We popped into OEC as we were in the area. Despite being unannounced they were as helpful as ever. They put RR02 HAR up on the inspection ramp so we could see the now fitted Ashcroft conversion from above and below. It is still to be ‘plumbed’ – all the controls and wiring – but the heavy part is done, and a very neat job it looks too.

The pod has been pretty much cut-out, and is now sporting windows and a door. Not much more else to report re the vehicle but hopefully these photos will be illustrative of the work to date.

The autobox, cab view, transmission tunnel and seats removed

The autobox, cab view, transmission tunnel and seats removed

Richard inspects the now redundant clutch cable - soon to be removed

Paul of OEC

The Ashcroft autobox conversion from below

The interior of our pod showing the newly fitted door

The exterior of the pod showing fitted window

Tags: adaptation, Ashcroft, Azalai, Build, OEC, Transmission, Vehicle

OK, been living with both bits of kit for a short while now and time for an update. The fine weather has meant a fair few miles have been pounded over the last couple of weeks. they are both fantastic and built with real care and devotion by their respective manufacturers, but only one can go on the trip…

Trekinetic:

Good:

• Built and designed for off-piste, with top-end materials and parts
• Will climb steep(er) gradients on unmade and grassy surfaces (push on the tyres – direct 1:1 gearing in effect acting on two wheel drive)
• Will descend hills under control – but caution recommended and moderation of speed (in my experience)
• Will negotiate high(er) kerbs and obstacles
• Stable
• Comfy
• Ergonomic propulsion
• Excellent traction and control over centre of gravity
• Braces the pelvis so a good platform from which to do stuff
• Maximises independence – even off road
• Good support from www.trekinetic.com (inc shipping spares, worldwide at short notice)

Not quite so good

• Harder on clothes
• Harder on shoulders (especially the one I dislocated in a handcycle crash a couple of years ago) and tougher on hands
• Eats pushing gloves (two pairs of Global Leather’s a month)
• Can be (more) difficult for an assistant to push due to the single, central, trailing, ‘tail-wheel’ castor
• We have found the brakes to be somewhat high-maintenance (Although to be fair Mike Spindle of Trekineticfitted some mod’s and improvements for free recently, and we have had no problems since)
• The side guards are fiddly (but equally in the ‘lean’ (non-cambered) setting they are not actually needed)

Shimano 8 Handcycle from Team Hybrid:

Good:

• Built and designed for dressed surfaces and some terrain (eg grassland), with top-end materials and parts
• Will descend hills quickly (actually fast) under control
• Will negotiate some kerbs and obstacles
• Fast(er much) on level ground and downhill
• Stable
• Comfy
• Ergonomic propulsion (more so than wheelchairs, including the trekinetic)
• Easy on the joints
• Seems to involve more muscle groups
• Is a great exercise machine on the right circuit (I have found a five mile lap which follows sensible coastal gradients, with enough to puff, but still maintain traction)
• Will cover long(er) distances – Importantly though, subject to gradient (see below)
• Easy to dock/undock
• Easy on clothes and gloves (just needs some care to avoid getting chain grease onto clothes when docking)
• Smaller component parts (at least easier to stow)
• Mechanically simple
• Utilises a ‘standard’ fixed frame wheelchair (which gives 2:4:1 benefit)
• Good support from www.teamhybrid.co.uk (inc shipping spares, worldwide at short notice)

Not quite so good

• There is no getting away from the fact that front-wheel driven handcycles (especially the clip-on variety) struggle to maintain drive-wheel traction of the uphill. (Team Hybrid will tell you this for free – so I’m not breaking any news here)
• This is a problem when a gradient is combined with (an uphill exaggerating) obstacle e.g. ramped kerb – which can make progress difficult or impossible (after a point)
• In order to progress, the assistance of another is required (although this should be easier than assisting with both the trekinetic and an uncoupled ‘standard’ chair)

Conclusion at this point in time (if that’s not an oxymoron)

To be fair, the Cyclone Wheelchair to which the handcycle is attached, does not have ‘amputee axles’ (which put the drive wheels beyond the rear of the seat therefore moving the centre of gravity forward to the drive wheel). A different chair might mean that the limitations are improved – which is crucial I’m afraid. As it stands (with the Cyclone chair) – the Trekinetic takes it and is currently booked for the African trip. I would love to try the Team Hybrid with a more bespoke chair, but realistically our finances are entirely focussed on the expedition – so unless someone knows of a chair that might be more suited – the Team Hybrid will not be coming.

That said, I can see that it will be an option of choice for more urban excursions though – as with regards to range, speed , overall ergonomics and practicality I absolutely love it.

Richard on the Team Hybrid Shimano 8

Addendum:

Time to reflect on how lucky I am that I actually am having this dilemma….

The need for Motivation’s work is apparent in every part of the world. It is very difficult to obtain quantifiable statistics but the following have been publicised:

Many of the above statistics are dramatically increased in areas of current or recent armed conflict, which continue to plague the world.

A huge demand is being placed at Motivation’s door. However, following our vision and looking into the future, the ultimate goal is to reach a point where there is no longer a need for Motivation to exist as we have helped local partners throughout the world to build their capacity to a point where they can independently meet the needs of their local communities.

The Indlovu Drive are proud to support www.motivation.org.uk

Tags: biography, Charity, disability, Ethics, funding, Gear, motivation, O.T., philosophy, Weight, wheelchair, www.motivation.org.uk

Sorry if you haven’t been able to get in today – it was due to a faulty wordpress plug-in. Now deleted.

RicH

Trine and Russ

As I briefly mentioned a few posts ago, we have started a ‘Logistics and Fundraising committee’. We have realised that in order to make the trip happen in the time-frame that we are planning, we need some help from others. Quite simply there are not enough hours in the day to accommodate all of the work that needs to be done, and more importantly two people alone do not have grey matter enough to think of all that can be thought.

Luckily we are blessed with the best  friends. It used to said, in the Land of my Fathers, that if you needed a prop [forward], just whistle down the mines and you’ll find plenty. Well metaphorically speaking, our scrum was deficient, so we whistled, and out of the woodwork we have recruited:

• Russ Baker – Logistics and support
• Trine Baker – Secretariat
• Dan Tisdall – Fundraising and Events
• Zoe Powell – PR and marketing
• Drew Powell – Logistics and support
• Paul ‘Swiss Toni’ Bettesworth – Fundraising and Events
• Penny Jones – Events
• John Jones – Events
• Rachel – formally nominated as Treasurer

Zoe

Others too have said that they will assist, and we will be tapping them for sure, and mentioning them in dispatches in due course. These guys all bring much to the table. The roles as allocated reflect their skills, but they are by no means restrictive as our small team will inevitably have to retain some flexibility in order to succeed.

The email to the chaps read along the lines of:

“……. we were originally hoping to self-support [the trip as purchase as well as the vehicle and equipment costs]  - but realistically if we are to stick to the May 2011 schedule, then quite simply we need the help of others.

That’s where you guys come in. Everyone is telling us that we can get sponsorship, but it is not an insignificant amount to raise. I make no bones about the fact that I am a bit of a numpty when it comes to the business world with its movers and shakers, pressing of the flesh and corporate golf days - and you guys all have pedigree in that arena – so we are now looking to you to provide ideas, footwork and plain old grunt in order to make this project happen.

There is probably nothing in it for you, other than realising what we can do if we pull together. But after all, part of the journey is not being entirely sure where we will eventually end up. We will probably put you on our Christmas card list too. I have attached some guidance from the Royal Geographical Society that is worth considering ahead of our meeting.

Richard

If this wasn’t a difficult enough target, I have approached a charity with a view to their piggy-backing the expedition. I have made it clear to them that we need to raise enough money to make the trip happen in the first instance; but those of you that know me will understand that I will not readily undertake such a trip without giving something back (a legacy in kind if you like). Please take some time to read the wealth of content on Motivation’s website – particularly the Africa details and the morbidity stats found in the FAQ section. I think you’ll agree that there is a real congruence here.

The project deadlines are tight, and we should at least be able to answer these prime questions at this stage, ‘Is the target feasible?’ and ‘Can we achieve it? (‘Do we have the right people?’)’. If we agree that it is and that we can, we then pretty quickly need to draft an action plan.

Rachel and Trine

I can quite appreciate that we are unlikely ever to be free at the same time, and that we all have other, unavoidable commitments (we’d all be leading boring lives if we didn’t). Of course Rachel and I will make ourselves available to meet anyone ad-hoc, as needed, in order to enjoy the expertise so generously made available to us. That said, I believe that we need to maintain a series of planned meetings in order to coordinate the agenda and pace. (Otherwise there is a risk that he project will irretrievably drift). Please do feel free to commit to no more than you can actually take -on too! (Even if that includes being unable to commit to a year long programme at this time) The last thing we want is for anyone not to enjoy taking part in this endeavour. From the start we need to be open with each other if we are to succeed.

Our sincerest thanks in advance

Richard & Rachel x”

Anyway, tonight we met (with a few apologies) and got the ball rolling. As you can see we formally adopted www.motivation.org.uk as our chosen charity. Motivation is an international disability and development charity working in low-income countries to enhance the quality of life of people with mobility disabilities. I’ll be writing a bit more on this fantastic organisation in a discreet post – it also deserves a few pages of its own on our site too – so please do check back for those – but in the meantime visit their own pages….

The Worldmade Rough Terrain A three wheel active wheelchair with a large rubber castor wheel and long wheelbase which allows for safe and stable propulsion over uneven ground.

We will post details of our fundraising enterprises on the site and in the blog as well as any other media that we can use. I think that the hard work has just begun. Personally I am thrilled that Motivation have agreed to let us support them.

We also agreed a Project name ” the Indlovu Drive”

NEW Logo Launched for the ‘Indlovu 2011′ Expedition – The wheel links with www.motivation.org.uk, who you now know we are supporting on this trip.

The Indlovu Drive logo

Why the Bull and Cow Elephants?  The Carruthers Guide to ‘The Wildlife of Southern Africa’ says of Loxodonta Africana (Indlovu Zulu) “….Rough grey skin, often coloured by dust or mud.. Complex social life. Drinks daily if possible.” ‘Nuff said – if you Overland you’ll understand.

Isilwane, The Animal Tales and Fables of Africa

by: Credo Mutwa

“Reincarnation of Murdered Gods

African people regard the elephant with a very deep reverence. It is an animal believed to be more than just a beast – it is considered a spiritual entity. The Zulu, Tswana and Tsonga names for the elephant all mean “the forceful one,” “the unstoppable one.” In Zulu the name for elephant is Indlovu, from the verb dlovu, which means, “to crash through,” “to pierce savagely,” to ”act with extreme brute force.”

Russ, you were right, we’ve had our first meeting and it might yet “go down in the ‘anals of history’!

Thanks one and all – from both Rachel and I – you lovely, lovely people. x

Tags: biography, Charity, Ethics, finance, funding, money, motivation, philosophy, Sponsorship, wheelchair, www.motivation.org.uk

We’ve been leafing through recent (April/May) issues of Land Rover Monthly, and in the Technofile sections, there is a step by step, pictorial article on fitting an Ashcroft  auto-conversion to a 300tdi Defender. If you want to see what’s involved – plus the (again) positive review on the mod’ itself, then it’s worth tracking down a copy. It’s certainly not a quick job! The wiring in could be fiddly. Subsequently Anton advises us,

“The gearbox is going well so far. It is in, bolted up… but as you say we have the wiring and the pipework to do next… it would have been easier if we had built the land rover from chassis up… have taken off all the panels one can think off so far LOL “

Anton de Leeuw OEC International Ltd Broadway Road Kingsteington, Newton Abbot Devon, TQ12 3PJ Mob: +44 (0) 7841 278366 Tel: +44 (0) 1626 356555 Fax: +44 (0) 1626 356066

We’ve also been reflecting that getting the prep’ work done for us, is realistically depriving us of a learning opportunity regarding the mechanics of the vehicle and its mod’s. Realistically it is the right option for us though, given that the base vehicle is new, and we have neither the time nor the garage space to start from scratch – plus RR02 HAR is with OEC for the Azalai conversion itself anyway for a protracted period. Rachel is going to be designated bush-mechanic [lite], and we’ll need to catch-up on service and maintenance skills once the vehicle is commissioned. OEC themselves are open to spot visits and are at great pains to talk through what exactly they have done and indeed how they have done it – which is still an education.

Tags: adaptation, Ashcroft, Azalai, Build, Equipment, OEC, Specification, Transmission, Vehicle

Prelude from www.motivation.org.uk ‘s website. Please do read:

“Rights

“People treat me differently since I got my wheelchair and became more independent. I have a wife – my friends have a wife; I have a child – my friends have a child; I have a business – my friends have a business; we are the same, we are equal now”  Onesmo, Tanzanian wheelchair user

There is an important and fundamental difference between disability and other forms of disadvantage. Disabled people can only organise themselves to claim their rights when their practical needs, such as mobility aids, have been met. Disabled people have a right to be included in all aspects of life. In order to fight for the right to inclusion, disabled people need to live in an environment in which they are empowered.

Everywhere disabled people’s organisations are fighting for the rights of disabled people to be included in society from access to basic services, like education, to the right to influence policy and legislation. They understand that an act such as voting is next to impossible without mobility and a certain level of access.

“What we don’t want is welfare handouts; we need to be consulted when decisions are made and we do not have representatives” Henry Nyumbi, Director, Kilimanjaro Association of the Spinally Injured, Tanzania

We advocate for equal rights for disabled people. Working closely with regional and national partner organisations representing people with mobility disabilities we work with governments and development agencies to create the space to empower disabled people to participate more fully in society.”

Hand-powered trike enables long distance travel - image by www.motivation.org.uk

13/5/10

Dear Richard & Rachel
 
Many thanks for your e-mail. We are delighted to hear that you wish to select Motivation as the charitable cause for your expedition; this is much appreciated.
 
Best wishes
 
Marianne Kent
Donor Support Administrator
motivation uk

Brockley Academy, Brockley Lane, Backwell, Bristol, BS48 4AQ, UK
tel +44 (0)1275 464012   fax +44 (0)1275 464019

www.motivation.org.uk

Motivation UK is a registered charity no. 1079358 and a company limited by guarantee
Registered in England & Wales no. 3916496

Our letter to www.motivation.org.uk asking whether they would let us support them. It’s a long-ish letter  (in terms of blog posting!) but I hope it would help to illustrate why we have adopted www.motivation.co.uk as something the Indlovu Drive can really support (and in mulling things over, since www.motivation.org.uk agreed, I have become even more convinced that this is a great synergy). Motivation have also since writen a longer, more illustrative hard-copy letter than the email response reproduced above, formally agreeing that we can support them as part of the Indlovu Drive.

10/5/10

“Dear All at Motivation,

 I am writing to you to tentatively explore a possible fundraising avenue.

 My wife and I are planning an Overland Africa expedition for 2011/12. I myself sustained a SCI [Spinal Cord Injury] at C5/6 in 1986 (due to being clumsy at rugby). Consequently in planning this trip, a significant amount of our expense and logistical consideration to date has necessarily been focused on resolving care, access and mobility challenges. (To that end we have planned and purchased an Azalai 130 Land Rover conversion – which is currently under construction.) I can walk short distances with elbow crutches but use a combination of chairs/handcycles/scooter dependent on the task and terrain in hand. My blog illustrates my personal quandary  of ‘getting the solution right’ for successful wheelchair mobility away from a [western] built environment (I am deliberating whether to take my Trekinetic or my Clip on (Team Hybrid) Handcycle – and the jury is still out, but the question remains an ongoing blog theme). In 1993 I qualified as an Occupational Therapist, and have prescribed a few NHS wheelchairs in my time (although recently any wheelchair purchasing has all been just for me as I have moved away from fieldwork of late, although I have maintained my registration). We have flown many times to South Africa, but now it is our intent to ship out and then drive(ish) from RSA, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt – Europe, UK. over approximately eight months. We will be taking career breaks from the NHS.

 The project has reached a stage where we are just about to expand our fundraising efforts in earnest, and we have an inaugural meeting of the Fundraising and Logistics Committee planned for next week. Our primary target will be to raise enough funds to make the trip happen (£25-30k on top of the £80k+ that we have already committed ourselves) – but you would glean from my blog that I feel it is immoral to make such a trip and not give something back to Africa in return (at the risk of sounding cliched).

 In essence, [based on careful consideration of the comprehensive information on your website and that in linked sites] Motivation aligns very well with my history, life experience and values. We would like to use the trip to fundraise for the charity once our primary target has been reached. I am aware and have written about the paradox of expedition costs vs. subsequent fundraising for charity – but I honestly hope that there would be mutual benefit.

 Notably:

• Motivation is a mature and proven organisation
• Motivation’s approach is pragmatic
• Motivation’s approach is ethical
• Motivation’s approach is evidence based
• Motivation have embedded education into their business at every level
• Motivation is ‘pan Africa’ (and indeed Inter Continental) and there is much development work happening in Africa
• Motivation works with people to enable them to develop their own sustainable projects
• Motivation have a positive approach to disabled people and strive to realise potential in all
• Motivation provide clear, accessible and precise facts regarding their area of work

Further:

• Motivation UK are (as we are) South West based

My spinal injury history has a congruence that I would hope would give us a USP that is more ‘marketable’ when compared with similar expeditions.

We feel we can engender media publicity as a consequence of these alignments

I can (with professional integrity) talk to:

•  Motivation’s vision is of a world that promotes everyone’s right to mobility and inclusion
• Motivation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of people with mobility disabilities

We have considered many organisations in the months of planning to date, and there have been several that it would be ‘nice’ to support. However, your work really does it for me. In all honesty this is something that I personally could not just support; rather it is something that might actually become somewhat vocational. (A long winded way of saying I am really impressed.)

 So to that end, would you consider allowing us to adopt Motivation as a Charitable Cause for our venture? If so I will advise our Fundraising and Logistics committee accordingly. (Some have argued that our trip is cause enough on its own – I disagree as there is no tangible legacy, attributable to Africa as things stand.)

 In particular we would be grateful if [based on your experience] you have any thoughts on how to be clear with potential sponsors, that X goes to the Expedition and Y goes to Motivation (IE How to not use your name in vain – We need the trip to be viable in order to in turn support Motivation).

 I also see that you can do talks to arranged audiences/schools. We have one school signed-up (well technically one school’s housemaster) – but we need to manage the subsequent Expedition/Charity split there too. Additionally we will be arranging a few ‘Dinner/Soiree’ type events in the coming months as well. (As I said though, I am sure I can present relevant information with a degree of credibility at any such events, should it not be possible to send a speaker)

 If we do not achieve our Expedition target in time for 2011/12, we will defer to 2012/13 but it is our sincere aim to go for May 2011.

 Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Of course please do contact us if you require any more information at this time, if anything is not clear, or if you should have any other questions.

 Yours sincerely

 Richard (and Rachel) Harris

www.harris.gb.net”

Tags: Charity, disability, Ethics, finance, funding, motivation, O.T., philosophy, Sponsorship, wheelchair, www.motivation.org.uk

New Poly Bush

Things are really gathering pace regarding the build. We popped over to OEC last week to drop-off the ICE head-unit and found RR02 HAR up on the inspection ramps. A metaphor to Shelley’s Frankenstein monster, lying dormant and dismembered, awaiting to become the sum of its parts. To that end the wading kit has been added to compliment the snorkel, the tree-bars have been fitted and poly-bushes are  now in place. There were ply templates for the water-tank set in the pod chassis frame too – illustrative to see and definitely a great idea to keep the centre of gravity low.

Pod chassis with ply water tank template

And the pods were there (hooray) having arrived at last from France. The focus of work is likely to move from the Landy to the pod cutting imminently. That should take a few weeks – but all in all, things are falling into shape.

OEC have sourced a neat reversing camera and suitably sized mirror mounted monitor and we agreed to commit that to the spec. We again pondered access solutions [to the pod] and that remains an unknown (but confidence remains high). There is a more comfortable bottom-bunk option that has been developed which looks good for us. It involves a frame to extend through the cutout between the pod and into the cab together with a little extra upholstery.

Notably, there has been a bit of a saga regarding the auto-box conversion. Apparently Ashcroft Transmissions sent one unit, but by the time it arrived in Kingsteignton the couriers had managed to impale it with a fork-lift truck. £6k worth of kit ruined – I bet there was a serious bollocking for someone! Anyway, a new one duly arrived and OEC went to fit it yesterday, only to find that the incorrect torque converter had been packaged. Heavy work that, lifting an OEM gear box out, man-handling a new auto one into its place and then having to take it all out again! Still only one more time to go chaps, and practice makes perfect (plus the effort will help control any beer bellies).

Once the transmission is in we can see whether there is any effect on the tunnel, and subsequently confirm what to do with seats and the cubby-box options.

One thing that we hadn’t factored in to date was the hob. We have decided to go with a diesel option (Wallas) and thus negate the need to carry and source gas. these units are expensive (£1k+ hob only or £1.5k ish with hob and heater blower lid) but they have good reviews from what I have seen. The gas bottle locker on the outside of the pod will also be freed up for additional storage.

Pod awaiting cutting and trimming

Invites have gone out to our formative Fundraising and Logistics Committee – so news of that to follow soon.

Tags: adaptation, Ashcroft, Azalai, Build, Equipment, Gear, OEC, Specification, Transmission, Vehicle

Shimano 8 Handcycle by Team Hybrid

Today I drove all the way up to Knowle and back to pick up a shiny (very) new handcycle wheelchair adaptation from Team Hybrid. The Shimano 8 is a ‘clip-on’ type that fits into a receiver that is permanently bolted onto a fixed frame wheelchair. This raises the chair’s castors off the ground and in effect gives you a three wheeled affair, steerable by the front wheel. The downside of this type of set-up is that at certain gradients, the front (drive) wheel loses traction as the centre of gravity is tilted towards the rear of the chair.

The guys up there were extremely helpful and the bike is really well made. It is equipped with a coaster brake and a hub-gear – so it’s simple to operate and reliable with minimal user servicing. I got the bike home and took it for a five mile spin, no probs (other than needing to tighten the odd hex bolt here and there as things bedded down).

I am looking at this as a serious contender to take on the trip. The advantage over the Trekinetic is that it will cover a greater range more efficiently on reasonable terrain, and will still manage more severe terrain and gradients with the assistance of a pusher. The component parts break-down smaller, and the mechanisms are simpler to maintain in the field. With the front section removed you still have a regular wheelchair. (IE The converse is that the Trekinetic would give better independence over short distances, including around camp – without needing to mount the front attachment (obviously).

Of course the ideal option would be to take both – but that is not feasible. As things stand I haven’t made up my mind – there is no obvious ‘right’ decision. I think there will need to be several field trials before committing to whichever piece of kit. They are both great and have their place but inevitably there will be a degree of compromise in the decision when it is reached.

Tags: disability, Equipment, Gear, wheelchair

OEC advise, “Just to say your truck is now motoring along – bush kit complete, rock sliders fabricated and fitted…     The pod is inside and the parts all unwrapped so by next week there will be plenty of dust and cutting going on too!! I [Anton] have also found a neat reversing camera with 7” screen that replaces the rear view mirror rather than in the passenger’s way. I only have a card template at present whilst the boys confirm the fittings and then we can send you the details.”

The costings/inventory spreadsheet is working up nicely too (with help from Rachel). It’s surprising to see how much gear we have already accumulated over the last year. The list is looking pretty comprehensive, but adding costs will take some time. (I also want it to record weight of items to ensure things stay safely in hand.) I have asked Anton if he could price a tariff of spares for us, as getting these prices from the Internet is proving to be difficult. (Andre in KZN – I might be checking with you too to see how things look in ZAR – be warned! I see the Rand is strong vs Sterling just now though).

If anyone should be looking to support our venture, this list will help to demonstrate our own contribution to date, and the areas where any help would be most welcome.

I have also found a couple of charities in Africa that might be able to gain some benefit from our endeavour. Whereas tourism is recognised across the continent as a real, sustainable and viable source of (increasing) income; with much of it arriving overland – we would feel far more congruent if we were giving something more ‘directed’ back. It might be argued that such gestures are small and barely relevant when viewed in the context of the vast whole – but we are sure that the charities we have in mind will fit nicely with our experiences in life and of the continent to date. I will not give anymore away just yet as I want to approach the organisations in scope directly to seek their approval first – but I’m sure that they will be causes that our supporters will get behind. In particular there is scope for schools in the UK to get involved, and I have had some preliminary discussions with friends in the teaching profession.

Possible Route RSA KZN - UK Devon

Of course fundraising for charities will only work if we realise the trip itself – and that remains a paradox of expedition funding. We need money for the trip (on top of the tens of thousands we have committed personally) just to get there and back  - and in turn raise a few thousand more for our identified causes (I was going to say ‘worthy’ causes – but that would be so cliched! Still trust me – I know you’ll like them – and yes we will be tapping you at every opportunity once announced). We will  be documenting the trip in the media of stills photography and audio recording. I suspect that between now and then we should be able to rustle up a camcorder too. The blog will also provide an ongoing journal of the Expedition. In other words we will be able to keep supporters palpably updated with progress and our learning along the way.

At this time I’d like to form a small project group to help with fundraising and logistics. I have people in mind, and I’m sure you know who you might be, so please feel free to offer help in the meantime if you feel you want to be involved with something just a little different from the old routine.

Maps, Routes and Stuff:

I ordered the  Ultimate Africa Atlas ISBN 978-1–86809-924-5 Published by MapStudio, 2007, Hardback Bought from Amazon.co.uk a bargain at £25.95. The order was p+p free under their supersaver delivery – ordered Tuesday, delivered Thursday (why pay Amazon for next day?) It will be a useful adjunct to the Michelin maps and T4A as it is easy to manage in the hands with the main pages being 1 : 1 500 000. There are some city centre street plans (T4A stresses it is not a intra city navigator) and some slightly more detailed maps of parks and reserves too.

We have a tentative route planned and I’ll try and get that published in a more detailed graphic form soon with some formidable stats too. We are favouring ship-out, drive back. We would start in Zululand – hopefully from one of the locale of one of the projects we are looking to support.

These pages should liven up a bit now as things are gathering momentum. Stay tuned (OK that’s another cliche but what the heck). I’ve promised you a lot more detail, but please bear with me whilst I fashion it all up into enjoyable, user friendly chunks……

Tags: Africa, Azalai, Books, Build, Charity, Ethics, funding, Info, money, OEC, reading, Reference, Specification, Sponsorship, T4A, Vehicle, Weight

Today we can confirm that OEC have received the container of Pods from France. That means we tangibly own pretty much all of the bits to build the Azalai (although the access solution remains less clear at this time).

We have started to plan a trip budget too. This is as frightening as I thought it would be. We have discussed fundraising possibilities with several friendly parties – but we will need to pull our fingers out to realise 2011! I hope to publish a costed breakdown soon – of things we’ve already funded ourselves, and things that we yet need to secure.

I also took the Trekinetic up to Hemel Hempstead last week for a brake service. Mike Spindle pretty much rebuilt the brake assembly and the chair is better for it. The brakes are mechanically complex compared with ‘regular’ wheelchair brakes. We will be monitoring their performance over the months to determine whether they are robust enough for Azalai life. We have cracked a brake in Africa before (probably due to a loose axle nut) and subsequently managed ‘sans brake’. There is no question that he rest of the rig is viable though. One alternative option we are considering is a clamp-on handcycle and ‘regular’ chair combo – it may be more packable and more serviceable – as ever it’s a question of compromise and horses for courses. At this stage the Trekinetic is the favourite, but we’ll be trying both options in shake-down trips.

Azalai - a finished Pod interior

Tags: adaptation, Azalai, Build, disability, Equipment, funding, Gear, money, OEC, Vehicle, wheelchair