A rather odd couple quit everything to travel the world on bikes....

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The Warrior Women

Together we are Shakti and Angela (that's me), we met in 2001 on a walking women holiday in Madeira and we've tagged along with each other in one form or another since then.

Shakti is 57 and I'm 35 and together we make the best of companions, with me playing the serious foil to Shakti's often wayward and exuberant nature. We accomodate each other well in the life we have created so far but really it has been no comparison to the life we will experience on the road. Tensions will no doubt rise as we find that padded seats and shorts have been no bloody use whatsoever and all we want is a hot bath and relaxing arm chair. And whose idea was it to cycle across the world anyway?!
Could be Interesting.

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Shakti

Shakti is full of energy - her name means female energy and that about sums her up. She is wonderful to be around (when she's not being cantankerous) and has been an inspiration, advocating a life free from material ties; enabling her to live in the now and experience the adventures that life naturally throws at you.

I think she would say she came of age at 50 when she started to lead the life she had always dreamed of. Travelling solo or with groups she unleashed an adventurous and powerful women that had remained subdued throughout her childhood and marriage.

Shakti likes to act on the spur of the moment and completely rejects the idea of plans. On one of her earlier trips she decided one friday that she would like to visit Macchu Picchu and by tuesday she was on a plane to Lima. She had no idea that Macchu Picchu was actually nearer Cuzco and that she needed another flight and that Lima was a dangerous place for a single woman and that she had no hotel booked.... These sort of worries don't bother Shakti as she has a faith that has successfully kept her safe through many such instances. Two women adopted her on the flight, after a coincidental seat change that brought them together, and they took her home with them and helped her find her route to Macchu Picchu.

Her holiday memories are littered with these examples of serendipitous coincidences and Shakti is fortunate that she can recognise them and embrace them as opportunities for adventure.

This cycling tour marks another stage in Shakti's life, she has been attempting to settle down in London but the drop in pace has closed her off to the excitement and surprises in life. She can see old age looming and wants to get up and fight it off - bring back the power - bring back the spirit - Tawanda!

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Angela

Well, I am quite a contrast to Shakti. I like plans, the thought of travelling to South America to visit Macchu Picchu without knowing where it actually was would terrify me. My world is full of books and information and learning, I have a need to know everything that I might ever need to know. I am studying for my 3rd degree and a PhD and I'm learning web design - so its a bit excessive.

I am changing a little though and I like the change. I need to know so much because I don't like to put myself in a position of having to ask for assistance. I lead a pretty closed up life and I'm beginning to realise that life is more fun when you risk a little more.

The first risk I took was travel to Madeira on my own and that triggered a series of events that would ultimately lead to this adventure tour. I quit my job and my beautiful home and moved to London, then after a year here I quit my job and went back to university to study for a PhD in cosmic chemistry. I've moved house six times in the last two years and for someone who always valued stability it has kind of shaken me around a bit.

I'm slowly detaching myself from my possessions and my illussion of stability. This tour represents a beginning for me. I will finish my PhD and then swap mental challenges for physical and open myself to the possibilities of life.

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