2nd Photo- lunch stop
3rd Photo - Will, assistant tour leader.
Distance : 96.23 miles Elevation: 3022 ft
A Very Difficult Day for Me.
Didn't sleep well. Alarm set for 4.15am. However up and organised in good time. Permanent bag, which I won't see until Lusaka, is locked away. My daily bag, which I use each night, tent, mat, sleeping bag, personal clothes etc weighs 22 kgs so I have to get help lifting it. A long day of 96 miles, unfortunately I have a jippy tummy so it wasn't the most comfortable of rides in the heat. Temperature varied between 26 and 32 degrees Centigrade. I am a bit burnt. At 17 miles my groin started to play up and at 30 miles my left calf was sore. Took a paracetamol which helped. Roads are potholed tarmac, traffic is fast and bulldozes it way through, coming very close. You must hold your line, no swerving, large lorry wheels inches away. Oncoming traffic overtaking onto my side. You need nerves of steel. Very impressed with 'Ride with GPS" for following route. Voice instructions make it simple to follow. Cycling on Arran roads is a breeze. Cycling in India has stood me in good stead.
We crossed over the border into Zambia, better roads. I bought a Local Sim Card, took an hour for lady to process it. Anyway I arrived at Campsite, greeted with soup. Put tent up and got organised. Knackered but took my time. Now 7.25pm in tent, plan to rest. Another early start, I might do half a day tomorrow, it's a longer day with more hills. I feel a bit better but I must be sensible.
Note: I watched where I pitched my tent tonight. At a previous site, ants ate through one of the cyclists groundsheet and sleeping mat.
Four male cyclists have returned home already, due to injuries and medical conditions.
Sent from Outlook for iOS
A tough day Janice but well done you getting through it. You’re right, be sensible especially with your jippy tummy and other injuries. Hope you get a good rest tonight and have a better day tomorrow. L and J xx
ReplyDeleteOh tough start! Hope you get well rested tonight. Take things easy until feeling 100 %
ReplyDeleteIt sounds very challenging Janice, I hope it gets easier and your tummy recovers, along with the rest of you.
ReplyDeleteLook after yourself, stay safe and be sensible! 😘 x Sue
Thanks all, felling a bit better
ReplyDeleteWow Janice ! What a champion! Sounds like tough riding especially when you're not feeling great ! Follow your instinct and do what you feel confident with. Hope tomorrow more enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteM. x