The Treloar Herald : Charles

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Kasungu to Lilongwe (130km)

MALAWI

Day 78 - Mar 31 - Stage 54

Friday: We depart Kasungu with the greatest of intentions to cycle the full distance to Lilongwe, but a mean headwind disrupts Judith's plans, while both a mechanical (a slit tyre) and a physical (gout in my right knee again) intervenes for me - forcing us both to only cycle the 76km to lunch and then to take the truck to Mabuya Backpackers Camp in Lilongwe.

Carlsberg Beer on the move

As we approach Lilongwe in the morning, the traffic increases and becomes more aggressive, Judith is forced off the road at one stage by a big truck, while on another occasion I nearly get knocked over by another one!

The number of Police/Traffic Police roadblocks increases (at one stage I count three roadblocks within a 5km stretch of road). Stopping traffic in order to collect "payments" in lieu of being paid a monthly salary, seems to be prevalent in this part of Malawi.

We have a Coke Stop, Liz takes the opportunity to buy some french fries for us all, this just contributes to my ever developing Fish Bowl Syndrome - described yesterday - which seems to be getting worse!

Judith rides the last 20km to lunch with Leon the Sweep rider, the day's headwind forcing her to ride at a very slow pace. But we are not alone, a further 6 riders climb into the Lunch Truck with us.

After packing up at lunch, it's a free for all by the locals when we leave them the uneaten left over food, but it's a behavior I have come to expect from the Malawians. To be quite honest, I think it's just a true reflection of the attitude of their current politicians.

Arrive at Camp to find Mark Heim has rejoined the Tour, he left us after breaking his wrist on the last day of riding in the Sudan, it's good to see him back.

We say goodbye to Anthony Butler, Charles's Dad who leaves us to go back to work, it was great meeting up with him and we hope to see him either in Prince Albert or at his house in Cape St Francis in South Africa in the foreseeable future.

Cheers,
Mike T

Leaving Kasungu on the way to Lilongwe

Feeling major Fish Bowl Syndrome vibes at the Coke Stop

Fetching our Daily & Permanent Bags at Mabuya Backpackers' Lodge

Riders enjoying a cold beer after a tricky ride into Lilongwe

Nelson (on the left) talking to his friend Mark who rejoined us in Lilongwe after his fall in Sudan

Day 53 - Stage 36 - Kigali to Kayonza (75 km)

Sunday, 5 March: The start of the next Section, which will see us cycling a total of 703km with 7'532m of accent and & 7'687m of descent, it's not going to be an easy Section!

After a two day rest period, we left the City of Kigali, Africa's cleanest and neatest City. All the riders who had taken time off to see the Mountain Gorillas were all in agreement, that it was one of the greatest highlights of their tour so far.

We started on a mean cobblestoned hill, I was the first to leave, which allowed me to walk up the hill, then to wait for Judith to catch me up, discretion is the better part of valor!

We cycled through the morning rush hour traffic, fortunately we were trying to get out of the City while most people were trying to get in. To their credit, all of the robots (traffic lights) worked, and major intersections were manned by Traffic Policemen, a real pleasure for a change.

The day's ride consisted mainly of long down hills and long corresponding uphills, because it was a relatively short distance, lunch was at the end of the ride, in Camp.

Generally the locals were friendly, and shouted greetings or encouragement to us at regular intervals. We cycled a lot of the way with Liz, who ensured we had two coke stops in quick succession, I wonder if a person can overdose on cola?

Judith also managed to do some retail therapy along the way, and bought herself a new pair of slip slops, which Liz graciously carried for her in her backpack.

During the ride, my new rear wheel behaved itself, and it seems as if my first major mechanical failure has finally been sorted out.

Riding the cobblestone road

Local Rwandan cyclist

Kyle not feeling well and waiting for pick-up assistance

Coke Stop no. 1

Coke Stop no. 2

Statues in one of the Villages en route

Church of Marie Reine De La Paix
(Built by the Belgian Colonialists)

Judith getting some retail therapy en route

We camped at the Woman's Opportunity Center, which specializes in providing skills training to local woman. This included skills such as brick making, sewing, beading, weaving and pottery in order to generate income. While basic English lessons and business skills are also provided.

It looked like it was going to rain, so we pitched the tent inside one of the classrooms, quite a mean feat, since the tent only just fitted, but at least we would sleep dry in the event of rain.

There was a Coffee Shop on the premises and it was well frequented by the riders, especially since they offered real cappuccinos. While the Gift shop alongside the Coffee Shop did some brisk sales, the multi-coloured long pants on offer, seemed to be a big crowd-pleaser.

Charles went into Kayonza Town and brought me back two Rwandan beers I hadn't tasted yet, to ensure I stayed on course for EFDB (Every Flippin Different Beer)

Tomorrow we cycle to the Rwanda/Tanzania Border, and enter our next African Country.

Cheers,

Mike T