Two Tenby bikers have spoken about their recent gruelling off-road charity motorcycle rally through South Africa for Enduro Africa's Ride for Life 08.
Warren Street neighbours David Stewart Walvin and Graham Lightwood were joined by Prince William and Prince Harry in a party of 80 who embarked on an eight-day 2,000 kms journey in rough terrain on a mission to buy off-road motor bikes for African AIDS health workers in Zimbabwe in the fight against childhood AIDS.
"Yes we made it, but it was tough work, mentally and physically, and it was a trip full of surprises," said the pair.
"The hardest part was the start of day four. We had endured a 13-hour ride the previous day across some fairly tough terrain - but day four started at 5.30 am and we had 12 hours in front of us to cover just 47 miles - now that's tough terrain!
"Add into that salmonella poisoning and dysentery, just to spice things up a bit, then having to sleep outdoors with just one lavatory for 80 blokes, not easy," they added.
The rate of attrition was quite high, according to David and Graham, with approximately 20 per cent of riders suffering some injury, but despite broken collar bones and wrists, 77 of the 80 that started made it across the finish line, including the two VIP guests, who mucked in and got on with the ride just like the others.