At 23 years old, Nigerian musician Udoh Ebaide Joy survived a life-altering car accident that left her with a damaged spinal cord, confining her to a wheelchair for months. Despite the pain, Ms. Joy found a newfound sense of purpose and clarity, vowing to live life to the fullest.
Since her recovery, Ms. Joy has poured her energy and savings into traveling, even converting a 1980s Nissan van into a mobile home. Her most daring adventure came this year when, at 32, she became the first documented black African woman to solo travel from East to West Africa on a motorcycle, covering 9,000km in over three months.
Ms. Joy’s journey was filled with breathtaking scenery, visa issues, encounters with an underground community of African bikers, solo rides through daunting forests, and an emotional homecoming celebration. Despite facing fears and language barriers, Ms. Joy embraced the challenges, feeling alive with every twist and turn.
Starting her odyssey in Kenya, Ms. Joy purchased a 250cc motorbike named Rory and underwent intense training in Nairobi before embarking on her cross-continental journey. She traversed through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Nigeria, skipping the Democratic Republic of Congo due to safety concerns.
Throughout her travels, Ms. Joy encountered friendly locals, delicious meals, and awe-inspiring sights like Victoria Falls. She connected with fellow bikers, utilized a biker app for guidance, and amassed a large social media following through her captivating vlogs. Despite initial plans to camp by roadsides, she opted for budget hotels from Kampala onwards, riding at least 300km on most days.
Her arrival in Lagos, Nigeria, was met with a joyous celebration, solidifying her status as a trailblazing woman on wheels. Reflecting on her transformative journey, Ms. Joy acknowledges the resilience and tenacity she discovered within herself, vowing to continue her adventures and inspire others to defy stereotypes and embrace their true potential. En poco más de un mes, ella se lanzará en un viaje de Nigeria a Marruecos.
Montar en bicicleta es una “lección para toda la vida”, explica – la ha llevado a los lugares más sublimes y le ha presentado a las personas más maravillosas.
[BBC]
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