Day 26: Marsabit - Moyale

Tired and not looking forward to today, we all pulled ourselves out of bed and went to go and properly diagnose our bikes. It was then a small breakfast and after saying goodbye to Jacque and the guys we set off for what we expected to be another day in hell. Unfortunately, not 100m down the road, Rob hit a rock buried in a pit of red, soft sand, pulling a ligament in his foot. Bravely he re-saddled the bike and the team carefully navigated its way to the Marsabit petrol station. Their Grant bound Rob’s foot and after much debate and negation we managed to organize a Land Cruiser to take Rob and his bike to Moyale. With the potential crisis sorted we headed off and into a true nightmare. By this time we had worked our way into the outskirts of the Chalbi desert and this barren land welcomed as with sharp jagged rocks and rows of golf ball size volcanic stones that channeled one’s bike into very tricky situations. Most of the team, having only half working rear shocks found the task of driving on these poor roads severely challenging and Grant, Craig and Paul spent a good time picking up the bikes. The day was not all fear and exhaustion, we witnessed vast camel trains working their way through the desert, we developed numerous ways to pick up the bikes and Les and Grant got some flying lessons in. Les got his flight training after touching his front brake, due to seeing a huge, rock filled ditch in the road. Les had a smooth landing; however his left pannier, already damaged from the previous day was beyond repair and was placed in the Land Cruiser to give Rob’s bike some company. Grant’s flight came straight out of a stunt movie, as he managed to get his whole bike to summersault over his head. “I was driving along at about 60 km’s an hour, happy to be out of the really difficult stuff. I saw a car coming the other way and changed lanes as not to get in his way. After the car passed I entered a soft patch of sand which, with the help of a shot rear shock put my bike into a left to right swaying motion. The rocking progressed in severity and as I tried to get the bike under control, I must have touched the front brake. The next second I was upside down with my feet still in the pegs, as the bike reached the fully inverted position, I luckily departed the bike, my head being the first to make contact with the ground shortly followed by my left shoulder and then the rest of my body. The bike landed on the lighting and instrument panel, instantly shattering the plexi glass screen and light housing. The handlebars were also bent along with the GPS housing.” After Mark, Paul and Grant pieced together the bike, they all drove into Moyale, where the team found a half built hotel to spend the night. The hotel was quite pleasant, with hot water and a double bed; however there was a Mosque just next door, so we were all woken up really early the next day.

The tough roads.

Mark picking up Grant's bike.

Craig showing us how to ride in the sand!

Taking a breather.

Yes, that is Rob's bike in the Land Cruiser.

We shall call it Frakenbike!

COMMENTS

 

responses to this article

To the stuntman Hello Grantie Panties - don't forget that your major is Aerospace Engineering. You are not training to be a stunt man. Try to keep your bottom on your bike please. B) Hope the rest of the trip continues with smoothly. Love to all of you boyz! by Rebecca on June 23 2009, 04:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Rocks and Rob Hi Rob, Sorry to read about your mishap. Hope your foot is not too sore. Seems like you guys are really having to cope with some heavy riding. However, I am sure you will all soldier on! Love seeing all the pics and reading the updates. by Lynette on June 23 2009, 10:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Poor Bikes and Bodies!! Your bikes certainly have taken a beating - hope the tape, cab ties etc will be able to hold out for the rest of the ride. And the bodies??? Amazing what they can endure when put to the test!! Do hope you are all not to sore and that you are still . .more having some fun despite all the mishaps. Very relieved to hear things worked out for Paul. Take good care boyz - sounds like things get more treacherous by the minute now. Love, Marilyn . .less by Marilyn on June 23 2009, 11:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Keep your chins up boyz! All these challenges make you who you are ..... strong in character! Go boyz ... we are all still routing for you - make us proud. by All the babes at Seven Bridges on June 23 2009, 14:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This is what great memories are made off You are all having a life changing experience and a voyage of self discovery You guys are doing amazing considering the limited riding experience most of you have had You are now experiencing "Inside Africa Outside Reality" on the road . .more known by all who crossed this area as the "Road from Hell" Keep up the moral because you are going through the Nubian Desert which makes what you have been through feel like a walk in the park You will have great things to talk about and great photographs when you get back . .less by Ray and all at Cytech on June 23 2009, 17:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Keep it up! Wow Boyz - it looks really tough out there! Keep it up though.....and try and stay in one piece. by The Shorevest Team on June 24 2009, 09:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What an Awesome Adventure Following your great trip with awe and a little envy.....it looks like you are all having an awesome time and experiencing everything that only Africa has to offer. Glad you are all ok and that there were no serious injuries to Grant with his . .more off. Keep it rubberside down boyz . .less by Mikedabike on June 24 2009, 11:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

When the going gets tough... Hey, sounds like great fun. We're soooo jealous! The tough days are what makes it worth doing so enjoy and spare a thought for us mere mortals... and keep off those front brakes!!! by Gael and David on June 24 2009, 12:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Great going guys! Showing some grit! Well done and have the time of your lives. Paul, guess those forearms are like carbon fibre by now?! :-) by Andre vdM on June 24 2009, 12:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks for helping Hodson Thanks Again by Herb Wright on June 24 2009, 13:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

thanks Thank you for helping our friend Michael Hodson! Have a great trip. by Kim Agee on June 24 2009, 14:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Jolly good fun! Hi boyz, sorry we've not been in touch for ages, but you've been very much in our thoughts. Just how much excitement do you guys manage pack into one day?! The updates of your exploits make for great reading, 'specially when sitting here in a very . .more tame, ever so comfortable UK . Emms wants to know when there's going to be a girlz version. Lots of love to you all, from Glynis, Bruce, Duncs & Emma . .less by The Bristows in the UK on June 24 2009, 15:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Arkansas Lawyer Thank you so much for helping out our friend Mike Hodson!! by Emily Reed on June 24 2009, 15:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hodson I wish to both thank you for my friend, and note your fantastic outlook on the world. I commend you for your choice to have these adventures with your sons and teach them about kindness to strangers you meet along the way. by David Pieper on June 24 2009, 15:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Our friend... Thank you boys for taking care of Mikey...we miss him and want him to meet more fellas like you on his crazy adventure. by Lori Slane on June 24 2009, 15:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Great assist for Mike Hodson Thanks for helping out my brother, Mike. It's nice to know there are people like you guys out in the world! Happy travels! by Jen Klair on June 24 2009, 16:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Mobile Lawyer Thanks for helping out Mike Hodson. He needs help getting off the internet too. Enjoy your adventures & safe travels to you all! by Sarah Ashley on June 24 2009, 16:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mikey From one dad to another dad. Thanks!!!! It's nice to know we have great people traveling the world as my son is and once again " THANKS" by Tom Hodson on June 24 2009, 16:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks for adopting my friend Mike Hodson! Hey, guys! You really saved my friend Mike a huge amount of time and trouble - you guys rock! by Kim Kobe on June 24 2009, 16:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mike Hodson Thanks for helping Mike Hodson!!! by Mike Simpson on June 24 2009, 16:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks for helping my friend. Hey young men: Thanks for helping my friend, Michael. You are much appreciated for your good (great) deed!!! by Tom Donovan -- Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA on June 24 2009, 17:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks for helping my friend Hi guys, thanks for helping Mike. His friends are concerned about his welfare on this trip and your efforts are much appreciated! by Mike Hodson on June 24 2009, 19:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Michael Hodson Actually the above message was from me,it said it didn't send and I forgot to put my name where it belonged. Have a good trip! by Ann Donovan on June 24 2009, 20:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks for helping MIke Hodson Many thanks for helping MIke Hodson continue his adventure!!! Southern hospitality is alive and well in other parts of the world! by Angie Diann on June 24 2009, 20:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks for helping the Mobile Lawyer - Mike Hodson It is good to know there are people like you out there in the great big world who would help out someone they hardly know. May it come back around to you. Bless you! by Tracy on June 24 2009, 22:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks for helping the Mobile Lawyer - Mike Hodson It is good to know there are people like you out there in the great big world who would help out someone they hardly know. May it come back around to you. Bless you! by Tracy on June 25 2009, 00:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thank You For Helping Hodson I just recently reconnected with my buddy Mike after a long absence (even if he is half way across the world!) and would have hated losing him again! I read your blog, how wonderful! Safe travels and again, thank you for befriending a really great . .more guy and friend. . .less by Tia Helberg on June 25 2009, 06:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thinking about you all!! Looking forward to hearing about your next few days and hoping they have been fun and not quite as testing and more importantly that your bodies are coping!!! John, Travis, Andrea and Dave are off to Kingston this morning and its freeeeezing!!! . .more Wind Chill playing a big role. Take care of yourselves. Love Marilyn . .less by Marilyn on June 26 2009, 07:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mark, Rob, Les, Paul and the boyz I've met you in Marsabit, Henry's camp. It was a blessing meeting you all and i pray that God will protect you, not just on this trip but for the rest of your lives. May God be the corner stone in everything you do. Paul, i'm glad you made it across . .more the border at Moyale. I will be in contact with you all. I'm currently looking for a home in addis before my wife and girls are arriving on the 2nd of July. Be blessed and go save!! . .less by Jacques Otto on June 26 2009, 15:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Adventure Where can I deliver a few cases of really good red wine to enjoy on your way? Kidding - keep it up - we're all rooting for you by Ken Green on June 26 2009, 16:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Jealous down Hi there Rob, found your site thanks to Bill and Pete. Awesome adventure will be following you far more sedately sometime. Sorry to hear about the ankle but good luck with patching it up. I spent last weekend throwing the GS1200 downhill thanks to . .more navigational error so have some idea what you're going through. To all the guys with you have an awesome trip the memories will last forever. Please keep details of where cold beers are to be found and cell number for bakkie pick-up!! Give it horns we're all very jealous just enjoy. . .less by AJ on June 26 2009, 19:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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