Across Africa by Bike (Thorn Raven Tour Rohloff) - TheBikeShow Podcast

[Erudin]

Link to Part One podcast: http://thebikeshow.net/across-africa-by-bike-1/

As November brings cold, dark cycling conditions to Britain, there’s no better time to get out the maps and start dreaming up adventures for next year. How about 20,000 miles across Africa? That’s a journey recently completed by Pete Gostelow. After crossing the Sahara, the Congo and the Namibian badlands, will Pete survive the mean streets of south London in a rolling interview? This is the first of a two-part feature.

Part Two: http://thebikeshow.net/across-africa-by-bike-part-two/

From: http://www.petergostelow.com/thebigafricacycle/general-posts/talking-gear/

The Bike: Thorn Raven Tour

Mrs Thorn still doesn’t have a name, unlike many other bikes ridden similarly-long distances by like-minded individuals, but it seems too late to start referring to her as anything other than my trusty black-beauty. She, at least her main body, remains as strong and sturdy as her first days on the road. Sure there are some scratches, but that goes with the territory and the mileage.

When I first ordered the bike I was unsure about whether to go for the slightly larger frame, but standing over the bike there is about a 1” clearance between top tube and that part of my body which feels far better than it did about 7 weeks ago. Some people have asked what the foam tubing on the top tube is for. There is no specific reason. I originally put it on to make the bike appear less flashy, and then realised that it became a comfortable cushion when I was standing over the bike and wanted to take some of the weight off my legs by sitting on it. It’s also protected the frame when I’ve leaned the bike against walls/trees.

[Danneaux]

Oh, nicely found, Erudin!  I knew of Big Africa, but had not heard the podcast. Bedtime here now, but I know what I'll be listening to tomorrow, bright and early!

Thanks so much for posting this.

Best,

Dan.