I am now half way around the Earth by bicycle. Half way is always a milestone in most ultra distance adventures. Although at this point you realize how hard it was and far it was to get to this point. It will be likely harder to finish but its psychologically better to focus on the half way there scenario.
North America and Europe were more developed as far as diseases, hygiene and rules for traffic were concerned. Vaccinations such as Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Hepatitis are required for some of the upcoming Countries. I will cover Vietnam . Laos, Thailand, Malaysia to Singapore this fall during the dry season. I will then travel south to Perth and cross Australia’s outback almost 5,000 km to Sydney across the Nulabor Plain.
I have a sponsor for a satellite communication device that will allow me to link my laptop to a satellite no matter where I am in the World. I found even much of developed areas like Spain and even Texas had no cell communication other than near a major city or freeway. I will this way be able to post blogs each day and communicate with cancer patients and followers that write.
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Some diseases such as Dengue Fever there is no vaccination. Thailand has experienced its worst epidemic of dengue fever in 20 years with 126 deaths and 135,344 people infected with the virus, according to Sopon Mekthon, director-general of Department of Disease. They reported up to 7500 cases per week in the rain season of June. Malaria is another concern in parts of India, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. There is Malaria medication one can take but they have several adverse side effects, especially if you are on a marathon cycle. Increased sunburn due to light sensitivity, stomach upset, heartburn and thrush are a few that make intense physical activity more demanding. So you weigh the risk is it better than malaria?
I am currently working with the Canadian Consulate in Thailand and the Thai-Canadian Business Society to raise funds for the Red Cross Hospital in Bangkok and the Hematological Research Center. I am also excited about my new wheels though. Rob and the guys at Dunbar Cycle in Vancouver and Specialized have configured the perfect bike to finish the journey. Looks nice shiny and new right now but Ill post a picture after the next 25,000 km of cycling and training and it will look much different. Kind of like the bike above. Its funny you seem to form a relationship with your bike on a long journey. It can make you or break you.
I will keep you posted so stay tuned.
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I am circumnavigating the globe by bicycle for breast, prostate, and lung cancer charity. I have covered 1/2 of the globe or 12,000 km so far.
My global ride site that maps me on Google Maps is www.firefightercycle.com . Read my blogs sign up on twitter @copsfire, or RSS feed here
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