Captain Cook
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Tonight I promise. Been in hospital but back home now.
Hlola Africa 2019
- Thread starter Captain Cook
- Start date
eepwall:Captain Cook
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 156
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Cape Town
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Planning or lack thereof
I had been thinking about this trip for over a year but never got down to any real planning having spent most of my time sitting in a sunny spot dreaming of riding for days on end without a care in the world. This year had many ups and downs and then all of a sudden all of the stars lined up and the trip was on. With four weeks to go I decided that to leave my front gate, ride 15000Km and return would be a bit pointless and decided I needed to ride for a reason and that is where all my energy was focused.
First of all I needed a name and a logo. Having always been passionate about these three things Africa, our Flag and the first two versus of our National Anthem I started stitching things together. I chose the name Hlola Africa as this means Explore Africa I was told. The logo below was designed by my son in-law and included the flags of all the countries I would be traveling through
Next was to find a reason to ride. I Googled the translation of the first two verses of our National Anthem and the phrase "God bless the children of Africa" stood out, Stuck in the traffic on the way to work I mulled over this and it came to mind that the company I work for support Qhubeka that is a charity that provides bicycles to Local Communities so that scholars, health care workers and entrepreneurs save time by not having to walk so far. This resulted in a visit to the top floor of our building where all the decision makers sit and it did not take long for them to offer their support. Before I knew it I was on my way to JHB to meet with Qhubeka in order to get a fundraising project started.
Now I needed to be visible so it was back to the seventh floor asking for some branding for my Honda Africa Twin and some new riding gear. Once again I was smiled upon and contacted MIRA Active wear who in consultation with the brand police did an outstanding job under time pressure on designing riding tops, a rain suite and riding jacket. Bike decals were sponsored by Somerset Signs
With all this coming together my mind was racing. Next on the list was a theme song. My daughter is a musician and it did not take her long to do an arrangement of the first two verses of the national and put a band together. A father has to boast and the beautiful Lady playing the trumpet is my daughter. We found a church with a digital sound desk and within two days had the recording done.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/jDcVe8CAiHE[/youtube]
Now I was cooking and over a cup of coffee at my favorite breakfast place Café Racer in Strand I organised a send off where tickets would be sold and proceeds would go to my fundraising effort. The idea was to raise enough funds for pay for the two Qhubeka bicycles.
Next on my list was some publicity, prepping the bike and planning the trip. I will cover this in the next post.
Just to put your minds at ease this is not a fundraising effort but an opportunity for me to share a life changing experience with fellow Adventure Riders
I had been thinking about this trip for over a year but never got down to any real planning having spent most of my time sitting in a sunny spot dreaming of riding for days on end without a care in the world. This year had many ups and downs and then all of a sudden all of the stars lined up and the trip was on. With four weeks to go I decided that to leave my front gate, ride 15000Km and return would be a bit pointless and decided I needed to ride for a reason and that is where all my energy was focused.
First of all I needed a name and a logo. Having always been passionate about these three things Africa, our Flag and the first two versus of our National Anthem I started stitching things together. I chose the name Hlola Africa as this means Explore Africa I was told. The logo below was designed by my son in-law and included the flags of all the countries I would be traveling through
Next was to find a reason to ride. I Googled the translation of the first two verses of our National Anthem and the phrase "God bless the children of Africa" stood out, Stuck in the traffic on the way to work I mulled over this and it came to mind that the company I work for support Qhubeka that is a charity that provides bicycles to Local Communities so that scholars, health care workers and entrepreneurs save time by not having to walk so far. This resulted in a visit to the top floor of our building where all the decision makers sit and it did not take long for them to offer their support. Before I knew it I was on my way to JHB to meet with Qhubeka in order to get a fundraising project started.
Now I needed to be visible so it was back to the seventh floor asking for some branding for my Honda Africa Twin and some new riding gear. Once again I was smiled upon and contacted MIRA Active wear who in consultation with the brand police did an outstanding job under time pressure on designing riding tops, a rain suite and riding jacket. Bike decals were sponsored by Somerset Signs
With all this coming together my mind was racing. Next on the list was a theme song. My daughter is a musician and it did not take her long to do an arrangement of the first two verses of the national and put a band together. A father has to boast and the beautiful Lady playing the trumpet is my daughter. We found a church with a digital sound desk and within two days had the recording done.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/jDcVe8CAiHE[/youtube]
Now I was cooking and over a cup of coffee at my favorite breakfast place Café Racer in Strand I organised a send off where tickets would be sold and proceeds would go to my fundraising effort. The idea was to raise enough funds for pay for the two Qhubeka bicycles.
Next on my list was some publicity, prepping the bike and planning the trip. I will cover this in the next post.
Just to put your minds at ease this is not a fundraising effort but an opportunity for me to share a life changing experience with fellow Adventure Riders
Captain Cook
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 156
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Cape Town
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Is it the same for others? That's a disaster. Will look at it tomorrow I can see them
DisasterRelief
Pack Dog
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- Oct 25, 2015
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I can see pictures using TapaTalk. Not sure if that makes a difference. Haven’t checked the website.Captain Cook said:Is it the same for others? That's a disaster. Will look at it tomorrow I can see them
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Captain Cook
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 156
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Cape Town
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Panning part two
By now I was neglecting my work and totally focused on creating awareness around my African Dream. Although I have followed Lyndon Poskitt for a few years now and although I was useless when it comes to social media but realised that if I wanted to attract followers, I needed to get my story out there. There is a college just down the road from us that offers a course in social media so on my way to work one day I made a U-turn and walked in and asked to see the principle. After sharing my story, they agreed to offer me access to one of their final year students that would help register a webpage and setup a Facebook page and an Instagram account. In return I would have their logo added to my riding gear in order to give them sum publicity. Next on the list was shooting a promotional video so after finding a drone pilot we headed off to the back of Grabow one Saturday morning in order to shoot some footage. This was edited and the background music produced by my daughter was added.
The video is a bit slow in the beginning, but I encourage you to watch it to the end
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6kff_iUXws&t=3s[/youtube]
Next area of focus was on the bike. There is an add that has the punch line “Join the Honda Family” well they reside in Durban Road Durbanville. I purchased my Africa Twin from them and have had all its services done there as well. Their service and support are outstanding. I popped in a to show them how sexy my steed was looking with all its stickers on and next thing I knew they were fitting a new front tyre and giving the bike a good lookover to make sure it was fit for the journey ahead. If you had to ask me about bike to buy, I would say without hesitation, an Africa Twin from Tygerberg Honda. Thanks to the team there you are outstanding.
I also removed the bac k seat and fitted a luggage rack made by Africa ADV, purchased a Desert Fox fuel bladder from Flying Brick ad acquired a Spot Satellite tracker. I have a Cat Phone that I use for navigation using Maps.me and iOverlander to look for accommodation. Other than that, I had all the other kit I needed.
I should have stopped now but publicity was still on my mind so next thing I was in the local newspaper and had arranged for a radio interview with a weekly follow-up call to me on the route
I was now rushing around tying up work, arranging a breakfast, going for clothing fittings and trying to make out all was under control. My name was all over town, the breakfast sold out, Honda Tygerberg brining some demo bikes through for my send off, the local newspaper ready to cover the event, Dr Joseph Okori one of the worlds best Rhino Veterinarians booked to send me off and Qhubeka flying in from JHB. I was committed. All I needed was a route to follow. This was the start of meeting amazing people that continued throughout my trip. Jera approached me as I was looking over my map in a coffee shop wondering which border posts to cross and how to get from Tanzania into Mozambique after the Cyclones in the area and political trouble in the top east of the country. He was born in Zimbabwe and had done construction work in most of the countries I was traveling through. With a pink Highlighter we drew out a route on the map. There was no accommodation or petrol stops planned just a pink line I would follow. I was ready to go and could not wait.
By now I was neglecting my work and totally focused on creating awareness around my African Dream. Although I have followed Lyndon Poskitt for a few years now and although I was useless when it comes to social media but realised that if I wanted to attract followers, I needed to get my story out there. There is a college just down the road from us that offers a course in social media so on my way to work one day I made a U-turn and walked in and asked to see the principle. After sharing my story, they agreed to offer me access to one of their final year students that would help register a webpage and setup a Facebook page and an Instagram account. In return I would have their logo added to my riding gear in order to give them sum publicity. Next on the list was shooting a promotional video so after finding a drone pilot we headed off to the back of Grabow one Saturday morning in order to shoot some footage. This was edited and the background music produced by my daughter was added.
The video is a bit slow in the beginning, but I encourage you to watch it to the end
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6kff_iUXws&t=3s[/youtube]
Next area of focus was on the bike. There is an add that has the punch line “Join the Honda Family” well they reside in Durban Road Durbanville. I purchased my Africa Twin from them and have had all its services done there as well. Their service and support are outstanding. I popped in a to show them how sexy my steed was looking with all its stickers on and next thing I knew they were fitting a new front tyre and giving the bike a good lookover to make sure it was fit for the journey ahead. If you had to ask me about bike to buy, I would say without hesitation, an Africa Twin from Tygerberg Honda. Thanks to the team there you are outstanding.
I also removed the bac k seat and fitted a luggage rack made by Africa ADV, purchased a Desert Fox fuel bladder from Flying Brick ad acquired a Spot Satellite tracker. I have a Cat Phone that I use for navigation using Maps.me and iOverlander to look for accommodation. Other than that, I had all the other kit I needed.
I should have stopped now but publicity was still on my mind so next thing I was in the local newspaper and had arranged for a radio interview with a weekly follow-up call to me on the route
I was now rushing around tying up work, arranging a breakfast, going for clothing fittings and trying to make out all was under control. My name was all over town, the breakfast sold out, Honda Tygerberg brining some demo bikes through for my send off, the local newspaper ready to cover the event, Dr Joseph Okori one of the worlds best Rhino Veterinarians booked to send me off and Qhubeka flying in from JHB. I was committed. All I needed was a route to follow. This was the start of meeting amazing people that continued throughout my trip. Jera approached me as I was looking over my map in a coffee shop wondering which border posts to cross and how to get from Tanzania into Mozambique after the Cyclones in the area and political trouble in the top east of the country. He was born in Zimbabwe and had done construction work in most of the countries I was traveling through. With a pink Highlighter we drew out a route on the map. There was no accommodation or petrol stops planned just a pink line I would follow. I was ready to go and could not wait.
Captain Cook
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 156
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Cape Town
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Morning all. Before I continue I want to confirm that you are able to view the pictures. Please can one or two of you let me know. I am able to see them on my iPad and phone.
Captain Cook
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 156
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Cape Town
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Thanks good to know. Its now a post a day as promised
Fudge
Race Dog
No problems on this side :thumleft: Please continue :ricky:
Captain Cook
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 156
- Reaction score
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- Location
- Cape Town
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
The big day had arrived and with only a few hours sleep we arrived at Café Racer in the early hours of the morning so that we could take My Africa Twin inside and put it on display together with the Riding Gear that MIRA had done such a good Job on. In no time she was standing proud and waiting to go with the first two Qhubeka bicycles that had been donated on either side. A proud moment for all.
Next to arrive were the team from Tygerberg Honda and the door of Café Racer was flanked by two looking steeds.
The place was filling up fast coffee being served and the guests enjoying of Café Racers excellent breakfasts
I wanted to be out by 11am and was eagerly watching the time, fortunately all was running as planned and next up was Matt from Qhubeka. We showed the video below that we had prepared. Worth watching it has some interesting stats and scenes that will make you want to get on your Bike and head north.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/1PKt93xbArE[/youtube]
Then the moment I had been waiting for, a few words by Dr Joseph Okori very good friend of mine for who I have a lot of respect. He grew up in rural Africa walking to school barefoot and that is where his heart still lies. Now let me state at this point that I am no bible puncher but do try to live my life according to Christian principles and the prayer at the end meant a lot to me. I carried the words “Not in haste or in flight but the Lord God, the God of Israel shall go before him” in my head every day I was on the road. There were many days I met people and encountered situations where I knew although it was a Solo trip I was not alone.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/DgyxXCaIl8w[/youtube]
With the formalities over my bike was returned to the street and pointed in the right direction. I felt like Neil Armstrong and with three giant steps I was on my way to the sound of my daughter playing Nkosi Sikelele’ on her trumpet. A very special moment indeed and one I will never forget.
Next to arrive were the team from Tygerberg Honda and the door of Café Racer was flanked by two looking steeds.
The place was filling up fast coffee being served and the guests enjoying of Café Racers excellent breakfasts
I wanted to be out by 11am and was eagerly watching the time, fortunately all was running as planned and next up was Matt from Qhubeka. We showed the video below that we had prepared. Worth watching it has some interesting stats and scenes that will make you want to get on your Bike and head north.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/1PKt93xbArE[/youtube]
Then the moment I had been waiting for, a few words by Dr Joseph Okori very good friend of mine for who I have a lot of respect. He grew up in rural Africa walking to school barefoot and that is where his heart still lies. Now let me state at this point that I am no bible puncher but do try to live my life according to Christian principles and the prayer at the end meant a lot to me. I carried the words “Not in haste or in flight but the Lord God, the God of Israel shall go before him” in my head every day I was on the road. There were many days I met people and encountered situations where I knew although it was a Solo trip I was not alone.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/DgyxXCaIl8w[/youtube]
With the formalities over my bike was returned to the street and pointed in the right direction. I felt like Neil Armstrong and with three giant steps I was on my way to the sound of my daughter playing Nkosi Sikelele’ on her trumpet. A very special moment indeed and one I will never forget.
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2010
- Messages
- 3,605
- Reaction score
- 174
- Location
- I would rather be in Great Brak...
- Bike
- Honda CRF-1000L Africa Twin
Kudos to you for taking this and running with it.
Thanks for sharing!
8)
Thanks for sharing!
8)
wooly bugger
Bachelor Dog
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- Oct 15, 2008
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Well done, so far! :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:
big oil
Race Dog
Well.....................shit, lol.
I can see the tube vids, no peeekchas on this side of the Atlantic.
Anyhoo, no worries, don't sweat it, I'm sure it was epic. I'll make the best of it and read your report.
I can see the tube vids, no peeekchas on this side of the Atlantic.
Anyhoo, no worries, don't sweat it, I'm sure it was epic. I'll make the best of it and read your report.
Bundu
Grey Hound
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big oil said:
that's weird, the links looks something like this "https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1K_AF0wE4BKGro0_1GDzWgIhhjsr_sEi7"
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1K_AF0wE4BKGro0_1GDzWgIhhjsr_sEi7
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