spencer
Looks as if I will be on my way to Sudan next Monday 7th on the ferry. Only arive in Wadi Halfa on Tuesday quite late which leaves me 8 days to get through the Sudan into Ethiopia as my visa expires on the 15th!! This is because the Eid Festival brought everything to a halt otherwise would have been in Khartoum by now. Probably take the western route to Omderman which will be tough going but avoids the usual overland 4*4’s and buses that follow the railway. Real desert trail riding on my now repaired bike, well nearly!! Whilst waiting in Aswan managed to get onto a small one masted craft and took a trip down the Nile. Amazing. Spent two nights camping on secluded beaches and fished for Nile perch. Met with crocodiles, lizards, ibis, egrets, herons and kingfishers. Sadly too much litter and Nile cruise ships to spoil the ambience but did eventually get to an isolated spot for total tranquility. Forgot to say that Shaun and Andrew from Diesel Film Co met me in Luxor and we did five days filming. There will be some photos on the web in a couple of days.
Please keep in touch. Spencer
Hello again Spencer,Glad to see you are making your way to The Sudan
Glad to hear you are safe,Typical of the Visa not to turn up. there will probably be lots of other small mishaps for you to deal with before you get back to UK. Will keep looking at your progress Keep Safe
Bill
Hey Spencer ur doin very well! Keep up the speed on that bike. See ya soon!
Max Harman
Spencer
I’m following your trip with great interest. You must be saddle sore by now. I know IU am after about 5 days. Best of luck, mate and keep it upright. Cheers, Stephen Charlton
Last comment through admin from spencer.
Hi Everyone
Bit cut off at the moment in desert country!! Very hot and not the weather for black motor bike gear. Heading for Aswan with film crew and hopefully onward to Sudan in the next few days. Problem!!! Religious Festival no ferry!!! No Roads!! Can’t swim from Aswan to Wadi Halfa. Time to sit in the desert with camels.
Longer update early next wk.
Bye Spencer
Hi Spence,
Hope the ‘Return of the Yamaha 660′ goes smoothly. Your adventures so far sound cool, yet bold! I wish you well and look so forward to sitting with you one day and hearing the stories, especially with your talent for adding the comedy value! I wish Cathy and your daughters well also, I am sure the time will fly by.
Take care,
Dave O’Connell
Hi Spencer. Greetings from Swaziland. Things got a bit unpleasant for you in Egypt. Hope this is the last of it. All the best from Paul, Nadja & the boys.
Hey Spencer! I can’t believe you’re already so far South – Aswan is wonderfully laid back. I can see the adventures have begun already and how amazing to imagine you on the road to your next one. I’m so thrilled for you!
Best of luck and keep smiling!
Nina
Hi to all
Click on recent comments for update.
Spencer
Hi Everyone Arrived in Southern Egypt at the stunning town of Luxor-built on the site of the capital of the New Kingdom-Thebes which sprung up about 4000 years ago. Consequently Luxor is an amazing mix of provincial town and staggering monuments. (Sounds like a tourist brochure) I am staying in the Bob Marley Hostel !!!! which has all the Hippy cliches – Marley, Che Guevara, Nirvana posters dotted all over the place and decor which I could have designed when I was about 18!! It is a strange contrast when you look out from the hippy roof terrace and see the iconic Valley of the Kings-the final resting place of the pharoahs -the most famous of course being Tutankamen whose tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, and is so far the only tomb discovered intact. I am waiting here for the film crew,’ Return of the Mummy 4′, in my case return of ‘The Yamaha 660′, (when I get the repairs done) to do some shots in the desert and amongst the tombs. This is a good place to relax after 19 days of riding. Next stop Aswan and the ferry to the mighty Sudan. It will be a challenge even to get on the ferry. Spencer
Previous update from my arrival in Egypt reads as follows:
Had a strange day today-started riding at 4.30am and rode till six with plenty of breaks.Got from Giza to a city called Sohag in the south of Egypt about 190kms from Luxor.Followed the Nile and loved every minute.Did some offroad riding also.Arrived filthy but happy in Sohag.Negotiated a room for 60 Egyptian pounds(8 English)When I had unpacked everything they said they meant 60 english pounds.I loaded the bike up again and a group of about 12 proceeded to smash my front and rear lights and my wing mirrors.I rode off with them throwing stones at me.A bit rough!A taxi driver helped me-I followed his lights to a room about twenty minutes away and he charged me nothing.Theres good and bad everywhere but it did ruin a brilliant day.Anyway tomorrows another one-find Yamaha chap if possible and head on!!
Who said Africa was for sissies? You sound quite philosophical about this Spence. Good for you, can’t believe it’s easy. What a fantastic thing to be doing though. Keep updating your blog if you can.
hello again Spencer,
Sorry to hear about your bad day,glad to see you are progressing, apart from vandals the Bike seems to be well.will keep eye on your progress keep Safe
Bill
Hi Spencer, Well done, sounds like good progress, apart from the smashed lights. Where do you go next? Sudan? Where will you cross the border? – very best – AlanC
Hi Spencer, just to say that we at Your Ashford hope your trip goes well. Looks like you have made good progress so far. Let’s hope you don’t have too many incidents like your last post.
We will be keeping an eye on your progress.
Do let us know how things are going if you have time.
Ed
Your Ashford
Hi Spencer, sorry to hear about your incident but I am glad to hear you are fine. My dad told me a saying,which suits me and probably most people who have lived in Africa, “in Britain, you exist, in Africa, you live! We keep thinking of you and wish we were there, me not on a bike tho, rather a big overlander! hee hee. Take care.
Jax and Cabs
Hi spence,
Thats a bit of an arse, and the UK gets so much bad press when something like that happens over here.
Anyway really pleased progress is being made, and otherwise you are well. How are you going to do your hair now your mirrors are smashed.
Looking forward to the meal with you and Cathi when you get home.
Had an email from your Dad with some piccies of some ugly looking brute sat on my XT500, dont know who that could have been. Incidentally I sold the XT yesterday, still have 1 more in the garage though.
Alun
Hi Spencer, don’t let the b*~ta*ds get you down…. you’ll meet many more wonderful people than you do bad ones. Like the taxi driver…
Glad you got to see some of the ruins in Libya…. such an awesome place to see them, since there’s hardly any tourism (none, when I was there) so they’re still in good shape and not crawling with people.
What you’re doing is amazing. Keep up the good work.
Sara X
Hi Spencer,
Saw your request on facebook. Amazing to read and will follow your travels. Not a great experience today but you also discovered the good side of people. Take care of yourself and I think it is a really worthy cause.
Al the best,
Vera Ndaba (Your Dad and my Mum taught together at St. Marks/Simon and I were in WK together)
Hi Every one
Thanks for your comments. You will see that I am trying to access them through the Home Page and Updates so try both to contact me.
Some amazing spectacles in Cairo as I arrived in the midst of World Cup fever as Egypt trying to qualify. Some ‘pretty ‘ uncontrolled behaviour. swirling emotions!!! Mine included.
Spencer
Cheers Spencer
Lois
Great to hear from you. Yes have been speeding on through Tunisia and Libya but now at a halt in Cairo, lots of red tape and requests for hand outs!!!! You know what I mean. Hope to head south to Luxor tomorrow and some desert riding. Will be staying in a ‘Bedouin’ encampment on Wednesday and battling with sand storms.
cheers Spencer
Hi Spencer,
Sounds like you’re having a wild time! Hope it’s all going to plan, and if it’s not, then hope it’s fun! And don’t forget… take your time, you might never be here again.
Rock on!
Lois