Round and round we go

Day Total: 155 Km
Total Time: ~5:18
Avg. HR: 127
Avg. Speed:
Song of the Day: AC/DC – Thunderstruck

Oh the heat, the heat, the heat. All in all, not a terrible day, likely due to my nearly total commitment to hydration today. I consumed 2 bottles overnight, finally urinated at 2am, and then took to an sip-every-5-minutes strategy on the bike today.

Paul and I hit the dirt/gravel at about 20km into the day where new roadwork was being completed. Next year, this dirt section won’t exist but I’m sure the race organization will find a way to mix up the route… That said, it was a welcome change, the search for a good line through the rough providing a nice mental exercise. Soon enough it was over however and we were back on pavement and approaching lunch. We did the usual quick lunch bit (careful to get enough liquids) and motored onwards.

Shortly after lunch however I started feeling a bit weak and sent Paul forward on his own. The heat was getting to me a bit and I was content to suffer the afternoon alone. Of course as fate would have it, about that time the wind changed to a strong tailwind, a few riders up the road flatted, and my food started to take effect. And like that I was reborn and soon our merry group of 5 was rolling along.

We rolled into camp, all a bit frazzled. I managed to take a bee to the forehead with about 10km to go – a nice shock to the system to keep me on my toes to camp. Camp ended up being in a small pasture lined with scrub brush and littered with animals and their respective dungs. It was an equal opportunity camp: goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, and a camel. Best of all was the close proximity to an irrigation canal. This meant an immediate jump in cool water – what a life saver! Seriously, the ability to immediately cool your body after riding for 5+ hours in extreme heat does wonders for you. One quick dip and I had the strength to setup my tent. Another quick dip and I was able to muster the energy to change tires to the first full dirt day tomorrow. I am hoping the dirt and my bike/tire capabilities will give me if not a speed advantage then at least a rather significant comfort advantage. 7 bottles of fluids down the hatch as I write this with no end in sight to the heat. Definitely starting to feel it…