S. America or Africa - Start Feb/March 08 - join?

Hi. Im a 27 y/old grad student in Manhattan planning to do a transcontinental ride in either South America or Africa at the beginning of next year. Im a seasoned long distance hiker but have a lot to learn on long distance cycling. Im in good shape though so I expect to have a pretty rigorous trip over 4-5 months. Ideally, I'd like to find 1 or 2 other people in the Manhattan area who are interested and would like to begin easy training over the summer with an eye to leaving sometime early in 2008. Of course if you're not in the area we could always just meet up at the point of departure. Im flexible on routes but am thinking of doing something like Tierra del Fuego to Panama or S. Africa to Cairo. Ive lived in Africa for 2 years so im comfortable with the challenges of Africa but know a bit less about South America. If you're remotely interested send me an email.

-Mike
costa100 at gmail dot com
or
mc2519 at columbia dot edu

Edit: Correction 2007 -> 2008. atk