Almost There

D-Day is drawing nearer and nearer!
And I am happy to say, that my needs list is almost completely crossed through! FINALLY!!! :)

My pannier bags, racks and tent are being shipped from the USA (Thanks to Picobella and Hanret Snyman). Clothing from Australia (Apres Velo) and Eastern Cape (South Africa) (Gravel Clothing). Waterproof carry bags for my gadgets from the UK. (Aquapac)
My first aid is taken care of by ER24 (Emergency Medical Services)
Nokia is making sure I stay connected with a super N8 handset. Outdoor gear thanks to Guy Pearce.
So, outdoor gear, clothing, panniers and racks, first aid, communications - all sorted!!

I will also be undergoing 'Advanced Tactical Training' in the next few weeks, thanks to Tacmo. This will ensure that I am equipped with the knowledge and training to handle any situation I might find myself in. I am really excited and looking forward to the training!!

Now just waiting to hear back on possible video camera sponsorship.

All that remains is my bike and bike gear, medical insurance and funding.

As you all know by now, I have decided to take my 'old' bike Luna (I hate referring to her as my old bike...feels degrading):D
She has had a service not too long ago, but I just want to have her 'checked out' again before we leave for the great yonder.

Bike gear needed:
*Service and parts replaced (if need be)
*Spare parts (Chain, spokes, cassette, rings etc)
*Gear (Saddle, multi-purpose peddles, pump, lock, computer, lights, repair kits etc)

My needs list can be found HERE

Should anyone, or should you know of anyone that would be willing to help, please contact me: jolandie.rust@gmail.com

I am trying to secure a 'medical insurance' sponsor and have a few friends also helping wherever they can.

At this stage I am still embarking on this journey without any funding. This doesn't concern me too much. But what does concern me is money needed for Visa costs and communications. (If there's anybody with some bright ideas out there, please let me know)

What is for certain is that I am leaving on 27 April 2011 from Cape Town, South Africa.
My flight ticket to Cape Town has been booked, ONE WAY. No turning back. (with a big thank you to Hanret Snyman)

So I am ALMOST THERE!!! 56 Days to go and counting....Africa here I come. ;)


Facebook Group

My Pannier and Rack Sponsor - Picobella

Picobella Trattoria - This is where I spend a great deal of my time!

They offer the best in Italian cuisine with an extra helping of love and care.
Though I don't spend my time sampling their mouth watering dishes! (Well I do sneak in tastes in between) ;) No, for the past 5 months or so they have been my employers. It started out as an opportunity to earn some money at night whilst I work on getting everything together for my expedition during the day.

Now when I walk into this beautiful establishment and put on my apron, I am amongst friends!

"Pizza angels come to eat here, said the small girl quietly, looking around Picobella.

It is kind of heavenly, kind of homely. Even the mosaic pizza oven has an aura of Byzantine glory. This is where you come for comfort food, traditional Italian family fare, served as solace for the jangled. Very Melville, people climb the steps to this welcoming outdoors-indoors haven all day long. Breakfasting, sunning, coffeeing, introspecting, meeting, reading, lunching, being, dinnering, toasting, chatting, sipping.

What do they do? asked the child. But she was gazing up at the collection of madonnas.
I think they give you love and comfort, replied Déon, one of Picobella’s two owner-brothers, following her gaze.

Picobella does just that. With food that is very happily priced and imbued with soul. "

Thank you so much to Déon, one of the owner brothers of Picobella for sponsoring my pannier bags and bike racks!! These are being shipped from the USA. (Bit more on that later)

I will be sporting my new snazzy Ortlieb pannier bags and Old Man Mountain bike racks soon!! Can't wait for them to arrive! I will be living out of these bags for the next 2 to 3 years of my life!!

Picobella Trattoria is situated at: Nr 66, 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
So, should you ever find yourself in this area, pop in and be spoiled to wonderful Italian cuisine prepared by my friends. What's more - have a look at 'My Wall' to get an update of my progress!!


Facebook Group