Doubt, then Inspiration

The days just before a solo expedition are always full of doubt, worry, and a bit of regret. That feeling of 'What the hell have I gotten myself into?' seems to come prematurely for me. Maybe it's a healthy dose of fear that keeps me safe, or perhaps I'm just fixating on the unknown future. Either way, the last two days have felt unsettling.

It doesn't help that I'm taking a final tonight, and that I have yet more papers to finish before I hit the road. But at least my bike is getting a proper tune up from a shop I like in town. One less thing I have to do.

When I think about all I have to do to get ready, I look for inspiration from the stories of explorers and long-distance cyclists. Today, it just so happens, I am interviewing Jolandie Rust for an ExplorersWeb.com article. She biked alone from Cape Town, South Africa to northern Angola when she was robbed at knife point by four men who took everything, including her bike. Undeterred, she flew home, bought a motorcycle and headed again toward Angola, then onward to Morocco until she broke her leg. She spent months healing, and then returned to Morocco, carrying on across north Africa and down the east coast, completely circumnavigating the African continent by herself. She just returned to her native South Africa a few weeks ago.

Her story was just the boost I need today. Perseverance, personified!

Check out this badass http://jorust.com/

-Kyle

Donations are Coming in!

Thank you, to those known and anonymous donors who have given some cash to help out. It always feels great when people give what they can to a really good cause.

I've had a few questions asked of me about the money, so I will address them here:

A direct donation will go to my host family, specifically the 2nd oldest son. He works in the disaster response field in the Philippines, but these funds are not going through any NGO's or government offices as those entities tend to have higher overhead costs and red tape about who gets what. The NGOs and government have their own fundraisers, and that is fine. If you wish to donate to them, I have put donation links under the 'Donate' button.

All the money donated directly will go to help typhoon survivors. I can't say who it will go to or what it will buy (food, generator, etc.), but I know that it will be used appropriately.

I can ask the boys to keep a record of where the money goes, and take photos if appropriate, but that won't come until after it's been spent. I know this is a bit unorthodox, but I think it's the best way to spend what little money this fundraiser may bring.

That said, thank you, again. Whoever you are!

-Kyle

A Little Light Reading

Delaying One Day

I am almost certain I will be departing one day later than previously planned. I have been so busy this week and have fallen behind on some assignments that I think I'll need one more day to prep for the ride. I am juggling finals week in grad school and training my body for the ride. I still have a few things to purchase before I go, and I fear it won't get done by Wednesday.

The concern with a later departure is that I'm trying to wrap this up before Christmas. I haven't been home for the holidays since 2007, and this year we'll have all the siblings together, so I can't miss it. I can still make it, but I'll have to push a bit harder.

To a Thursday departure!

-Kyle

Donation Links for Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Relief now available

Me and the Saplads in Calbayog City, Philippines, 2012

Living in the Philippines was often difficult. In fact, it was the most challenging time of my life. But my host family, the Saplads, always provided me with the love and humor that got me through the hard days. They live in Calbayog City, where there is no power, high crime, and a surge of displaced people since Typhoon Haiyan struck the south end of the island of Samar.

We lost our Mama in October, a woman that was tough, loving, and humble. Despite these challenges, the boys are spending their time helping their neighbors and providing food relief to devastated eastern Samar communities. They are some of the most selfless people I have ever met.

A direct, person-to-person donation will help them, but will also help others struggling even more in parts of the Philippines that are not mentioned in international news. If you trust your money with a little leap of faith, this family will put it to the best use possible around the island.

Giving directly to strangers in a foreign country may, understandably, be discomforting for some. If you want any more information, email me personally at Low2HighExpeditions@gmail.com and I will answer all questions that I can.

If you wish to donate to the Saplads in Calbayog City, use the 'Donate' button in the right column. To donate to a relief organization in the Philippines, I have included links to several.

Salamat.

-Kyle

Fundraising

My friends in the Philippines and I have been discussing the best way to get funds to them. Banks are only open 2-3 hours a day since they must run on generators. ATMs are not being resupplied with cash. Western Union is also working for a few hours a day, but takes a large fee.

One contact has a PayPal account that could be used. They would still have issues turning that into useful cash.

What do people think? Give directly? Support an NGO on the ground? It feels so overwhelming to figure out what people are comfortable sending donations toward, and what would be the best means to deliver the money. I am open to all suggestions.

-Kyle

90's Tech

And yes, most of the pictures from the road will be flip phone selfies. Deal with it.