Cycling in Egypt tips
So hey, for everyone cycling Cape to Cape. I thought i would put some pointers here for cycling in Egypt.
In Egypt you will be in situations so absurd its out of the ordinary.
General tips:
If someone comes up to you in English near tourist centras. They are not your friend
Police will identify themselves by showing a forearm, not identification.
People are amazing here. When someone speaks English, be aware.
Do not listen to the police. They will stop you, harras you, act dumb and try to force you into a truck or make you pay for a guide ( especially at port of entrance, be extra firm the first days)
Magic words are: arrest me or i will go. They will not arrest you but omg the pressure.
Listen to their advice on routes, but its easy and fun to try to escape the escorts.
If you go on the highway they will escort and harras you.
Dont go to the hotel they suggest, it will be more expensive and shit. Again, here say: arrest me or let me go. Find your own hotel.
In the morning there will be a police car waiting for you. They are under orders to escort you and they want to tell you the route. Again: arrest me or follow me. They will not arrest you.
They try to hassle you into hotels and confined you there. They know they cant.
Its a pure bully game there. They try to intimidate you and the moment you show weakness they have you. Film interactions when they get weird and say YouTube. They will back down
Egypt is the weirdest place ive ever cycled. Get through it, Enjoy the insanity, Enjoy the moments without police.
Cycle through small roads to get out of checkpoints, and bluff. Never accept a ride from them. The moment you do every police department will know and also force you in the car.
There will be long waiting times.
You will be happy when you leave.