Killer Headwinds

One of the toughest days on the tour became even tougher today as killer headwinds kicked up sand in the face of the riders. The stage winner today was Gunther from Belgium who averaged a mere 16.4 km/h – an example of how difficult these roads are even for the top racers.”It’s insane” said Adrie after yesterdays stage.

The riders went through all the Fast Fuel, water, energy bars and gels on the run-about today! It raced ahead to refill and go back and check on riders. Upon arriving in Marsibit some of the first riders were treated to cold drinks at a restaurant in town. The riders quickly cleaned out their initial supply and they were re-stocked with ones at room temperature or hotter, a condition that we’ve become used to out here where electricity is scarce.

We have a day off tomorrow here in Marsibit camping on the edge of Marsibit National Park where baboons and elephants have often been spotted strolling through our campsite in previous years. Then another six riding days until Nairobi and the “Madness” ends and we start “Snows of Kilimanjaro” from Nairobi to Iringa.