I’m just 4 days into the Tour d’Afrique – my bike race adventure from Cairo to Cape Town. I always think it is a good thing that when you embark on something you don’t know just how hard it will be…
The first four days have been really tough. We have done 2 days at 130km, one at 180 and today – an easy 100.
The roads have been fantastic, long and straight with only gentle hills and the weather has been kind too. But we have had to contend with a few days of headwind which is a killer.
And the sheer distance is a killer too. Your body doesn’t have time to recover before it is on the saddle again for another long stretch.
Riding in a group is the only way to survive. It can be hard focusing to keep on the pace but with the wind against you you need the bodies to shield you and also the camaraderie to keep you going.
So what hurts? Quite a lot. My quads are aching as the muscle builds, and my back is taking a beating from having to carry three litres of water which weighs about 7 lbs. I should have brought a pannier. And like everyone else – I am saddle sore.
Off to bed to try and recover before the next day’s ride. We are doing 139 km tomorrow – pray for a tail wind.
I wrote a book about it – check it out here
The tent story made me laugh. I can only imagine… Well done you though, it sounds brilliant and mad and painful
Keep going Alice. Me and John are thinking of you and cheering you on from Birch Vale!xx
Hi Alice,
I hope the bum isn’t too sore! Great to be reading updates … isn’t technology marvellous?!!
Long may you find the perfect cadence.
All the very best and good luck on your epic journey. Lots of love Jen xx
Hi Alice – thinking of you and missing you dreadfully. You’re one of the toughest nuts I know …. Sounds like you’re holding up well. Caroline xx