Other than I’m an inveterate optimist who can‘t resist a challenge, I don’t know what to say.
Setting out to cross Africa, the Middle East and Europe on a 45 year-old motorbike totally unsuited for the purpose, at an age when others are setting out their slippers, probably says enough! Funnily enough, most people expressed concern about the bike’s capability; no-one seemed too worried about me!
I grew up in Belfast during N Ireland’s “troubles”; I’d visited some of the world’s hot spots during my career; and having lived for many years in Africa – mostly in Zimbabwe through its most turbulent times – I wasn’t that worried either. But I did think the bike was definitely the weaker ½ of the partnership.
So as the record shows, we made it; but who ever stops after reaching the first peak?
Oh yes, WE! I’m the other half!
I started life in 1978, in Belfast and had a couple of pets, before I found my present one. He looked after me quite well, but then I got a bit tired so had to hibernate for a few (30 or so) years before being restored to my rightful place in the world, and taking on the task of carrying this now aging human back home.
I think we make a good team; we’re both getting on, we both can be a bit cranky; we’re both slowing down a bit; but we’re both still up for it!
So far we’ve been through nearly 30 countries together and covered well over 80 000 kilometres. As he says, we made it through Africa, though not without a few spills on the way, and now we’re off on this new adventure. I can’t wait; there’s lots of life left in this old girl!
If you have any questions or comments:
And then …
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Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike 