About
The Destination
The 4th largest island in the world, off the coast of Eastern Africa, land of lemurs and rice and chameleons and Peugots. East of the captial Antananarivo, on the coast of the blue, shark-filled Indian Ocean, lies the bustling port town of Toasmasina. From here, Route National 5 winds northward along the coast, through rainforests, vanilla plantations, and remote villages. At the end of this rough road lies Parc National de Masoala, a protected rainforest unlike any other in the world. This rarely-visited stretch of land is known as the Vanilla Coast of Madagascar.
The Intrepid Explorers
Kelsey, a 19-year-old University of Calgary student with primatological ambitions, and Tom, a 24-year-old Dutch programmer of exceptional height.
The Transport of Choice
Only a hardtail mountain bike is up to the task of touring this land of dirt roads and plank bridges. Kelsey boasts a brand-spanking-new Trek 4500 with a mighty pretty paint job, while Tom relies once more on his steadfast Gary Fisher.
Hola Amiga!