Exercise R Us

Question:

>After fininshing grad school in the Netherlands I am planning a solo >mountain biking trip from Kenya to Capetown via Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, >Malawi and possibly Mozambique. >Richard Robinson >Rotterdam School of Management, the Netherlands

Richard, I have NOT MTBkd thru any of these countries, but I have been to a couple on business within the last 5 years.  Forgive my $.02, but I would seriously consider making it a buddy-system trip.  Tanzania and Mozambique, in particular, have areas that are so poor that what you would carry with you would represent eternal riches to some locals.  Many of these locals are armed and pretty disillusioned with any outsiders to boot.  In addition, areas around Mozambique are still rife with land-mines and man-traps from the war there.   There are enough locals there missing limbs to make anyone think twice about biking near roads that are just now opening up again.  Find a friend who shares your desire and stick together…  maybe contact your embassy there and ask for someone who can offer guidance when you get there. On the positive side, Zimbabwe and most of the others are beautiful countries for scenery and most of the people are great.  Remember tho’ that everything operates in a different time-frame and priorities are quite different than Europe of North American.  You will NOT get replacement parts or supplies easily except in a few major cities like Capetown.  I trust you will be arranging maintenance stops and other necessities before you depart. Sounds like a once in a lifetime trip.  Post when you complete it !

Response:

After fininshing grad school in the Netherlands I am planning a solo mountain biking trip from Kenya to Capetown via Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and possibly Mozambique. Has anyone biked solo or otherwise through these places or any other African countries? I would appreciate any tips and comments. Richard Robinson Rotterdam School of Management, the Netherlands

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