Old School off road - africa is calling

Big thanks to Darryl Musgrave from Mica sports Canada the importers of Scott, Darryl and lutz had this sent through to me for the Africa trip, a nice shiny Scott cyclo cross team bike, it was a hard decision figuring out what to ride, it looks like about 70% of the roads will be paved, but im not sure what paved means in places like Sudan. The guys I've spoken to that have done it before say overall you'll be faster on a cross bike, but the guys on hardtails look more comfortable at the end of the day. Only one way to find out really. I'm not changing anything on the spec except the saddle & tyre's really impressed by the reinforced bottom bracket and seat stays, it looks stronger than most hardtails Ive seen, just hope it has a little give for my fat ass.

Michele from CrankBrothers is coming to stay over the holidays and bringing up a nice set of candies to go on, Brett at Summit stepped up to the plate yet again and got me all the spares I could possibly need as well as a few extras and that's me all set.

The only scary thing about it is I haven't ridden it yet and its going back in the box in the next few days, its -16 before the wind at the moment, Alfie refuses to go for a walk its that cold. I really cannot bring myself to get out there, no excuses, im just not interested in being that cold!
Without doubt i'll get my arsed kicked for the first few days when I get there, but that is nothing new so im not too concerned.

10 days to go, so im gonna go do some training in the GLC, Gorgonzola fries and a pint of Keith's should about do it for today I think.