Preparations

Currently I'm going through the process of preparing for a new trip that will start next year, 2011. A bit by bit I will release all the details about the trip. Most of the people close to me know about it. Once everything is clear and solid, i will post them...

Back from the GBI

Got back 10 days ago, unfortunately I didn't have a functional computer to update the blog or upload the pictures. But i finally bought one of those little netbooks, very handy.

The trip all in all was like a magical dream... just cycling from eastern Europe, Prague, onto Eastern Germany, down to Western Germany was just crazy. All the green fields roads and lovely people.

I never imagined myself cycling with a whole team all that distance, and specially the last three days I felt like i was a part of this team, it was magnificent.

This is the link to the photos, hope you enjoy them...


http://picasaweb.google.com/sherif.halim/GBI2010#

Cycling the GBI - From Prague to Dusseldorf

Next week, on the 29th of May, 2010, I'll be flying to the Czech Republic, to join a group of 300 cyclists from several countries to cycle for charity from Prague to Dusseldorf, Germany.

There will be about 33 Egyptian cyclists, which I'm very proud to be a member of. Over 8 days we'll enjoy cycling in Europe, which I'm sure is a totally different experience than Egypt.

Currently I'm working on a big project which I'll post the details about when I'done with 85% of the planning.. wish me luck :-)

http://www.gbi-ev.de/index.php/en/gbi-2010

Siwa - Day 7

Seventh day trip to Siwa 5th of March, 2010 21:26

Total Distance 834.07km
Distance 209.37km
average speed 25.4km/h

Excerpts from my diary:
Made it to Siwa today, I feel normal, after all it isn't a multi-thousand kilometer trip or a few months long trip, but i can say it has been great cycling that road.
Today a guy at the rest house told me he felt an inner peace when he saw me. I can never imagine myself leaving that effect on someone. I do want to give hope and be an inspiration to many.

Yesterday has been tough, the usual high speed wind against me, lots of tractors, specially coming from the opposite direction.

My stupid cheap rear panniers gave me a hard time. I'll buy Ortliebs that's it, even though I can't afford it.

I loved how the desert expanded on my left and right. After 100km I took a left turn and just 20m away from the road I camped. This is how safe I felt, and a man with a broken car asked me for water for his truck the next morning and I gave him a bottle.

The weather has been magnificent today, wind in my direction and not too much sun.

I seized the opportunity and thought I better take the whole distance today and I did 210km in one day, a record for me.

I have a lot of left over food, hope I finish it with the friend and save some food money.

I'm happy, peaceful and calm...

Photos link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sherif.halim/SiwaDay7#

Siwa - Day 6

Sixth day trip to Siwa, 4th of March, 2010

Total Distance 624.7km
Distance 101.7km
average speed 12.9km/h

(haven't written anything on that day, too tired had to sleep)

Photos link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sherif.halim/SiwaDay6#

Siwa - Day 5

Fifth day trip to Siwa 3rd of March, 2010 19:45

Total Distance 523km
Distance 67.72km
average speed 13.3km



Excerpts from my diary:
My speedometer reseted today accidentally.
My day had a rough start with a silly fall. I started cycling slowly but kept a good pace. Cycled with great power to 50km and started to wear out, may be because subconsciously I knew I'd be resting.

I reached Marsa  Matrouh at around 14:00, found a cheap hotel, 20 pounds per night. El-Amir Hotel it's called. Had a good fish meal, 110 pounds! Did some shopping, water, milk, juice, and some cans to support me in the upcoming three days, which I pray to God to make them more bearable, I know He will. I feel loved and blessed, I feel like crying to be so lucky...

Photos link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sherif.halim/SiwaDay5#

Siwa - Day 4

Fourth day trip to Siwa 2nd of March, 2010 18:15

Total Distance 456.36km
Distance 100.25km
average speed 17.3km/h






 Excerpts from my diary:

I'm writing this the next day i was too tired to write or read, just ate and slept.
I had a rough start this morning, had a stupid fall while dragging the bicycle out of the camping spot. I'm safe thankfully. The road was terribly windy, I cycled almost at 10km/h the whole time. Glad I made it to 100km.
The strange thing is that the wind changed direction from west to noth, from hot to cold, in a merely few seconds. Nature is amazing.
I had a good night sleep and the tent was stacked out good

Photos link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sherif.halim/SiwaDay4#