Day 43- Feb 20
Today we departed Addis Ababa. We took a very circuitous route that took us 26 kilometers. We rode in a convoy due to the traffic and difficulty of the route. We certainly saw a diverse side of the city. It was very congested and smoggy. Can you imagine 30+ cyclists and 3 large vehicles traversing your city at morning rush hour? I don't think we improved the relations between cyclists and cars and definitely not truck drivers. There was a cacophony of horn honking and not for motivation of us as a group.
The smell of diesel fumes, wood smoke, garbage burning, and sewage in the streets made for an extra special morning ride. Needless to say, it was great to get out of the city and into the country side.
Once out of the city the ride was much better. We were on one of the main arteries so traffic was a bit tough. But it was good to be back on the bike. We rode for 66 miles and are camping on the shores of a small lake. It is beautiful. Someone commented that they felt like we were on a scene from Jurassic Park. There are huge birds that are flying about that almost look like Teradactils. They swoop about then land high in the trees. Quite prehistoric looking.
Today was the first of five riding days until the next rest day. These five while not being anything easy will not be anywhere near the tough five days just before the last rest days. There is one day coming up with 1,750 meter climb but the rest should be manageable.
Connectivity is tough as I could not work out the SIM card issue with Ethio Tel even after visiting there main offices in three different cities.
So you will probably be reading these days after they happen when I can get wifi.
This is me being happy to get done with the convoy out of Addis Ababa.
Oh yes and I found a place to get a haircut but they really didn't know how to cut straight hair. I knew I was in trouble when a couple of local people kept giggling. Then the guy turned the chair around and I had a virtual crew cut. Well the good news is I won't need another haircut the rest of the trip. Problem is my helmet doesn't fit anymore. :(
Hey Mike-Great "budget haircut"! -Well...not exactly the quality of the free haircuts by the barber at Pancho Villa on horse statue across the border from Columbus, NM on the C2C!!
ReplyDeleteA request:On a "slow day" would you give us a quick tutorial on the SIM cards? Never have used them and we wonder what the procedures are in Africa from a practical standpoint?
Also, when you rode in the convoy, did you have any motor vehicle support or was it just a stream of bikes? May all the "rock" you encounter be from your iPod!!
Bob and Linda
Love the haircut!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see a picture of you! you look maaarvelous.
ReplyDeleteluv pam and dan
The haircut story brings back C2C memories!
ReplyDeleteMy wife gives me a hair cut like that about once every 3 months. She calls it a buzz.
ReplyDeleteThe city sounds like most third world cities and well maybe a few American cities. I like the country side and the air as clean as we can get it.
The camp sounds great. I hope the rest of the camp grounds are as nice.
5,741 ft. that should prepare you for your next rest day. I hope you don't encounter any stone throwing kids and the days show you great beauty.
Ray Van Ostran