Thursday, 12th March, 2026

Luwanga Bridge to Mukonkay Primary

Very hot in tent last night,  this morning at 4.00am when packing up the mosquito!s were horrendous. I chose to cycle this morning as it is  cooler but unfortunately elevation was higher than afternoon. In afternoon the sun is out and so draining. It was a beautiful ride through a lush forest valley but very sapping. At 8 miles I had climbed 1000 ft.  Lunch was at 42 miles. The road was quieter with both people and traffic but when two huge lorries met, it seemed to be at me. There would be loud honking of overtaking lorry but the hard shoulder was down a drop so I would hold my line. I don't mind traffic. Lorry with wheels that went on forever would overtake giving me barely  bike width space. One of the guys was clipped, bruised elbow. Anyway at 20 miles with 2400 ft of elevation I callled it a day and asked to be picked up. By the time Joe arrived I had done 25 miles with 2800 ft elevation. I thought everyone was riding but turns out some took day off because of hills, so I don't feel too bad, and another 3 took afternoon off too. Poor Tony said he was falling asleep on the bike. We are staying at a school rugby pitch with no facilities, so a baby wipe wash tonight. Not as many local people about, some stalls selling charcoal, others vegetable. You wonder how they make a living. You wonder if they know the troubles of the world, a basic life with no facilities. All cyclists are pleasant but some more helpful than others. One Canadien lady always helps me with tent. If I ask, the men will carry my bag, to and from truck, so I am coping. Tummy still not right, heat and exertion ? Lusaka tomorrow. 

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