Leaving Addis Ababa

It seems we keep repeating the same scenario: new stage, day 1 = head wind. Well, fortunately only a head wind until lunch.

What we are not repeating is the previous TDA route to Moyale. Our route from Addis Ababa keeps us off the main road/old route and so it is definitely quieter and from what I’ve heard—more beautiful.

After two rest days in Addis Ababa many cyclists were keen to get back to the simple routine that has become our way of life. Running around a city in search of decent internet, illegal telephone lines to call home, eating grotesque amounts of food, washing clothes and sorting our bicycles is far too complicated and definitely too tiring for what is supposed to be a rest day.

We convoyed the first 18km out of town (something we are getting increasingly good at) and with a few rollers, a strong tailwind and downhill for the last 20km, the first day of the new route was relatively easy. Apparently the next several days are going to be a bit more topographically challenging.

We left behind a number of people in Addis Ababa. Many of them are off to Lali Bela and will join us a little later. Maria Abagis and Spiros Analytis are on enforced leave as Spiros fractured his clavicle on the 14th. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to the return of all those who have left us. Enjoy the sights!