Day 9: Inhassoro - Tete

Today has been looming in our minds, for the past few days and has been dubbed ‘Day from Hell’. It proved to be exactly that! We were all up at 4:00 am, that is except Grant and Craig who managed to sleep through their alarms. However, after being kicked out of bed half an hour later, we still managed to leave at 5:00 am sharp. Our first leg of the drive was to the city of Save, where we planned to fill up and press on. Unfortunately the petrol station was out of fuel and after witnessing a spectacular view of the Save bridge clouded in mist with the sun just cresting the horizon, we set off with the hope of finding fuel soon. We spent the next hour and a half driving through a massive bank of mist; we eventually pulled over as we were becoming concerned of overtaking oncoming traffic. After some luke warm coffee and an energy bar, we decided to trail a bakkie, hoping that it would act as a barrier to oncoming traffic. Finally the mist cleared up and we all settled in for a long days drive. Breakfast came and went, so did lunch, the older men in the team seem to think that everyone should be dieting with them. As the day progressed the tarred roads got worse and then stopped all together, turning into firm gravel roads. This was when we had the first of many accidents still yet to come, while taking a corner Mark was forced to the extreme left of his land by two construction trucks, hitting this soft sand his bike began to oscillate and eventually he found himself sliding down the road with his bike just a few feet in front of him. Mark was not badly hurt however his bike did take quite a beating, managing to bend the rear part of the pannier frame. Grant shortly followed his father to the ground, managing to slide his bike after hitting a patch of soft sand within a rather large pothole. He came away unscathed except for his right palm, which ended up touching the tar after his protective glove was worn through. Two incidents down, and one sore bike the Boyz on Bikes managed to arrive in the ‘shadiest’ part of Tete, just minutes after sunset. Mark, with the help of a local James, got his bike fixed and after an early supper, we all climbed into bed, very eager to depart early the next morning and put the city of Tete far behind us.

The team filling up the bikes.

Getting ready to go.

A spectacular rock formation.

Les going slow enough to get a picture.

The potholed road.

A quick fix.

Dad recovering from his prang.

Eish!

Oww!

Our accomodation in Tete.

Late night fix.

COMMENTS

 

responses to this article

Inspiring story Hi Guys Just read your story and I must say as a father it has inspired me to live life to the full and take advantage of opportunities with my child while they exist. Good luck to you Guys. by Richard on June 04 2009, 14:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

roads that road was just as bad 35 yrs ago. the same number of potholes but now a bit deeper. But dont despair I am sure it gets worse. Come on Craig u must put your bike down as well dont let the clan down(just joking) by j rosario on June 04 2009, 15:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Go Boyz Hey Guys.Take it easy,no more wipeouts please.Enjoy every moment, you only get an oppertunity like this once in a lifetime. I'm afraid to ask,but whats next on your extreme list? by Quinton Warne on June 04 2009, 18:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hello Reading about your trip very interesting, I hope you have a safe trip and lots of fun. by Mikayla on June 04 2009, 18:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Take Care Hey guys enough of throwing those BMW's around, they not made for that..... Mark that fall sounds sore and Grant yours too..... take care Boyz Your tires and tubes are on track to be in Kenya next weekend !! Roc by Rocky on June 04 2009, 19:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Grant's Poor Hand! Great pics that you all are posting! I feel so badly for Grant's hand though. It looks like you all are having an amazing time and I hope the trip continues smoothly for all. by Rebecca on June 04 2009, 22:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Suffering is cool! Hey guys, I'm glad it hasn't all been plain sailing. There's nothing like looking back on hardships after a trip to make it all seem worthwhile! I showed your pics to one of my classes today and they were in awe - needless to say the rest of . .more the lesson was a write-off, thanks! Cheers, Kean . .less by Kean on June 05 2009, 07:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Brave Boyz on Bikes My hair was standing up whilst reading about your adventures. I am sure that this is the greatest expedition travelled by all the Brave boyz so far. I pray for your safety at all times and are with you in thoughts, mind and soul, for a safe journey. by Annette on June 05 2009, 08:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SIX PACK APOLOGIES!!! Promise, I posted a loooooong blog on Tuesday evening, in the way as before, but where DID IT GO??? Poof - gone! Must`ve be lurking in the mists of Tete. Well, try to recap: Noelz returned to Jhb proffering the promised tipple, and me trying to earn . .more a living; instead of living it up....well, been busy. The missing blog, was intended for gorgeous Grant, so I`ll do a recap:Abridged version. It matters not how many times you fall over, off or down, it`s always about the getting up and pressing forward. Yessssss! and you do! Further to, no matter how many digital cameras find their way to the same place as my previous blog; they remain (aardse goed)! and can be replaced `round every corner. Memories can`t. Every kilometre, every fall over, every wound will only embellish the wonderous recanting of your once in a life time trip. Boyz , please appreciate the lessons from each experience, no matter how difficult or delightful; be light, forgiving and always mindful of giving the other the benefit of the doubt and live every kilometre. Earthly goods will be long gone, when you reflect and recount the stories of Boyz on Bikes. Live and love every kilometre. Charl . .less by charlene on June 05 2009, 08:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Keep it up To ALL the BOYZ, wow the trip is really turning into an adventure. We so enjoy reading the daily updates and seeing the great pictures - keep them coming. All the best for the journey and wishing you easier roads ahead..... by Ingrid, Gareth, Russell and The Shorevest Team on June 05 2009, 08:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bikers are tops Well done boys keep it up. Every road is a new adventure. To Rob, all the best and will track your progress with interest. by Mark Ramsden on June 05 2009, 18:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

hey Like father like son, Grant.. Mozi looks great, you must of seen some real awesome views. by Sergio on June 06 2009, 05:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hi Rob Hi Rob. When I last saw you (filling up at Cascades), you were going to try out the bike with Stewart in the Middelrus area and now you're well on your way. Enjoy a trip of a lifetime! by Phil Muller on June 06 2009, 08:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

No more virgins! I think after this leg you guys made it into the "overlanding biking" class. You can now sit in a quiet corner with a cold beer and don't have to say anything, because you've done it. by Andre vdM on June 08 2009, 12:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

update Great guys ...Go to the limit but NOT overboard...God bless you and make it as safe as possible ... by Michel Lambiotte on June 08 2009, 13:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

WOW Wow u really came acropper uncle mark dnt da rest of u fall off too, K? Keep hvin fun bye by Sarah and Bex Bristow on June 09 2009, 18:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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