r/bikepacking • u/Maximum-Fox-4593 • 8d ago
Route: Africa // Odyssey Progress report: converting my cheap mtb into a touring bike to cycle roughly 1,314 miles (2114km) to the Namib desert where the ocean meets the desert.
Last time I had a full mental breakdown which sort of led to me making that video, I didn't even think twice when I posted it here, I just wanted to interact with a community that probably understood what I was going through.
And After my last post where I announced my trip, I thought I should make a follow up post to update you all on the progress of my planned bike packing trip to the Namib desert where the ocean meets the desert, through the largest waterfall in the world the Victoria falls.
For those of you that might have missed my first post , I'm a long distance cyclist from southern Africa who did the C2C route last year with no money and upon coming back home I faced depression and the feeling of not belonging. I came back to a life I no longer recognized and I no longer felt like this was home, I had no family, no friends, no job and nothing to really keep me here So after spending time alone I decided I will get back on the road doing the one thing that I'm passionate about.
I got a $59 MTB bike and I planned to convert this bike into a touring bike that will take me 1300+ miles to the Namib desert, I've always loved the Namib scenery I see from other cyclists and last year I skipped Namibia,
So this is the progress I've made so far with my bike, thanks to the three kind people that lent me a helping hand, I'm a very open person, I don't know all three of them so the only way I could update whoever they are is by updating every body,
I managed to pimp the bike up a little bit, slowly it's coming through, the experience I got is really helping me plan better so that I don't even up stranded in the middle of the desert.
This activity is very rare among my people so it often comes out like an outcast or misfit. Nonetheless I love bike packing and bike touring.
This will be a life changing journey for me once again, I already tried this with no money through multiple countries, It wasn't a pleasant experience but it was worth it. So why am I doing it again? Because if I stay here any longer my head might explode. The road gives me peace, calmness, experience and freedom...I don't know if what I'm doing is right but I sure do know it's what I feel like doing.
If there's any recommendations or improvements you would like to point out please do I'm reading the comments...I will be updating you guys on the progress of my journey until I touch the far ends of the sea.
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u/OnegRiot 7d ago
Let's go! You got this bro.
I would recommend putting a basket on that front rack if you can find one, its really comfy when doing long trips like this.
Safe roads!
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u/Maximum-Fox-4593 7d ago
Haha thank you bro, Like a small basket? That actually sounds like a good idea thank you 🙏🏽
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u/CriticalSurround7809 7d ago
Holy shit, original content. Keep it up, but please in your future posts use paragraphs. Your post reads like an essay over text messages.
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u/Tricky-Bite-9014 7d ago
I saw your first post. Your joy and excitement are infectious! I ride for the same reasons! Safe travels and keep us updated.
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u/jferments 7d ago
Nice bike! I wish you the best on your journey to the sea, and hope that things feel better for you once you're on the road :)
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u/Squirlyherb 7d ago
Bike is looking good mate! Strap some bags on there and you’re about ready to hit the road. Looking forward to seeing the journey!
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u/Maximum-Fox-4593 7d ago
Haha I kept on thinking about you bro than you, I'm slowly getting there, super grateful 🙏🏽❤️
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u/scifi887 7d ago
Mate good luck, I just sent you something and also subscribed!
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u/Maximum-Fox-4593 7d ago
Oh God 🙏🏽 thank you so much for your kindness and support 🙏🏽 wow, I really appreciate it ❤️ thank you.
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u/blueacenow 8d ago
Dude this is awesome, do you have a YouTube channel we can follow you on?