This is it — my final Africa post!

I can’t close out this journey without shining a light on one of the most rewarding elements of my trip: friendship.

From my years of experience with a range of extreme adventures, I can say without question that being pushed to your mental and physical limits — often into what feels like survival mode — forces you to get real, real fast. It strips away all pretense, and what remains, if you’re willing to see it, is the most authentic version of yourself — not the pseudo-authentic version we present to the world or even to ourselves. Sometimes that’s refreshing and reassuring; other times it’s uncomfortable, confronting and calls for reflection. Either way, these are enormous opportunities for personal growth.

It’s also in that vulnerable space where you meet others on the same journey. Often, we’re in raw emotional states — beaten down from a day of physical agony and mental numbness, unable to think beyond the moment, too worn down to pretend, unable to hide behind the kabuki masks we so often put up. And that is precisely when real bonds begin to form.

Through it all — through the beauty of the many African cultures I was immersed in, the kindness of the locals I encountered, the punishing heat, the brutal road conditions, and the endless miles of challenging riding — I met many extraordinary and inspiring fellow riders all on their own journey. Among them, there were four individuals who became my glue. Like kids on the first day of school, we became fast friends. That friendship deepened quickly as we carried each other through each day. We helped each other when one of us struggled, made each other laugh when we needed it most, often rode together, and always camped beside each other.

We became known around camp as the “Frozen Peas.” Why? Because frozen peas stick together — and so did we. Wendy, Dorian, Carson, Patrick and I — all from different corners of the globe and different walks of life — connected by the same thread, the same values, the same curiosity – the same spirit. We were tethered then, and we remain so now. I am beyond thankful for them.

And on that note, I would be remiss not to acknowledge two other amazing BFFs I met under similar conditions during my 2022 ride across the USA: Jen and Peter. I mention them here because they were — and still are — a vital part of my support system including leading into and during this ride. Had we not put ourselves out there and shared that experience acrossss the USA, we would never have met. My life is richer for all of these friendships.

This journey was a powerful, beautiful reminder: when we step outside our comfort zones — especially alongside others — the rewards can be beyond anything we ever imagined. Sometimes we find a deeper understanding of ourselves. Sometimes we see humanity in a way we never have before. But always, always, we find new friends — the kind who have seen us at our strongest and our most challenged, and support us just the same. Friends who ‘get you’ and who’ve ‘got you’. And that — that kind of connection — is the greatest gift of all.

That is why I keep going back for more.