Snippits and excerpts from Helen's emails home

These (edited) emails are from some of Helen's emails home during the trip. They do serve to give us an idea of how she is getting on, ahead of her finding time to write her diary. As you would expect, any personal matters have been removed, in the spirit of decency.  Enjoy !

Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 7:04 PM
Subject: In Luxor

.........  I am in Luxor - 6 days cycling - 480 miles, and a thousand experiences already. The group is just great. You know, there are NO egos here. Just really nice normal people, who have a dream or who want to challenge themselves. We are all mucking in, through the waterless campsites (!) and desert roads. We hit the Nile today, and greenery after 5 sandy desert days. And people, children waving, donkeys wavering into the road, and a warm welcome. We have had special treatment all the way - a police escort, roads closed to let us pass, people turning out to see the ride - it's like the Tour de France hitting town!!

Probably won't get email facilities now for a couple of weeks - maybe in Khartoum or could be in Addis Ababa. I have copied this to the gang - apologies - internet time is short here, so one email for all!

Take care all, thinking of you as I ride.

Helen

Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 11:59 AM
Subject: Re: Hello !!

........ thanks for your email.

Was really busy before I left. Relaxed a bit in Cairo, then it was off on the road, and wow! is all I can say! What a week. I am in Safaga, at the most stunning campsite, right on the Red Sea. However, I have  earned it, after 3 nights camping wild with no running water.

Group are great. Riding is great with a tail wind to die for. The start of the ride was on the plateau behind the Pyramids. Hope to have some pics on website soon. It was an unbelievable location to start an epic bike ride from. There is a really nice lady on the group from Cape Town.  I'll ask her about restaurants etc. She does say it will be cool by May, so think about some warmer clothing.

Enjoying all so far. Will keep in touch.

Helen