I have changed dates so posts are shown Oldest First

 

PREPARATION

13th January 2026:   Me, in the yellow, out with the Arran

Belles on a training run before I leave for Africa on 5th March 2026.  The route through Malawi, Zambia & Zimbabwe is a mixture or tarmac, potholes, gravel, dirt and corrugation. I am a roadie, I don't do gravel,  the unstable surface makes me nervous.  I have bought a gravel bike and I am out practicing on the Arran gravel trails.  I am getting better, more confident,  I hope I will be good enough ! 

                                                                                                                         

 

Gravel Bike

15th January 2026:  My Specialized Diverge Elite E5 gravel Bike with 38mm tyre for Tarmac Pothole Roads, also 45mm tyres for Gravel Roads. Loving its stability and comfort. 2023 model bought from Cycle Exchange.

    

    The Cockpit - Gopro, Garmin, Phone Holder, Bar Bag

 

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Itinerary of My Trip - Starting in Lilongwe, Malawi and finishing Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Previous trips that I hope will stand me in good stead :

 

Arran is Very Wet and Windy

22nd January 2026. Arran is very wet and windy at the moment,

even the birds are sheltering.  I am cycling or walking every day trying to keep a level of fitness. I have booked my flights with Ethiopian Airlines -  from Glasgow, London, Addis Ababa, Lilongwe. I return same but from Victoria Falls, plus transfers of me from airport, bags and bike.  I will arrive in Malawi a few days before TDA Global Cycling, ( the group that I am joining.)  the group will be camping but I have booked myself into a lodge, alongside the campsite. I will be camping too on this trip but thought I would give myself a couple of days in a comfortable bed. I have also booked a bed at Victoria Falls finish.  Technology has changed so much over the years - in 2012 when I cycled 3500 miles across America I had a  Blueberry phone and a paper map.  Electricity and wifi will be scarce or non existent on this trip so I have packed 3 Power Banks to charge IPhone, Garmin, Gopro, etc plus assorted cables for all gadgets.   I will have to prioritise charging,   phone first as it holds all my route maps and in case of help.  So many things to think about,  logistics,  even my Bum Cream (Happy Bottom) might melt over 25*C. I contacted the manufacturer, they said " put it at the bottom of your bag" and in a fridge overnight.  I'm camping !!!   Cycling is the easy part !            

   

 

A Good Luck Charm

5th February 2026

One of the Arran Belles, my Ladies Cycling Group, gave me a good luck brooch for my travels in Africa next month, so kind. I will wear

it and think of her when the going gets tough.

Have Published my Just Giving Page

9th February 2026

Have published my Just Giving Page on Facebook in memory of Sue Berry, a member of the Arran Belles. Sue was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2020 and lived for two years, she loved sport and adventure. MND is a cruel illness, as are all terminal illnesses, it was brutal to watch Sue's decline but at the same time admire her positivity, spirit and acceptance. 

Link to my Just Giving Page, if you can spare a dime !

https://www.justgiving.com/page/janice-small-13?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL