Pascal Staeuble

I'm so ashamed of myself that i didn't get to write anything about my friend Pascal Staeuble, who i met on my trip to Jordan, 2 km before a city called Abou Redeis.

Pascal Staeuble is a Swiss gentleman who happened to be cycling his way to South Africa, and i was lucky enough to run into him, have a chat, exchange emails and take a picture.

When i saw him 400m away i thought my mind was starting to play games and i have been on the road for 3 days now, and this is an illusion. A cyclist on the other way in Egypt, is a coincidence that happens as frequent as the moon Eclipses we hear about those days.

Pascal has started his trips like 7-8 months ago now, it was 5 when we met 2.5 months ago. He started from Switzerland and heading to South Africa. He's in Ethiopia now, he's filling my life with inspirations and hope just knowing people like him still exist.

I'm sure he's an inspiration to all of you as well...

Siwa Oasis

View Cairo-Siwa Bicycle Trip in a larger map

As I await for my Novara Randonnee, which is in NYC by now. I start preparing for a new trip to Siwa Oasis, a place i have never been to before and just the stories you hear about the place gives u shivers all over.

This will be an 800km trip, i will do it alone, hopefully! it should take me 6-7 days to arrive. I will then be joined by my friends Farid and Hala in which we will spend 5-6 days in the oasis exploring and enjoying it...

I started with the packing list today. Got out my sleeping bag which needs a bit of fixing and hopefully will work on the tent. I made sure the stove is working fine. I disassembeled my Ergo Lo-rider from the old wheel and it's ready to be assembeled on the new one.

Wish me luck, i need all the support you can offer

Bicycle Crash

Yesterday as I was cycling back from Maadi, 30km away from home approx. I got to go through a small bridge which had very wide gaps between the plates, it has horizontal and vertical gaps. unfortunately i underestimated the vertical gap size and this is what happened, the front wheel fell in the gap, i flipped over the forks snapped, thankfully nothing happened to me save for a few minor wounds. So this the end of Martina. Of course it can be fixed but i don't really trust it will be done correctly and will cost me needless money, so i thought about buying a new one.

I came across the Novara Randonee a reasonably priced touring bicycle with a "steel" frame, which comes with nice hardware and plus I have all the good stuff from the old one. Brooks Flyer Special saddle, Shimano M324 pedals, tubus ergo lo-rider. so it's perfect, i thought it was about time that i bought a more decent bike.

As I'd always like to think everything happens for a GOOD reason.. and this is only for the best...

The Novara Randonee from REI.com