Tarlton 25/07/2006,
I don't know what the
actual event was, or even the place. I do remember sitting in the local pub
thinking; "not another sodding mobile phone going off". "I need
to go to Africa".
Maybe it was the last time I was put On Hold, or the last sales call I received
on Sunday night. Maybe it was the sixtyfourth button I had to press just to
speak to a human being. I don't know maybe it was a mixture of everything
and that strange feeling - Africa Calling!
Twenty five years ago I lived in the Bundu of South Africa. It still feels
part of me. What could I do to see and feel those African smells, the red
soil, those black gleaming faces, the trickling of sweat and that slight tingly,
prickly feeling of fear. I know, I'll ride a motorbike from home in the Cotswold
to Capetown in South Africa, and what's more, I'll raise money for Clic Sargent.
There, that's it, the seed had been planted.
That was two year ago. The seed is now a sapling. I'll fill you in with a
few details. Nick Graham, a great friend of many years, is doing the trip with
me. Also on a motorbike. His daughter Robin has anorexia nervosa and Nick
is doing the ride to raise mony for EDA (Eating Disorder Association). He
took his bike test last year. It's going to be a huge challenge to Nick's
riding skills.
We had backup organised,
also a co-driver, but it has all fallen through, so it is just the two of
us.
A business colleague has sponsored two BMW R1150GS bikes. BMW are sponsoring
a two day off road course (see pictures) Wonderful! Hammond racing in Cirencester have sponsored
our clothing.
We have organised a beer festival and pub quizzes. A charity cricket matchis
coming up and hopefully a golf day.
Top Up Tents have sponsored our tents. We do still need camping equipment, cooking equipment, petrol, general
supplies and medical equipment.
So far, donations are over a £100K.
We leave on Sunday 1st October 2006. 13 countries and 17,000 km to go!
My son Tom, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia on his 6th birthday,
is flying out to Capetown with Mum, Jamie and Eleanor on this 13th birthday,
15thDecember 2006 to meet us.
By the way, we could do with sponsorshipfor Nick and I to get home from Capetown.
Updates to follow.
Nick Clarke
