After warming up with drinks and chat, we gathered to hear all about Rob Gardiner’s latest exploit; travelling 3,600 miles across Southern Africa.
Accompanied by some excellent photos, we learned a lot about the different character and culture of the countries en route, from the poverty of Malawi to the relative prosperity of Botswana.
We were also drawn into the philosophy of cycling, particularly the way in which the bicycle brings the traveller so much closer to the local people and the landscape they occupy, while still covering long distances.
Inevitably, things don’t always go to plan such as an early injury to Rob’s companion and too close an encounter with a bull elephant. Over two months in the saddle, cycling fitness led to the ability and ambition to cover increasing distances each day, until the final dawn until dusk dash to be able to dive into the Indian Ocean.
To round the evening off after such a splendid talk, the audience was treated to a lovely meal and in addition, raised almost £800.
