2c) Daily Update Aug 2008

My number now;
Malawi (+265 97 88310)

Trip 2008 data
39 days
9 nights in my tent (bush park)
263 hours in the saddle
Max speed 67.3 (with the trailer, wind and downhill)
Average of 16.7km/hour
71 hours at night
4441.96km in total
Most km per day, day 20, 174.70 km in 10H37
131km average per day (34 days)
5 rest days.
Minus 12kg of Body Weight
17 punctures (11th plaque)

...........and this is how it happened.

Day 1: Friday 1 August
Friday 1st August 2008 at about 07:30am, Felix began his journey from Malawi to South Africa.

All the children of the STEKA house was there with some of the needy street children we befriended from a few days ago. There is an urgent need for another house.



This year Felix has a companion- Mark Becket. They started their journey with four cyclists, from the Blantyre Cycling Club; who rode out with them as far as Lunzu & then returned back to Blantyre.



In the company of his sponsors, the press & friends, Felix had a warm send off amidst the chilly August morning once all interviews, speeches & prayers were complete. Felix has a riding companion for four days. Mark will ride with Felix up till they reach Katete in Zambia's eastern province. Mark will then return to Malawi & Felix will proceed on his own to complete his journey from Blantyre to Cape Town covering a distance of 4,200 km. On my depart I weighed in at 110 kg (240 pounds)



Today being the first day, saw him taking it easy & he has covered 108km in 7hrs:06mins. They had good weather. There was no wind & it was fairly hot on the ride today. It took them an hour to get up the Mwanza hill as they found it quiet steep. They have stopped for the night in Malawi's border town of Mwanza.



They are spending the night in the Mwanza hotel, were there was only cold water for their showers. Dinner consisted of chicken & chips. As they are both tired, it's lights out for Mark & Felix at 21:00hrs, so they can both get a good night sleep before starting out early tomorrow.






Day 2: Saturday 2nd August 2008
After a good night’s sleep; Felix & Mark make ready to venture in Mozambique’s border province of Tete. Tete is about 130km away from Mwanza. After breakfast, they intend to leave Mwanza at 07:00am.
Having traveled 134km in 8hr: 27mins, Felix & Mark arrived in Tete & camped on the river bank at a place called Jesus e’bon. They had nice warm weather with a wind behind that helped along the ride. The owner lent Mark a tent & even pitched it up for him. They also met a Swiss national named Hans also cycling to Zimbabwe; He called them from where he was camping.

Mark and myself resting in the Tete Corridor.



Day 3: Sunday 3rd August 2008
(Today is cloudy. Felix & Mark will be heading past the Cahora Bassa dam on the 221 main road. They leave about 07:15am. Felix is yet to establish contact as the area they are riding through has no signal).
They were rudely awakened by some drunken & disorderly South Africans who came into the Christian camp Jesus e Bon. They were cursing & making a lot of noise, such that Felix woke up & went to have a word with them. Felix & Mark resumed their journey around 07:00am. They rode on the EN222 from Tete in Mozambique to Katete in Zambia. They went through a valley that was quiet hilly & it took them two hours to ride up one mountain range. The area was remote and had no cell phone signal & no electricity accept for a place called Manja. They also met a man called George Chifundo who worked as a driver & was looking for work. George helped them buy food as when Felix attempted to buy a can of fish the shopkeeper wanted to charge him 80meticage. When George went to buy it only cost him 15meticage. They attempted to make it through to Manja and cycled about 20km in the dark and then decided to camp. Total distance about 108.5km, Average 12.9km per hour & stopped after 8hr: 34min.

They slept behind an old market. Mark slept on some thatched grass with his sleeping bag & Felix in the tent (one man tent). Mark had a good sleep.

We are always surrounded by spectators.



Day 4: Monday 4th August 2008
(Felix & Mark are currently in an area that has no phone signal & haven't been in touch yet).
The journey started at 06:30am .Still no signal. It was cloudy & there was a back wind & that helped & the road wasn’t so hilly. They covered 120.75km; average 15.75km per hour with maximum speeds of 43.6km per hour. It took them 7hrs: 40min. They camped just over the Chifundo River. They slept at a waterhole with Mark sleeping in Felix's chair & Felix in the tent. (One man tent)It was uncomfortable for Mark as he also didn't have any overhead protection.

The roads up to the northern part of Mozambique is lonely and deserted. Luckily, with Mark as company the road felt shorter.



Marks sleeping chair, Mark had to spend the night sleeping almost upright and awakening with a stiff neck. He survived it and with no complains



Day 5: Tuesday 5th August 2008
(Felix is still out of reach & yet to be in touch).

Today Felix awoke & needed to put eye drops into his eyes. However & unfortunately Felix mistook his water purifying chlorine for eye drops. For four hours he had to wear a patch over his eyes & the pain was excruciating. God reminded Felix of the scripture in Psalms 138 vs. 8. They had a good back wind and along the way were able to prayer the sinner’s prayer with a man called Antonio. They reached Cassacatiza the border town between Mozambique & Zambia which showed on the map that they were only 30km from the Zambian border. Katete it turned out was 50km away. They spent the night at Mpaongwe Hotel in Katete. While in Katete, Felix & Mark swapped bikes after repairing the spokes. Mark took back some of the katundu (baggage). They had to then fit the trailer onto Mark's bike; which is the same bike that Felix cycled to Pretoria last year. Having done all that was needed they proceeded to supper which they thought was a buffet but it turned out not to be & they had to pay double for having second helpings of the food on the table.

109km, 7H52min, average 14. and total 604.75km.

At the Zambian border at the town Cassacatiza



Day 6: Wednesday 6th August 2008
(After my 25th attempt in three days, to contact Felix & Mark; I still don't have an update for you as to how far they've traveled. According to my calculations though they should be nearing Katete in Zambia's eastern province. They should be able to acquire some signal & establish contact. Hopefully by this evening I would have more detailed information of their journey over the last three days).

Mark & Felix separated, & Felix felt abit lonely as he really missed Mark's company. Mark made for a brilliant companion and also took back a lot of stuff that Felix felt he really didn't need after all.



Today Felix has sent a total of 30sms via his Celtel sim card & even though the airtime was continually deducted- no messages were received in Malawi! The mornings generally seem to be cold & overcast; warming up as the day progresses. Their diet has consisted of lots of bananas, peanuts, chips on the roadside, & twice a day Milkshakes from that they got from Innscor Distributors. Today Felix was able to buy a Russian Sausage & "man what a blessing"! With a good left wind behind him Felix covered 123.8km in 8hrs: 36min with an average of 14.7km and had his first puncture. He's using the Trek FX 7300, bicycle that he rode last year.
He arrived in a place called Kalondo & saw a Celtel tower where he thought he'd ask for permission to pitch his tent and sleep. The guard there told him that he'd have to phone the regional manager to ask for permission. So Felix did just that and was told by the regional manager to "just give the guard abit of money" One wonders though- What for?



Anyway, the guard then unlocked the gate & lead Felix to the tower where he slept under some solar panels, that they recently installed. In the morning when Felix awoke & looked around him; he was shocked to realise that he was actually in the middle of a village & that there was no fence at all around the Celtel tower. Only the gate had a fence to the corners. Just a locked gate standing! When all my stuff was packed and my puncture fixed, the gateman wanted to unlock the gate again. I insisted that I’ll go around this time and gave him a small donation.

Day 7: Thursday 7th August 2008
Contact At Last!!!
(I've finally had contact with Mark this morning as of 08:40am. Felix is well on his way to Lusaka. Mark is currently in Chipata & will ride 80km to Mchinji; where he'll take the bus to Lilongwe & hopefully onto Mzuzu. They had trouble with the sim card in Mozambique & the area between Tete & Katete had only one town - Manja with electricity. There was no signal all the way & though they traveled on a lovely road - it was lonely as hardly any cars pass by. They also struggled with accommodation - having to sleep on the roadside as there was absolutely no one on the way that could put them up for the night.
They covered a distance of about 310km between Tete & Katete. Felix & Mark then swapped bikes as Felix was taking strain on his & struggling to pull his trailer. Mark has also taken some of Felix's kit as it was proving to be heavy.



Felix was hoping to at least do 150km per day. They averaged about 110km per day as they did about 15km per hour. He is still very positive & on his way. As soon as he gets some decent signal & hopefully his battery will not be flat; we should have up to date details).
Leaving Nyimba, the journey continues as Felix sets off at 07:00 am, after breakfast of chicken & chips. It’s cold & overcast. The road has lots of potholes. He was stopped by five South Africans who wanted to know why he was cycling. They gave him four oranges & cool drinks. He was later stopped by two Dutch people curious about his travels. They gave him two apples. Both groups of people he asked to send word back to Malawi that he was alright. (Word never came though). By noon he had covered 60km as he’d had a good ride. It got pretty hot later on. His computer reading of the weather was thirty degrees Celsius. He crossed the Luwangwa Bridge at 8:30 pm having covered 142.90 km in 9 hrs: 02min, average 16.1 km per hour.

As Felix was riding towards the Bridge Camp where he would stay the night; two kilometers before could stop, the tow bar broke off his bike. He then had to drag his trailer & his bike down a gravel road to the camp. A few men came to help him on the last bit. He was able to sleep in a room instead of camp.

Day 8: Friday 8th August 2008
(Still no contact with Felix yet. Mark arrived safely last night in Mzuzu. Felix is expected to be in Lusaka today. There is a phone number but it looks like there may be something wrong. Either one digit too many or the whole number is wrong. I have tried unsuccessfully to call Felix. Lusaka as we know is a major city & therefore I think that when Felix arrives he'll let us know what's been happening).
The owner of Bridge Camp was very helpful and came over at 07:00am to help Felix fix his bike. They drilled holes & modified it to fit the trailer to this bicycle. He later had a good breakfast of bacon, eggs & toast. When that was done, he tried again to send text messages & to call but still the same no signal and messages wouldn’t go through. Felix excitedly left Luwangwa around 10:30am & was really looking forward to his ride to Lusaka as he had never been there before. He was told it was 235km away.
After 91.92km and average of 13.1km per hour ; 7hr: 16min he made an accidental stop at the new Zambia Wildlife Association Camp.(ZAWA) He met John the security guard who allowed him to sleep on the khonde (veranda / porch). He also told him that another South African cycling to Tanzania had also slept there on the khonde.

I've been warned by the up and down hills just before Lusaka



Day 9: Saturday 9th August 2008
Felix starts his ride for the day at 07:30 am. He’s still trying to call & sms with no good fortune. He still asks people he talks to in passing to either call or text me to let me know all is well. It’s overcast, windy & going to be a long day with hard cycling. He covered 162.63 km, average 15.9 km per hour. The weather warmed up around noon. Entering Lusaka, he felt lonely as there isn’t anyone he knows so he just rides on. He reached Eureka camp, 10 km out of Lusaka at 21:30 hrs; where he stayed in a dome. He had his first hot shower in a long time. It’s a game reserve that was recommended to him by the people he met at the Bridge Camp. He then bought another sim card from MTN to try and communicate but to no avail. By this time he’d spent ZK 40,000.00 on just trying to establish communication.

Having completed his first 1100km; Felix still has 3200 km left & definitely has to do 150 km every day without resting.

Day 10: Sunday 10th August 2008 (Rest day) FINALLY CONTACT WITH FELIX!!!

After eight days of no communication; Felix managed to call me today at about 06:30 am. It's been irritating for him as there was no cell phone signal between Tete & Katete. When they got to Katete & purchased a Celtel sim card- he'd send numerous sms & have his air time deducted but none of the sms reached Malawi & eventually he'd get the usual irritating message saying 'message not sent!'
Today he was able to call & give his number & I called him back & we talked for 1hr 36min, so that he could fill me in on what’s been happening since the second day. (I’ve now updated the missing parts)
Felix is taking rest as he hadn’t had a resting day with all the drama. Today is spent, getting clothes washed, straightening his wheels with a wheel spanner. He later on rode into town & wasn’t able to download his pictures as being Sunday all the internet cafés were closed. He was however able to get some air time for his phone, & get some money from an ATM. He is a little behind schedule & will have to do 150 km average. He is really looking forward to riding in Namibia as they have good roads. The ride will be much easier as long as there are no head winds as Namibia is mostly flat land. He still has 487 km to ride to get to Livingstone from Eureka.



He’s been thinking a lot about Mai Caroline who prayed for him, & said the angels would protect him. Exodus 23:20, Psalm 91:11 and 12, Isaiah 54:17, Luke 7:27. The weather has been good. He’s always had a good night’s sleep. His only irritation has been, being unable to communicate with anyone in Malawi. He also has a sore bum & has to put baby ointment to ease it. He’s sleeping in a bungalow bed.

Day 11: Monday 11th August 2008
Lusaka has clear skies & will be warm. There is no wind blowing today as it was yesterday. Felix has now prepared for the next 1650 km. He's planned his route with a few adjustments & he is positive & will make the 31 days. He plans on cycling to Magoye. There was a strong head on wind for next two hours while traveling on the T2. Then he turned onto the T1 heading towards Livingstone so the wind was now behind him though not entirely & it helped him pickup speed. There was short stretch of hills. Felix managed them with a bad tummy & cramps as something he ate on Sunday didn't agree with him. He had no bike problems & there was a lot of traffic. He also met two great South Africans; Laurie & Gisela, who stopped him. They gave Felix ZK 100, 000.00.



Now five days ago, Felix lost a cap off a tooth & God showed him in a vision that he'd meet someone who'd help him. Laurie is a dentist who also runs an orphanage in Choma. Felix will head there tomorrow & have his tooth sorted out before proceeding with his journey. Felix spent the night in Mazabuka having ridden 138 km. He was unsure of the time it took as his computer & dropped & reset itself so no time to tell. He arrived at Jenel Guest Lodge around 17:30hrs in time to watch the sun set. The cost of his accommodation for the night turned out to be ZK 100, 000.00!

Day 11 was a hard day to cycle, after my rest day it a lot to stay on the cycle.



Day 12: Tuesday 12 August 2008
Today is a cold & windy day. Having worn his jacket all day long, & with a little head wind, Felix managed to cycle 117 km in 6hrs:53 min & averaged 17.3km. He had one puncture. He was picked up by Laurie & Gisela. They took Felix to their village project in Choma which is about 50 km from the high way. He had a puncture. Heading in the south west direction Felix will try to reach Livingstone tomorrow. They had pap & braaied fish for dinner & Laurie would see to Felix's tooth after dinner.



Had a good sleep & was in good spirits as he was greatly encouraged by Laurie & Gisela as they are strong Christians.

Day 13: Wednesday 13th August 2008
Felix spent the night just outside Livingstone at a place called Island Lodge.
He left Choma feeling very uplifted by the calls he received from well wishers here in Malawi. The day was warm all through out. No wind. The road was good until he passed Simba enroute to Livingstone. The road between the two towns is horrible. He had to compete with a lot of trucks. For the day he managed 146.07 m, average 17.7 m in 7hrs:51 km. His total mileage is 1474.76km. That's how far it is from Blantyre to Livingstone.

The eleventh plague was ""punctures""


Day 14: Thursday 14th August 2008
Felix left Island Lodge at & is now in Livingstone. He has already cycled 56 km. He was on his way to look for something "unhealthy" to have for lunch. This ended up being at Hungry Lion - chicken & chips & coleslaw salad. As of 20:47 hrs Felix was merrily cycling by moonlight on a quiet good road; in the middle of nowhere singing along to music on his I-pod. He had done 169.41 km from Island Lodge in 8hrs:43 min with an average of 17.7 km. He was stopped once by a couple looking for accommodation. He was 90 km from Namibia. He hopes to be in Windhoek soon as so that he can take a much need rest as he hasn't been able to since leaving Lusaka.

I am constantly reminded by our Father of how serious I am with this 31 day cycling adventure for the street children. And I constantly tell Father that my behind pains so much that I will endure it to the end. Today I also was proud of the children in the Steka house and how they have changed for good by ABBA Father. Just before leaving for the trip we had a price giving to show honor where honor is due. All the children performed better in their exams, comparing to last semester.

Day 15: Friday 15th 2008



Felix is currently cycling in Katima Mulilo. He is reachable by cell phone as well. The reception is definitely better than Celtel was able to provide in Zambia. He started off around 08:00 am as the sun rises much later & sets later. God reminds him of John 20 verse 29. He had had a good sleep but was running very low on food & water. There are hardly any villages in between. He did eventually find a village that did have a water pump about 20 km from where he'd spent the night & was able to refill his containers. He managed 65 km in 3 hrs: 26 min in the morning. He had 25 km to get to Sesheke, Zambia's border town & Katima Mulilo on the Namibian side. The roads are very flat & there is no wind. Upon arriving in Sesheke, Felix did find a little shop & there spent his remaining ZK8,100.00 (USD 2) buying two packets of Nic Naks, a bottle of sprite, a packet of cookies & some sweets that he gave to some children in the area. Crossing the border was strange as well as exciting. It's been twenty four years since Felix set foot on Namibian soil. His last visit was during the war when he came with the army on the Angolan side. It is really exciting to be entering Namibia under different circumstances. He struggled with cramps & was really thankful for the strip of Magnesium that Gisela had given him. He had almost refused to take them as he didn't think he'd need them. He was grateful that he hadn't refused them as he was able to have a goodnights sleep. He covered 102.5 km bringing his total mileage to 1746.67 km with an average of 17.7 km per hour. He spent the night at Mukuzi Cabins in Katima Mulio.

Day 16: Saturday 16th August 2008
Woke up early & had usual quiet time to refresh himself & then resumed his journey. By 11:00am Felix had done 61.01km in 2hrs: 57min and an average of 20.9km per hour. As he rides through God reminds him of Proverbs 16 verse 9. He was then stopped by Uncle Ben who works for the National Parks & Fisheries.



Uncle Ben calmly warned him that 3km further from where he was there were two large elephants standing next to the road. He was currently heading towards Makh'labu Village, where he would overnight. So Felix armed with his night gear carried on riding. He was totally wowed as the silhouettes of these massive elephants standing next to the road in the night only lit up by his head torch. They were so close it seemed that he could have just reached out his hand to touch them. Their eyes glistened as his torch light reflected in their eye while they just stood there looking at him as he rode past them. He finally arrived at Makh’labu Village where he asked the village head man Thomas of the Barakwana Bushmen tribe for permission to sleep in the village. Headman Thomas allowed Felix to spend a night after Felix introduced & explained through the headman’s interpreter the reason for his journey. Half way through translating into English; the interpreter broke into Afrikaans & they were better able to communicate. Headman Thomas also works for the National Parks Board. He clocked 159.91km in 8hrs:16km & averaged 19.7km per hour bringing his total mileage to 1906.58km.

Day 17: Sunday 17th August 2008
Having had a good nights sleep & then breakfast that consisted of the remaining bit of mayonnaise & bread; Felix bids Headman Thomas farewell.



Having also taken pictures with him & thanking him with N$20 (USD 3) for letting him stay the night. He heads toward Ishesha which according to his map should be 40km away. However it turns out that Ishesha is not a small town but a little village that has no shops for Felix to replenish his supplies. He also lost signal & as he rode on, he eventually realised that there was signal when he received a sms around 4pm. When he'd finished replying & sent a reply, Felix looked up & in the road; just ahead of him was a herd of about thirty elephants crossing the road.



He had to act quickly & stop to avoid crashing into them. They were coming up from the Zambezi River where they'd watered themselves. The male started to approach him as he was with his children & family that he was herding across the road. Felix was so excited & energised on seeing these elephants so close for a second time that he no longer felt sad & tried & carried on for a further 50km. He did take some pictures. He eventually carried on & spent the night in Divundu at Divundu Lodge which is a thatched lodge. Total mileage covered is 2069.70km after covering 163.12km in 8hrs:50mins with an average of 18.8km per hour.

Day 18: Monday 18th August 2008
Someone tried to call Felix around 06:30am this morning & that woke him up. He has to rework the distances to his destination as it appears there are a lot of mistakes on the indicated distances between places. Everything is much further than what is shown & that might affect his schedule. He had a good breakfast before his started his daily routine. Breakfast was, Bully beef, beacon bites and bananas.



After recalculating the distances he would head towards Rundu.
By midmorning Felix had left the Caprivi Game Park & is now in Okavango Land.

I met these two young Christian South Africans coming from Livingstone via Botswana. I was busy with the 11th plague, fixing my tyres. I did not get there names but they blessed me with dollars (US) and went on their way. Be blessed and enjoy your journey to Cape.



Day 19: Tuesday 19th August

Like last night I slept in the bushes, my camp site in the morning.



I've reached Rundu. At 12 I've reached Rundu to take the afternoon off and relax my behind. 76.95 km 3 hours 56 min and an average of 19.2 for the morning. This is where I am updating all my photos and answering all my (long expired) emails. Just around the corner is a lodge that’s waiting for me to be invaded.



Day 20: Wednesday 20th August

After a halve days rest next to the Kanvango river my aim was to reach Grootfontein as soon as possible. With only one and a halve days rest to date I was determent to finish this trip, but something else was telling me to slow down.



With Windhoek +- 700km from Rundu, day 20 was an excellent cycling day with the wind behind me from the north and flat roads with a slight down hill. I struggled with punctures for a couple of hours. Because of the bike swap in the beginning of my trip, I did not prepare my bike (TREK) of last year. I have a shortage of tubes and proper tyres.



After cycling 169.89 km in 7H57 minutes and with an average of 21.5 I saw this farm called Geduld and phone number on his main gate. Uncle Johan came to fetch me with all my kit to overnight with them. He invited me to join them at there dinner table. The nicest lamp ribs with uncle Johan braaied, home made pap and coleslaw.

On the photo is from the right, Johan, his wife Chrissie, Chrissie's sister Polly and the big hunter François.



Day 21: Thursday August 21st

After leaving Geduld and re-energised with my spirit lifted to reach Grootfontein 95km ahead, I continued my journey to the south. Namibia in general is a wild life abundant country which attracts a lot of professional hunters.



Arriving in Grootfontein that has a nice selection of shops I stopped at the Total garage for some refreshments. From here I needed to get closer to Windhoek. Windhoek will be my next rest point and a good service to the bike. Tuesday is a holiday and I think people will make it a long weekend. Hope that the cycle shops will be opened on Manday.



A quick stop in Grootfontein and on my way to the next town called Kombat. Kombat is a mining town that became a ghost town suddenly. This happened after a main power supply shortage flooded the project with water and made it impossible to surface the copper. Africa is renowned for the spectacular sunsets. On my way to "The Lodge Inn" I had to stop and take a photo of what God is all about...... Magnificent



Today, I have cycled 152.78km, 8H08, average 19 on the dot.

"The Lodge Inn" was one of the better places I have slept in a long time. The Host and manager Liesie has been a wonderful help.



Day 22: Friday 22nd August

After Liesie made me the best cup of coffee to get my heart rate to operating pressure, I started my day at 7H00 to end up in Otjiwarongo +- 160km to go for the day. In Otjiwarongo Liesie's parents Fanie and Alice were waiting for me to sleep over for the night. Both Fanie and Alice ex-Kombaters survivors left the town Kombat in January after 30 years of service.

Later that day I had to abandoned my cycling for the day because of a fatal cut in one of my tubes. I did not have any spare tubes and were eagerly awaiting Windhoek to buy new tubes and tyres. Fanie on his way back pick me up 30 km before Otjiwarongo. Total up to date 2752km, 131.50 for the day, time of 6H17, and an average of 21km/h. This was a perfect cycling day with the wind from behind and flat as water. A busy road both ways, but with the week-end coming up the traffic will die out for tomorrow.

Tomorrow I am desperately going to seek new tubes in Otji. For the record, I have cycled more than 60 hours at night. Most of the time I like to do this with the stars as my blanket.

This was the last tube and the only way to repair it is what they do in Malawi, with rope. The only problem was that I had to give op the rope of my Illovo tract suite.



Preparing for night cycling.



Little Lieze, Fanie's grant daughter entertained us with her well performed dancing.



Day 23; Saturday 23de August



After buying two tubes from a shop called Cymot and a breakfast at Kameeldooring with Fanie, Alica and little Lieze, I needed to push on to Okahanja. My aim is to reach Windhoek to have a proper rest day or two. The tubes were perfect and with new confidence that all is well I was well on my way. In total I had 15 puncture up to date. By law it is compulsory to have a helmet in Namibia while cycling.



I started at 10H30 in Otjiwarongo and arrived in Okahanja at 23H07. Done 170km and tired as can be. I lost all my data on my bike computer, so I do not have the averages and cycling times. In Okahanja I slept in my tent at a place called "Kings High Way Rest Camp". Hungry and tired of the days cycling, two of the guards (Christians) invited me for a cup of tea and dinner. The dinner spaghetti and pig skin. Nothing beats that when you are hungry.



Alot of wild life and warnings to motorist. On occasions I also pass dead animals that are killed by motorist (no photos).



Day 24: Sunday, 24th August

After a good night sleep and eager to get to Windhoek, I left the rest camp at 7H00.



Because of my late arrival last night I did not take any photos. So I stop at a Okahandja board not only for a photo but to get a double puncture with my new tubes. Plague 11, puncture 16 and 17.



For Windhoek I had two invitations to sleep over at locals. So with that in mind and only 60km to go I ended my long awaited arrival in Windhoek where Manfred and his wife Nanny Erb took me in to stay in my own flat. Manfred stocked the fridge with goodies and that didn't last long. The flat with a bathroom, living room, kitchen and dinning room were far more than I expected.

Tomorrow, Monday I need to get a cycle shop to service my bike and buy new tyres and extra tubes (hope they are open).

Manfred and Nanny treated me to the best pizza ever in the area, called - Olympia.

I also received some spiritual food from my brother in Canada, Judges 18:6 that reminded me that God is with me all the way.

In total for that day it took me 3H37 min, 59.20km and the average of 16.3 km/hour. 2961.2km in total. Last year with my trip to Pretoria, it took me 30days to achieve that.

Day 25 and 26; Monday, Tuesday, 25th and 26th August

Monday and I have +- 1450 km left to get to Cape Town. I will not make it in the planned 31 days. I decided to take it easy, my body is run down and need this urgent rest day. My plan is to take an extra 7 days to end my tour for this year. So the 1460/12 days, gives me an average of 121km per day. This will take me to Next week Saturday to finish my trip in Cape Town.

Manfred and Nanne woke my up with a 5 star breakfast. They are going out of their way to make me feel at home. Thanks.



Nanne also invited the newspaper "Republikein" to interview me. That went quit well. Manfred took us out for dinner at Joes Bar. a Very popular restaurant that can seat +-400 people.

Jan also a cyclist then begged (tears in his eyes) to take me around to all the bike shops for repairs. So that we did while the Erb’s were working. Both shop were opened and only to 13H00. My cycle with 2 x new tyres, 2 x tubes, new seat and the gears set to normal were paid by Jan with more tears in his eyes. I met Jan and his wife on one of my 11th plague (puncture) breaks. He also invited me to stay over at his place in Windhoek. Jan is a successful architect, and his wife Mariette Interior decorator with both their own business.

Tuesday the 26th was a national holiday in Namibia for all their heroes. At Jan house we had a lamp potjie and brown rice.



These two days were great and must say that the hospitality of the Namibian people is overwhelming.

Day 27: Wednesday, 27th August
After starting my day at 9H30, sorting out all my stuff I finally got away with a whole lot of gifts from Manfred and Nanne.

The day started slow, because of the rest days and the new friends that I’m leaving behind. My new seat that has more cushioning and a bigger area to sit on, works well. New tubes and tyres also gave me a lot of confidence.

A radio station “Kanaal 7”, an Afrikaans Christian station had a telephone interview with me alive over the air. Andre interviewed me and asked the listeners to phone or sms me. What an overwhelming response. From that program people gave me N$1600, food, phone calls and +-20 sms’s.

23km past Rehoboth on the farm called Awasab. Tia started a bed and breakfast venture called Tia’s B and B. She was kind to invite me in although they were not opened for business yet, and cooked me a dinner without any hassle.



JJ, Tia’s brother’s son, likes making new friends. He is 7 years old.



Today I did 115.07km in 5H57 min, with an average of 19.5km/H. I did my best down hill speed today and reached 67.3km/H. Also I cracked the 3000km mark today. Most of the day I had a helping wind from behind.

Day 28: Thursday, 28th August
A good night rest and a nice cup of coffee and I’ am on my way again. I am aiming to get to Mariental +- 160km away. No wind and a predicted 23-degree by the weather man seem to be a day for cycling.

Baba and Natascha were listening to Kanaal 7 yesterday and with that in mind they turned around to come and wish me well. Baba, Natascha's mother took this photo of the Kai-Aois (Thank-you – in a local language). I still don't know what it means but if I have to speculate. "Come again". It’s a sign just out side Kalkrand, leaving town. Babe and Natascha blessed me with some money.



The beginning of spring is also showing and this is one of the wonders of Namibia. In winter all looks well and then suddenly everything gets a new colour.



These flowers have a very pleasant smell.



After 160.78 km in the saddle, 8H15min and with an average of 19.5km/H, I arrived safely in Mariental. After enquiring from a few lodges with no success I saw a Wimpy at an Engen garage. Ordered the biggest hamburger ever a woman Daleen and her son Gideon recognized me from the day's paper. “Republikein”. They have printed my story today and on no other place than the front page. She immediately invited me to stay with her and husband and son. Gideon her son is also a keen cyclist, he took my bike to where their house is. This is also where I am updating my blogger.



In total I have cycled 3237.48km in 28 days. Today the weather was perfect for cycling. I miss yesterdays wind from behind but with no wind it also helps.

Day 29: Friday, 29th of August

After a good night sleep, a hot bath and an egg and toast, I was on my way to Keetmanshoop. I left at 8 (9) and only recently I discovered that in winter time Namibia sets the clock for an hour earlier. This is from May to September. It’s a far stretch to Mariental +- 230km. In between is a town called Asap. But I've been warned that not much is going on there.



Weather predictions are, that on its way is a healthy cold front from the Cape. This is a photo of something that I took early in the morning. It seems like a mountain but its sort of a cloud with dust.



Today was a relaxed cycle; I decided that I will stay over in Asap for the night.
In total I cycled 103.53km with an average of 20.1km/H. It took me 5H09min.

People still blessed me with some snacks and money because of the radio program in Kanaal (Channel) 7.

A lot of trucks have passed me the last 29 days. This is one of my competitors. A massive low bed truck with back end loader. Charging on the B1 up to the north. This load blew me off balance.



One of my pit stops where nobody acknowledge you. Jesus said that His name will become a stumbling block to many. This Name has opened up a lot of new friendships the last month for me.



Paul (left) and one of his co-workers. Paul kindly gave up his room in Asap so that I can sleep there. In Asab alcohol is banned. With the only Hotel burned to the ground and a lot of fights, the people decided that no more fermented beverages is allowed. Paul himself lost a son because of a knife fight.



Day 30: Saturday, 30th August

Cold day, the cold front that they predicted coming from Cape Town is showing itself. I arrived in Keetmanshoop late that night after been invited to attend a church meeting at (which I did not attend). In the hotel "Birds Mansion" a very kind man without name paid my bill. I ordered a double chicken burger and it only cost R40. This was a real DOUBLE burger. The rooms are spacious and convenient, with a TV and warm showers.



Another cold front coming from the Cape area tomorrow. I am not geared for cold weather. Although my brother in Canada send me the best cold weather cycling equipment. I decided to down size the load in my trailer before hand (Gave it to Mark on day 5). This I don't hope was a mistake.

My odo meter is short of 21.7km to show 3500km. A 116 km per day. For the day I cycled 137.29km in 8H06min and an average of 16.9km/H.

Day 31: Sunday, 31st August

Early this morning John a pastor of Karasberg invited me to meet one of his colleagues from Cape Town Gustav Du Toit. So the photo in front of Gospel Mission Church in Keetmanshoop is from the left, John, his daughter Tracey, Maricha, his wife Vicky and in front, Jo-Anne and Gustav from Wellington. Gustav has the same family name as my mother and she is also from Wellington. It seems that we can be related. Pastor Gustav invited me to the Cape so we can compare notes.



I will never forget this day. Comparing the most difficult day between my trip last year and this year. THERE IS NO COMPARISON. The mountain range from Empangeni to Melmoth is a spring chicken to this. The cold front and wind from the south made this almost an impossible cycling day, but I took it on. My first 60km went smooth, it happened in only 2 and 1/2 hours. The rest of my 65km took 7 and 1/2 hours. The wind was in my face the rest of the day. I only arrived at a lodge 21H00 that night. My computer showing 4 degrees Celsius. On occasions I tried to warm myself with all the cloths I had available. But nothing could stop this icy wind penetrating me. I struggled with Father today, until He reminded me that I must pray to have a positive attitude towards this draining cold wind.

I did manage though, to cycle 125.53km, average of 13.6km/H and it took me 9H11min, in total 3604.04km. Trying to illustrate with this plastic bag how strong the wind blew .



So at 9 that night, I found this lodge and had to wake everybody. The manager Elsje immediately invited me in to stay. Gave me two cups of coffee, lasagne and made sure that all was well in my luxurious room. Goibib is an up market lodge for overseas visitors. Everything in the lodge is of high standard and Elsje (parents from Holland) is doing well here. The dog's (sheep dog) name is Fiela (my nick name) and as you can see he is well trained (like me).



Two of the orphaned sheep that needs help with a rubber nipple. Some sheep rejects one of a twin.



Day 32: Monday, 1st September

I had an excellent night sleep in Goibib lodge. Elsje organised me a five star breakfast and after that, Petrus took me on a farm drive to see the whole set-up. Bianca the house cleaner will clean all my close. The lodge also provides internet and this is where I am updating my blogger.

This a proud heard of Dorper sheep, not the dorper with the black head but from the persy culture.


Aiming for Noordoewer, I was very strong after my visit at the Goibib Mountain Lodge. Named after the trees in the area.



Day 33: Tuesday, 2nd September

Refreshed from the executive lodge and they barely charge me anything, the wind change to my advantage. This morning it was from behind and I must say a very helpful wind. 120km in only 3 hours. In Grunau, I just stop briefly to eat and meat pie and a nice cup of boere (filtered) coffee. In that time the wind got so aggressive it turned into a sand storm. Luckily I was in a protected area sipping coffee. On my way and at a stage the helpful wind turned on me. The next 30km took me 4 hours to finish. I was hoping to reach Noordoewer, a town on this side of Namibia. 40km of Noordoewer I saw a farm on the right side and decide to seek shelter there. The wind has done its work and I am going in for recovery again. Dirk and Annemarie Von Weidts owns the 33000 hectares of farm, called Karabib. He farms with Van Rooyen sheep and dogs (joke). The farm is in a semi desert and as empty as it is, it looks beautiful. He surrounded his house with dates palm trees that gives it an oasis feeling. Annemarie made us some spaghetti and mince and I went to bed early.

In total I have cycled 3762.21km. Today 158.17 in 7H52 with an average of 20 dead on.

Day 34: Wednesday, 3de September

Dirk and his wife Annemarie, dankie julle.



With my computer on 0 degrees, I left Karabib in a good mood. Dirk and his wife were helpful and for breakfast they gave me a basket full of cookies. I was happy to see the South African border when I entered the Town Noordoewer.

Looking back, I am glad that I have chosen Namibia. I made friends here that is going to last a life time. Namibia has soften my heard and I am already thinking of coming back to start something for the street children.



All went well through both borders. A small crowd gathered around me at Vioolsdrif and was supportive of what I did up to date.



Crossing over to South Africa.



My next town is Springbok. +- 100km away. With the wind picking up again I decided just to take it slow for the day. AT one stage I ran out of water but that was easily solved but a passing farmer that had 200 liters of fresh water on his bakkie. The water in the area is salty and they have to collect from a nearby town.

All went well for the day and at Steinkopt I briefly stopped to change into my night riding kit. At a garage called sunrise, Johan and his wife Celest. They without me knowing book a room for me, paid my dinner, bought me a new sim card and airtime and gave me the best bowl of homemade soap in the North.

The Sunrise rest rooms, Johan paid it for me.



For the day 116.83km in 8H03 minutes. An average of 14.5 and in total I cycled in total for the 34 days. To Cape Town 614km to go. This I will achieve in 4 days to end my tour on Sunday in Bellville.

Is this legal using my name; FELIX



Day 35: Thursday, 4th September

I decided to start earlier as usual because of the few kilometers I lost yesterday. So when my alarm went of at 5 I arrange and packed all my stuff for 7 o clock. I left at sun rise. I reach Springbok easily with a slight wind from behind. In Springbok I had my favorite chicken KFC and a stoney ginger bear. Currently I am down loading the last few days picture at a internet café and updating my blogger.

This is the first cycle friendly sign I have ever seen in Africa. Cyclist has to slow down to 80km/h to avoid injury



Just a joke, Motorist must slow down.

I could only reach Garies in 10H37 minutes. For the day 174.70km, averaging 16.4km/hour. Total 4053.74km.

My I-Pod is loaded with the Bible (NIV, dramatised version) and alot of gospel songs. The bible, Old Testament is 49.28 hours and New Testament 16.13 hours, in totality 65.41 hours. I've done that plus listening to the New Testament twice (81.54) and busy with it for a third time. As I go I'll switch from songs to the Bible. In total 85 hours.

Day 36: Friday, 5th September

Garies Hotel. Nice and comfortable, with the best food in town.



Day 37: Saturday, 6th September
I had a good nights rest in the Namakwaland Hotel. Left early and had a good breakfast in Klawer, a few kilo's out of Klawer my bike broke and it took me some time to fix it. This happened last year with me in Swaziland, when my derailor went into my back wheel. Damaging two spokes and bending the derailor hanging bracket. With last years experience it took me two hours to sort out the problem and soon I was back on track. I had a good ride until 10 kilo's out of Clanwilliam my chain broke and another broken spoke. At that stage my friend Bill phone from Malawi and immediately suggested that I should go back to Clanwilliam where he has two long time friends. In an hour time, Bill's friend Schalk and his wife Linda pick me up and set me up for the night. Tomorrow early I need repair the bike and get it roadworthy.

Paul Bester is cycling from Ceres to the north for 8 days. He took leave from work to do this and wants to join me for next year from Viooldrif.

Paul and his sister with me on the left.



For the day I did 91.53km in 6H18 minutes.

Clanwilliam dam that is 100% full after the winter rains. The sound and smell of the water got my attention.



Day 38: Sunday 7th September

At 12 the bike was fixed. Schalk and Linda also keen bikers had all the necessarily tools to finish the job. Also Henred Fruehauf's Personal manager Gustaf is eager to meet me in Cape Town. It seems that that will happen tomorrow eventually. Schalk will take me closer to Piketberg to avoid the narrow road and to help me finish this trip at last.

Schalk and Linda and Me on the left.



From Piketberg to Malmesbury it took me 3H55min, with a comfortable wind that blew towards Cape Town. Averaging 17.7km/hour. 69.61km bringing the total to 4388.90km



In Malmesbury my long time friend Antoon in-laws met me at the Supa Quick. Uncle Loupie and Aunt Susan made me feel home quickly and we had a chat about the old days till late. Uncle Loupies friend at the Lodge called Almond Bridge also invited us for an early breakfast 2morrow morning. We the park my cycle and trailer at friends house for save keeping. This is my last night and I am happy that all went well this far.

Uncle Loupie, Aunt Susan



Day 39: Monday, 8th September

The weather is bad; usually we can see Cape Towns land mark, Table Mountain from Uncle Loupies farm house +- 9 km from where we left my bike + trailer. The wind though is in my favour, it blows to the south bringing in a drizzling rain that’s almost invisible. Early coffee and Uncle Lourie and myself were on our way to a proper quest house breakfast. In my heart I know that this is the last day.

Reflecting back to all the great people I have met and I hope I will know them forever. Mark that escorted me for five days, Laurie and Gisela – Zambia, Uncle Ben warning me about the elephants, Thomas the headman in Kongola, Linda and Jacque in Runda, Johan on his farm Geduld, Liesie and her daughter Lizie. Her parents Fanie and Alica, Manfred and Nanne, Jan and Mariette all from Windhoek, Tia, JJ and a her new quest house. Elsje, Dirk and Annemarie in southern Namibia. Little Pilipolan. John and his wife Vicky, Johan and Celest, Joubert and Petro. Schalk and Linda. Uncle Loupie and Aunty Susan.

Now I am on my way to Bellville, Henred Fruehauf and Gustaf that arrange everything to end my trip.

I arrived soaked with water and very cold. At the premises of Henred Fruehauf.



Just before that Gustaf gave me a sizable hamburger, chips and energade. In the Henred building they a warm shower, so that I misused and enjoyed to bring my body heat up to normal. Yvonne, the depot manager soon arranged a lift for me to Hermanus to my friend Antoon, his wife Marthi and son Marnus. Nico, Yvonne’s husband eagerly delivered me safely in Onrustrivier – Hermanus.

Thanks Father, I give You all the Glory. You have shown me LOVE. His word stood to the end and will continue forever. Luke 7:27