One sleep later...

I suppose "just tidy it up a bit but don't take too much off" is a bit vague and open to interpretation.. I was  scalped. Looking around at the other guys in this "cafe" though, I guess the average length of head hair is about 2mm,  so I suppose I could have seen it coming. Last cut I had like this was at Harry Hardisty's in 1961. In a way I was lucky. My barber did the whole cut with an electric trimmer / strimmer and the  second he'd finished there was a  power-cut and the salon was in darkness. Five minutes earlier and the result could have been horrific. Anyway none of you will see me for at least 5 weeks and it's all part of the adventure...

I've had a relaxing day at the home of Andrew Malunga and family. I've eaten well, slept well and thanks to help from Andrew, got my bike cleaned and oiled, my clothes washed and half fixed my leaking camping mattress. We dipped it in the bath this morning, found the leak but, as yet, haven't managed to get an airtight patch on it. This afternoon we went shopping: nothing exciting: peanut butter, phone credit, superglue, beer etc

Anyway, just to finish what I started above....on the rather tough 113km ride to Chongwe, the last overnight before Lusaka, I was saved by a bottle of Coca Cola. With about 30 km to go I was struggling uphill on a poor surface in hot sunshine, knackered and wondering whether I'd make it. For reasons already outlined, I didn't even know I had 30 km to go. I spotted a grocer's, as they are still called here, and stopped for a drink. It was cold Coke and it went down well. I don't whether it's the caffeine or the high sugar content but it had a magical effect and my legs were back to how they'd been at 9 o'clock that morning. Amazing ! I actually enjoyed the last 2 hours. Must have a quiet word with Bradley Wiggins.

The run into Lusaka yesterday was relatively easy, mostly downhill and only 44 km.

Tomorrow I'll leave for Kafue and I hope to be in Livingstone/ Vic Falls in 6 or 7 days inshallah.

A couple of things afore I go.

First of all, a message to my friend Gerald Barker whom some readers will know. Gerald has been in NHS land for some weeks now, so this is just to say "Thinking of you, Gerald, and we hope you are home soon". 

Second thing....Many people asked me before I set off who I was raising money for. "Er. nobody actually, it's just a challenge". Even last night Andrew's wife asked me which charity it was in aid of. Better late than never. Would some of you readers like to sponsor me ? There is a hidden, selfish agenda. If you sponsor me as I suggest it'll help me reach Walvis Bay in 5 weeks or so. I'd like you to do it strictly as was the norm when sponsored events began in the 60s. Who went on those early 30 mile  Long Marches in Halifax?. You were paid according to distance covered and it pushed people to do the full 30.  My trip is 4400 kms. I'd like you to sponsor me strictly on a per 100 km basis. The more people who sponsor me the more likely I am to pedal the full distance. So far I've done approx 24 times 100 km.

I would like to give the money raised to these 3 charities equally...

1 Water Aid
2 The Maurice Jagger Centre, Halifax
3 The British Heart Foundation

Please go on-line for details of what each charity does. To donate please send an e-mail to wheatley_barretts@hotmail.com. Please state the amount per 100 km and put "Sponsor an Idiot" in the subject box. Or contact Judith Barrett (01422 355539) or Daniel Barrett (01904 466138 /07722120105) .