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This is it, the team has crossed in France! It is hard to believe we are coming at the end of this first  journey. That we have crossed 4 continents and experienced so much on the road. But, I have to say I wished we would arrive in different conditions as it is now in France. Strikes, riots and all sorts of difficulties are making this trip a little more complicated here.

Travelling through the south of France is always a great way to start a road trip in this country. The coastal road from Italy to France really is unbelievable – it’s like diving in the blue sea while you are still riding on your bike!

Since there has been issues in Paris, the team has taken the chance to travel through the mountains – the Alps – and visit a special place of my heart… Villard de Lans, a fantastic village in the middle of the Vercors region. I must say the locals and council has welcomed us with so much enthusiasm that we’ve even been able to experience the first snow fall and downhill first! From food to sport activities, it’s been an amazing stay that gave to the team a great sense of fun, outdoor and relaxation.

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This morning was a little weird; on our way to Paris this was our last stretch of this long and epic trip. Paul and I are so used to travel for over 12 hours a day on our bikes, see so much and meet fantastic people. Coming in Paris and arrive at Necker Hospital, see my family, friends and bikers that joined in was a very special moment – one of those that gives you that extra sense of achievement and support.

Many people back at home told me it would be an impossible mission… a journey very complicated through those countries. It has been fun, a real change and a life experience but most importantly, we will be able to start working together with many doctors and make some serious progress for Kidney research and organ transplant.

WorldRiderZ  has completed its first leg journey. Thanks to all our supporters, our sponsors and all involved in this tremendous journey.

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From the African continent to Europe… this is a real transition. We got on the ferry for a good 9 hours boat trip to the very bottom of Sicily. 2 am in Trapani, we rolled our bikes for the very first time on European soil. What a feeling! We have reached our last continent for this journey, after an epic ride across many countries.

It feels different to be in Europe. It is amazing how within a few hundreds of kilometers by sea another world awaits for you. The team needed a change, Africa was stunning, a real challenge and colorful. Since we have arrived in Italy, I can clearly see how easy it is to access modern technology, see old culture and architecture. I have to admit, it is simply good.

Sicily, what a beautiful island. Lots to experience, safe roads and great little villages wherever you travel. I must say I was surprised by the amount of tunnels to cross. This is definitely a volcanic part of our world. Nature is one important thing but when you have nice people, great monuments and stunning history then you have it all.

Now, there is a very special road trip that I recommend to all bikers along the Amalfi coast. This is one of a kind; a road narrow built on a cliff along the sea for about 100 kilometres is a must experience. We ended up staying a night there as since we crossed into Sicily we did not stop riding so we could get in time for our next hospital visit.

Our stopovers in Pompei, Rome, Pisa and Genoa  shown me how much time you need to see all the tremendous jewels that this country has to offer. I feel great being here in Europe, so does the team and that’s what real matters when you travel for so long in a group.

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Today, we crossed the border from Egypt to Libya. The border crossing can be a pain or an experience for others. I find it frustrating as most of that time can be reduced if things were a little more organized.
7 hours later at the entry point finally we got on the way to our first stopover in Tobruk. The team was intrigued by this African country, not sure to expect, to see and to experience. When you are travelling for a long while, the first experience you get when you enter is important.

The roads in Libya are great, the weather is pleasant and people are friendly. We had a major ride to do here in 3 days to reach Tripoli on time for our hospital visit. A road trip here takes you from the coast roads to the Sahara desert across many villages and cities. The plan of visiting historical roman sites is a must! What a country that have history.

I was looking forward to meet with the doctors in Tripoli and see what level of care and equipment they provide to their patients. Paul and I met with a few kids under dialysis; now this is a very emotional moment as always. But I must say that seeing one patient, a 12 years old girl born with serious kidney disease condition, so slim and looking very fatigued hurt me. I can only try and prepare for such moments

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Here we are in Egypt. I have been looking forward to this part of the world for a while. The team is on a high now, after a tremendous journey in the kingdom. I feel full of energy, ready for some more experiences in Africa… On a ferry boat after boarding the bikes on, it was a quick and soft ride across the red sea before reaching Egypt by night.

I have to say it was a real workout to get the bikes cleared, going through a rollercoaster of dramas and paperwork issues. So, be prepared to spend at the very least 4 hours there before heading off in town. I can definitely feel the climate difference, much more cool and a nice fresh breath. Our first main city Cairo and its famous pyramids was the highlight on this journey. This city is just huge, over 22 million people, traffic is chaotic and lots of pollution. But, the Nile and the old part of town are a must to see.

Egypt attracts millions of tourists every year, so expect to be surrounded by many wherever you are travelling. It was also disappointing to see the level of trash on the touristic sites. I found it difficult to spend quality time in any sites we visited as it was just too crowded to the point you want to escape. I met with a few locals and before I knew it, I found myself on the cruising at night on a speedboat of the Nile…
I am now concentrating more on our hospital visit in Cairo as it was involving young children very ill. No matter how strong one can be, those moments are difficult, very. That hospital visit was more stop for us to try and make those kids smile for an instant. Try and get their pain away for a short time for better comfort, or given them time to play with them…

Alexandria, on the Mediterranean coast offers some aspects of the beach front city. Again, I did not find much there typical as status, monuments or other landmarks that would be specific from the Egyptian culture. The team has been travelling for over 9 weeks now, the group is strong and looking forward to push on in Africa.

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There is always a sad moment in a journey… this time is to come to an end here in KSA! Jeddah was stunning. Another great time with the team. The city is surprising; lots of sculptures on the streets, clean streets, an enormous fountain in the middle of the red sea and the old Jeddah centre.

The team met with the SCOT team there and observed the facilities they have for patients and parents. This organisation is working efficiently and is clearly showing a great place for the care of patients.

After a couple of days in town, we headed toward Duba, our exit port. Some 500kms and we found ourselves in the desert by a record temperature of 54 degrees! While on the bike, I could feel the warmth but the following… when I looked at my face that’s when I realize how physical crossing that part of the kingdom was.

How can I express my feeling? From the generosity of the people, the support we got, the outstanding landscapes, the typical villages protected by UNESCO and much… much, it is hard to leave our friends here behind. We will come back shortly to work on different projects but for now it is farewell to KSA and I look forward our next trip there!

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From all the countries I will be crossing on this journey, Saudi Arabia is one of the places I am really looking forward to experience and visit. So, here we are in Riyadh the capital of the Kingdom. First impression is very positive. The SCOT group from Prince Abdullah Ben Salem has sent 2 of their members to take care of our team during the entire stay. What a nice thing to do!

Riyadh is a large city, built in the desert. It is a very clean town, lots of beautiful buildings and places to visit. You can see modern architecture next to sandy areas. What really surprises me is that every single person I have met so far is so nice and positive, always smiling and ready to help you out. The team is finding in this city happiness and it is such a good first impression.

SCOT, the foundation supported by Prince Abdullah Ben Salem is helping individuals suffering from kidney disease but also is working very hard to create awareness for organ donation and transplant. They have secured dialysis the country and are helping others to benefit from organ transplant when urgently needed. The visits to the hospitals gave me a real feeling of hope. It is quite weird to write this but this is how I feel. Their structures are good, they have staff and patients are under very good care overall.

Following those visits, we did many press interviews and a national TV appearance on their morning show. During the next week, our team has expanded as Anthony has joined us. It is great to have him with us. We all went in the desert some 40min max ride from city centre and had such a perfect moment: Arabic coffee, quad bikes, a bone fire and a full moon sunset! How good is that? Next destination, Jeddah.

Today, we left the beautiful mountains and head towards the desert of Rajasthan. The trip took us some 12 hours for 450kms. Wherever you travel by road in India, you need to consider that the roads are very, very busy. You will find all sorts of things when on a ‘national expressway’, starting with cows, buffalos, monkeys, sheeps and dogs crossing the road from one side to the other or simply taking a nap right in the middle of the road!

Then add to this locals that stand by the side of the tarmac, staring at the traffic, eating or even sleeping. There is just no rule, all what you will see there is anywhere else in the world prohibited or nonsense to us. I guess this is part of what makes India so colorful but also at times dangerous.

I was looking forward to visiting that state and seeing the camels, sand dunes and dry vegetation. It’s not! Yes, there are camels and it’s very hot out there but it is a mix of sand and grass landscapes. At the time we are travelling, it is still the raining season so it would explain all that green color over the sandy areas.

Lots of villages on the way, locals hardly speak English there as it is remote and you won’t find tourism there. That is what we were after, being able to see how it’s like to live in the outback here in India. It is not easy to travel, there are very limited access to basic amenities. How can you improve the situation in the country? Over 1.15 billion people, traffic is chaotic, infrastructures are way behind and waste management isn’t a priority… Indians all seem to carry that similar happiness and are very friendly; and this is definitely making our journey nicer.

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Some 12 hours later, we finally reached Dharamsala. It is a village located in the Himalayan mountains and home for Tibetans in exile. It is a great feeling to be away from the crowded Delhi. The team needed a break from our busy schedule since we arrived. I was looking forward to this spot of India and our interview with his Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Road trips in India can be very difficult and tiring. There is so much traffic that you need to keep your attention more than anywhere else I have been on the road as an accident can happen anytime. The Indus has different rules on the road which makes the journey a real challenge!The scenery here in Dharamsala is stunning; high mountains, fresh air and limited traffic! We went visiting a Tibetan school for children in exile. This was a very emotional moment to hear the stories of all those kids that had to trek across the mountains from Tibet to Nepal in 15 days in winter. Their community in India exceeds 100 000 people and some 3,500 new arrivals each year. The Indian government is supportive and gives them places to settle, learn and live.

Certainly, one of the highlights of this journey is my meeting with his holiness the Dalai Lama. I have to say this was definitely a very special moment in my life. I spent a long while chatting with his holiness about our journey, the cause and his thoughts about it all. My first impression is that he is such a simple and genuine man that it makes it all quite surreal. I could well spend another hour explaining my impressions…

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Leaving Malaysia wasn’t so easy after all…
Next destination – India. I have been looking forward to that day for a very long time. Firstly, I have never been there but I have read and heard lots of different opinions. Secondly, it is a country one will visit once he is mentally and physically ready for.

So here we are, right in the middle of New Delhi centre. How can I possibly summarize my first impression; colorful and busy! No matter where you look, there are many locals walking, riding their bikes, motorbikes or sleeping on the side of the roads.
We had a 1st day very emotional visiting the largest public hospital of the country, AIIMS based in Delhi city. There, the local professors organized our day. Press conferences including TV and newspapers, followed by a TV show live on national channel. Hopefully by combining all those media exposure soon we will be able to see a difference in the behavior of all individuals.

Awareness and prevention really is a key message for India. My discussions with the professors and patients reinforced that idea. WorldRiderZ will keep working very hard to generate more attention for CKD and organ donation around the world.

Delhi is an experience but we need to keep moving to our next destination in India and meet with the Dalai Lama for a truly unique moment.

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I think since we’ve arrived in Malaysia what is a challenge is the humidity. So, the team was in need of some water action ! A short stroll from the city is Sunway lagoon – the largest water theme park in this region of Asia. The staff kindly took care of us, guided us through the various activities and we had a ball ! ! ! I would have never thought I would surf a wave or body board on a static wave and even less bungy jumping… now, that was real scary ! I am addicted to adrenalyn but it took me a long while before i jumped out from this bridge. What a feeling – a must to do if you have a strong heart and feel like a big wooosh in your life .

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Re-energized, it was time for us to meet with National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Malaysia that organized from a visit to 1 of their dialysis centres to the dozens of riders leading us to from our hotel in the morning to their headoffice to meetings with doctors and patients. There are times in life when you meet amazing people ; today was definitely one ! Paul and I spent a large part of the morning discussing how we will start generating more awarness and prevention around CKD, how our journey can impact positively in Malaysia and the global renal network and the partnership with doctors and the NKF members.

I was introduced a little later on to a patient on dialysis following her request. That woman, born in Malaysia is diabetic, lost her eye sights and also is affected by CKD. Her dream always has been to go for a ride on ‘big motorbikes’… it was an absolute honor to have her as a pillion passenger. It was a very emotional moment, I was being able to fulfill that woman’s ultimate dream and I could feel so much life in her that it gave me hope, lots of hope !

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Since we have arrived to Malaysia, I have experienced so many unique moments. The malaysian are so generous, friendly and have a great sense of support.  Tomorrow, we are embarqing on another great adventure : India ! But, beforehand the team was invited for a private riding tour of the Sepang F1 circuit… How good is that ? We found ourselves riding on that tremendous circuit, had a full visit of the facilities and even got to race some very fast go-karting. Sepang circuit is a fantastic address for all amateur of high speed and motorsports !