13 hours, 30 minutes, 550 kilometers (340 miles)
I can see it, but I just can’t get there from here.
I’m not complaining, but 90 minutes to go 300 meters? Google just wouldn’t shut the fuck up.
Somewhere in the midst and the mist, I would lose my sense of reality. This map does nothing to define the harsh conditions on the ground after a rain.
Bye-bye Villa Maria Shit Box
Hunt for an ATM
After 30 minutes and pretty much every branch of bank visited. Nothing.
With nothing more than remainder of my money Joseph exchanged for me, about 18,000xfa, I decided to get gas. After all, I did have 550+ kilometers to ride. I was able to get filled up… leaving me with 3,000xfa.
As soon as I got on the road, I called Lars to have her send some money via Western Union. Yeah, they really are everywhere.
History of the N1
The last time I was in this part of the world, it was Zaire. Power struggles, military coups, bad alliances, and years later, the Republic of Congo would emerge as an independent country with high hopes for the future. What the country needed was a way to link the major port of Pointe-Noire to the capital – Brazzaville. With China’s road and bridges financing, logistics, and construction support, this would be a near decades-long project that would transform the countryside as well as the country.
The N1 was a major undertaking. I won’t go into all the details, but give this a quick watch – it’s from this year! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plMomZvQ6wg
As I left to get on the road, I had visions of the long, beautiful highway stretched out in front of me with the wild all around. Visions that would soon fade to the reality of actually getting to the stupid thing.
Mudslides, Car-Sized Puddles, Deep Sand Inclines, and Everything In Between.
So, the highway was closed leaving the city. There was a small gap for motorcycles to get through, but I was just a little too wide. Whatever, I’ll just go around and follow the detour route, right?
Tried making it around, got stuck. One time, I took a left and ended up at a canal. Great, turn around and go back.
I hit some deep sand where my rear tire was not even visible. Took off my bags, moved them to a hard spot, bot my bike out, loaded the bags back on.
Family watching as I finally got through the deep sand. I finally was able to see the N1!!!! But wait, there’s more.
Puddles of mud.
Almost there….
And now we’re moving, right?
On the Road, finally.
Well, I guess this part wasn’t included in the actual construction.
Once I actually got on the road, the highway was amazing. Practically brand new with plenty of room and even some nice riding through the forest.
Stopped to do some work on the side of the road.
The people don’t know how to drive.
Some tolls along the way, but not for motos!
Was down to 8 miles, needed to refuel! Being on the side of the road in Congo was actually one of the scariest part of this whole trip. I made sure I was on a visible stretch, with plenty of shoulder, and almost got clipped 10 times. Little did I know that people in this country actually knew how to drive!
Brazzaville
Just over the hill is Brazzaville. With more than 2 million people, no idea where I am staying, and dark settling in, this should be interesting. Did I also mention that I have to try to get to Gabon?