Ethiopia

[Matt2matt2002]

Ethiopia this time.

Just four weeks. Flying out from Edinburgh on Feb 13, via Istanbul to Addis Ababa. Return ticket on March 13.
Planning on cycling north to Lake Tana (350 miles) and the source of the Blue Nile. Depending on time/ fitness I may trek in the Simien mountains.
Another plan is to bus back from Lake Tana to Addis Ababa and then cycle south for a week.

Using my Raven with 38*17, 1.75 Marathons, 2 front Ortlieb on rear rack, Altura bar bag and Chaingliger.
Packing very light this time.

Research shows that the country is a tough one to tour, in terms of altitude, temperatures and young folk err... requesting donations.

Ethiopia has one of the highest population densities in Africa. Very little of the country is lower than Ben Nevis, the highest point in UK.

Why Ethiopia? In two words, the challenge.
I like to push my personal boundaries.
Lots of secondary reasons. Culture, history, scenery, food, coffee and ( hopefully) hippopotamuses.

Internet access is sporadic so updates may be intermittent but will finish this with thanks to the group for not only technical support over my years here but also the good humoured camaraderie and 'banter'.

[jags]

Good on ya Matt have a blast buddy you have enough miles in the legs to make the cycling easy but man that heat is gonna take some getting used to
look forward to the photos
bring us back a stick rock.

anto.

[Danneaux]

All good wishes, Matt. Safe, happy travels with just enough of the "right" kinds of Adventure to make for good retellings.

All the best,

Dan.

[Pavel]

I'd be interested in hearing on what gear you intend to bring and how you will pack.  I assume you are bringing a  tent, mat and sleeping bag, right?  Are you bringing cooking gear and food? 

I've been trying to think of how I could pack for a three day just using my front Ortlieb Sportspacker Plus' and have determined it can't be done, short of using ancient Celtic spells.

Careful if you find those hippos.  When I lived in Africa I was surprised at how Hippos were regarded as a dangerous animal. But in my imagination, anywhere there are hippos there are going to be Crocodiles. Those I like seeing only from healthy distances.

I wonder how Ethiopia is for water. Does a lot have to be carried?

[Matt2matt2002]

Thanks folks.
Pavel; no camping, no food preparation. So ultra light.
On my previous tours I have always found I've carried too much.
I am taking a cotton sleeping bag liner. Might help with beg bugs.
Most of the weight/ volume is taken up with tools, medicine and electronics.
I know my route and sleeping locations.

Matt

[geocycle]

Sounds a great! I’ve just been working with a Coptic Ethiopian from the Tana region, lovely guy. He was telling me about the rock cut monasteries. I’d always take a mosquito net impregnated with deet and avoid water. Beer is pasteurised so the drink of choice!

[David Simpson]

Safe travels, Matt.

- DaveS

[Pavel]

Thanks folks.
Pavel; no camping, no food preparation. So ultra light.
On my previous tours I have always found I've carried too much.
I am taking a cotton sleeping bag liner. Might help with beg bugs.
Most of the weight/ volume is taken up with tools, medicine and electronics.
I know my route and sleeping locations.

Matt

Ah.  ok, that makes sense.

[PH]

Only four weeks!!! Not jealous from someone who relishes getting four days away.
Sounds like a great trip, enjoy.

[John Saxby]

Great stuff, Matt--enjoy the landscapes, the history, the food!  Your lightweight/no camping approach makes good sense.

Do take care with your "unsolicited interactions" with youngsters--I think there are a number of journals on crazyguy which explain the problems one can encounter.

Look forward to your stories & fotos,  safe journeys,

John

[Matt2matt2002]

Trains, bike boxing and taxi went to plan.
Awaiting flight departure at Edinbugh airport.
On display is Mark Beaumont's bike from his around the world in 80 days trip.
He used a similar bike for his trans African trip.
I'll be on the road he used when I travel north from Addis Ababa.
He said that Ethiopia was the worse country for cycling in Africa.
The road conditions, altitude and begging children asking for money and pens.

[jags]

fantastic cyclist is Mark but no need for you Matt to hammer along as quick as him.
hope you handle the kids a tad better than he did i have 6 grandkids they would drive a fella to drink at times.

anto.

[Matt2matt2002]

Raven and myself arrived in 2 pieces after a 19 hour layover..
00.50 arrivals aren't the best of ways to start a tour so decided on an extra day of acclimatization.
A wee 26 Km spin this morning showed good roads, too much pollution and plenty of waves/ hellos.
A long and higher test ride tomorrow and then I'll be off north towards Lake Tana.

Interesting coffee procedure here. None of your instant or percolator.

[Matt2matt2002]

A quick update while the internet is turned on.
A state of emergency was called the day I departed from Addis Ababa.
They've had them before and not to much trouble apart from the internet being turned off in various parts of the country.
Anyway.....
What is it like here?
Fantastic. Roads are ok if you watch out for the pot holes. Folk are friendly and food is healthy.
Raven running like a dream.
More news if Internet keeps up.

I'm at a town called Bure. 200 km north of Addis Ababa.

[jags]

just seen your photo of that young girl water carrier Wow.
enjoy Matt stay safe .

anto.