Abou El Goukh

Yesterday 'Mike without a bike' had his tour saved by Mohamed Abou El Goukh. Mike's Moots never arrived in Cairo, luckily we found the one shop in Cairo that could make it all better.

Mohamed came up with a really great deal for a Orbea, helped with the customisations, threw in a bunch of things for free and even organised us a ute ride home.

You can find Mohamed at 76 El Gomhoria St, which is about 300 metres from the Mubarak Metro stop. One key thing to know about Cairo bike shops, and we saw this more than once is that there is often a street shop with kids bikes and a more expensive shop hidden away out back. Ask for Orbea in the street shop and you will find Mohammed.

You can call Mohammed on 002 02 25932087 or Mobile 002 0101635780. Email: abouelgoukh@hotmail.com , check out the website: http://www.abouelgoukh.com/

Here's Mohammed's business card in Arabic. That should help get you there.

Sudanese election starts today.

Voting started today in the election on whether to split the largest country in Africa.

In other news I rode a camel around the Sphinx today.

velour pants suit

I discovered the single ladies carriages on the metro today which are a wonder of beautiful ladies in brightly coloured cloth. I have received a surprising number of marriage proposals today and it makes a nice change to be in the company of women.

Below are few examples of the exciting Egyptain tendancy to window dress their shops in an extreme way filling every available space with a clothes model. Very cool.

 I don't need a velour pants suit. I just want one.

Christmas in Cairo

It's Christmas in Egypt today. I can't explain that.

I'm listening to the best of Cindy Lauper. As well as paying a hotel level per rate fee to get on the internet there was also a certain level of tech support I had to provide. All signs point to me being at the very beginning of a Kafka-esk mission to get my Sudanese visa.

I might see if I can find an Egyptian santa as a part of my day's activities.

Ooo! and here's a piccy of Captain's first Egyptian outing, note the sand; will be seeing a bit more of that in the upcoming months.

Yeah - I know I've got a strange tire combination going on at the mo.  I'm going for that hybrid motley look.

On the way

Penny here reporting a successful departure, complete with photo of Captain, all boxed up and waiting to find out the excess baggage fee (steep but worth it). The more observant among you may notice the several layers of clothing being worn- in order to cut down on the baggage weight. Next stop Cairo!

Revolve love

I'm on the plane to Cairo tomorrow, excess baggage and all.  Part of the reason I'm so confident heading off to Africa is the boundless enthusiam, support and coaching of the inspiring Ashley and Marjolein of of Revolve, and of all the awesome women that they have pulled together into a great road and mountain bike riding, cake eating community.  Wellington is richer for you guys.

Thanks to revolve also for the generous donation to the Tour D'Afrique Foundation to get bikes to charities in Africa!

If there are any women out there cycling in Wellington, or thinking about it who haven't yet had the pleasure - you couldn't do better than to go for a ride with these guys.

Freeload fitted.

The freeload is now snuggly fitted above my front wheel. Looks and works great. Pictures below - including some cat focused shots. This is after all the internet.

I'll be removing the freeload again shortly and boxing up Captain ready to fly.