Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Posted by: Ewan McGregor | Date posted: 26/06/2007
Pictures
There should be a road here somewhere... ©
It's not only motorbikes that are at risk on the sandy roads of Ethiopia as you can see from this clip. Although staying awake whilst driving does help...
'These roads are really dangerous actually, it's the first time I've been sort of scared on a road' Charley tells us as they survey the scene. 'We've just come across this crash. Apparently it happened very early in the morning from what I can gather, and the guy apparently fell asleep and then crashed'.
'This is the driver of that truck', explains Ewan, 'and he's saying that he fell asleep and he's thanking the heavens that he's very lucky. We were saying that someone up there is looking after him.' Ewan looks at the wreckage, 'Unbelievable'.
Then it's back on the bikes and ready to go, 'Well, back on to the road, eh?' says Charley as they ride on.
And the guys have taken time out to answer more of your questions. See the clip above or read below for their answers.
Alex - How does Russ keep his hair so composed during the sandstorms?
'Engine oil,' answers Ewan, 'we've got plenty of that.' Charley agrees, 'we've got plenty, yeah'.
Sally - How much food do you pack and need?
Charley explains, 'we usually pack about three meals for each of us, Claudio, Ewan and I, on the bikes, so that if we do camp on our own we've got food. But we try to buy local food, and stuff like that. Ewan cooked a beautiful stew the other day, So it's really the last resort for boil in the bag stuff'.
Steve - I get really bad wind noise in my ears when I ride. What do you recommend?
'Earplugs,' answers Ewan, 'just wear earplugs. You're going to get a bit of noise just because you're riding through the air. If you got a screen that goes up right above your head then you're going to end up riding something that looks like a car, so you're going to have a bit of wind noise. Just wear earplugs' Charley adds, 'It's very important to look after your eardrums'.
Dave - Do you ever get a sore bum or cramp in your legs?
'Yes,' answers Ewan, 'I've especially had a sore bum because I opted for this special touring saddle that stops your bum from sweating, but it's incredibly hard, and I have suffered from numb arse'. Charley adds, 'You get more sore on your wrists and arms when you're doing off-road stuff as well, which can be quite painful, and your back too'.
Alex - Which UNICEF places do you plan to visit during your trip?
'Well we visited one already on the Ethiopian border,' explains Charley, 'and that was all about landmines. And we're going to Uganda to see a group of kids who are in armies, and because the war is sort of finished in Uganda, these children are displaced now, and they're in big camps. And because they've been so messed up by the war, it's difficult to go back into society, so we're going to go there and see how they can be helped'. Ewan continues, 'Last year I went to Malawi with UNICEF and visited lots of different projects that were all to do with children who were affected by HIV and Aids, so we'll go back there and revisit some of those projects and hopefully see some of the same children I met before'.
We wanted to know if you had any top tips for a more comfortable ride. See the comments you sent in below.
Comments
Comments 1 - 10 of 48
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At 07:14:42 PM on 26/06/2007, marianne mckenzie (Stirling) wrote:
Good luck
Another fantastic trip for us to follow. Glad to see all the good stuff you are all doing.I know its all been said before but I wish you all the very best on your trip and hope it all goes safely.Keep up the good work. xxxx
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At 07:17:12 PM on 26/06/2007, Richard AW Tortorella (Langley, BC, Canada) wrote:
No winscreen here ...
My current motorcycle is a naked SV650, meaning no fairings to speak of, and thus my "windscreen" is about 3" tall - really there just for looks. Earplugs are great, or earphones for long distance rides when a bit of music is nice. Anything to stop that ringing in your ears after 200+km of riding. Without any fairings, riding down the freeway (motorway) is quite something when the 100+kph wind is pushing you around like a rag-doll. However, if I wanted to be fully comfortable I would be in a car now wouldn't I? ------ Quetion for Claudio : How is the sand, wind and general muck treating your camera gear? Any difference between this and the Dakar? ------ Stay safe! Richard T.
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At 07:30:35 PM on 26/06/2007, Steve Ibbetson (Gateshead) wrote:
Sore Bum
Try a pair of cycling shorts to relive the sore backside. The more padding the better. Good luck and stay safe boys.
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At 07:46:28 PM on 26/06/2007, Alan Foster (Leeds) wrote:
Any tips for wild camping in Scotland?
Me and a friend are off wild camping in tyndrum,scotland. any tips? Many Thanks and good look Alan
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At 07:49:28 PM on 26/06/2007, J. Patrick Hendren (Castleton, Virgina) wrote:
Saddle Beads
Have you tried using the beaded saddle covers? I've heard that they can help with ventilation and circulation on long rides. Seems like maybe you could find some in Africa or find something that could be modified into a saddle cover! Good luck guys! You are in our thoughts! Patrick
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At 08:18:56 PM on 26/06/2007, Shellie (Loughborough) wrote:
Shift and Change!
Keep shifting your position if you can. If you're going on a long straight road with no gear changes, then shift your bum back onto the pillion seat, just for a change and to stop your muscles cramping up. It'll also simulate riding a big fat chopper! :-D
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At 08:51:19 PM on 26/06/2007, Emanuele (Pontedera - Italy) wrote:
Communication sistem
I'd like to know how you can talk togheter meanwhile you're riding...specially if you're wearing earplugs. and how much is the distance between the bikes that make this possible? Thank you guys, you'ra fanteastic.
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At 08:56:09 PM on 26/06/2007, Michelle (Ringwood Australia) wrote:
They think its funny!
Well fella's looks scarey. What got me was that they think the crash was funny. Watch yourselves and be more careful of the other idiots on the roads. Danksy
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At 09:10:11 PM on 26/06/2007, Alex Hart (Portland, OR) wrote:
icomfortable
My iPod makes for a comfortable and enjoyable ride!
Cheers Guys!
At 06:56:11 PM on 26/06/2007, Christine (Dallas, Tx.) wrote:
Another truck turned over?
What are the odds? One on it's side in a ditch last trip and one on it's side in the desert. I wonder if you've seen any other similarities to this trip and the last, or is it completely and totally different? Hopefully, it's just as good as the last one. Hope you're all still enjoying it.
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