Once again its time to cover ground to Malawi. It will take us several days of riding.
Day 17, Tue, Jan 31, 2017 Start Location: Protea Hotel, Livingston, Zambia End Location: Lusaka, Zambia Distance: 478 km (297 miles) Hotel/Pension: Best Western Plus, Lusaka, Zambia Money Conversion: Zambian Kwacha: $1 USD = ZMW9.90 or ZMW 1 = $0.101 USD |
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As we ride east, the European influence diminishes. Today was a 300 mile day. Not a long day but because of the numerous visual “new to us” events and many more people walking on the roadsides. | ||
And something new for us … speed traps! The speed in villages/towns was 50 kph (31 mph) and 80 kph (50 mph) on country lanes and 100kph (62mph) on highways. | ||
We were riding separately as singles and a pairs a couple minutes apart. Over the course of 15 minutes 4 riders got radar and were signaled over. I happened to be between two of the riders who were flagged down but passed safely. Aaron went through the trap safely but saw the 4 riders off to the side with the police, he turned around to see if anyone need help and got tagged coming back! | ||
Helge always stops to aid his riders and started a friendly banter with the police. Before long, one of the police was sitting on one of the motos posing with a helmet on while Helge shot photos. The end result was smiles for all and a greatly reduced fine for all. | ||
Lighting Strikes Twice! | ||
Day 18, Wed, Feb 1, 2017
Start Location: Lusaka, Zambia End Location: Chipata, Zambia Distance: 570 km (354 miles) Hotel/Pension: Protea Hotel Chipata, Lusaka, Zambia Money Conversion: Zambian Kwacha: $1 USD = ZMW9.90 or ZMW 1 = $0.101 USD |
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Another day of riding north-east. More people walking and riding bicycles on the road. Traffic was light but the occasional freight trucks and large buses took most of the narrow roads. | ||
And if we didn’t learn, three more tickets today! | ||
Border Money Exchange Insanity | ||
Day 19, Thu, Feb 2, 2017
Start Location: Chipata, Zambia End Location: Lilongwe, Malawi Distance: 144 km (89 miles) Hotel/Pension: Cross Road Hotel, Lilongwe, Malawi Money Conversion: Malawian Kwacha: $1 USD = MK726.00 or MK1 = $0.0014 USD |
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A general rule for crossing international borders with a motorcycle, always cross as early as possible! If anything goes wrong, you’ll have the entire day to work it out. Border money exchangers are basically bandidos but you need local money for road taxes and insurance. | ||
Helge recommend to exchange $50 USD (MK36,300) once we passed the Malawi immigration/customs. Later, stop at a ATM for more daily expense Kwachas! | ||
Crossing into Malawi before immigration/customs we are swarmed by money exchangers. I exchanged $50 USD for 18 MK2,000 bills. Some of the riders exchanged $200 USD. | ||
After all the money was exchanged and all the money counted and recounted, 3 of the guys later discovered they were shortchanged! The border money exchangers were slight-of-hand artists and were able to palm a portion of the bills! | ||
Tomorrow, a city tour of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. | ||
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GlobeRiders has it’s own BLOG “Cape to Cairo LiveJournal!” There is a complete description of the excursion, rider bios, updates of the ride, and an active satellite location link. | ||
Thanks for the updates, Dean. I’m loving your adventure! Carry on
Happy Birthday Dean! Hope you’re haveing a great time!
Have saf ride.