Hello from Judith - Day 22, Khartoum

Day 21 - Sunrise Breakfast!

Friday: Hello everyone,

I am also enjoying Michael's blog! Our trip thus far has been interesting to say the least, but I'm looking forward to the change in climate and desert-scapes as we progress further South.

I am a big fan of the Tailwind and don't mind the odd gentle Crosswind, although the gusting ones that throw sand in your face and give you some free exfoliation are not popular!  

Head butting a Headwind is a real problem for me too, so the Irish wish of "may the wind always be at your back" has a very special place in my heart right now!  

Michael has the patience of a saint - riding mostly at my pace - which I hope will continue to improve!

Laundry mostly happens on rest days. Where there are laundry services available by local ladies or hotels, we use them!  Socks, buffs, hankies, bandannas and underwear are washed in the shower when and where possible.

Our daily meals have been fairly healthy and plentiful (whew, but some of the 20 - 30 something age group can put away several plates at a time! But then they are racing and covering the distances in half my time!).

We are touring with a great crew and an amazing and interesting bunch of cyclists - so there is always someone chat to you and lots of group dynamics to observe. 

And so our adventure continues... we hope everyone in RSA & DRC keeps well and continues to stay in touch and in good health.

- Judith

Stage 4: El Gouna to Safaga (82km) - A Relatively Easy Day

Monday: Today was the shortest distance of the tour so far, and there were no complaints coming from us at all. After the last three days, it was a welcome respite and greatly appreciated.

We treated the ride to the Lunch Truck, parked at 70km, as we would on any other day, but once there, we  knew we could have a leisurely lunch, as it was only 12km to the finish point

Some of the riders speeding towards lunch

The Lunch Truck, at 12km to go.

After lunch we took a sedate ride into Safaga, arriving there just ahead of the Sweep Rider,  where we met up with the rest of the Group, at our camp site which was situated on the beach, right next to the Red Sea.

It was the first of the many camping experiences which still await us, and we were all in agreement that it was a very picturesque site. The Tour organizers had also rented out two rooms at a nearby hotel, which the riders could use to shower in.

Tents on the beach. The Red Sea in the background.

The 'Bike Park'.

Between Judith and I, we managed to pitch our tent, and still remain husband and wife (the time spent practicing our tent erecting skills prior to the tour, had definitely been worth it).

Our tent...

Of course, even such a short ride deserved to be celebrated by a beer, so I joined up with those who are similarly inclined for a 'recovery drink'. After recovering, I took myself off to the Red Sea for a long swim in the relatively warm waters. 

The recovery drink committee. .

Tallis our Tour Leader.

After the evenings briefing by Tallis our Tour Leader, we were treated to another great supper by the Catering Crew. But it was a supper with a difference, Team Treloar were on wash-up duty accompanied by Bridget who hails from Tasmania. So after everyone had eaten, we got to clean the pots and pans.

Tomorrow, we can expect some hills as we will be climbing approximately 1'025 m over the 142km route.

Cheers,
Mike T

Wash-up duty!

Tomorrow's Stage 5 Outline on our trusty Notice Board.