The Love Bike

This dude gets serious points for originality. On Friday, with the spectacular panoramic views of the Blue Nile Gorge in front of them, sectional riders Georgina and Marc got engaged! The charming pair leave the Tour d'Afrique today, having completed the challenging “Gorge” section of the tour, but I couldn't let them sneak away without dishing the goods on how Marc popped the question. I tracked them down for an interview during lunch amid the green rolling hills of Ethiopia, where we found a spot amongst the cows and resting bicycles to tell the tale.

Allison: How did Marc propose?

Georgie: Marc had been violently ill the night before. I banned him from riding that morning, but he went ahead and rode in the afternoon anyway.

A: He had a mission…

Marc: Exactly.

A: Where did you do it?

M: It was about 10 minutes into the descent (into the Blue Nile Gorge). I said, 'oh here's a nice spot. Let's stop and enjoy the view.' G: I was a bit annoyed because I didn't want to stop, but Marc insisted, so we sat and overlooked the Gorge. So, yes, we were sitting, there was no kneeling involved!

A: Exciting! How did he word it?

G: Marc said, 'I wonder if you could carry something for me?' – which I thought was a bit mean really – I was slightly confused! And then he said, 'will you marry me?' and i didn't say yes, I just cried, and I think he said, 'I'll think I'll take that as a yes!” Then I had to climb the Gorge of hell – but I did it with a big smile on my face. Some people get to toast their engagement with champagne; we toasted with electrolyte drink.

A: Marc, what made you decide to propose on the Tour d'Afrique, 10 minutes into the epic 20 kilometre Blue Nile Gorge descent?

M: Georgie loves Africa; it's her favourite place in the world and I thought it would be perfect with the stunning views…
G: …and I am over the moon! It couldn't have been more perfect. The Gorge was the whole reason we chose this section. And I have to say, having survived it, and Dinder National Park of hell together, we can survive anything!  

Georgina and Marc joined the Tour d'Afrique for “The Gorge” section, from Khartoum, Sudan to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The couple of two and a half years live in Gerrard's Cross, near London, which sounds pretty darn cute. We wish them all the best.