Friday, 23rd March 2007

To: Tanzania Bush Camp 03

This was a long and tiring day. The morning was lovely, as I rode with Ruth, a sectional rider from Vancouver. We chatted quite a bit and I really liked riding with her. Didn't feel any pressure to hurry up. Had the GREATEST chapati stop, after about 30 km from leaving camp! Many of our fellows were also there. The lady was making fresh chapatis, as we waited. Delicious. Had 2. Could have had 3, but managed to stop at 2!

We were the last to lunch and were both quite tired. Ruth decided to get on the truck. I tried to pursuade her otherwise, by saying, "Just think about it. Eat lunch and then make your decision." But she laughed and said, "I'm getting on the truck." Bummer. Oh well. I decided to ride. There were only 45 km left to go. It was very hot and the road was rough, but I figured if I stopped in the shade and rested lots, I could make that distance. So, I rode the whole afternoon alone. I actually misjudged my stops and ended up getting to camp a bit later than I should have. Arrived at 6:10 p.m.

I forgot, yesterday, to post this picture. It is a picture of us at camp last night, eating supper. Do you see all those Tanzanian kids in the background? Most of them are even sitting down, as though they have really come to see a show. I felt like giving them some popcorn.

----------------- TODAY ------------------ TOTAL

Cycled --------- 96 km (60 mi) --------- 3,737 km (2,345 mi)

Sagged ----------- 0 ------------------------ 2,190 km (1,475 mi)

Total ----------- 96 km (60 mi) --------- 5,927 km (3,820 mi)

In Saddle ------ 7 hours ----------------- 236 hours 56 min

Ascended ------ 1,600 feet -------------- 55,495 feet