Toyin’s Highlights – Day 1 to 3 of Out of Nigeria!

Writing down my thoughts on the OON ride so far is easier said than done!!.  Lol! Ok, I’ve always know that there is nothing big, nothing special or unique, or that pushed the limits of achievement that come easy or without massive endurance and the need for extraordinary perseverance. I actually began to question my own sanity on day 2 when my tummy began to run uncontrollably, most likely from a salad I ate. I began to wonder why I would live the comfort of my home and my family and friends, my cars, my beautiful motorcycles and live my business in the hands of trusted allies to embark on such a long and very demanding ride to a  unknown destinations and exposure to harsh elements. But then, these questions are simply rhetorical. In all of my life, I’ve always had the propensity to chose the unpopular paths. I seem to have a recurrent tendency to pursue the extraordinary; to buck trends, challenge the status quo or simply do my own things. The ride to the Arctic Circle will therefore go the way of one of those. We shall complete this ride by the grace of God come what may! In my mind, I’ve decided to simply break the journey into bits in my mind. We shall simply take one day after another until we arrive our final destination.

 

But that being said, this is probably the most beautiful part of my life so far. The reactions we receive on daily basis convince me. Amazement, awe, questions about our sanity, doubt, confusion. At the gas stations in Lome, at border crossings in Lome and custom check points in Takoradi. Then tonight, sitting at Jays joking in downtown Abidjan with a Greek security consultant, a German consular staff, a British Film maker and two Ivorien bikers and discussing life and it’s complications and their shock and surprise at seeing two Nigerians riding to the Arctic Circle, I knew we were doing the right thing. The new friends, new conversations, the experience of diversity and the ability to answer questions about a country we love so much is worth every tough mile we overcome.

 

My lowest point so far has been the running tummy. I was so scared about how long it. Ighi last. And whether it might be strong enough to impact on our pace. But that has come and gone.  My High points have been the camaraderie we share. When we ride and look out for each other. Nothing feels the soul with joy like knowing you have a winning team that’s with you through tough terrains and situations.

 

The fears that plague me are usually that of not knowing what lies ahead. Especially is areas that either have been in the press with negative news or those I do. to have adequate information. Especially Mali, Mauritania and the Sahara. But each time, I’m faced by doubts, I look into the eyes of Raph Goldberg and Fodeks, and I see a determination to make this happen to the end. That’s where I draw my strength from daily. I am therefore looking forward to what will come. When I also remember all those that at cheering us on online and otherwise, I know that we have to see this through. Somebody’s faith in themselves and their ability to “get up and go” depends on us. Our families, friends loved ones who are holding their hearts in their hands in fear, but yet cheering us on mean so much to us so we will make this happen.

 

I am quite upbeat about the next phase beginning tomorrow. Fodeks is still having issues with his tooth, so we are having an early start tomorrow. He has to see another dentist and then we shall be riding from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro.

 

It’s beginning to  dawn on me in reality that I will not see my family or friends for 60 long days and it’s sometimes depressing, but we will do this.

March 6

Well, did I mention that the beddings at the hotel Detente in Abidjan were simply magical? I honestly usually didn’t want to bet out of bed each morning. We spent two nights there. First thing we needed to do today was go with Fodeks to see another dentist. Apparently, the dentist we paid $17 gave Fodeks a $17 fix that still left his head in a bind. He woke up feeling excruciating pain. Thankfully, Jays had arranged another dentist visit for us this morning at 8am so We could be on my way to Bouake early. Now Jays is this go to guy who we got introduced to by the Big Mammouth, Mr. Jackie, President of Elephant Bikers, Abidjan. Jays arranged for a mechanic to come to our hotel and sort out our bikes. He also sorted out the dentist. We had dinner at Jays last night and met the Greek gentleman who has become such an asset to us. It’s simply humbling how strangers seem to come out of the work to help when you are a biker riding into the unknown.

 

The dentist couldn’t do much about Fodeks tooth because it would have delayed our trip by at least three days. So he prescribed some antibiotics and pain relievers until we arrive the next major city in Mali. We eventually got on the way around 11. Next stop was Yamoussokro, the administrative capital of Cote D’Ivoire. There we visited the Basilica of Our Lady Of Peace in Yamoussoukro. Believe me, I’ve never felt smaller in my entire life. That edifice is the definition of opulence, grace, elegance, excellent craftsmanship and splendour. What stomped me is that I never, ever, ever, knew anything as grand as that existed on the west African parts of Africa. You can read more about it here. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_Peace_(Yamoussoukro).

 

Well, we eventually rode to Bouake, a sleepy town in the centre of Cote D’Ivoire. I’m done typing. I just want to rest now and will talk later. Chao.