A change in morale

Somewhere around now a change in group morale is sensed.  It takes a lot of physical energy and a lot of determination to ride a bicycle across Africa.  Right now it takes a lot of mental energy to keep those pedals turning.  Riders are just plain tired. 

Does the tour get easier as we head further south???  The answer is indeed no.  Sure we have already covered the day with the most elevation coverage back in Ethiopia, we have covered the toughest terrain back in Northern Kenya.  Now it’s time for the kilometers to start increasing, time for longer days in the saddle.  The chamois start wearing out, wearing thinner, the saddle sores keep coming.  Bodies are worn down beyond what they were made for. 

Never fear though because in 4 more riding days we’ll be in Botswana where the Bo-Bo-Bo-Botswana Bonanza will begin to revoke that mental energy needed as we conquer the straight flat thorny stretch of Botswana.

        ––   Claire Pegler