The title refers to a saying a local Namibian told me. I was explaining what it was like on the tour, with the days being so long, but the weeks flying by so quickly. She said "An elephant is eaten in small pieces". I figured that would be the most fitting way to describe this tour. So, here I sit in Felix Unite, Namibia. It's right on the border with South Africa. There are 6 riding days remaining in the tour. What can I say? I'm speachless. This tour has changed me as a person. I'm actually at a loss for words. This whole experience is something so great, it's going to be impossible for me to describe, but I'll try anyway.
This trip is something I would never wish on my worst enemy, but would highly recommend to my best friend. It is a vacation only because I paid for it. If I didn't, it would be a labour camp. This tour has challenged me in new ways, both physically and mentally. I have been happy, sad, frustrated, angry, tired, wired, scared, passive, excited, breathless and speachless, sick, healthy and everything in between. I have loved every single second of it, bar none. Well, maybe a few seconds when I was getting shot at. But no doubt, this trip has changed me. I have had a lot of time to think and unwind. I feel I've grown up a bit, even though I don't want to admit it to myself. It has shown me how lucky I am to be in the position I am in, and how much I have, but it's also shown me how little I need. I've met people I would never have met before and will leave Africa with some wonderful, lifelong friends. When I left Canada, I figured I would leave bodybuilding behind for a few months and try something new. But then it happened: I found myself researching road bikes instead of proteins and chamois instead of gym shoes. I've become a cyclist.
The things I've seen here many people would be envious of as well. I've seen the pyramids, the Sudanese desert, swam in the Nile, climbed the Blue Nile Gorge, drank Malawi Gin on the edge of Lake Malawi, walked through Victoria Falls, climbed the dunes in Namibia and cycled nearly 12000km! It's a funny thought about what has actually taken place over the past 4 months. You spend all your time with the same people, doing the same things are you are that you lose all perspective of what is actually going on. Your days just seem normal, like you're going to work. But you fail to realize what you've just accomplished, whether it be 207km into storms or 172km on dirt road. Over time, you achieve a larger goal: to get to Capetown. An elephant is eaten in small pieces, as they say.
So, with the finish line in sight and one more week of (hopefully) easy cycling, I am awaiting the end. I will leave the TDA bubble and slowly reintegrate myself into normal life again (lame, I have to get a job). I'll be home to party with old, lifelong friends and family and recount some of my stories to those who will listen. Thanks to all my followers and friends for your never-ending support. I couldn't have done it without you guys. And, as per usual, I leave you with some random stats.
Animals I have decimated: Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, tuna, trout, salmon, Nile perch, goat, sole, hake fish, springbok, blesbok, gemsbok, kudu, oryx, donkey, camel, ox, ostrich, zebra, blue wildebeest, eland, crocodile, random livers, ostrich egg, regular egg, and pigeon. Eat that vegetarians!
Falls: 6
Punctures to date: 34
Parts changed to date: Tires x2, chain x1, cassette x1, jockey wheels x3, rear wheel bearings x4, front wheel bearings x1, brake cables x2, shifter cables x2, brake rotors x2, brake pads x3 sets, brake calipers x2, crankset x1
Consumables: Toothpaste tubes x3, deodorant sticks x2, toilet paper rolls x3, baby wipes x200, 1L rubbing alcohol, socks x6 pairs, underwear x2, soap x2 bars
Showers to date: 15
Rides on the truck: 1 (damn!)
See you all in a week!
Danimal
