Europe is over… roll on Africa

We’ve reached the end of the Cycle to Rwanda Europe leg. Cycling over 1800 miles in just 19 days is quite an effort and one which we’re really pleased with.

It hasn’t been easy, in fact at times it’s been emotional, stressful and damn right painful.

Without doubt the most welcoming and warming people have been the Serbian people. For whatever reason I felt this might be a tricky country to cross through, but in fact it was the most enjoyable by far.

The trickiest part for me was getting food poisioing and still having to knock out 114miles etc per day, which wasn’t so enjoyable, however it gave me the mental strength to continue and prove to myself I could get the miles rolled out.

On the team dynamics, there have been tensions and halfway into Serbia we decided to split the teams to ease tensions, which was an easy decision to make. This seemed to lift a cloud and improve things for both parties. However, Unfortunately one of the team, Neil, has decided to fly back to the UK which is a great shame.

So, that leaves three of us to cycle Africa in two teams… roll on the next 4000miles!

 

Powering our way to Africa

On a ride of this magnitude it’s hard to sum up ones feelings and emotions in such a short space of time.

Our launch ride on Saturday was a huge success.. we had a great day! I was looking forward to the ride, but slightly nervous regarding the attention, I’m used to being behind the camera and not in front! Despite the horrendous weather, it was a great ride and all of us would truly like to thank everyone involved!

 The evening we set off had a bizarre feel to the whole occasion, it was blustery, extremely cold and wet, we all said goodbye to our loved ones in the port car park and set off on our amazing adventure! It was all very dramatic and wouldn’t have seemed out of place on a film set.

I left, excited, nervous and with a slight tear in my eyes.

Arriving in Holland was super. We set off at around 8:15am and were on our way! On the plus side, it was dry!! on the downside, it was a damn headwind and lets be honest, of all the countries in Europe, where do you not want a headwind? Yep…the flatlands of Holland.

Still, we powered on through Holland, stopping at hotel just outside Roermond at about 11:30pm.

The first day was over and relief began to set in, this amazing adventure was actually happening.

Day 3 saw us tackle our entry into Germany,, we faced pretty large climbs, as we rode towards Limburg. It was 9:30pm and in the end found a lovely little pension in a small town, roughly 30km from Limburg.

Over the next couple of days we began to settle into our riding a lot more.. sorting a few issues out and riding as a team at times which helped with morale. Riding along the Danube was a wonderful experience, the bike path was a little rough at times, but the scenery by far made up for that.

Upon entry into Austria, I was riding on my own with my mp3 player on and classical music streaming out. It was so beautiful and serene and just set the tone perfectly.

 

 

Lack of updates…

Due to my current cycle adventure, updates have and will be few and far between. This is mainly down to lack of easily accessible wifi spots are hotels etc, so please keep checking back as updates and some taster images will start to appear very soon.

Cycle Documentary… pedal power to Africa

Updates to my blog will be a little few and far over the coming weeks as I embark on a rather exciting and physically challenging cycle trek!

Producing an intimate and emotive body of work exploring the emotions, trials and tribulations of a 6000 mile 70 day cycle trek from Suffolk to Rwanda!

I’m exhibiting this photo documentary in August at the Forum in Norwich, further information here : http://www.theforumnorwich.co.uk/events/summer-at-the-forum/cycle-to-rwanda

Below are a few recent images from my overseas travel

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Safe and Sound on the Broads

Last week saw the launch of a Broads Campaign called Wear It – designed to promote the use of life jackets for people using the Norfolk Broads.

We picked the only good day last week to shoot a few images of the launch and whilst it was pretty hectic with TV/Press/Radio all wanting a slice, we just about had enough time to shoot a few pictures.

Here is a little info about the new campaign.

“The Broads Authority has joined forces with the Broads Hire Boat Federation, holiday booking agents Blakes/Hoseasons and the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, which represents private boaters, to ensure the safety message gets across.
It follows the deaths of five people on the Broads since April last year. None of them was wearing a life jacket and it is believed that four of the victims might still be alive if they had been wearing one. Wear It posters will be displayed at boat yards around the Broads from Easter and hire boats will be issued with key rings displaying the safety message. Branded wind-up torches are also on sale in yacht stations and Broads Authority Information Centres.
Broads Authority Head of Safety Management Steve Birtles said: “People underestimate how dangerous it can be on the water but we hope, by making this Wear It message visible all over the Broads this season, we will get the message across loud and clear.”

As well as shooting a few images of the family, I also shot a few of a lovely bunch of  folks who were on a group holiday on the Broads, taking advantage of wind power and using traditional sailing boats! in my opinion there is no better way to travel on the Broads! get away from the diesel chugging and enjoy the serenity of the Broads and the surrounding countryside!

 

getting creative with tablets

How do you make regular medication look interesting? Lots of creative lighting that’s how!

Making an everyday product look interesting is always tricky and this was the brief from one of my editorial stock clients. They had commissioned me to shoot a list of medication for future editorial use. It took me a good 2-3 hours, but was worth the time to get right.

A signing with Rolf Harris

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of working in Salisbury at the Black Sheep Gallery, where the legend Rolf Harris was making an appearance, taking time out to meet his fans and sign paintings and books and the like.

Firstly, Salisbury is a wonderful place! I’ve never had the chance to visit this city before, but just loved the relaxed vibe and lovely people.

Anyway, back to Rolf. For a gentleman who is approaching 82 he sure does have a lot of energy! How on earth he stays so fresh and witty after meeting literally hundreds of fans I will never know!

quick image updates

This week has been very busy. with a host of shoots for a variety of clients, ranging from theatre, to editorial and commercial.

Below is a selection of images from the Norfolk Schools Project at the Theatre Royal in Norwich, which this spring was based on the Nutcracker.

These kids have so much passion and energy! By the end of the day I was exhausted.

 

Facebook page updated

Have a look at some of the latest pictures from the Norfolk Schools Project on my facebook page and while you’re there, why not give me a like!

http://www.facebook.com/julianclaxtonphotography

 

Behind the lens of a Suffolk Photographer

A small feature that was recently used in Coastal Life .. really pleased with the feature and the fact they have used some of my more unusual images