Listen to me LIVE every week!!

Exciting News:

I had a meeting with Managing Editor, Denzil Taylor, this morning at Jacaranda FM.
I'm very happy to announce that Jacaranda FM has come on board in a big way!
So now you'll be able to read up on updates on their website and News Page, as well as listen in LIVE for weekly updates. I'll be chatting to the team every week to keep you all updated on where I am and how things are going.

A big thank you and a very warm welcome to the Jacaranda FM team!

I'll post an update as soon as we've sorted out the more 'nitty-gritty' details.

In the meantime: Check out their Website, and 'Like' their Facebook Page.

"Jacaranda FM - Playing Life's Greatest Hits"

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Look What I Got!!! :)

Yay!! Finally, it's here. My Angolan Visa. All bright and shiny in my passport!!

Now, the technical bit:
The woman who helped me at the Angolan Consulate made a little boo-boo. She had told me that I have 60 days in which to enter Angola with my visa and then from date of entry I have 30 days in the country.
Turns out I actually only have 30 days in which I need to cross into Angola.
This might sound like ample time, but here's the snag...

Because I am now applying for my Congo and DRC visas in Pretoria, it's becoming a hectic time game. Processing time for both can be anything between a week and two weeks. Then, once I have those two visas I have to hop on a plane back to Windhoek. I then have, maybe two weeks, to enter into Angola. The longer the visa processing takes, the less time I have to make it to the border, the harder I will have to push.
Problem is: I don't have letters of invitation for either Congo or DRC. Friends are chatting to friends who might have friends in either of these countries and who might be willing to help. I'm trying to track down anybody/company in both countries, even through social networking. But I am really pressured for time.

So if anybody out there maybe has a friend/ knows someone in either or both countries who'd be willing to help, please let me know!!! Thank you!

The next leg is going to be one heck of a ride!!! :)

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What's happening....

Just a quick update. I am still in Johannesburg, awaiting my Angolan visa. I should have it sometime this week. When I phoned again this morning they said to phone again tomorrow morning! Okidoki then.

In the meantime, I have decided to apply for my visas for the DRC and Congo as well, whilst I am in Johannesburg. Seeing as I will only have 30 days to get through Angola, it would be a big gamble to apply for my DRC and Congo visas in Luanda as that would probably delay me another two weeks. The total distance I will have to cover from the Namibia/Angola border to the Angola/DRC border is about 1 800 Kilometers.  Even if I maintained a 100km p/day average, it would probably take me about 16 days to get to Luanda (including rest days). This would then leave me 14 days to sort out visas for the next two countries plus getting to the border and with rest days...it's just too much of a risk. I have no guarantee that the visas will be processed within two weeks. So all-in-all, it just makes sense to get the visas now.

This way I am sorted (visa wise) all the way to Cameroun. (I don't need a visa for Gabon - Yay!)

In the meantime I'm working on getting a print-media partner on board to publish regular updates and racking my brain regarding potential sponsors/possible sponsorship opportunities. A major potential sponsor, unfortunately, shot me down last week. I've lost count of how many potential sponsors I have contacted, met, spoken to etc. I'm running out of ideas, so if you have any...please feel free to let me know. :)

The question everyone is asking: "when will you be back on the road"?
I can't say for sure. It all basically depends on how soon I can get all these visas sorted.

On a lighter note though, I find it very interesting how I crossed my first border on a spectacular full moon, and now whilst back home...a lunar eclipse. I think my bike (Luna) misses me. She's so far away from me, on her own, in Windhoek. I think she blocked out the moon!! :))

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Back Home

As you will have noticed from the heading, I am currently back in Johannesburg!
My flight from Hosea Kutako airport in Windhoek, landed on Saturday.

There is one very simple reason as to why I am back home - to sort out my visa for Angola. After fighting with the Angolan Embassy in Windhoek for a week, I had had enough and just couldn't waste any more time. On Friday I went to the embassy again for the umpteenth time to try and resolve the issue. This time I was fortunate enough to have someone behind the counter that could actually force a smile. He was very helpful. I explained my case to him (again), and he referred me back to Pretoria (again). What made me decide to come back was the fact that I now needed to apply for an extension on my Namibian visa as the Angolan Embassy requires that I have a 6 month visa in Namibia before I can apply for my Angolan visa. (This was the first time they had divulged this information)!!!

Coming back home is both exciting and taxing emotionally! It was hard enough to have to say farewell to my nearest and dearest when I launched from Cape Town! I had prepared myself to not see them again for a very long time! The actual issue of having to sort out my visa doesn't bother me one bit. That's all part of the journey. But having to now leave everyone AGAIN...that gets to me. But hey, whatever it takes.

Luna and all my gear are still in Windhoek. I am awaiting a letter of invitation from Angola (which should be here today, hopefully), then it takes ten days to process the visa. Once I have my visa in hand, I'll be on my way back to Namibia and back on the road again!!! Wooohoooooo.

Being back home now, does give me the opportunity to catch up on a few things though. Which is great!!!

I'll keep you all posted and you'll know the second I have that elusive visa!!! :)

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Packed And Ready To Go!!

Right, the last two weeks have been a whirlwind of chaos mixed with enormous pressure and a pinch of excitement.

I even have customs services at the Airport's number on speed dial!! :D
But luckily they came through for me and processed all my gear relatively quickly.
And with a big thanks to a friend (Jim Blagg) of a friend (Hanret Snyman) in Houston, Texas...I could order all my gear online from the U.S.A, which in turn meant best quality at best prices. :)

So now, on my last day left in Johannesburg, I am busy packing and repacking my gear.
Luna (my bike) has been boxed and is ready for the flight down to Cape Town tomorrow.

Thought I'd share a few photos of my individual gear, the whole caboodle, Luna before she's packed and after she's packed.

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Jolandie Partners with Iduka

A few weeks ago, I was approached by an organization named "Iduka".

About Iduka

Iduka, founded in 2009, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote post-secondary education. Since starting its pilot project in Africa in 2010, Iduka has mobilized thousands of local students and volunteers in all of the African countries participating in the program. Iduka is launching a few campaigns to assist African students achieve their goals of post-secondary or tertiary education, including its campaign specifically targeting girls’ education.

They are an organization based in the U.S.A.
"Iduka is committed to bringing change to our community, country, and the world by helping students realize their dreams of a college education."

I have partnered with Iduka in promoting post-secondary education in all the countries I will be cycling through, with a special focus on girls' education.

The Name

The name is inspired by the Latin word educare, which is a root of the English word education. Educare means “to educate, to rear, to teach, to bring up, to raise” or “to support.”

The Mission

Iduka’s mission is to promote college affordability by connecting students with gifters, schools, and community service organizations through an Internet based micro-loan program.

Our goal is to provide students and their families one more financial tool to help them in their pursuit of higher education. We make this possible by offering an innovative plan based in a Web-based micro-lending system that connects gifters with students, and incorporates, whenever possible, student volunteerism as a mean for students to pay back their loans.

The Vision

Our vision is to become the world’s first person-to-person web-based program exclusively devoted to providing student micro-loans to all local, national, and international students in need of additional financial aid.


My Part

I will be acting as Iduka's principal fundraiser. I am working closely with Iduka's Executive Director, Miguel Martim. I will meet with local communities and Iduka volunteers all over Africa, give grants to students and promote education as I go along.
I will also be meeting with government officials in most of the countries I travel through to deliver an open letter, calling on them to deliver on education.

Together, Iduka and I will raise funds for my journey and for Iduka's mission.

We also have a communications officer, Jessica Field, based in the United Kingdom that will help with keeping blogs updated and spreading the word via the internet.

We hope to do some live-streaming of the trip. This is still being discussed.

More information on our partnership and details will follow. So keep and eye on this page.

For more information on Iduka, please visit:

Iduka's Website
Iduka's Blog

So as you can see, this is truly a global event with people involved from all corners of the Earth! :)



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First Aid - Sponsored by ER 24

A HUGE thank you to ER24 for sponsoring my First Aid kit!!

Contents:

1 x Antiseptic Solution 100ml
2 x Plastic Lock-on Splint
2 x Splint Wadding 100mm
2 x Sterile Gauze 75x75mm 5’s
1 x Forceps - Stainless Steel
1 x Rescue Scissors
2 x Safety Pins 10’s
6 x Triangular Bandage
3 x Conform Bandage 50mm
3 x Conform Bandage 75mm
10 x Anchor Plaster
10 x Plaster Strip
1 x Paper Tape 25mm x 3m
1 x Antiseptic Ointment
2 x First Aid Dressing No.2
2 x First Aid Dressing No.3
2 x First Aid Dressing No.5
3 x Gloves per Pair - Large
3 x Gloves per Pair - Medium
1 x Cervical Collar - Medium
2 x CPR Mouthpiece
1 x Eye Bath
1 x Eye Shield
3 x Eye Pad
4 x Eno Sachet
3 x Crepe Bandage 75mm
3 x Crepe Bandage 100mm
3 x Elastic Adhesive Bandage 50mm
3 x Elastic Adhesive Bandage 100mm
1 x Deep Heat Rub 75ml
2 x Disposable Ice Pack
1 x Rescue Blanket

Plus 5 x Malaria Test Kits.

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Stuck by a needle...or 10!

I am just so unbelievably grateful that this has now been sorted.
The previously 'seemingly-never-ending-to-do-list' is now actually starting to shrink!
YAY!!! :D

I received all my vaccinations today.

My appointment was with Sister Linda Crause at the Northcliff Travel Doctor Clinic. (Organised by Sanofi Pasteur)
She was absolutely wonderful. First thing she did was hand me a map of Africa and said: "Show me your route".
After which she took out the vaccination form and starting ticking them off. (And the ticking went on until it seemed like she had ticked off the entire list!!!)

She was extremely helpful and very gentle. :) (thank you Linda!!) LoL

And even gave me malaria tablets as well as 5 malaria test kits and treatment course!
Talked me through everything I might need.
How awesome is that!?!?

So I received the following shots:
* Cholera
* Typhoid
* MMR (Mumps, measles, rubella)
* Meningitis
* Tetanus, polio
* Hepatitis A
* Hepatitis B
* Rabies
* Influenza
* Yellow fever

OUCH!!!!!!!! :D
So now I just have to go back in a week's time and again in two weeks' time for 3 follow up shots.

A HUGE HUGE thank you to both Sanofi Pasteur and the kind, helpful people at Northcliff Travel Doctor Clinic!





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Launch Details

Launch Date: 27 April 2011 (Freedom Day)
From: Vida e Caffe, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Time: From 8am

Vida e Caffe will be hosting my launch!!! Yay!!! :D

And what's more is that they are sponsoring Quattro Muffins!!! Double Yay! ;))

So, come join me and have a coffee:

And a free muffin:

And enjoy a bit of drumming!
Drumming?
Yes, drumming!! :D

Drumming friends are coming from all over to give me my ultimate send off!
So if you happen to have a drum....bring it with! And if you have drummer friends in Cape Town...bring them with as well! ;)

At around 10am/ 11am, I will then set off towards Malmesbury via the N7.

Seeing as it's 'Freedom Day'...dress code =

:)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :))

KIDDING!!!!!!!


Looking forward to seeing you all there! :)

If you have any queries...just drop me a mail. ;)




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Vaccinations Sorted!

Thank goodness!!!
This was something I was a little stressed out about. Seeing as some of these vaccinations are compulsory is some/most of the countries I will be traveling through.

But thanks to the power of social networking, it's all sorted now.

Although ER24 is sponsoring my first aid kit, they unfortunately could not help with vaccinations. Which I understand.

I put out a little 'distress call' on my social profiles.
Within 2 minutes I had received a referral from a follower (Steven Lea) on Twitter, with contact details for one Engela Fernandes at Sanofi Pasteur. I immediately contacted Engela, who then took it further.
Her manager, Garth Littlewood, then got in contact with me on Friday, and voila! All is sorted.
So I should be getting ALL the needed vaccinations this week.

I still find it all rather amazing. You put something out there, and instantly you get connected to so many people!
I never knew of Sanofi Pasteur's existence, but will definitely always remember that name now! :)

Thank you to every single individual out there helping to make my dream a reality!

"I am because you are" - Taken from my good friend Sonja Kruse a.k.a 'The Ubuntu Girl'.



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Smart Sponsorship :)

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to sourcing corporate sponsorship has been the mere fact that I am an individual. (Received that feedback from a potential (not anymore) sponsor just today for the umpteenth time)

Had this been a 'group effort', my life would've been made a whole lot easier.

But, alas, I AM an individual.

When it comes to funding, I have always maintained that as long as I can source enough funding just to start with, I will be okay.
That being said, there are a few, rather important, aspects to this expedition that will require actual funding.

*Visas
*Communications (Airtime)
*Food

Accommodation - I have a super cool tent thank you very much to my friend Hanret Snyman.

So to make this affordable to any interested parties - sponsorship will run on a monthly basis.

I aim on completing this expedition in 2 years (which would earn me the grand title of, not only first woman to circumnavigate Africa on a bicycle solo, but also in the fastest time)
Though, I am basing the sponsorship outlay on a 30 month period. (2 and a half years - you never know)
(Regardless of whether the world will end in 12/2012 or not) ;)

This is how it will work:

Company ------> Sponsors ZAR5000 (+/- USD700) -----> I market your company for that month


So for example:
* Your company sponsors me for the month of May 2011. For that entire month I will then market your company through mentions on my blogsite, videos, social media (Facebook, Twitter etc)

For one month/ ZAR5000/ USD700 - you get to help me, and in return I tell the whole world about your company and you will forever remain part of a 'world first' expedition. (I.O.W - being the first woman in history to cycle around the entire African continent)
And for that month I get to eat, cross borders, and keep in contact with the outside world. (Thereby not lose my mind!!!) :D

You will remain listed as a sponsor on my site - for as long as that site exists.

Funding starts from April 2011 through September 2013
Should you/your company wish to sponsor more than 1 month - by all means.

1) April 2011 -
2) May 2011 -
3) June 2011 -
4) July 2011 -
5) August 2011 -
6) September 2011 -
7) October 2011 -
8) November 2011 -
9) December 2011 -
10) January 2012 -
11) February 2012 -
12) March 2012 -
13) April 2012 -
14) May 2012 -
15) June 2012 -
16) July 2012 -
17) August 2012 -
18) September 2012 -
19) October 2012 -
20) November 2012 -
21) December 2012 - (World ends according to Mayan calender - but we carry on anyway)
22) January 2013 -
23) February 2013 -
24) March 2013 -
25) April 2013 -
26) May 2013 -
27) June 2013 -
28) July 2013 -
29) August 2013 -
30) September 2013 -


For any interested parties: Please contact me on -
jolandie.rust@gmail.com
+27761672008

Thank you :)

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Only 50 Days to go!!

Everyday my heart starts beating a little faster and faster.

If you've ever done something extreme in your life like skydiving or bungee jumping etc, you'll be able to understand that feeling you get just before you 'jump'.
Butterflies fluttering around in your stomach, your heart racing, struggling to breathe.

That is the place where I am at now. I can feel myself shuffling closer and closer to that JUMP.
Running around in my mind to make sure that I haven't forgotten anything.
Making sure international orders for gear have been placed and are on their way.

Keeping track with affairs around Africa. Protests, border closures etc.

Waiting for people to get back to me on articles, potential sponsors etc etc.
It's all just a little chaotic.

Last night Hanret and I sat until around 2am in the morning doing online shopping for a whole bunch of my gear.
Tent (Sponsored by Hanret), Outdoor gear (Sponsored by Guy Pearce) - Clothing, MSR multi-fuel camp stove and bottles, headlamp, clothing, solar charger (Powermonkey explorer) etc.
As well as my pannier bags and racks (Sponsored by Picobella) - Ortlieb panniers and Old Man Mountain racks. Wateproof casing for my Nokia N8 (Sponsored by Nokia) has been purchased through Aquapac.net - UK (Aquapac is giving me 50% discount on all purchases)

Clothing has been received from Apres Velo, with more to come. As well as clothing from Gravel Clothing.

I am currently undergoing advanced tactical training / hostile environment training, sponsored by Tacmo.
Saturday was my first day of training. Suffice it to say that I could hardly move on Sunday! :D
These guys won't take it easy on me...and I rather prefer and am grateful for that. Just one day's training has already given me more confidence and a mental advantage!

ER24 is sponsoring me with a comprehensive first aid kit, including malaria prevention meds and test kit. And a comprehensive contact list for medical assistance in all the countries I will be traveling through.

I am currently waiting to hear about potential GoPro camera sponsorship.

All that's left is my bike. Service, a few parts replaced, spares, and a few 'small' items. Tubes, tyres, gloves, pump, lock, helmet, repair kits etc.

This is serious countdown time! :)

Launch day is 27 April 2011, from Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa.
I'll be launching from Vida e Caffe in Camps Bay.
This will be a fun, group ride event. Anyone and everyone welcome!

Facebook event

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Undergoing Tactical Training

As of this Saturday, 5 March, I will be undergoing advanced tactical training.

This all came about after I received a call from Bernard from Tacmo.

They heard my interview on 5FM (Listen to interview HERE)and was particularly interested when they heard my comment about sponsors who are reluctant to come on board because of the risk involved. My wanting to cycle around Africa solo seems to risque to a number of potential sponsors.

So Tacmo has offered to give me full advanced tactical training.
They were registered and established in 2009 and they're situated in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Little more on Tacmo:

TACMO Tactical Training Solutions provides the highest quality, proven tactical training to the community, members of community policing forums, members of home owners associations, community Safety and Protection initiatives, reservist of the South African Police Service, members of the Metropolitan Police Service, members of the rural and urban protection initiatives residing in rural areas (Plots and Farming Communities), Security personnel in their own capacity, and members of Paintball Marker Teams playing in major leagues.

Our extensive market research program has shown that public safety has not been addressed as it should have been. Some companies rendering security services have also been, with all due respect, rated inferior concerning operational tactical training and tactical combat proficiency. We saw the need to promote the ideal and to assist in protecting and saving lives by means of providing the best tactical training (developed and adopted by the SAPS Special Task Force) locally available.

Our instructors are highly trained tactical and street survival techniques specialists and are registered with the South African Safety and Security Educational Training Authority (SAS-SETA) as Educational Training and Development Facilitators (ETD), Assessor and Moderators in an extensive range of Unit Standards related to the policing environments. We also have registered Range Officers which can assist on SABS/SAPS approved shooting ranges if the need arises to use firearms with sharp point ammunition for exercise purposes.

The TACMO Team is dedicated in providing the best known and sought after tactical training to our local tactical community.

I will be receiving training in Krav Maga - which in Hebrew means 'hand-to-hand-combat'.
Krav Maga is a hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel that involves striking techniques, wrestling and grappling, mostly known for its extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks, and is taught to regular and special forces in Israel.

The operators at Tacmo who will be working with me will teach me how to defend myself using Krav Maga and other tactics. We will use different scenarios and they will be working with me, going over my route to establish 'danger areas' and different plans of action.

They have assured me that when they are done with me, I'll be as good as a field operator. In layman's terms - you will not want to mess with me!! :D

Although I am very excited about the training and although a number of jokes have already come from this, I am extremely grateful for their offer and willingness to help.
This training might just help save my life when in a difficult situation.
As they say - Better safe than sorry!

I believe it very important to be able to protect yourself.
Should you be interested in attending any of the courses that Tacmo offers - you can find more info on their website www.tacmo.co.za

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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. ;)


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64 Days to go - So much to do!!

Right....there's only 64 days to go and I still have so much to do and organize.
The last week I have felt a tad 'lost in the fray'. Not quite sure which way to turn, where to grab hold and where to let go.

A huge thank you goes out to all the hundreds of friends and supporters all over the world that came together in support of my expedition on my birthday. Over 200 emails from over 18 countries worldwide went out to Ewan and Charley from 'The long way round' and 'The long way down'.
Sadly, it doesn't look like I'll be receiving any reply from them. Even if just to say: "Sorry we can't help but good luck anyway". Which seems to be the standard reply.

But, I will just keep putting it 'out there'. :)

So far I have:
My bike (Luna), which needs a service and some parts replaced.
Nokia N8 handset - sponsored by Nokia
Outdoor gear - sponsored by Guy Pearce from JD group (sponsored in his private capacity)
Clothing - from Gravel Industries (Eastern Cape) and Apres Velo (Australia) - yet to be received from both though. Packages on their way.
Camelbak - sponsored by Clinton Poson
Multi-tool - sponsored by Laurinda Werners
Tent - sponsored by Hanret Snyman
Pannier bags and racks - sponsored by Picobella, the restaurant where I work at night. Though the price has gone up and I need to put in half myself (which I don't have) or source funding.

So I still need:
Video camera - (have contacted a few brands...still awaiting reply)
First aid kit - Including sature kit and malaria meds and test kit
Vaccinations
Mini laptop (optional as I'm not sure whether I REALLY need it)
Bike gear - Tyres, lights, pump, service, parts, spares etc. (On 'Gear and Needs list')

And then there's the funding. In all reality, I don't need THAT much as I am only one person.
Though Visa costs alone can cost me up to anything between R45 000 and R50 000.
Then there's food and communications. Accommodation costs I do not need as I have a tent! :)

And between all of this I have to remember that I have competition now. :)
Which, in all honesty, I welcome with open arms.
It does push me a little harder of course. I mean, for over 3 years now I have been pursuing my dream. That's a long time. And as I have promised, come 27 April 2011 (Freedom Day), I will be setting out from Cape Town. Whether I have all I need or not.

I think what is most important is that I just START!

There are literally people from all corners of the globe rooting for me and trying to help where they can. This is very humbling and heart warming to me! People believe in me, and I cannot let them down. I cannot let myself down!

So now I will focus on a single item each week. This week will be First Aid.
I need a comprehensive first aid kit, including a sature kit, malaria tablets and a malaria test kit. As well as all the vaccinations I need before I can go. These cost a bit as well.

So if there's anyone out there that can help with that, please contact me.

Thank you to everybody out there for your unwavering love and support!

Little over two months to go!

The race for Africa is on!! :)


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Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future

This time last year, on 21 December 2009, I was busy making my way from Thabazimbi in the North West province to a little town called 'Rooiberg'.
Thinking back now, it surprises me that I remember it so vividly. I can remember exactly what I felt, the surroundings, what the road looked like, the weather...every detail.



As I left from Thabazimbi aka 'Thaba' (as the locals call it), I stopped off about 10 km out of town at the turn off to Rooiberg for something to drink and a smoke. Yes...a smoke. I'm sure a lot of people were baffled at the fact that I cycled between 80 and 100 kilometers everyday and smoking whilst doing so.

Yes, not the healthiest or most exemplary of habits, but we all have our vices.
I'm not in the business of saving the world...just Africa. ;-)

As I stood there next to the road, watching cars, bakkies, buses and trucks drive by...an eagle swooped down to pick up some road kill conveniently lying in the middle of the road. A lizard that had fallen victim to human beings' engine driven comfortable modes of transport.

I was excited to have an eagle in arm's reach, yet nervous for the poor thing trying to time it just right, as to not share the lizard's fate.

It was a long day, but I felt so happy. Just Luna (My bike) and I, sharing the open road, surrounded by nature's beauty in all it's splendor.
That night I stayed at a rather 'upmarket' lodge called 'Tilodi Lodge'...filled with tourists. I stayed in a 'luxury tent'...which was fabulous!



I remember the feelings I had. Feelings of contentment, joy, achievement and peace.
And with the splendid sunset, surrounded by nature and all the beautiful animals...how could I but not feel this way.



That was one year ago today. Time flies!!

As my followers know, I was planning on setting off in February 2011 on my journey to becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the entire African continent on a bicycle.

The last year has been focussed on discovery and learning.
Discovering the true drive behind my passions and dreams. And learning more about myself.
When I got back home from my trip around South Africa...I had decided to cancel the trip around Africa. In all honesty, that decision was made to appease my nearest and dearest who felt I needed to 'settle down' and not chase after lofty dreams.

But, as I would discover, one cannot deny that which lies deep within your being.

It was in July 2010, whilst sick in bed (or rather on Hanret's couch) watching the Tour de France that it hit me.
Cycling around Africa is what I want to do, it is my dream...seemingly impossible to others or not...I have to do what I have to do. I could not allow others' fears to keep me from living my dream any longer. I had a choice, and I made it. I chose to GO FOR IT!

From July up until now, I have spent my time planning the trip, seeking sponsors, typing up proposals, doing presentations, sending out press releases, doing interviews for radio, magazines, newspapers, planning and setting up fund raisers (with a lot of help from my awesome friends), envisioning, planning, researching...trying to make it work.

I had a fundraiser in Cape Town at the beginning of November.
I truly believed that this would give me the boost I needed towards fulfilling my dream. The event had other plans though.
It did not pan out as I had planned at all. I felt disappointed and frustrated. I allowed my disappointment to affect my performance. I wasn't on the bike as much as I should've been, I disappointed my friends, supporters...disappointed myself.

On returning home to Johannesburg or 'Jozi', I had to face some criticism (understandably) and I had to sit myself down and ask some difficult questions.

In the last month I've been on a journey of discovering what it is that drives me, what it is I aim to achieve with this expedition and what is important to me?

It has been an amazing experience of growth, learning and discovering.
And although I have discovered so much about the why, where, what, how and who...this is only the beginning.
Three years after initially having taken that leap towards pursuing my dream...I now only get into the core of it all.

A lot has changed, and there's a lot of planning going on. The festive season will not be a quiet, relaxing time of year for me in any way, shape or form.

Now:
Certainties:
* I will not be leaving in February 2011
* I will cycle around Africa, launching in the near future
* I am not giving up on my dream
* Planning is in progress
* There is a plan

Uncertainties:
* I don't know exactly when I will be leaving
* I don't have it all figured out to a T yet. Maybe I never will.

On this journey of discovery I have come to realize, amongst a whole lot of other things, that there are 2 things that have never changed since I started working on fulfilling my dream in 2007.

1. Music was always going to be a part of this journey
2. I always envisioned ending the journey with a concert

So that serves as a hint to what I have in the pipeline. :)

I wish you all a very merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, joy and peace with your loved ones!

Looking forward to the new year!!!




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Taking Old Faithful

I have decided to take Luna, my 'old' bike on this expedition.
At first I thought it almost 'unfair' to put her through having to carry myself and all my gear right around Africa. Seeing as I've already put her through having to carry myself and all my gear through and around South Africa.

And in all honesty, I wasn't sure whether she'd be up to going around the second largest continent on this planet.

But, after much consideration, (and a lack of finding a bike sponsor) I have now decided to take my 'Old Faithful' with me on this trip.
I will be taking her to my favorite cycling shop, Linden Cycles, to have them take her apart, clean and replace whatever needs cleaning and replacing. I might have to make a few adjustments and change something here and there...but overall I am very happy to take her.

I love this bike. We've been through so much together. And it only seems fitting that we tackle this, my biggest undertaking yet, together. I've never had any problems with this bike. She's a very hard worker and always willing to go wherever I want her to. No complaints, no hesitation. :)

So my dear friends...I give you Luna, my sole companion on this trip!

(She is a Corratec, Superbow Race Mountainbike)


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The Elephant

The other day I had a fabulous chat with Sarah Outen, all the way over in London in the UK.

She asked me a question.
She asked me about my background on my blog. The Elephant.
I then realized that it is something I haven't actually explained. Because there is a reason for that particular background.

Elephants actually play a rather significant role in my life. I don't even know if I've ever told my friends about it.
To me the elephant symbolizes - Strength, Wisdom, and power of the feminine...be it that the females are the leaders in the herd. (Matriarchal)

I have always loved elephants. Growing up, we had an elephant's foot in our house. (Maybe a bit disgusting I know)
But as a child, I was absolutely fascinated with that foot. (Ok so I've never claimed to be all that 'normal') :D

When my 'adventure-self' had the opportunity to 'come out of the closet' the first time...six years ago, it was the elephant that got me through some really tough times. I can recall one particularly tough moment (like one of those moments where you think...this is it...I'm not gonna make it...it's over) where we were busy cycling through Israel. We'd been cycling all day in semi-desert terrains in 47deg Celsius heat...and we had ONE more mountain to climb. We'd run out of water, food, money, smokes, light...and even enthusiasm.

My partner turned to me and said: "How do you eat an elephant"?
I thought the dehydration had got to him!
And he answered: "Piece by piece".
And that little piece of wisdom got me through to the end and is still a source of motivation to me to this day!

Since then, my journey...on the road and off, has been filled with the symbol of the elephant.

Interesting fact: In just about EVERY home, hotel, guest-house, lodge that I've stayed in on my trips through and around South Africa...there's been an elephant. Either a statue or a painting or a fountain etc. And that has always made me feel...safe. It's a very reassuring symbol to me.

The bike I rode on from Johannesburg to Cape Town on my trip around South Africa was named "Gaja"...which is Indonesian for 'elephant'.

I definitely hope that I will come across one of these majestic creatures on my journey around Africa!!
In a way, I do see the spirit of the elephant in me...

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Waiting Game

No, I'm not referring to either the song or the television show... ;)

I have now reached that point where, although a whole lot is going on and happening, I have to play the waiting game.
Waiting for answers, waiting for feedback, waiting for confirmation...waiting for rain. :)

Not that it's a bad thing entirely. It is just that it can get a tad frustrating at times.

Said I was taking the weekend off...which I did. Said I was going sailing...which I did. And man...did I get more than I bargained for?!?
Saturday started out with good wind, and 'moi' getting a crash course in "Sailing for dummies". :p
I am happy to report that I do not get sea sick!! Thank goodness. Even when mother nature put my 'adventurous spirit' to the test in 30 knots wind...I was as cool as a cucumber. I must admit, however, that I never realized just what hard work sailing can be! And...am thinking I like this sailing business. Might just get myself a boat! But not now...I am CYCLING around Africa after all. :D



All this 'on the water' activity have inspired me! So I have decided I should make use of the rowing machine standing in the study...all on it's own. Poor thing. I've got as far as the kitchen!! Keep getting stuck there... LoL

So I have a big important exciting meeting tomorrow morning...and hopefully the waiting game will forfeit.

Only 23 Days to go to Stuck On The Bike! Please make sure to follow the updates and if you're in Cape Town...Please come say hello!!!! I'll have a lot of time to kill!

And if you're on Facebook, feel free to join my Facebook Group: "Jolandie Rust - Wild At Heart" for more updates and tidbits. (The group has now grown to nearly 1200 members!)

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126 Days to Go!!

With only 126 days to go to the launch of my dream (finally!), my excitement and anticipation is getting close to boiling point! :)

I still have a whole lot to do, organize and put together before D-Day.
There are, however, a few generous, caring, giving friends and supporters out there that have helped me with a few things on my Needs List:

Laurinda Werners is giving me a Leatherman multi-tool.
Clinton Poson have bought me a Camelbak Mule.
Custom made pannier racks are being made.

For the 'Stuck On The Bike' event: (with only 28 Days to go)

Tyger Valley Shopping Center is sponsoring the venue.
Virgin Active Tyger Valley is supplying me with the bike I'll be stuck on.
The event on Facebook now has 114 people 'attending' and 'maybe attending'. (I aim on getting 8000 people to support this event: to read more on how it will work click HERE)

I had an interview on the Afrikaans radio show: 'Radio Sonder Grense': You can listen to the interview online HERE.
(The dog you'll hear barking in the background, is my ridiculously adorable mascot 'Hvir'. She's a very good friend of mine's Great Dane and they will both be accompanying me to Cape Town for Stuck On The Bike) ;)

And although a number of the National South African newspapers have done stories on me, for the first time, one of the biggest papers in SA, The Sunday Times...will be publishing a story on me this Sunday! Very excited about that. Had the photographer here this morning taking pics and expressing his concerns! :D

There is a whole lot happening, though I can't really spill all the beans on account of so many pending feedbacks.

One thing is for sure though...come Friday 11 Feb 2011...I am launching from Cape Town at 11:02am. Whether I have everything I need, or not! :D




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