|
Quote:
Now that the Chief of the Ninja’s is working with the government he might be trying to have this route improved for his people, I’m sure this is on his to do list. It may take a while before the president trusts him enough to improve it, good routes means faster rebellions! I heard there is still some Ninja’s active stopping people (maybe I was lucky) but don’t be put off by them folks. Ride this classic west coast route before it changes… :mchappy: |
We've just arrived in Brazza. Worst part of the Dolisie to Brazza road was probably the Mindouli to Kinkala stretch (after which it's lovely tar 'till you hit the outskirts of town) All would be slippery in the wet but the only deep mud/holes were on this stretch. We left Mindouli at the same time as a Spanish biker on a 'Guzzi (I think). We caught him after a while up to the spindles and stationary. After pushing him out (if you're reading this, the guy in the yellow vest who helped push and got plastered in mud was a Ninja trying to get ahead of us to set up his road block!) there was one wobbly bit and we didn't catch him again.
Passed what looked like 4 or 5 "checkpoints" but there was a military pickup bristling with guns ahead of us and we didn't get stopped once. I'm driving a Land Rover, chasing a cyclist, so the best speed we're making on tar is 25kph, but on the tracks here she's pedalling 10-15kph most of the time. Without her I reckon we'd still only average 30-35 on this stage but a bike would obviously be faster (on the right tyres/ dry conditions) Seems to be raining about every other night here by the way. Safe travels... |
Hi Simon,
Say Hi! to Kate from me (we missed them by 12 hours in Zinder!). Probably meeting up with John in next couple of months - before he heads back out... Safe travels indeed, Sam. PS good luck with the Angolan visas - I have already sent John the details of someone who may be able to help. |
Ahaa, recognized! Hi Sam, yes, John was sorry to miss you.
Interesting road for your 4x2 cars but the odd strategically placed 4x4 with a KER rope should help. I'd be interested to see the Franceville/ Lekoni route and compare them - certainly fewer "tolls" but for your requirements accom. is more tricky, or fuel logistics? RE Angola visas it's all a bit of a mess but we've got some high up folks helping so we might be able to create an international incident here yet! Supposed to see the Ambassador today but the interpreter screwed up and we missed our slot, and probably p##sed him off too. Tomorrow's another day! Did achieve something today though - rebolted the doortop back on that fell off in Mayoko. It's never over in a rover (that should set 'em off again over at Toyoland!) Simon |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:00. |