“It’ll be powerful, so ensure you practice.” “Spinning lessons are nice, however do you will have a motorbike? That you must practise on a REAL bike.” “Be ready to fall; everybody falls.” These well-meaning, if barely terrifying, tidbits from colleagues and previous Challenge4ACause riders echoed in my thoughts as I sat within the rattling, rickety bus that was valiantly vibrating its means ahead deeper into the Namibian desert.
I opted to participate in Challenge4ACause 2024… However did I actually know what I used to be getting myself into?
Not Going to Lie, I am No Bicycle owner
I am not a bike owner. The final time I rode a motorbike was on Holland’s flat paths, the place the phrase “incline” is inconsequential. However after I heard the announcement that Challenge4ACause was open to daring candidates, my curiosity was piqued, because it had been throughout my earlier 4 years working at Rhino Africa. This time, nevertheless, was totally different. This time, this Challenge4ACause, was to be “The Final Experience.”
Figuring out this was the ultimate likelihood to take part, I needed to throw my identify into the hat and hope for the perfect.
Me (and my hair) trying slightly too wild within the Namibian wilderness
Pedalling for a Goal
Challenge4ACause is a novel mountain biking occasion, one in every of Rhino Africa’s main fundraisers for its Impression Companions, specifically Wildlife ACT, Good Work Basis, Click on Studying and Khumbulani Daycare Centre.
Historically held in Namibia’s Damaraland desert, the occasion challenges riders to cycle roughly 400 kilometres over 5 days by means of a number of the harshest but most stunning landscapes conceivable.
Challenge4ACause is a novel mountain biking expedition that raises funds for unimaginable causes
The Realisation Units in
Lo and behold, I used to be chosen to take part. And, some months later, there I used to be, on the bus with my fellow riders, 19 of us, two and a half hours into our journey, and 30-minutes from the Challenge4ACause place to begin.
As we ventured farther from civilisation, the bus’s rattling intensified because the rugged dust street regressed, taking us deeper right into a canyon of jagged rocks. It felt like Mom Nature was reclaiming the earth, making ready to swallow us entire. The panorama had an unforgiving air, and – with three months of intensive spinning lessons behind me (I attempted borrowing a motorbike to no avail) – I sat there considering… “What the hell was I considering?!”
Our journey deeper into the desert. Are you able to see the bus?
DAY ZERO – Houston, We Have Landed
Sudden stillness enveloped us because the bus got here to a cease. Nightfall was approaching once we arrived at SRT Ugab Camp. This was the place we’d meet our Challenge4ACause assist staff and spend our first night time of six.
As I stepped off the bus, nonetheless barely shaky from the drive, my foot met the bottom with a smooth, sandy crunch. It was as if we had landed on Mars, and I could not assist however silently quote Neil Armstrong, “One small step for man, one large leap for mankind.”
My fellow Challenge4ACause 2024 riders exiting the bus after a three-hour drive
Serene Desolation
As imposing because the terrain appeared on our means in, arriving at SRT Ugab Camp, the jagged canyon opened up, cradling the dreamlike, virtually otherworldly, banks of the Ugab River.
There was no water in sight – it had lengthy dried up – however shrubs and bushes popped up sporadically on the sandy environment. This sparse foliage indicated {that a} river as soon as flowed right here and was ready steadfastly for its return sometime.
The Ugab River is an ephemeral (that means “lasting for a really brief time”) river in north-western Namibia
Lamb Chops and Camaraderie
Sixteen domed tents fringed the camp in a crescent formation. A primary space was arrange with essential requirements for tenting within the desert – a braai and, most significantly, a bar!
Parallel to this hub of campground comforts was a cellular kitchen, two assist automobiles, and, subsequent to them, three rows of mountain bikes, meticulously lined up like troopers able to take us into battle.
Our assist staff went over and past, ensuring each element of camp was impeccable
We claimed our tents, making ready our bibs, jerseys, and playlists for the following day. All of us then gathered on the braai and bar space. As darkness fell, the moonlight bathed us in a surreal glow, lifting our spirits as we munched on lamb chops and mingled in the midst of nowhere – questioning what morning would convey.
Landy, Glen, and I stress-free and speaking whereas experiencing a bevy of feelings, nervous for the following day
DAY ONE – Pre-Daybreak (Posterior) Preparations
It was nonetheless darkish the following morning when the symphony of groggy “good mornings,” sleeping bag rustles, and tent zips zipping stuffed the silence. My tentmate, Janine, was chipper and organised whereas I, a self-proclaimed NOT-a-morning particular person, squinted with blurry eyes at my model spanking new biking bib and the chamois cream that sat beside it.
For these unfamiliar with chamois cream, it is a cream used to cut back friction between clothes and pores and skin. And the place does one apply it? Properly, for cyclists, largely – and really generously – in your posterior. Sure… it was going to be a really attention-grabbing begin to the day…
Everybody scrambling to prepare for the primary day of biking
Kitted, Caffeinated, and Able to Experience
Kitted out, espresso consumed, bikes fitted, and bum effectively “balmed,” it was time for the Problem to start. Our vacation spot? Overhanging Rocks. The gap? 65 kilometres. Our mission? Problem your self.
All of the riders lined up for our first official photograph
The primary day began with a 15-kilometre climb out of the gorge. Many people opted for e-bikes, however a courageous few purists powered on conventional mountain bikes. Although I had electrical energy on my facet, the way in which ahead was nonetheless strenuous.
And we’re off… into the unknown…
Beware the “Sneaky Stones”
Obstacles within the type of boulders, corrugation, and sand (that was deeper than it appeared) littered the trail. As I navigated the rugged route, one thing my colleague and buddy, Chantal, mentioned got here to thoughts, “Be certain that to keep away from any sneaky stones – they’re those that can ship you flying!”
So, as I gazed on the meeting of shifty stones earlier than me, I could not assist however ponder in amusement, “How am I alleged to keep away from the sneaky stones?! They’re EVERYWHERE!”
Large rocks, little rocks, and sand in every single place. Within the Namibian desert? Who’d a thunk it!?
Admittedly, as soon as I obtained the cling of using on the erratic terrain, it was far much less daunting. I learnt in a short time (after just a few falls) to not overthink the obstacles – the bike will overcome them. After adopting this mindset, I may benefit from the ever-changing landscapes that unfolded round me.
Look! I am getting the cling of it!
Detours and Useless Batteries
It was already late afternoon once we lastly arrived at Overhanging Rocks. Though, you may be stunned to find that we rode into camp not by way of mountain bike however by 4×4 car.
Lengthy story brief, we obtained misplaced, it obtained late, and over 70 kilometres later, a lot of the e-bikes have been useless. However, apparently, that is the character of Challenge4ACause – going off beam is par for the course.
The deserted riders trying on the brilliant facet whereas chilling in a dry riverbed
From Heatstroke to Happiness
Overhanging Rocks’ cellular camp supplied a beautiful respite after an extended day biking by means of the desert. Every part was completely arrange – an expansive cover providing much-needed shade, delectable lunchtime snacks, and a hearth broiling and wafting scrumptious aromas that hinted at a mouthwatering dinner to come back. Two makeshift showers stood prepared, and the bar was poised to quench even the thirstiest participant.
One of many rescue automobiles saving us with a free experience and ice-cold beers
Dusty and teetering on the sting of heatstroke, an ice-cold beer was precisely what the physician ordered – adopted by loads of water, in fact! That afternoon, we showered, become recent garments, gathered underneath the cover, laughed about our misadventures and speculated who was guilty for getting us misplaced.
As soon as we have been all settled in camp, we began admiring the character round us
The setting at Overhanging Rocks was merely spectacular. We camped on the base of a sheer pink cliff face adorned with intricate rock formations cast by the weather over millennia.
A lone tree shared the positioning with us, its bark white as bone, seemingly bleached by the unforgiving solar. It stood defiantly, flaunting lush clusters of inexperienced leaves on the prime of its highest branches.
Dwelling to the world’s oldest desert, Namibia is replete with geological marvels
Being in such a distant, pristine place and realizing that I had bodily cycled all the way in which (effectively, a lot of the means) to get there, I could not assist however be in awe of its pure magnificence. Because the day drew to an in depth, just a few of us climbed to the highest of the rock face to observe the solar set, basking within the tranquil splendour of our environment.
You may discover it very tough to beat the sunsets in Namibia’s Damaraland
DAY TWO – Timber! The Artwork of Falling
The following morning started with the identical cacophony of rustling, zipping, and drowsy how-do-you-dos. Immediately, if all went based on plan, we’d experience roughly 65 kilometres to a spot known as Wêreldsend. This route was acquainted to those that had participated in previous Challenge4ACause occasions, however this time, it will be cycled within the reverse.
We set off simply because the solar rose, tackling the daunting “Slangpos Hill” that climbed up from the Haub River
We started biking. Nonetheless, nonetheless a bit drowsy from waking up an hour earlier (I’m not a morning particular person, bear in mind?), I forgot my mantra from the day earlier than: “Don’t overthink the obstacles – the bike will overcome them.”
Not even two minutes later, there was a sudden, boulder-strewn decline. My thoughts went into overdrive, and as a substitute of gently squeezing the brakes to cautiously decelerate, I gripped them with white-knuckle depth!
Fortunately, I didn’t fly ahead head first however stopped useless in my tracks and, virtually comically, fell sideways in sluggish movement like a freshly sawed forest tree. The phrase “TIMBEEEER!” reverberated by means of my thoughts.
A number of bumps and bruises, and also you’re again on the bike!
One stunning, blushing blue bruise later, I used to be championing ahead. My aim was to succeed in camp earlier than my e-bike died. And at the present time, I used to be resolute in not needing to be rescued!
“Wêreldsend” is derived from a combination of English, Afrikaans and German, that means “World’s Finish”
Trails to Tasty Triumphs
Our second day of biking was each difficult and completely fulfilling, providing gorgeous landscapes dotted with “sneaky stones.” The ultimate stretch took us on 30 kilometres of off-road, corrugated jeep tracks, main us to Wêreldsend – our residence for the following two days. And sure, all of us made it there in a single piece (biking all the way in which)!
This route was acquainted to previous Problem riders, however this time we obtained to take pleasure in it the opposite means round
Wêreldsend differed from the earlier two camps, that includes everlasting buildings together with an enclosed thatched boma, bathe, and ablution services – and sure, operating water! Whereas our tents remained our humble abodes, we eagerly used the free-flowing water to clean our gear, making certain it was recent for the times forward.
Hand-washing our garments epitomised pure tenting life – down and soiled at its finest!
The spotlight of day two? The hamburgers that we have been served for lunch! There’s nothing extra satisfying than a juicy hamburger (with all of the trimmings) after a gruelling, scorching, and dusty desert experience. We ate, some napped, and a few chatted the afternoon away.
The entire riders having fun with the underestimated luxuries of camp life
As is custom with Challenge4ACause, we ended the day by climbing as much as the remnants of an deserted home to observe the sundown. The abandoned construction, with its weathered partitions and haunting magnificence, supplied a novel backdrop as we sat collectively, reflecting on the day’s challenges and triumphs.
Wrapping up the day with sundown reflections at an deserted home
DAY THREE – Relaxation, Experience, and Rhinos
The third day of Challenge4ACause introduced a brand new dimension to our journey. I used to be relieved to study we’d begin the morning slightly later than common, giving us a bit extra relaxation earlier than biking 35 kilometres to the Palmwag concession. Right here, we met up with the SRT guides and spent the day monitoring rhinos on foot.
On foot, we needed to hold a good distance from the rhinos – that is THEIR residence, not ours
After an unimaginable afternoon with desert-adapted black rhinos, we returned to Wêreldsend to take pleasure in good meals, loads of socialising, and one more superb sundown.
We have been so lucky to hitch the Rhino Rangers on monitoring patrols whereas they looked for the desert’s black rhinos
DAY FOUR – Driving Excessive
Veterans of Challenge4ACause typically say that every day will get simpler, not as a result of the routes turn into much less difficult, however since you develop what they name “using health.” That is one thing you possibly can’t obtain even with months of coaching on a “actual bike.” Nothing can absolutely put together you for the distinctive circumstances of Damaraland.
Nothing can absolutely put together you for the distinctive atmosphere of Damaraland
I used to be sceptical about this idea at first. Nonetheless, by day two, I began to know what they meant. By day 4, all of our spirits have been hovering as we cycled by means of the varied landscapes, venturing deeper into the Namib Desert.
All of us felt a way of euphoria, particularly on day 4
The primary 40 to 50 kilometres of day 4 featured a mixture of gradual and average uphills interspersed with satisfying stretches of flat terrain.
Then, with Wêreldsend far behind us, we breezed by means of the ultimate 20 kilometres, an exciting downhill experience all the way in which into the Huab River, arriving at Cliff Camp!
Dawid playing around and displaying off whereas biking
Canyon Couture
Cliff Camp provided a very totally different however equally dazzling setting. Nestled on the base of a canyon, craggy rock formations rose on both facet, cradling our camp of their rugged embrace.
Upon arrival at Cliff Camp, all of us sought solace within the shade
Simply as watching every sundown was a Challenge4ACause custom, Cliff Camp hosted probably the most anticipated custom of all: “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”
The arid, canyon-like surroundings was the proper backdrop for this musical-inspired dress-up occasion. We got a gown code guideline that said, “Assume color, sparkles, and all issues fabulous.” You possibly can solely think about the creativity that ensued.
Everybody keen and excited to decorate as much as the nines
I embraced the rules, donning a pink sequin gown, a fluffy jacket, and outrageous space-cat tights. Clambering up the canyon, I joined the others on the prime. I used to be greeted by a vibrant medley of rainbow stripes, glimmer, glitz, glamour, feathers, wigs, and a ton of pretend eyelashes.
We’d have made Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, proud!
We laughed on the absurdity of all of it and loved a carefree photoshoot to seize the second – all whereas watching (you guessed it) the sundown, in fact!
And but, one other sundown…
DAY FIVE – Headwinds and Excessive Fives
Our closing day might have had solely 60 kilometres of biking in retailer, however don’t be fooled! It felt like one of the crucial difficult days but. Whether or not it was the rugged terrain or the anticipation of reaching our subsequent vacation spot, the luxurious Doro Nawas, it was a troublesome experience.
Simply hold using, simply hold using, simply hold using…
Do not get me unsuitable – the route was undeniably spectacular, with scenic valleys, meandering riverbed paths, and quite a few wildlife sightings alongside the way in which. Nonetheless, the final stretch on the worst crumpled street conceivable, mixed with a relentless headwind, appeared endless. Maybe that made the end even sweeter!
Preventing a headwind isn’t for the faint-hearted
We lastly arrived at Doro Nawas, with most of our e-bike batteries useless or within the pink – aside from Luke Lalin, who conquered the whole Problem on a daily bike, actually the final man biking (like, FOR REAL biking)!
A HUGE shoutout to this mountain biking MACHINE! Luke Lalin was born with a built-in turbo
Regardless of feeling a tad crushed and battered, we remained undefeated. We hugged and high-fived, celebrating our achievement earlier than having fun with the luxurious spoils of Doro Nawas.
All Champions of the Problem!
The Desert Fortress of Desires
Doro Nawas is a fortress discovered on a rocky outcrop, complementing the ochres and rusts of the arid panorama. It is the type of place that might make Mad Max himself really feel proper at residence (if he have been royalty)!
With superb desert views in each route, you get dramatic mountains and canyons of Damaraland, dry riverbeds, stark savannah plains, and majestic pink sandstone cliffs.
Many who keep at Doro Nawas are content material to maintain this particular piece to themselves, Picture Credit score: Wilderness Doro Nawas
Pampered Perfection in Leopard Print
Right here, we have been pampered and indulged to our coronary heart’s content material – an ideal finale to our epic journey. However Challenge4ACause wasn’t executed with us but. There was yet another shock in retailer: a “spotalicious” soirée!
For the night festivities, we donned our wildest leopard print outfits. And after catching one more breathtaking sundown, we headed to the rooftop of the posh lodge.
Leopard print shenanigans at Doro Nawas
There, a lavish feast awaited. We ate, we toasted, we drank, and we danced the night time away underneath a blanket of 1,000,000 stars. It was an evening to recollect, capping off an unforgettable journey.
All of the Challenge4ACause members celebrating into the night time
Classes Realized from “The Final Experience”
Challenge4ACause 2024, “The Final Experience”, was a outstanding expertise that taught me some invaluable classes:
- First, “Respect the Small Issues” – nothing beats a refreshing bathe, an ice-cold beer, and a juicy hamburger after a scorching and dusty desert experience.
- Second, “It is the Folks Who Be a part of You on the Experience That Make the Journey Really Particular” – dealing with and overcoming challenges collectively forges unbreakable bonds.
- And lastly, “BEWARE THE SNEAKY STONES! (however do not allow them to distract you)” – sneaky stones are all over the place, however should you focus solely on them, you may miss out on all the wonder round you.
See you on the subsequent sundown!
Is not It Time for Your Personal Journey?
My Challenge4ACause journey is one thing I am going to always remember, and I sincerely hope it is not “The Final Experience.” However whether it is, and you continue to wish to expertise the wonders of Namibia or every other place in Africa, be sure to attain out to us. We would like to curate your very personal life-changing journey!