Heading South

Below the equator, life on the TDA has changed. In the southern half of Africa, not only does the water spin the other direction—it is everywhere. We’ve happened upon the rainy season, a time when plants are a brilliant green and flowers are abundant. The periodic sun showers bring thick raindrops that puddle into milky pools along our route.

Leaving Arusha two days ago, we were fooled into thinking that Tanzania would be a piece of cake. Six kilometers into yesterday’s ride, the tarmac ended and Tanzania showed its true face. Rough russet roads and afternoon sun showers are challenges unlike those of Sudan or Ethiopia.

Cycling in Tanzania is a full body workout. Rutted and rocky roads send handle bars in all directions. From the hips up, all strength is spent wrestling the front wheel forward. Throw in some steep climbs, snaking descents and sporadic ditches and you’ve got the average cycling day in Tanzania.

Tomorrow we enter Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, and then continue onwards to Iringa.