Kigali, Rwanda
Posted by: Charley Boorman | Date posted: 13/07/2007
Pictures
A triumphant David and Russ, post-mud crossing ©
It's not just rocky roads the team have had to contend with. Here's a clip of the river of mud they had to cross in Kenya.
David paints the scene. 'We've only driven a mile today and we've had ten offs on the bikes, you know. I mean look at this car going by, look at the dust.'
Their guide thinks that the trucks will make it, but he's worried about the bikes...
'Mud,' says Ewan. 'Tips for mud - high gear? Third?'
'Walk it across,' replies Charley.
Jim shouts words of encouragement as one of the trucks struggles through the mud, 'Go Russ, break the wheels, go go go! Push!'
A wise Charley tells the camera, 'always go for the easiest option. I think it's amazing how such a small amount of mud can cause such problems. In actual fact it comes across much easier to get a bike across.'
Ewan is concerned, 'we could be here for quite a long time. I think once they get one truck across, you know, they can use the winch and start winching the other ones across.'
After a long struggle, they've done it.
Amongst all of the cheering, a triumphant Russ cries, 'Three bikes and three cars!'
A job well done!
Later, there are problems with Ewan's bike, but it’s not the greatest place to have broken down.
'We basically just left the border, how long, 45 minutes ago? An hour ago?' explains David, 'and it's going to be dark in about 45 minutes, and we're basically in that zone that we talked about where they're saying it's bandit country so we do want to camp before it gets dark. But obviously this bike isn't going anywhere until they fix the shock.'
Luckily, it looks like Charley has everything under control.
We have received several messages regarding the team's safety after a recent story in the press. We would like to assure you that their safety has always been the number one concern on this trip, and so far, so good. Thanks for your concern.
It took all of their strength to cross that river of mud. We asked how you'd dealt with similar obstacles - see your comments below.
Comments
Comments 1 - 10 of 14
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At 05:56:35 PM on 13/07/2007, Emanuele (Italy) wrote:
you're mcGregor and Boorman
It's very hard for you guys. I sure that you get attention at your safety. How does Ewan's wife do when she will be in that conditions? Does she drive the same bike than yours? It's very heavy, isn't?
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At 06:28:42 PM on 13/07/2007, char (Michigan USA) wrote:
OMG
I have NEVER run into anything like this and I hope I never do. I was rooting for you guys!!! It was almost like getting through those rivers in Siberia. I don't know which was worse, so I hope you will tell us in your documentary. I hope Ewan got his bike fixed without to much trouble. Just want to wish all of you better roads ahead. And I am so glad that all those rumours were just not true. But I hope you are keeping a real close eye out. Ride safe and be safe--char
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At 08:18:20 PM on 13/07/2007, Big Pete (manchester) wrote:
Muck N Brass
keep it slow and smooth, or flat out a scream a lot. who said africa was all sand dunes. keep it up guys, looking forward to the flim.
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At 10:09:03 PM on 13/07/2007, Alex Hart (Portland,OR) wrote:
Muddy Waters...
Awesome Video clips! Great Action!
The best part in the clips was the edit to the Rwandan with his take on the situation, then edit back to the mud bog.
Good Job Jimmy and Claudio!
Cheers! Alex Hart -
At 11:22:19 PM on 13/07/2007, Ute (Stuttgart, Germany) wrote:
Mud
Nasty job well done, guys! And you always come out of the greatest sh.. ah, mud with a smile! I find this extremely inspiring, while I'm gearing up for my own adventures.
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At 11:37:46 PM on 13/07/2007, Mike (Adelaide) wrote:
That doesn't look like much fun.
I suppose this is one of those instances that you look back on with fondness.
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At 12:14:51 AM on 14/07/2007, karen (dumfries) wrote:
hi guys
hi ur doin really well so far,keep going.watching u from bonnie scotland
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At 12:17:34 AM on 14/07/2007, bruce (dumfries) wrote:
good luck
listen every morning on radio 1 keep it up
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At 05:18:05 AM on 14/07/2007, Craig (Tathra..Aus..) wrote:
Mud. Gorrila snot.
Gday boys, mate, got to love that sticky mud. Good for the skin, they say. Mud tip, go realy, realy fast, and pray. It's abit like sand but slipy, stand up, steady speed, second gear, maybe third if your going for the fast run. How's the air filters copping with all that fine dust. Don't want that getting into your engine. Stay safe team. stay upright boys.
At 05:28:05 PM on 13/07/2007, Michael Lobodzinski (Toronto, Ontario - CANADA) wrote:
STUCK!
Over a bridge made of fallen branches, crossing a very deep creek. The 350lb bike falls through the bridge and into the creek. Fast flowing water is washing away the sand from underneath my tires and there are steep embankments into and out-of the creek. I ended up dragging the bike up the steep embankment on it's side. Four hours later.. I was on my way.
Complain about this post!