Two years ago I was told I was mad for wanting to cycle across South Africa alone. But, I arrived in Pretoria 41 days later having felt ‘uneasy’ only once… whilst fixing a puncture in Hillbrow after sunset.
With over 30,000 km under the tyres in the last three years, and close on 2,000 on foot… it saddens me to say that bar a few run-ins with ADT security [being knocked by security patrol vehicles] I have been pretty safe and seldom felt uneasy.
My only bicycle safety incident, in fact, was a little over three years back now… where my computer got ripped off the handlebars.
Until yesterday, when my property was violated and stolen from outside Constantia Village, where it was securely fastened to a tree. A tree? Yes, their bicycle racks are pathetic and do more harm to the bicycle than anything else.
But many people ask how I keep myself safe on my travels and the answer is simple: I do nothing special.
I don’t carry a gun, knife or pepper-spray. I have never done any form of self defence class and can’t remember when last I threw a punch.
I guess it helps being almost 6’4″ tall, but surely that alone can’t be my defence mechanism? Or is it?
My upcoming journey will be undertaken on foot and will involve me travelling through six provinces, through several major centres and some very remote areas.
Basics I rely on and that have worked until now:
– never leave my stuff unattended
– never have valuables visible when in ‘dodgy’ areas
– be careful when travelling in low light or dark
What do you think?
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