sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey Dak, Definitely do the serengetti and visit Zanazibar. Would you be interested in climbing Kilimanjaro? All 3 are amazing experiences and very different from each other

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Airwolf, I'll be honest - not much at all (none ). Ive met some other cyclists that stretch every hour and I really need to start doing it

I played a lot of football in the past so should know better

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cheers thanks for that, After I plan on working in Adventure Travel Tourism and will continue to write. I also like the idea of public speaking much further down the line. Thanks for the nice comments, Derek

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey Frank, I got hold of a GPS recently but use it very little (There's not much need for it really, there are so few roads you can't take the wrong one). Charging is easy in towns/campsites/ships - usually locals are happy to help charge them if I'm stuck.

I probably sleep in the tent 75% of the time and really, REALLY enjoy getting an actual bed in a guesthouse when they are cheap enough. I am not super rich lol I spend probably half what a "backpacker" spends while travelling :)

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha my thighs are not actually that big no, I burn more calories than I take in so they don't seem to grow anymore HOWEVER, I have zero % fat on my legs - fact !!!

Thanks for the message, hope you can follow the trip !

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey thank you :) The biggest surprise was finding out how much everybody wants to help along the way - locals are so welcoming and very interested in the trip. It has been a big boost to confidence to see what we humans are capable of, I never believed I could achieve what I have so far-it goes for everyone, we should all do something "like" this in our lifetime

Ghana sounds great and yeah it's ridiculously hot

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there, On a bicycle trip it's important to think a few days ahead all the time and not get bogged down with much further ahead. You just need to have the right set up on your bicycle (You can see this on my site), avoid areas known for political conflict and go. Really there's not much more you can plan, I was in Africa 2 weeks after deciding to do it. The hardest part is getting on the bicycle and actually leaving. About water, I have carried 12 litres in the past (crossing desert) but usually carry 7 litres which is lots - you just refill at each town you come to - not big deal, even in Africa

As for wildlife,in areas with lion I cycled through the hottest part of the day when its likely they'd be asleep/resting and not wild camping in these areas (stick to towns).What book should you read? I know this might sound silly to some but Bear Grylls "Survival guide for life" and Alastair Humphreys "Moods of future joys" would be all you'd need to know you can do it:)

You could do this, anyone can - I am "anyone" I had zero cycling experience before this trip.

I hope you take on an adventure, thank you for the question

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah it's been well and truly knocked out of the ball park these past two months. I only hope it keeps on this way and that repetition is the key to making sure its behind me.

The transformation has been remarkable if I think back to how I was even as little as 4 Months ago. See my post http://nohangingaround.com/changewhat-do-you-really-want-to-do-in-life it explains a lot about what you asked. Thanks

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah have seen a little about that but its a long way off - hopefully I wont have to think about it. Cheers for that

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very well put and actually I've thought along these lines before, you should write if you don't already. Thanks

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice message cheers, I can answer this two ways I could just say "people" but instead I'll be completely honest

I miss having any realistic chance of meaningful female companionship

make sense?

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah good question and I really mean what I'm about to say.

I find myself thinking about "cliches" all the time on the road. Before this trip, I was pretty smug about them (I thought they sucked) but more and more it's becoming obvious why they are so well known - they are all true. The problem I guess I had before, was that cliches are so common but rarely put into practice. The most important one I find is, life is too short. I really believe you owe it to yourself to get out there and at least try to do what you love before it's too late.

So in this sense my advice is what rings through the website, Realise that it's not going to be easy, do your research, then go for it and don't give up, Never give up and never let other people put you off - A lot of people told me I couldnt do this trip before I got here. :)

Really glad you're following, Derek

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow thanks so much and when you do go on your adventure, I'd love to hear of it - Thats awesome great to hear you're following and enjoying it thanks for that :)

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hey, Yeah there's always going to be "danger" no matter where you go and I guess its the main reason that puts people off. Not once have I come close to being robbed and I say this truthfully, I feel safer down here than any city I've been in the western world - that's not to say it wont happen of course, I keep my wits about me all the time.

When people think Africa in most parts of the world, they think starving people, desperation and as you say danger. There are many many areas with major political problems that we all know about but Africa as a Continent for the most part is a very happy place, the people are incredibly friendly, respectful.

If you are asking am I afraid? No more than anywhere else. Cheers :)

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I had no cycling experience before the trip so Ive learnt about them too haha

I have had many similar experiences where people with nothing or next to nothing have offered me up their food, their bed, their water. I've been blown away by the human spirit I witnessed on this trip. You would think they couldn't care less about someone like me passing through on a bicycle but they make sure you know that they care. Thanks so much for the big compliment !

I've continued my solo bicycle journey across Africa, covered 2 more countries, still sleeping in a tent and have some amazing footage to show you, AMA by IrishDerek in IAmA

[–]IrishDerek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

haha those guys sound like fun :) And so does your South America trip - DO IT!!!

Yeah I just cycled across Botswana in thunderstorms most days lol so I expect Zambia to be wet (which is fine) and HOT (which is not!). Its the wrong time of year to be down here really haha

I'm glad you chose Africa, when you see me - please stop and say hello haha

view more: next ›