An Arab Spring so close, you can smell it over the 2-stroke smoke!

So, you’ve contemplated riding to Amerivespa this year and found it too pedestrian.  You’ve thought “Alaska? Eh, there’s still asphalt”.  Even the cartels and unstable political forces in Mexico don’t pique that sense of adventure when you’re looking for a *true* long distance haul.  What’s an adventurous scooterist to do?

Egypt. 

Yep.  There is a company currently still going full tilt into offering scooter tours in the form of a trans-Egypt challenge.  Nevermind the factors such as a brand new government where even it’s own people aren’t sure who is effectively in charge and a flashpoint for Christian, Muslim and other indigenous peoples and faiths.  This is one of the oldest nation-states on Earth, and while they may not of had the best of press in the past year, the sense of wonder and adventure are REALLY tempting! 

The tour is set for October 12-20 2012, and details can be found at http://www.crossegyptchallenge.com/.  The details (as copied 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

If I had any spare cash and didn’t have a driving push to finish my two degrees, I would be TOTALLY down for this!  Mrs. Trotsky (would that make her Ms. Frida Kahlo technically? Eh, only the art geeks got that one…) thinks of course I am insane. 

I’ve grown accustomed to such things.