The start...

We are four days into the cycling now, and they are easing us in gently! The Egyptian security department has restricted the trip somewhat over the last few years, meaning that while the plan was to camp the whole way to Luxor, we are in hotels for at least 3 of the 6 nights.

Day 1 was an early start from the hotel, but in reality a late start for the ride. We did a lot of 'hurry up and wait'. There is a lot of bureaucracy here - it is better to be somewhere earlier than planned so as they can make you wait and let you in on time, rather than arrive on time (or even late!) and then have to wait until the authorities decide you are allowed in/past/out etc.

We had breakfast at 5.30, to meet at the entrance of the hotel for 6, and left the hotel at 7am, with

a police escort for our convoy of 28 cyclists...a 7 minute cycle from the hotel to the pyramids and then we wait. I rode out with a guy called Don, who is 68 (if I remember correctly, and undertaking the whole tour!). Our entrance time for the pyramid compound was to be 8am, and we were not too far off. After they had decided that we also needed a structural engineer to accompany us, and called one in, we were granted entry at about 8.10. It was pretty spectacular cycling around the three pyramids and then down to the Sphinx, with the sunrise in the background. Being winter in Egypt, and early the morning. I was wrapped up in my t-shirt, thermal top, down jacket and waterproof jacket. Very glad I wore so many layers, given all the waiting around. Our private viewing and photoshoot at one of the 7 Great Wonders of the World took us to 9am, and a coach ride out of Cairo.

I think we were all relieved to be moving closer to the start. I was feeling particularly apprehensive. It seemed ironic given that we were to be staying in a hotel that night, and only had a 115km of cycling on tar to do. In reality i was apprehensive about the trip as a whole, and starting out seems to consolidate that. It has made me realise the importance of viewing one day at a time - Tallis said that none of the bike rides will be harder than others we have done leading up to the trip, it is the sheer fact that we are doing them consecutively for 4 months, and staying in wild camps, and Africa. I have vowed to remind myself everyday that it is just a single bike ride, and look at each Stage (individual day) as a single entitiy.

We finally hit the road, about an hour East of Cairo. There was very little structure, we simply got our bikes and cycled off along the road,in the direction of the Red Sea. The Steam Train, as I like to refer to them, were gone beforeI even looked up. That is the slightly competitive, but still tongue in cheek, middle aged men who are out to prove themselves. There was a strong head wind for the first 60km,and I soon realised it would be beneficial to stick in a group. Steph and I bashed it out initially, and then were overtaken by Mo, Anton and Allain - so we tagged on with them for the next 50km. A great relief!

So this will be our routine for the next four months - cycle to the lunch truck, sign in, remove gloves and helmet (very important that thesis done prior to the next step, otherwise you sent back and have to repeat the process), wash hands, obtain and eat lunch. The staff member in charge of the lunch truck is Ryan, who came to the Sudanese embassy with us. So far he has always provided a happy welcome, and a good spread. A quick lunch stop (max 15mins, as i tend to get cold) we are back on the bikes again.

I spent the afternoon cycling by myself (sorry, mum) and actually really enjoyed it. The head wind had died down, it was downhill for 15km to the Red Sea before turning south and following the coast to Ein Sokhna (meaning hot spring). I arrived at about 3.30, maybe 10th or so in, and before my roommate. Plenty of time to go down to the beach, stretch, wash clothes and enjoy the warm shower.

Day one complete, only 119 to go!