Scooting in Egypt

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:23 am

I know it's out of the reach of most of us, but have you seen this?

http://www.crossegyptchallenge.com/

When you look at it, it seems like it is a really good deal, too. If only I could afford to fly to Egypt and back

FROM THE WEBSITE
Cross Egypt Challenge is not a commercial event, therefore the following rates / fees cover part of the actual cost of participating in such a unique event while we look to cover the additional cost through our loyal sponsors.

Registration fees for the 2012 season of Cross Egypt Challenge are: LE 9,600 or USD 1,600 (the fees are subject to 10 to 20% deduction in the case enough sponsors come on board)

All fees are to be paid at the time we confirm your participation spot f the Cross Egypt Challenge 2012 season. All banking details will be forwarded to you at the time of notification.

THESE FEES INCLUDE:
- Securing a scooter for the participant during the challenge
- Securing a brand new helmet for the participant's use during the challenge
- Securing a brand new gloves for the participant's use during the challenge
- 2 branded polo shirts + 4 branded long sleeve t-shirts for each participant to wear during the challenge
- Refueling during the entire challenge
- Oil changes during the challenge
- Scooter maintenance during the challenge
- Road tolls (where applicable)
- Cost of army/military and special permits for the entire route
- Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels
- Camping in the desert for 1 night (with all camp gear provided)
- Desert camping activities
- All meals during the challenge including welcome and farewell dinners.
- Return flight from Luxor to Cairo

THESE FEES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Flights from/to Egypt (for international participants)
- Visa charges
- Extra accommodation prior or after the above schedule
- Extra food and beverage beyond 3 meals a day
- Any personal extras or any expense not mentioned above

Howard

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:31 am

No way in hell. I used to have to drive in Egypt and Jordan in a cage. That in itself was death defying. On a scooter? Death wish. I wouldn't last 15 minutes. Especially if you're an infidel. They'll literally aim for you.

I've driven all over the world in some horrific traffic countries. There's a few that I would never consider riding a scooter in, and Egypt is one of them. Especially Cairo.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:45 am

I dunno... I grew up in Northern Ireland in the 80's. Had a fair share of being shot at for no decent reason. But, as I have learned: Once you get out of the US, people in general tend to be good folk on the everyday trek. You have to go out of your way to consistently find the worst elements. In America, they are always front and center. Like anything else in life, it's how you treat the situation and your personal awareness of the people and culture around you that dictate your personal safety. And, if your sense of things are well-educated and grounded in common sense and kindness, you can make very good decisions on what to do and what to run away from when the time is right.

I'd be down if I had the cash to blow!

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:46 am

Not gonna do it. Pick another desert nation, plz

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:28 am

A few thoughts:

The route for this seems intent on avoiding the Nile as much as possible. I do believe there's a reason why most of Egypt's population is clustered along the Nile and its delta.

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman (both "infidels" I might add) rode through Egypt on their trip from Scotland to S.Africa. While not exactly paradise, they seemed to prefer it to (for example) Libya. Of course the political situation in both countries has changed substantially since then.

Although this looks interesting, and at some point in the past/future I might consider going for it, at present I think I'll stick to Michigan.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 4:03 am

The organizers contacted me at one point some time ago. My response was, "Sounds awesome! Don't think I can make it!"

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:08 pm

Not to sound negative, but with all the political unrest over there, it would be the last place I travel to.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 7:48 am

2wheelNsanity wrote:Not to sound negative, but with all the political unrest over there, it would be the last place I travel to.

Funny, Compared to alot of other places in the world Egypt sounds alot more stable than even many parts of North America. But, I suppose when you mix the worlds "Politics" and "Muslim" in the same sentence, we're trained to be scared of it. And the media has been keen on reminding us of those two words at the same time as much as possible.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 8:18 am

neotrotsky wrote:
2wheelNsanity wrote:Not to sound negative, but with all the political unrest over there, it would be the last place I travel to.
Funny, Compared to alot of other places in the world Egypt sounds alot more stable than even many parts of North America. But, I suppose when you mix the worlds "Politics" and "Muslim" in the same sentence, we're trained to be scared of it. And the media has been keen on reminding us of those two words at the same time as much as possible.

I used to live in the Middle East. For the most part, the reputation is not undeserved. It truly is the armpit of the world, and it's the people that make it that way and keep it that way.

I have a whole boatload of VERY good Arab friends back there, but they are the exception and they will readily admit it. I also have a whole bunch of Arab friends here in the US that thank God they're here instead of there.

amy · Post by **amy** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 1:19 pm

omg I think it is FANTASTIC and I would love to do it!

EDIT: I just wonder how much time you get to spend at each of the scenic points!

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 1:44 pm

k1dude wrote:I used to live in the Middle East. For the most part, the reputation is not undeserved. It truly is the armpit of the world, and it's the people that make it that way and keep it that way.

I have a whole boatload of VERY good Arab friends back there, but they are the exception and they will readily admit it. I also have a whole bunch of Arab friends here in the US that thank God they're here instead of there.

I spent 3 years working in Saudi, theoretically one of more stable Middle Eastern countries. This was back in the 80's, it was very much a huge culture shock. We lived on an American compound with highly censorized media (TV, radio). We couldn't bring any products from Sears (including Craftsman tools

) into the country because it was considered to be a jewish owned company. Same thing with my Levi's. We had to leave all radios with the FM band back home because FM was the police band. Many other items were left behind because of similar restrictions.

At the time, in many areas, we couldn't take photos. The few we do have were taken with some risk involved. We kept a camera hidden under the seat of the automobile and would quickly snap a pic or two and then return it to it's hiding spot.

In general, we really missed the lack of some of the basic human freedoms that we take for granted here.

Also, in general, the people were wonderful. And it wasn't uncommon to receive a Rolex as a "tip" or a gift after helping out a Saudi with some sort of task or problem.

Would I ever go back? Not voluntarily.

Rob

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:21 pm

2wheelNsanity wrote:Not to sound negative, but with all the political unrest over there, it would be the last place I travel to.

Not the last place....but close to it. I have been living pretty close to Egypt for the past year. I really wanted to go but the political situation is dicey

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:24 pm

I think it would be really neat!

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 6:52 pm

What impressed me is all the stuff you get for $1600.

Howard

amy · Post by **amy** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 12:38 am

Yeah Howard! I wrote to them on Facebook asking how much time you get to spend at scenic spots and here is the reply:

Hi Amy, Cross Egypt Challenge route is carefully planned to pass by some of the mmost exotic spots in Egypt. The 2012 season will start from Egypt's famous capital, and pass through its second largest city, before going through some of the best spots in North Africa then ending the seasoin Luxor, the world's largest open air muesuem. The riders start their day so early to arrive to each destination before dark so they can do a city tour and enjoy some of the most sights at each destination. Please let us know if we can be of further help, or if you have other questions.

I think it sounds amazing! I'd do it if I knew other peeps were doing it.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 7:49 am

Me and a friend of mine are TOTALLY down for it, but it's right in the middle of the first half of the season and during the semester where I need to buckle down to finish two degrees. It would probably cost about $4000 total once you equate airfare, pocket cash, Visas and the like. When you're talking of a trip of that magnitude it is quite a deal. She's got a little more freedom of time, but not of cash during that part of the year. Of course, for my family that's when our income increases exponentially.

Eh. Perhaps *next* year. Need to make it through the next two months first before we can even replace my current bike. I may get all sorts of bold and for a "graduation trip" eventually try that ride to Panama I've always dreamed of.

batgirl101 · Post by **batgirl101** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 4:18 pm

i'm interested, have requested more info. thing is i've only been out of the country once--to Australia. I'm feeling like it's time for some real adventure..

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 4:48 pm

batgirl101 wrote:i'm interested, have requested more info. thing is i've only been out of the country once--to Australia. I'm feeling like it's time for some real adventure..

There's also adventure to be found in countries that are not currently undergoing a change of government.

SYMbionic Duo · Post by **SYMbionic Duo** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 7:29 pm

But someone has to telegraph the revolution. Think of the adventure, the excitement, the stories you will tell.

TVB wrote:There's also adventure to be found in countries that are not currently undergoing a change of government.

Like Somalia! Don't you want to see the libertarian utopia!!?

[/sarcasm]

batgirl101 · Post by **batgirl101** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 7:40 pm

TVB wrote:
batgirl101 wrote:i'm interested, have requested more info. thing is i've only been out of the country once--to Australia. I'm feeling like it's time for some real adventure..
There's also adventure to be found in countries that are not currently undergoing a change of government.

yep you're right! i admit to being somewhat impulsive at times--also i'd hate to get there and find i'm the only woman on board. that would suck big monkey balls!

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 7:52 pm

No, there are no monkeys in Egypt.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 8:07 pm

Right. Ever since the monkey ate the Bad Dates at Sallah's house....

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 9:01 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
2wheelNsanity wrote:Not to sound negative, but with all the political unrest over there, it would be the last place I travel to.
Funny, Compared to alot of other places in the world Egypt sounds alot more stable than even many parts of North America. But, I suppose when you mix the worlds "Politics" and "Muslim" in the same sentence, we're trained to be scared of it. And the media has been keen on reminding us of those two words at the same time as much as possible.

I know, Canada scares the crap out of me!

I'd do it, but I have no time or funds to even think about it.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 1:02 am

TVB wrote:
batgirl101 wrote:i'm interested, have requested more info. thing is i've only been out of the country once--to Australia. I'm feeling like it's time for some real adventure..
There's also adventure to be found in countries that are not currently undergoing a change of government.

Which is why a vacation around November anywhere else than here sounds like an AWESOME idea.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:40 am

neotrotsky wrote:
TVB wrote:There's also adventure to be found in countries that are not currently undergoing a change of government.
Which is why a vacation around November anywhere else than here sounds like an AWESOME idea.

Nah, at most we might experience a change of administration. The US hasn't had a change of government in a very long time.

Elzoghby · Post by **Elzoghby** » Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:28 am

Hey guys, I am one of the organizers of Cross Egypt Challenge and I am relatively new to Modern Buddy so excuse me if I don't know how to use the forum that much

I have read your concerns and please allow me to share some thoughts. Having lived here in Egypt and the Middle East long enough I can say that some of you have the right to be scared especially with all the negative media coverage of this part f the world. While some of it remain true, the great deal of what is said or shared about the Middle East is so untrue, and the proof is, I am alive to tell you the story hahahaha

Egypt has gone some major changes this past year, but it was all concentrated in few squares in the capital and 2 other cities, while the rest of the nation is still living as normal. Normal life is still going on normally, but the media always focus on the clashes and the dramatic action and usually give the feeling that life has stopped in the country.

After the presidential elections last month, things are pretty much back to normal and life is moving on and Egyptians are full of positive energy for better future.

Back to Cross Egypt Challenge, I as one of the organizers have dramatically enjoyed last season to the extent that I would do anything to go again. We have friends from the USA who attended the last season and who are coming back again this year because of all the fun they have enjoyed. I can provide references if you desire so you can ask them.

Cross Egypt Challenge is a super organized rally to the extent that we will not face any traffic issues. We leave the cities so early and our route is communicated to the traffic police and the related authorities so they free the streets for us when we drive inside the cities. We ride in a formation that allow the safety of all riders with chase cars preceding and following us.

Egypt is magical in its core, with all the sights and the history nd the kindness of its people. It is so different than any other Middle Eastern country and especially Saudi in the 80s

Flights to Egypt from the US run about $700 to $900 and the visa cost is $50. Everything else is covered in our registration package, except if you would like to shop for some gifts or buy cigarettes

Your total trip cost wouldn't exceed $$2500 by all means including airfare to and from Egypt.

Excuse me for the lengthy post but I tried to answer all the concerns above. Please feel free to ask me anything and I will be happy to answer.

You can view last year photos on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/CrossEgyptChallenge

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Sat Jul 07, 2012 4:22 pm

Elzoghby,

Thanks for taking the time to address us in this forum. I know I would dearly ,love to ride in this, but, unfortunately, finances keep me from doing so.

I hope someone from Modern Buddy rides in this and brings back some great pics and memories to share with us.

Howard

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sat Jul 07, 2012 6:03 pm

Yes. Thanks for the info. I'm glad to hear how you've arranged the ride to accomodate the traffic - especially in the cities. It makes it much more palatable and alleviates most of my concerns.

Yes, Egypt has INCREDIBLE historical sights, and that in itself makes it worth it.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sun Jul 08, 2012 3:40 am

thanks for sharing, Elzoghby. It looks like an amazing ride, and I'd definitely consider it sometime in the future. Unfortunately it's not financially feasible in the short term, but I'll save the link and look forward to seeing more photos.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sun Jul 08, 2012 7:50 am

I still say I'd be down if it weren't in October when the season at my theater is in full swing and if I weren't in school myself again full time! Although I couldn't find one round trip ticket to Egypt under $1300US (Yes, I briefly thought about it

)

Next year? YES!!!!