Each photo has lovingly and by hand, been converted, cropped and enhanced where appropriate. They represent hours of work often late at night, which has not gone unpunished unnoticed at home.

The photos can be viewed slide by slide, or as a slide show as you prefer. I think the best quality is if they are viewed individually, although it nice to sit back and watch the slide show. My next mission (after writing up my day by day account of the trip), is to create a slide show accompanied by music. I will post it up here if it ever gets done.

You can go straight to the photos in the gallery by clicking here.

For those of you with an interest in photography, I used a Canon EOS 5D camera with a Canon EF 24-105 zoom lens. I shot all the photos in RAW format which I then enhanced in Adobe Camera Raw before converting to jpg in Photoshop CS3. I cropped as appropriate and then reduced the image size to about 20% before saving for the web, making them a more acceptable size for online viewing.

I lugged the camera around in a rucksack on my back for the duration of the trip. Together with a cagoule, spare gloves & shirt, spare batteries, memory cards, GPS tracking device and 3 litres of hydration fluid, the whole lot weighed a ton! Everything survived, even with a few tumbles I had. It was definitely worth the effort though.

I still have more images to add to the gallery, so please come back for another look soon. You can also follow me on Twitter where I will tweet when I publish updates to the site.

If you have not yet donated to the very worthy charities, you can still do so be clicking on the donate button on my site.

Finally, this is a blog so I would welcome your comments and feedback on the photos. Just complete the ‘Speak you mind’ section below.

Steve

In the meantime, for the briefest summary of the trip, please see my tweets at www.twitter.com/stevemoriarty

Please feel free to make a donation if you have not yet done. I will keep the site open for donations for a few more weeks.

Regards
Steve

Getting my motorbike licence some 25 years later has been a totally different experience. First of all there is the theory test. This was fairly straightforward after buying the training DVD. The theory test centre in Slough was a shithole however, avoid it if you can!

Then there is the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) which is a days instruction and practice on the roads. Passing this allows you to ride a 125cc bike (with L-plates) on the road. Following on from this comes Module 1 of the Direct Access licence. This entailed a trip down to Farnborough to an authorised test centre.

It was a lovely sunny morning that we rode down the A30, passing through the leafy suburbs of Wentworth and Sunningdale. Shame however that the whole trip was pretty much in the shade; we were all frozen by the time we got there!

The test itself involved basic bike handling, slow speed manoeuvres and the mandatory emergency stop. I nearly cocked upon one element that involves coming round a bend at around 20mph, then accelerating to no less than 32mph through a speed detector, swerving through a set of cones and coming to a stop in a designated area.

I completely forgot to swerve and went straight towards the examiner. Luckily he saw this coming and let me have another go. Module 1 under the belt.

Three days later I was booked in for module 2 which involves being followed around by an examiner who gives you direction over a radiolink. This was proceeded by an hour or so of further practice. I knew things were not going too well when at the very first roundabout, I am sure I heard the instructor say “go right at the first roundabout”. Right I went, onto the A40 to London. It was soon clear that the other two were not following me. He claims he said “go right over at the first roundabout”.

I returned to the training centre to await the return of the others. They eventually returned and got me to the test centre just in time for my test. I thought I performed well so was surprised when, back at the test centre, the examiner told me I had failed the test. I made no minor mistakes, just 2 serious ones. I failed to come to a complete stop, determined by (not) putting my foot down at a stop sign. I also rode too close to a car before I overtook it.

These were not bike related issues but more perhaps my general driving habits formed over the years. I had to wait 10 days before being allowed to retake the test. If I failed a second time, I would not have enough time for a further retake before leaving for Africa, if in fact I could still take part.

Fortunately, apart from one minor fault (momentarily following too close to van), I passed second time round!

Many thanks to Graham, Chris and Rob at Passmasters for all their help.

After lunch (from the local kebab shop), we headed out onto the roads of west London for a fews hours of  ‘on-the-road’ practice. I was paired up with Mo, originally from Guinea, Africa and Graham, owner of the training school.

I was given the newest bike they had, a Honda CBR 125 in shiny red. I was surprised to learn that it only produces 11bhp, a paltry number compared to the 335bhp (250KW/340PS) of my Audi. Nevertheless, for some strange reason, its seems to be travelling a lot faster at 30mph than my car!

We spent nearly 2 hours riding around the streets of Northolt, Ruislip, Ickenham, Hatch End, Pinner, North Harrow and Rayners Lane amongst others. It was really great fun and I didn’t want it to end. I really enjoyed being back on a bike again after so long!

Having passed the CBT (compulsory basic training) course, I am now allowed to drive a bike of no more than 125cc on the roads provided I wear L plates. As I don’t actually have a bike, you don’t need to worry.

The next step is another days training followed by the module 1 test. I will let you know how I get on.

As always, feel free to comment on this post or make a donation.

Steve

It was a Saturday morning and I had a 2:30pm flight to Jo’burg on my way back to the UK. I was a bit annoyed that in my eagerness to get home to see my wife and four lovely daughters, I had overlooked that fact the the British Lions were playing the Springboks in Cape Town that day. Poor planning indeed.

Now as one does, when away from the family, I duly rang Gail and asked if there was anything she wanted bringing back from Cape Town. “Yes please” she replied, “I would like some very expensive face cream from that expensive exclusive shop near the hospital, if it’s not too much trouble”.

Of course, nothing is too much trouble for my wife, so I duly jumped into the car and drove into central Cape Town. To my amazement, I managed to find the perfect parking spot right outside the hospital, only 10 yards away from the shop in question. Considerable disappoint therefore that the shop was closed.

Knowing another shop I could try, I jumped back into the car and turned on the ignition. The ignition lights came on but the engine did not turnover. I tried several times but to no avail. I recalled getting out of the car after parking, and pressing the remote locking button but nothing happened. I got out of the car and tried to lock it. Nothing happening.

At this point a traffic warden was looming large. I explained my predicament about just returning to the car but now it won’t start. Just going to the auto-alarm shop, back in a few minutes. He gave me that knowing smile.

I suspected that the remote locking had failed so walked a few blocks to a shop specialising in car radios and alarms. Except it wasn’t there any moved. Fortunately there was a sign in the window with the new address. Only a few blocks so I set off. Not there. Nowhere in sight. I asked at an electrical shop who gave me more directions, only a few blocks away, yet to find a shiny new office block there.

A passer by said he knew where they had moved to and for only R5 he would take me there. This turned out to be a hardware store. Luckily they had a phone book so I found the number for the auto-alarm shop but there was no reply. I rang another branch who said the Cape Town shop should be open. Too far to walk this time.

Time for some help so call Christo, a friend who lives nearby. He’ll know where I can go to get the alarm fixed, or at least get the car started to get home. Only a few hours before I am due at the airport. As expected, Chris was at Giovannis having his (all) morning coffee. He’ll make a few calls and phone me back. Perhaps disconnect the battery and retry he suggested helpfully.

As I has no tools I walk (another) few blocks to a tyre workshop. “Could I possibly borrow a spanner for a few minutes?” I enquired. “I’m afraid tools are not allowed to leave the workshop sir. But don’t worry, I’ll send someone to help you.” Phew. As I returned to the car Christo turned up to help out. He parked blocking the entrance to a parking garage.

As he walked across the road towards me, someone turned up requiring access to the garage. Chris went back to move his car but it wouldn’t start. Now Christo is very well built and some people might think he can be a bit scary (see photo).  Nevertheless, his negotiations skills were sufficient to persuade the driver that he didn’t need to park in his garage right now.

Christo in his early 20's (faulty aircon)

My battery was now disconnected and we were waiting the 10 mandatory minutes before re-connecting. We went to start Chris’ car but to no avail. We disconnected his battery and reconnected it. Now his alarm was going off and it wouldn’t stop, the car not starting. Same problem as mine.

Chris was starting to get agitated now as he was on his way to the Lions match after helping me. I needed to organise a tow truck to get me home quickly as it was now 12:30pm and I hadn’t yet packed for the flight. I went into a nearby cafe to ask for a phone book explaining our cars wouldn’t start.

“There is nothing wrong with your car” she said, “it’s the hospital, it happens all the time. Push your car down the road and it will start.”

I ran back out to Christo who duly jumped into his car as I pushed (with the aide of a few onlookers). After a hundred yards, Chris turned the ignition and the car started. Bingo! He drove round the block to help push my car. Started too, no problem! Clearly the medical equipment in the hospital was emitting strong radio waves that were interfering with car alarm systems.

Christo headed off the the game and I managed to get back and pack, just making it to the airport on time. It all ended well although the Lions were clearly robbed of victory that day.

As ever, please feel free to donate to my charity motorbike ride.

Steve

You will soon be able to watch last years Enduro Africa event on TV.

The film that was made of last year’s Enduro Africa by Acceleration TV will now be shown as a five part series on Men and Motors at the following times;

ENDURO AFRICA 2008
Thursday 2nd July until Thursday 30th July @ 19.30
Friday 3rd July until Friday 31st July @ 11.30, 13.30, 17.30
Saturday 4th July until Sat 1st August @ 18.30

ITINERY

Day 1
Depart from Heathrow for Johannesburg, South Africa.

Day 2
Arrive in Johannesburg and catch a connecting flight onto the 1820 settler’s city of Port Elizabeth. This is where the fun begins! After the introduction to your team, a quick warm up on your trusty Honda CRF 230 will ensure that you are well prepared for the adventure that lies ahead.

Day 3
With sirens howling and lights flashing we receive a very special send off as we head up to Addo and onto the beautiful Zuurberg Pass. This is a long first day that is designed to be equally challenging and enjoyable. We travel through an area full of history with remnants of the Anglo Boer war and Xhosa wars scattered en route. The Katberg Hotel is our overnight stop.

Day 4
Today is a very African and remote day with beautiful forest footpaths, dams and rocky passes. We head back to the coast to Morgan’s Bay Hotel, some 50km north of the shipping port of East London. Morgan’s Bay is a remote holiday resort and is dominated by the Hotel.

Day 5
This is where the Wild Coast and true off-road adventure begins! We cross the mighty Kei River by motorised Ferry and embark on an epic 70km journey which takes about 8 hours. We are in the heart of Rural Transkei populated by the very friendly Xhosa people. Our stop tonight is Mazeppa Bay Hotel, a beautiful family hotel situated on the rocky shores of the warm Indian Ocean.

Day 6
A well deserved rest day at Mazeppa Bay. This is where we service the bikes and get involved in a Touch Africa community based project where you are invited to get your hands dirty and “make a difference”. The rest of the day is spent at leisure on the beach, in the bar. It’s your day so enjoy.

Day 7
Our first challenge for the day is the mighty Qora Gorge, a steep 1000ft drop to cross the Qora River after which we traverse North up to Hole in the Wall. The low road vs. the high road is your decision – with up to 10 hours in the saddle, today will challenge your riding ability so dig deep!

Day 8
Still heading north we follow the coast passing the Hluleka Nature Reserve and arrive in Port St Johns, a small Hippie type town on the banks of the Umzimvubu River. Our overnight stop is Cremorne.

Day 9
Today is a first for Enduro Africa. The distance is less than 50km but it will be one of the toughest with the teams having to build bridges, float bikes across rivers and most definitely work together. Planning and strategy is important as each obstacle is a race against time. Our overnight stop is the wonderful Mbotyi River Lodge.

Day 10
Our last day and the mighty Mtsikaba gorge awaits us. 2008 was the first time motorcyclists had crossed this river and for 2009 we have found a brand new crossing that is sure to challenge you. Our final destination is TO Strand at Port Edward. Tonight we celebrate our achievement and party hard!Day 11
Breakfast, fond farewells and a transfer to Durban Airport for flights back to the UK and other destinations. Stay the night in Durban and have a few beers with my brother!

I set myself the challenge of cycling 8km (that’s 5 miles in old money) in about half an hour. So I set off pedalling madly around the study at home. I should point out at this stage, that I have an excercise bike (Horizon BSC 500 Elite in case you are interested or need to feel impressed) so I didn’t physically travel very far.

I started off well and was pleased that I didn’t break a sweat until 18min 49seconds. The second trickle off the end of my nose took a further 31 seconds. But enough of that. Throughout most of the time I had a steady heartbeat of 132bpm. I hope this is within the safe range for my age!

In the closing 5-10 minutes this increased to 144bpm before I reached the 8km mark. It took 30 minutes and 39 seconds, with which I am pleased. In this time I burned off 171 calories according to my machine. I don’t know if I should be impressed with that, but it seems I could burn off more than that having sex six beers! One minute after stopping, my heart rate was down to 122 and then to 104 one minute later. I hope someone will tell me if that is a good recovery rate please.

I averaged nearly 16km per hour at resistance level 4. That seems pretty pathetic when I noticed that the maximum resistance level is 20. I felt comforted however, by the fact that the speedo on my Audi is calibrated to 190mph (300kmh) and I know it won’t get anywhere near that. Big numbers are clearly only there to impress potential buyers or showoffs. I won’t bore you with these statistics in future posts.

As this is a blog, it enables you to provide your comments or feedback in the box below. I would encourage you to please feel free to comment on this post or any others on the site for that matter.

Please also remember that I am writing this blog as an aid to raise funds for the charities and would welcome your contributions. Please also pass on a link to this website to as many people as you can. You can also click on the ‘Share This’ button below if you are into social networking sites. The time is fast approaching when I need to reach my minimum contribution level, so would appreciate your help.

Tomorrow I am going to book my first motor bike lesson.

Regards
Steve

PS – some time after the excercise, my bum is still tingling and starting to feel a little numb. Must remember to wear my cycling shorts next time!

I would like to thank David Gainer, Headmaster at Godstowe School in High Wycombe where my four daughters attend. He very generously agreed to circulate details of my fundraising trip to all of the parents at the school. As most of them aren’t short of a few bob, I am hopeful they will help me exceed my fundraising target of £5,000.

Parents and anyone for that matter, can donate simply by clicking on the donate button on the right of this page. I would also welcome any form of corporate sponsorship. If your company would like to help, please e-mail me at steve@stevesenduro.com and I will send you a sponsorship form. Please be sure to visit the Charities page, Video page and the Gallery to get a true flavour of what this event is all about.

I see two further challenges ahead. The first being that of attaining an appropriate level of fitness to undertake this gruelling event. As a general rule, I am averse to most forms of physical excercise. A week of skiing every other year or so I can manage as well as the odd round of golf. I must admit though, I would rather take a buggy if at all possible.

The next challenge is to obtain my motorbike licence. Like most of us my age, we having been driving forever and needless to say know all there is to know about driving on our roads including all of the traffic signs, speed limits, stopping distances etc. etc.

This perhaps is going to be the most interesting challenge. I will keep you posted…

I’ve even bought a book about using Wordpress for blogging, and as I write this, I have it open on page 173. I now know something about using plugins to make the site easier to access and use. I’ve been able to create an image library, add widgets and optimise the site so that it can be found by the search engines.

The Journry Begins!

I hadn’t anticipated it would require so much effort to get to this stage nor taken so long. There are still a lot of things I want to do to make the site more meaningful. I mustn’t lose site of the fact that the site is here to help explain what is it I will be doing to raise money for the charities as well as what each of the four charities do.

Please be sure to donate to these worthy causes by clicking on the donate button on the right of ths page. Please also share this website with as many people as you can.

Please feel free to post your comments about anything on this site.

Thanks,
Steve Moriarty

Welcome to Steve’s Enduro Africa Site. This site may take a while to get together, but at least I have made a start. The purpose of this site is to assist with the fundraising I have committed to, by taking part in an off-road motor bike adventure covering 1,000 miles over an 8 day period in South Africa in October this year (2009).

This event is organised by Endure Africa to raise money for four very worthy charities. Please come back to this site regularly as I continue to update it.

Thanks, Stephen Moriarty

Enduro Africa Rider