Thursday 4 June

4 June Cairo to Beni Suef.

Well we’re finally on the road. Not without it’s share of hassles we finally got the bikes out at about 1:30. local number plates and all. After assembling the bikes we had to gas up, inflate tyres and pack. This was done on the forecourt of a filthy service station and a huge audience.
The GPS is only roughly accurate, not giving road turns etc so after doing reasonably well we ended in central Cairo traffic and threw in the towel. We hired a taxi driver to direct us onto the road south.
We’ve never actually cleared civilisation. The road follows the river and there is massive small scale agriculture on both sides. Te road is 2 lanes but shared with donkeys, carts, tractors and all other sorts of traffic it’s a bit of a nightmare. We stopped for lunch, at about 5pm, at a small place on the side of the road. After lunch a kid was run over by a motor bike going the wrong way up the 2 lane road. It looked terrible and shook us but he managed to get up. The bike didn’t stop!

We’ve ridden about 180km today. Only 13830 km to go, and have made the town Beni Suef. It’s on the Nile and the setting is magnificent. We all agreed on a hotel and found a reasonable place for about $25.Airconditioned and a hot shower. It’s been quite a slide. The 4 seasons at $500/might, The Zaphir at $170, this at $25. It could be quire rough by the end of this curve.
We’re all very tired and dehydrated. It was 36 C at 5 pm! Despite drinking a large amount you never escape the heat.
It’s a great feeling to be on the road. We’ve spoken to the ferry man and he’s got things organised for us. He’s promised a cabin so lets wait and see. We have to go through the reverse process and de-register the bikes before boarding.
It’s now 11:30 and we’re stuffing out faces with ice-cream. This town is really moving, Lots of people out. Wonderful atmosphere.
Tomorrow’s an early start and lots of km to ride. 6 am is promised but let’s see.

Jim.