Day 49: Luxor - Cairo
+-13 000 km, 48 days and a whole lifetime of experiences, we have finally arrived at the final day. Wake up was at 4:30 am and after a spectacular Cappuccino it was on the bikes and off to the town of Safaga, situated on the red sea. Our first leg of the journey took as through the Eastern Desert, the driving was fairly monotonous taking us through check point after check point, with our breakfast stop being the only break in the routine. It was then up the West bank of the Red Sea to the town of Ras Gharib for lunch. Driving so close to the Red Sea did not only bring us a great view, but relief from the climbing temperatures as well. We now had little over two hundred kilometers left of our journey, tired, hot and dehydrating quickly we planned two water stops one in a hundred kilometers and then one eighty kilometers later. The first two legs dragged on a little, this was due to the fact that the speed limit is 110km/h and in some parts there is a lot of construction taking place. Then we turned onto the new Military funded ‘super’ highway, averaging a speed of just over 120 km/h, we started to count off the kilometers, every one bring Cairo closer and closer to reality. Then we reminded for the last time just how quickly a situation can change, when Mark’s left panier detached from the frame, dragging a few meters until Mark could bring the bike to a halt. Now, well versed in the art of bush mechanics, Grant and Mark had the panier fixed, secured and back on the road in no time. Fortunately for us our hotel is situated on the Cairo ring road, which runs around the city of Cairo, making our drive through Cairo traffic quick and fairly painless. Pulling into the JW Marriot was a strange feeling, the team was ecstatic to finally be in Cairo, a city that for the team had been associated with Timbuktu and El Dorado. It was then pictures, champagne and the amazing feeling of removing your bike suit. I would just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for all their support and words of wisdom, the team really appreciates the effort everyone made to keep us going strong. So for now this is Goodbye from the BOYZ ON BIKES!
Morning at the hotel.
The Luxor Temple.
The Karnak Temple.
Breakfast.
Kid on Donkey.
The team hydrating.
Arriving at the JW Marriot.
Champagne!
Paul, Les and Rob enjoying the champagne.
Grant and Mark, happy to be here!
The Bikes at the Pyramids of Giza.
The team at the Pyramids of Giza.
COMMENTS
Well done Boyz - Frankly I am quite sad it is over - I have so enjoyed reading about your escapades. You have done remarkbly well despite all the challenges, mishaps, failed shocks, smashed bikes etc. etc. I am sure everyone back home is looking . .more
by Marilyn on July 14 2009, 16:41
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Wow, I can't actually believe this is all over. Although at times I was very anxious, I so loved being part of your journey, even though most of it via the telephone and website.
I am so proud of MY BOYZ, Mark, Grant and Craig. and of course . .more
by Mom Noeleen on July 14 2009, 17:18
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Congrats to the Six Studs who went on the adventure of a lifetime. You all are wonderful and have allowed all of us daily blog followers to live vicariously. Love to all!
by Rebecca on July 15 2009, 06:20
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I wish you could carry on forever. We all got so used to look forward to the next episode no doubt we going to miss it. Well done all of you guys, to end all the travels and experiences successfully and without serious mishap or accident you must . .more
by J rosario on July 15 2009, 12:30
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I am so awestruck by your experience. I was only privy to it at the end. Well done guys. Hope you'll share your personal experiences with me Craigie. Can't wait to welcome you home and I know Kita can't either. Keep safe!!! Love you lots.
by Wendy Knezovich on July 15 2009, 18:30
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i followed u guys all the way,envious all way, but i must take my hat off, you really did exceptionally well , & wish u a pleasant trip back. rergards robert wark
by robert wark on July 15 2009, 18:56
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Well done to all of you.Glad that you are safe and sound after such a long and hard journey.What an amazing experience , one you will all remember and talk about for the rest of your lives.Thank you for the wonderful and entertaining daily news and . .more
by Katja Patrick on July 15 2009, 20:04
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Congratulations on successfully negotiating africa! Thank you for showing us the way, it has made interesting reading for the past 49 days. With love - Gladys, David & Melanie
by Gladys, David on July 15 2009, 21:41
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Well done to all of you. What a life experience. It's been a great journey with you guys via this blog.
by Ian Shros on July 16 2009, 22:06
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Well done to you all!! You've had the most amazing experiences through thick & thin and finally made it. Give your bottoms ;) a well deserved break & while your waiting another glass of champagne - cheers & again well done xx
by Karen on July 18 2009, 01:58
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Looks like it took 98%guts, 1%BMW and 1%good fortune.
by Clive on July 21 2009, 10:18
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Congratulations and hope you will avoid biking for a while. Was great to track your progress accross Africa. Will now have to find something else to check first thing in the morning. Les, when you have a few minutes when at ORTI, call me and I will . .more
by Eppie on July 22 2009, 08:20
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Congratulations on a trip well ridden! This is Mark, one of the two bikers you met in Wadi Halfa while waiting for the ferry. We're back home in Ethiopia now. Got a question for you if you're game... drop me an e-mail at mark-at-roamingcavetroll.com . .more
by Mark on August 05 2009, 09:32
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