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SILK ROUTE 2008
We are delighted to announce that Paul Wilson, renown Oxford historian and author, is set to join the 2008 Silk Route Bicycle Race and Expedition from Istanbul to Beijing! Paul will be sharing his unique historical and cultural insights with fellow riders. "Traveling Asia and China by bike is a spectacular way to experience the landscape, festivals, architecture, food, musicand history of the ancient Silk Route." said Henry Gold, company founder and environmental activist who launched the Tour d'Afrique Bicycle Race & Expedition from Cairo to Cape Town five years ago. "We are thrilled that Paul will be joining us this year. Riders can look forward to a series of talks and campfire lectures from this renowned Silk Route expert." Guest speaker at the World Tourism Organization's 'Silk Road Convention', Paul Wilson, from the UK, has been traveling and researching the Silk Route for over ten years and has written several articles and books on the region, including Trailblazer's 'The Silk Roads, a Route and Planning Guide'. Commenting on the event and what the riders can expect to experience over four months, Wilson said that the Silk Route does more than simply link the cradles of civilization."It lets us understand who we are, both East and West, today."
Below the equator, life on the TDA 2008 has changed. In the southern half of Africa, not only does the water spin the other direction-it is everywhere. We've happened upon the rainy season, a time when plants are a brilliant green and flowers are abundant. The periodic sun showers bring thick raindrops that puddle into milky pools along our route.
Leaving Arusha two days ago, we were fooled into thinking that Tanzania would be a piece of cake. Six kilometers into yesterday's ride, the tarmac ended and Tanzania showed its true face. Rough russet roads and afternoon sun showers are challenges unlike those of Sudan or Ethiopia.
Cycling in Tanzania is a full body workout. Rutted and rocky roads send handle bars in all directions. From the hips up, all strength is spent wrestling the front wheel forward. Throw in some steep climbs, snaking descents and sporadic ditches and you've got the average cycling day in Tanzania.
There are limited spaces available for TDA 2009. Register now!
TDA Alumni News
One of our alumni, Lili Hrabchak, who cycled the Orient Express in 2006 and a portion of the Silk Route up to Kashgar, China, in 2007 is embarking on a cross-Canada cycle this June. Part of the sixty person National Team in the Sears National Cancer Ride for Kids, she will go from Vancouver to Halifax, 7600 km, in 19 days.
The purpose of this event is to raise funds for childhood cancer programs and services in Canada. She is involved because of her connection to and love for children fostered during her life's work as an elementary teacher and as director of children's running clubs. Her objective is to raise $25000 for the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. For more information contact Lili directly or visit the web site.
Good luck Lili!!
The 2008 Orient Express Bike Expedition is sold out! The lucky riders are busy making preparations for their adventure this summer!
Please follow their progress as they pedal from Paris to Istanbul.
Cyclists are already registering for the 2009 Orient Express Expedition. If you wish to reserve a spot for next summer's journey please register soon.
The first Vuelta Sudamericana Bike Expedition will depart from Rio de Janeiro on July 26th, 2009. Be part of this amazing adventure. For more information please visit the website.
This expedition will provide a complete range of cycling conditions: extreme temperatures, mountain passes over 4,000 m, open desert crossings, dense jungles and every conceivable road surface. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the diversity of ancient cultures or simply enjoy the contrast between the salt plains and the Amazon basin, this will surely be the journey of a lifetime.
Space is limited! Register now.
Report from the Battleground
What a difference, eh!? For those of us in Toronto, Mayor David Miller's self-proclaimed 'Green City', well, we can only dream about bike lanes like that. I was biking home one day this month and noticed that as all the parking spaces were filled with snow, drivers had decided to simply park in the bike lanes. As I was taking the photo above I asked a parking enforcement officer if the law changed in the winter and allowed cars to park in the bike lanes. He said, "well, no, but the cars have to park somewhere". I called city hall and they said that if a car is parked in a bike lane, winter or summer, the cyclist should call 416-808-6600 and report it. An officer will be sent to ticket the vehicle. I encourage all Toronto cyclists to take advantage of this offer!
If our readers have any photos/stories similar to this, please send them to us.<
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