A travers les cactus : Traversée de l'Algérie à bicyclette

A daring two‑man expedition sets off from Paris with a single, audacious goal: to cross the whole of Algeria on bicycle, from the western coast to the eastern desert. The narrator, a seasoned adventurer, recruits a young Belgian named Albert Van Marke, whose raw energy and quirky temperament promise both comic mishaps and steadfast loyalty. Their journey begins with a hurried departure from Marseille, a cramped ship crossing the Mediterranean, and the uneasy feeling of travelling against the grain of seasonal heat.

The early days are a blend of logistical headaches—missing travel permits, tight budgets, and the constant need to negotiate with shipping officials—and the raw, sun‑baked landscape of North Africa that greets them upon arrival. Along the dusty roads, they encounter bustling markets, restless herds, and the relentless glare of the Algerian sun, all of which test their resolve and friendship. As they pedal onward, the narrative captures the mix of exhilaration and uncertainty that defines any great adventure, inviting listeners to feel every wobble of the wheels and every breath of desert air.