36 Days

36 Days to go for 'Stuck On The Bike'!

134 Days to D-Day for Africa!

The Facebook Support Group has now grown to almost 1100 members.
Stuck On The Bike supporters are now up to 100. (Though I am aiming to get 8000)

My supporting audience has now grown to, mainly, the following countries:

South Africa (of course) ;)
United Kingdom
Australia
Slovenia
Canada
Denmark
New Zealand
Russia
Germany
United States

Wonderful! :)

Concerning my Needs List: (generously donated by followers and supporters - Thank you very much!!)
* Custom made carrier racks
* Leatherman multi-tool
* Camelbak

Training has come to a halt as I'm fighting off a mild case of food poisoning and there are a lot of changes happening in and around me. (Not because of the food poisoning) :D

But - all is well and I am as happy go lucky as ever. ;)

There are still a lot to be ticked off on my ever growing to-do list. But I am getting there. I have achieved a helluva lot in the last month, though as happy as I am with that, I keep reminding myself that NOW is NO time to lay slack!! Now is the time to push harder than ever!

I have a couple of meetings this week with different people on discussing possibilities concerning potential media partners. So will keep you all appraised.

One day at a time...one proverbial foot in front of the other!

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Countdown Excitement

With two different countdowns currently happening in my life, excitement topped with anticipation and drizzled with a touch of trepidation fills me. (Guess who's been watching cooking shows) :D

Stuck On The Bike is coming along nicely. Hard work and perseverance has payed off nicely...though now the trick is to not lay slack.
There are currently just over 80 people either 'attending' or 'maybe attending' the event on my Facebook group. Now I just need to multiply that by a hundred!!

The beauty of this event is that you do not have to physically 'attend' this event to attend. If that makes any sense in its obscurity. :D
It is quite simply as follows:
You can 'attend' by quite simply donating R100. For your R100 you will then receive Verity Price's next CD - "From Africa With Love" as well as a bonus 'commemorative' CD at the end of my trip around Africa.
You can visit this page to do so -----> Online Page (Remember to include 'Jolandie Rust' in the 'Company' field on the online ordering form)

Those who do not live in South Africa will receive an exclusive download of the album.

So with only 4 months to go till I launch for my mammoth journey around Africa and only 40 DAYS till 'Stuck on The Bike'...I find myself in a very calm space, strangely enough.

Maybe it's just because it's Sunday and Sundays are my 'lazy' days.
Tomorrow might prove to be very different. :)



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Success!!!

Yeah!
After struggling for what felt the longest time, I have secured a venue for Stuck On The Bike!

I am VERY happy to report that Tyger Valley Shopping Center has agreed to host this event!

Finally!!! A breakthrough. Just goes to show - perseverance equals success. You just have to keep at it and not give up. You will reach your goals!! :)

Verity and the Shades might also be performing at the event. They are currently touring in Thailand! So we will confirm when they get back. So make sure you buy their future CD - From Africa With Love to ensure you are a part of this amazing initiative. Not only will you be receiving 2 CD's, but you will also be helping three different causes for a mere R100!

The dates for the event:
5 November 2010 @ 17h00 to 7 November 2010 @ 17h00

If you are on facebook and would like to show your support - rsvp on:
Stuck on the bike event on facebook

Okay so now....I have a lot to organize before then. Best I get cracking.
And it might be a good idea for me to start spending more time on a spinning bike at the gym!! :D

Thank you, to every single soul who has helped and supported me up until now! From the bottom of my heart - you will never know just how much it means to me!

Ohhh...and there's just one tiny little thing I need to still sort out. I need to organize special clearance for my 'little' mascot to keep me company.
Hvir aka 'Die Haas'. --->




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Progress!!

Woke up this morning with this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. A feeling of contentment.

Wasn't sure as to why (not that I would rather wake up with a feeling of panic or rage or something...was just odd), until I switched on my laptop and started reading my emails.

THE mail that I have been waiting for, for the last....two weeks maybe. Something that I have really been struggling with. And there it was --->
A potential venue for 'Stuck On The Bike'!

I cannot explain to anyone just how happy I was. I mean it's not like these people gave me a definite yes. But it was just the fact that SOMEONE actually got back to me....SOMEONE out there is willing to help! For a moment there I thought all the 'potential venue sponsors' had died and gone to the mall in the sky! :p

So I have a telephone conference with these people in Cape Town tomorrow afternoon. I am projecting positive energy and manifesting all kinds of wonderful stuff. Well, I am 'projecting' what I wish to manifest. The manifestations just need to get a move on and manifest already!! LoL :D

A friend of mine used to call me 'The Magical Manifestor'. I should try regain that title.

Once the venue is secured...the rest is easy. The rest I've been through and have organised a million times before. Media, support, gear etc etc etc. With a great deal of help from my magical friends of course!

Lets see what else I can manifest this week. ;)


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Dawn of a new week

Right, new week ahead with its own challenges awaiting.

Looking forward to it.
This week I HAVE to sort a couple of things.

1. Most importantly...secure venue for Stuck On The Bike. This has proven to be challenging.

2. Really get into training. Not really worried about fitness...but am worried about being saddle fit for Stuck On The Bike.

3. Media partners. There are quite a few possibilities, so will get cracking tomorrow.

4. Also need to organise a stationary bike for Stuck on The Bike. Though that'll be easy.

So, new week, renewed enthusiasm.

Here we go.... :)

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Time Flies!

Five months.

Five months until I embark on what is sure to be the journey of a lifetime!
Just that thought sends this burst of energy right through me. 144 days to go!
Wow. At times it does feel a bit unreal. But the closer I get to that date: 11-02-2011, the more excited I get. :)

For those who do not know or haven't noticed yet, there is a reason I chose that specific date. One, it's in the same month as my birthday. 3 days after my birthday to be exact. :)
And two, you'll notice it's an ambigram. I have a thing for puzzles, games, riddles, quizzes and things that incline one having to use one's brain. :)

I have these images in my mind about what D-day will be like. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt I'll at least have a few friends there. I rode from Cape Town to Springbok last year, so know what to expect in terms of typography. I have a good idea of what to expect weather wise (HOT HOT HOT). The heat I can handle, I know that much. The highest temperature I've ever cycled in - 47 degrees Celsius.

From Springbok onwards, I have no idea of what to expect. In terms of surroundings and weather, yes, I have an idea of what to expect there. But in terms of experience, well...we'll just have to wait and see. :) The unknown excites me rather than scare me.

In my mind, once I cross that border...there is NO way I am turning back.
Up until that border, it is still familiar territory and I am still 'home'.

Beyond that border, it's just me, my bike, and Mother Africa - the birthplace of humankind!


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Regroup

Today was 'regrouping' day.

Setting and getting clear on goals. Especially concerning 'Stuck On The Bike', my fundraising event in October.

It is clear that my biggest 'issue' around this event is securing a VENUE!!
I have decided that the event should take place in Cape Town. Yes I am from Jozi, but seeing as I will be launching and ending my journey around Africa in Cape Town, I think it links in well having the fundraising event there.

Yesterday I might have felt a tad demoralized, but only in a minute capacity.
I think most of the people that really know me, know that there is just NO way that I am EVER giving up on this. Plus, in my opinion, I have put way too much time and energy into this. So giving up would be a great waste.

After yesterday's post I have received a few mails and messages of support and motivation. The gist of these messages being that of support from my ever loyal friends and their belief in me. A big thank you to those who sent me these messages!

And a BIG thank you to my friends who forever have to proofread my proposals and press releases. For all your input and wonderful support and for kicking my ass :) THANK YOU!!!! :)

"Between you and every goal that you wish to achieve, there is a series of obstacles, and the bigger the goal, the bigger the obstacles. Your decision to be, have and do something out of the ordinary entails facing difficulties and challenges that are out of the ordinary as well. Sometimes your greatest asset is simply your ability to stay with it longer than anyone else"
-- Brian Tracy


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Yes Please??

There are some things I just do not understand. I try to. I really do. But just don't get it.

Since I decided (about a month ago) that I was going ahead with the Africa trip, I have been working my butt off to achieve what needs to be achieved in order for me to live my dream.
I am a firm believer in that one has to work at what one wishes to achieve.

Though this week seems to be the week that will test my determination. I have had, and know I will have many more similar challenges.

I have sent out my proposal to NUMEROUS potential sponsors and partners. I have got Proudly SA to endorse my trip. I have pleaded with numerous organizations. I have put my story on so many sites and forums that even I can't keep them straight anymore. I can't even remember when the last time was I got to bed before 2am.

And this week the answers start flogging in. All along the lines of: "Sorry, but no".

Now don't get me wrong. This does not discourage me in any way. On the contrary it just makes the fire within me which is my passion for what I wish to achieve with my life burn even wilder. So to speak. :)
And I have achieved small triumphs along the way.

I have now decided...enough is enough, it's time.
It's time to step up my game. It's time to take out my miracle bag.
No more time for idle chatter. It's time for action in a big way.
Something radical is needed...and I have an idea. :)

No more no's accepted here. So you can say anything to me...just don't say no!!

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" - Winston Churchill


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Calm Before The Storm

Although I am not on the bike as often as I'd like, (I have this uncanny ability to convince myself I have a very good reason for not doing certain things...really don't have a good reason here! Bad Jolandie :D) I have been 'training' for the October event.

Seeing as I know I might have to spend more than 24 hours on a stationary bike, I thought I'd see with how little sleep I can cope. (wasn't planned, just happened)
So I have slept 10 hours in the last 3 days. And am hppay to rpoert taht I am pfercetly fnie! :D :D
As any of my close friends know, I am fond of my sleep. So this promises to be an interesting challenge.

Also when I get tired I tend to get a little 'unhinged'...in a very funny way. I'll start laughing at everything and you may ask me something and I'll just stare at you...then burst out laughing. Yep...this is going to be interesting. LoL

I plan on unleashing the fury of the adventurer on my unsuspecting future supporters and sponsors this coming week. No holding back. Just do what I have to do and not postpone on ANYTHING!

Venue for 20 Oct event is now between Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Joburg - well this is my hometown. Wanted to say all my friends are here but realized in the meantime that's not true. My friends are scattered ALL over. Though my nearest and dearest friends are here...most of them.
Cape Town - The mother city. I actually do have a whole bunch of friends in Cpt...come to think of it. And this is where my journey will start and end.

Mmmmm....decisions decisions.
Will know this week.

Very excited and really looking forward to kicking butt this week.

:)


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Frustration

I think I have mentioned where my patience fail me. I have a great amount of patience, except.... when it comes to the trip. LoL

You can ask me to queue for you, go do your shopping for you, untie a crazy knot for you....I won't mind. But when it comes to the trip and organizing everything needed, my patience seem to disappear into the great void.

I am pressed for time to organize the fundraising event taking place on the 20-10-2010. I still have to secure a venue, get press release out, organize details with charities etc etc etc. Absolutely crazy. And thing is, people tend to just not get back to you. This holds up everything. Grrrrrrrrrrrr

Okay: step one - secure venue.
I will do this first thing next week. I'll just have to go see these people, because they don't follow up on queries.

After the venue is secured, things should go more smoothly.

Okay...off to work for the night.


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154 Days To Go

I actually had a bit of a fright when I logged onto my blog today and realized I only have 154 days before I launch from Cape Town.

Somehow, in some way, I have come to convince myself that I still have loads of time left. Ummmm....or not.
Now I know 154 days might sound like ample time, but in reality 5 months is not a helluva lot of time to get things organised for a project of this size.

I mean, I still have so much to do!
It is more a 'somber panic' than an outright flat spin! :)
More of a little nudge from myself to myself.

I know I just have to keep focussed, keep at it everyday, keep doing what I have to do and on D-day I will be ready.

I promised myself I'd be back in the gym for at least an hour every morning this week, but have to confess that this has not materialized yet. I have to get used to my new daily routine as I am now working on the trip during the day and working at a restaurant from 3pm in the afternoons till 11/12pm at night.

Feeling a bit sapped of energy. But will get used to it soon, I'm sure. I have worked ridiculous hours for most of my life, so just have to get into it again. :)

Need to really just keep pushing now.


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Proudly South African

I am very happy to announce that the Proudly South African campaign now officially endorses this project!!!! Wooohooooo!!! :)

Progress....progress.... "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming"

Every day I take a step closer to reaching my goals and fulfilling my dream.

A big thank you to Proudly South African for your support and endorsement!

Absolutely wonderful!!!


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Effort Equals Results

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I posted a saying to my Facebook today that goes: "If you wish to reach success, you need to not only BELIEVE in yourself and your capabilities...but quite simply KNOW it!"

I have come to really believe (Sorry...KNOW) :p this over the past couple of months.
I have always subscribed to the notion of 'Creative Visualization'. I try and avoid negative thinking, I do what I like to call - 'magical manifesting meditation' every night before I go to sleep. But have learned that apart from thinking and believing and visualizing, one needs to also 'act'.

No use in thinking: "I believe I'm going to win the lotto, I believe I'm going to win the lotto.." and then you don't buy a ticket.

I know I am capable of completing this trip around Africa. I know it won't always be easy and there will be times when I might break down in tears, throw my bike to the ground, maybe even curse in my video diary...but more than anything...I KNOW I can do this. I have been acting on this 'knowing' with great fervor.

Results are starting to show, though as patient an individual as I am...I do not have patience when it comes to this trip. I try my very best to be patient for replies and responses...
I just want things to happen and get sorted NOW. :D

Like for instance: I have made contact with people in 7 of the countries I will be travelling through...which is a wonderful result in a week's time. But it's like I have this unreasonable expectation that when I send requests to 1000 people in one day...they will all reply the same day! Yeh right. This is Africa after all with it's own idea of how time works.

I am now registered, and have created completed profiles on almost a dozen online travel sites. It's getting hard to keep track of all the sites I am on. LoL
Now all I need to do is be active on all this sites (not like it takes time) and rack up a whole lot of contacts in all the countries I will be travelling through. So that's ONE of the things on my growing to-do list. Oi vey!!! :D

I am also starting a new job from tomorrow where I will be working from 3pm in the afternoons to around 11pm at night.

I aim at getting back in the gym from tomorrow...train at least an hour a day. I have never trained for any of my trips, but have decided I would actually like to not have to suffer through the first couple of weeks so much this time round.

And then I still need to organise: Outdoor gear, cycling gear, medical stuff, communications equipment, visas, new passport, 2 fundraisers, launch event....zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

As they say: "Sleep is for sissies". (And once again we would all like to know who 'THEY' are????)

All About The Gear

Okay so I have now decided on what gear I want. Acquiring it all is another story...LoL

But I'll get there.

The Bike:



Specialized Tricross (Either Sport or Comp)

The Panniers

Rear: Arkel GT 54



Front: Arkel GT 18



Handlebar: Arkel Big Boy Bag



The Pannier Racks: Old Man Mountain

Rear:



Front:



Tyres and Tubes:

Continenental Touring Plus



Tubes: Doesn't really matter as long as it's a decent Shrader valved tube



Some kit and components:

Shimano Deore 10 speed:



Shimano Pedals:



Shoes I currently have:



Helmet:



OUTDOOR:

















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1 000 Members!!!

Facebook Group has reached 1 000 members!!! Woohooo!

Thank you to everybody for the wonderful support!

Thank you, Merci, Obrigada, Ngiyabonga, Kealiboga, Dankie, Danke, Toda, Graci, Spasibo, Shukran, Arigato, Xie Xie, Asante

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

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I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

"What would you do if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
And I'll try not to sing out of key.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends..." Joe Cocker - A little help from my friends.(Originally by the Beatles)

One of my favourite songs...and one that fills me with the greatest feeling of gratitude and love imaginable.

Whenever I might feel a little blue or like I can't carry on...I just sing this song and it picks me right back up.

I am truly, truly blessed to have such unbelievably, terrifically wonderful friends and caring, giving souls in my life.

Every now and then I do, in all honesty, feel a bit overwhelmed and maybe like I'm aiming to achieve the impossible. The feeling will sometimes creep, slowly, right into my core...but before it can take hold of me, I remember...

I remember how others believe in me
I remember how others support me
I remember how much I am loved

And my fire roars again.

Thank You!!!

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161 Days To Go!

The days are ticking by, the to do list is just mutating into something out of a nightmare (hehe...not quite that bad but overwhelming at times) and I find my brain just going into 'hibernation' mode.

There's so much to do, so many people to contact, so much to keep abreast of...EISH! (For my non South-African audience: Eish means: An expression of surprise, wonder or frustration here in Mzansi)okay okay (Mzansi = A popular word for South Africa)

A little lesson on South African lingo. ;)

On the upside: My Facebook group has now grown to almost 1000 members!!! Yes, minute in the greater scale of things...but it excites me okay! LoL :)

I have also joined and written on all the pages of the countries I will be travelling through on facebook and have been getting some feedback.

I now have contacts for Namibia, DRC, Gabon, Morocco and Tanzania.

I also might have two fundraising events coming up in October...you'll know when I know.

Oh...and I finally told my dad today that I'm leaving on the 11-02-2011 to cycle around Africa. I will refrain from posting his reply here!!! :d

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Spring Is Here!

I must admit, I am more of a spring and summer person than autumn and winter.

I can handle heat, this I know from cycling through Israel.

I remember at one point we stopped for a break just short of the Dead Sea. We had very little money with us...but thought it well spent on ice-cream and copious amounts of Coca-cola!! LoL I was so exhausted and decided to take a nap in the shade underneath a palm tree next to a camel...when I woke up (pretty sure the camel woke me) I was soaked in perspiration and on my phone's thermometer it read 47 degrees Celsius!!! (115 deg Fahrenheit)

So heat I can handle. Cold - I'd rather not.

It would seem I am pretty intent on letting the WHOLE of Africa know who I am and what I am doing/planning on doing. I went on just about every facebook page of every country I plan on travelling through. Joined each page and messaged the members. (Or rather wrote on the wall). Hey...every bit helps!

And if I have to tell a BILLION people about who I am and what my dream is in order to make that dream a reality...then I will do it!

I should be back in the gym, 5 days a week this week.
Have been to the gym for the last two days.

Having been sick, on and off, for almost 3 months sort of kept me away from the gym.

Plus I have to get saddle fit again!!! Ouch. Hehehehe.

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