Day 13: Mbeya - Morogoro
Today it was very dark when we woke up, this was due to the time change we experienced crossing into Tanzania. Leaving at 5:30 am sharp as usual, we spent the first hour and a bit driving in total darkness, relying on our rather large fog lights to see where we were going. Eventually light started to creep in and with it came a massive bank of mist. The temperature dropped and the team feeling very cold decided to stop and find some coffee at the closest petrol station. On arriving at the petrol station, we were very happy to find a local ‘restaurant’ and a convenience store just next to it. In the store we found some peanut butter, baked beans, vienna sausages and some fresh bread, baked three weeks ago. We also managed to convince the restaurant to heat up the bake beans and make us some omelets. The food was an absolute blessing and nothing survived the appetite of the Boyz on Bikes. Warm, full and in very high spirits the team saddled up and set off down the road to Iringa. We spent most of the morning driving through hills, stopping occasionally to take in the scenery, and after filling up in Iringa, we were all in very high spirits and eager to get to Morogoro, our destination for the day. After filling up just outside the Mikumi National Park, the team was faced with one of the biggest challenges of the trip to date. After pulling out of the petrol station, Mark being in exceptionally high spirits, decided to pop a wheely down the main drag of the small town. This did not turn out as planned, Mark’s front wheel came off the ground, exceptionally high I must add, but then it was all down hill from there. Suffering from altitude sickness Mark’s front wheel plummeted to the ground, striking the ground and unbalancing the bike causing Mark and his bike to land terrible hard on there left hand side. Mark’s armour protected him from most of the impact, however in true Mark Bristow fashion he somehow managed to hurt his ribs. Grant, Mark, Craig and Paul spent the next one and a half hours attempting to put the bashed up bike together. Luckily the bikes pannier framing was only damaged and with the help of a local mechanic and a lot of bending and strapping, we managed to get the bike in working condition. Once everyone had collected themselves and we had recovered all our tools from the locals we set off through the Mikumi National Park, at snails pace. In the park and with the help of Paul’s eagle eyes, we saw some Buffalo, Elephant, Impala and even some Giraffe and after another hour and half of plodding along we eventually arrived in Morogoro, Mark being extremely happy to be off his bike.
A well deserved breakfast.
Craig tucking into his omlete.
The Englishman is eager for some baked beans.
Rob bracing himself for the toilet.
Stopping on a mountain pass.
Stopping on a mountain pass.
Paul
Les
Fixing Mark's bike.
Getting some local help.
The bike put up a good fight.
Driving into the Mikumi National Park.
A quick fix (Bolt + Duck tape).
COMMENTS
"Successful people work hard and play hard. They are good at balancing their work and personal lives. They know how to de -stress, regenerate ans enjoy themselves. We have to dedicate time to hobbies and adventures. Unleash your potential through . .more
by Annette Palframan on June 09 2009, 10:24
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I thought there were to be no wheelies till the Strand - Mark and his ribs - seem to be your downfall Mark - I remember cracked ribs in Italy while skiing!!! Hope the bodies are recovering while you are enjoying your rest days. Take care.
by Marilyn on June 09 2009, 11:35
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Boys have grown since I last saw them @ Pidwa, the big ones still look the same. Have a safe trip and now more drop tests.
by Eppie Fourie on June 09 2009, 13:13
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try to keep two wheels on the ground at all times. glad u ok
by j rosario on June 10 2009, 07:04
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from the outside looks like a nice user frendly toilet
by j rosario on June 10 2009, 07:06
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Mark
Keep the bike on 2 wheels you could end up messing up the entire trip for everyone.
by Ross on June 11 2009, 11:02
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