Farewell My South Africa - Again!

The road calls! And so I go.

I will be back in Namibia by tonight!
The time I have had to spend with my nearest and dearest at home, has been a true blessing.
But now I really need to get a move on. The time restrictions that my visas for Angola, DRC and Congo place on me, will force me to have to push really hard for the next few months. I have to uphold a daily average of at least 75 kilometers, or else I won't make it to each border in time.

Whilst on the road, it is not always possible for me to update my blog on a regular basis.

Hanret Snyman, one of my nearest and dearest friends, has been my 'ground control' support whilst on the road and the person who I am in constant contact with. (Also the person that puts in an amazing amount of effort behind the scenes in helping me live my dream). She will be posting regular updates when I am not able to.

So be on the lookout for updates from "La Domestique". :)

Be sure to listen in on JacarandaFM every Thursday for LIVE updates! (I will send out a notification as to what time)

And if you'd like to get involved and sponsor a country: Click here for more information.


A big thank you to FNB Namibia for sponsoring the Namibia leg of my trip!!!

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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!

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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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