Today was the beginning of the climb. We climbed 1,300 meters today. It was a good cycling day.
It is amazing how the landscape has changed. Like when we crossed the border from Egypt to Sudan, the dramatic difference between Sudan and Ethiopia is dramatic. It turned from desert and fairly flat to hilly and very quickly mountainous. After all Ethiopia is known as the rooftop of Africa.
The beginning part of the day was rolling hills with fair climbs but good declines. Then the afternoon turned into some serious climbs, long in duration and tough in degree. There was one climb that kept on going with a 10 percent grade. Had to take iit down to the lowest gears to make it up that baby!
The kids in Ethiopia are more aggressive than Sudan. When coming into a village, the kids come running from everywhere. They swarm the street and start yelling...
You, you, you, you or where you go, where you go or the ever popular... Money, money, you give money.
Today only a couple of rocks thrown. :) The tour guides say more is going to come and the kids will become very aggressive. Boy, can't wait!
Tomorrow is the big climb day, 2,678 meters of climbing. I have never attempted such climbing before. We will end up above 12,000 feet in elevation by end of tomorrow. Tour guides are warning about altitude sickness because no one will be used to that.
View from our camp. The mountains surrounded the camp.
Sunset over the trees over the ridge of camp.
Good luck today, Mike. Great blog and nice to be back on a road.
ReplyDeleteMike, Have you been wearing your "I am Charlie" t-shirt again? On the other hand, spring training is at hand so if you see a kid with good control and velocity, you might want to send a note to the Cubs or White Sox. Just saying.... It sort of makes sense how national borders arise when you see distinct changes like that. Hopefully you will be out of the heat as you climb. That will be nice for a change. Take care and keep the rubber side down. Scott & Debra.
ReplyDelete8,786 feet of climbing is a lot of climbing. The most I have ever climbed in one day was between 5000 to 6000. That and the 12,000 feet of elevation will be a challenge. I wish you luck.
ReplyDeleteWatch out for kids with stones and men with AK 47s.
Ray Van Ostran
Every one of your adventures is more amazing than the previous ones! Good luck with the Ethiopian stone-throwing kids, multi-thousand metre climbs and and gun-wielding militants. Gee, why didn't I come along...? Debra
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery at your camp, at least the landscape can entertain you as you climb tomorrow. 12.000 feet wow, that will be invigorating. What memories you are creating. Enjoy. Kristy
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, we look forward to your blog everyday day. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteLuv dan and pam
Beautiful pictures, we look forward to your blog everyday day. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteLuv dan and pam