Round and round we go

Stage 44
Day Total: 71km
Total Time: 4:45
Avg. Speed: 14.5km/h
Avg. Heart Rate: 111bpm
Total Climbing: 1492m

Song of the Day: Citizen Cope – More Than It Seems

In the wake of yesterday’s unfortunate events the staff made another responsible decision and designated today’s stage as a non-race day to encourage people to take it easy, ride together, and be supportive. Kudos to the staff again as I think this is exactly what most people needed. Fueled by the previous day’s unexpected eating opportunities I was prepared (and thankful) to take it easy. The ride was only 71km but we were told it would climb the flanks of Mt. Kenya and be a steady uphill event to the lunch truck at 41km.

What can I say, the staff’s course notes are very accurate. Aboard my shiny, freshly washed bike, I rolled out of camp. UK Paul and I rode easily, chatting with various people as we passed. We would both have a chuckle when I wagered a Dairy Milk bar if he could name the next rider we passed. Of course he had no clue. “Hello Phil”. Free chocolate for me. Onward and upward the road stretched, wide-open pastures stretching out on either side of the road as it wound towards Mt. Kenya on the horizon. This is a mountain of note complete with multiple, rocky peaks and resident glaciers. I would like to climb it one day. Maybe.

After riding for what seemed like a long time but was only 20km we arrived at a coke stop. With no time constraints and a serious thirst I gladly stopped. To be honest, at this point I was not enjoying this ride. At all. My body was revolting against exertion, begging my mind to allow it to rest. Not today. Two orange fantas at least boosted morale and after the requisite Obama discussions with the guy selling the beverages, we were on our way. The climb eventually leveled out to a “pleasant” 3.5% and we actually started to make good time. The agriculture was ever present but markedly more sophisticated than what was visible in Ethiopia. At one point I even saw a combine working a field of wheat (though there were still plenty of draft animals pulling iron plows across the earth). Modern, commercial greenhouses were also present with flowers seeming to be the cash crop of choice.

Just before lunch the road flattened and the wind turned strongly to our backs. Cruising to the truck at 47km/h we hit the brakes to enjoy tuna sandwiches. With incredible tomatoes and some very fresh bread, the end result was a very up-market tuna sandwich. I finished it off with salt, pepper, and assorted spices and was really pleased with the effect. So pleased that I had a second. And a third. I was definitely hungry but was also content to continue eating simply for the view of Mt. Kenya.

Paul and I blasted out of lunch, stopping for photos of the mountain. In about an hour we rolled into Nanyuki and found our way to the Sportsman’s Hotel. A beautifully groomed grassy field would be the location of tonight’s tent sites, but even better was the presence of a full-service restaurant. Quickly getting out of my shorts I wasted no time hitting the shower – what luxury – and staking my claim to a chair in the restaurant. Today’s pre-dinner was a cheeseburger, french fries, chocolate shake, Tusker beer, and a cappuccino. The hotel store allowed for a light desert of Cadbury dairy mil chocolate before finding the swimming pool. I paid my 200 Kenyan shillings for entry and immediately plunged into the cool water. Only when I surfaced did I notice the cadre of British military personnel also taking advantage of the pool. For the most part they were pasty white and distinctly unfit. I hope the US soldiers stationed in foreign lands take better care of themselves…

Today was an unexpected gift. The early arrival to camp with its food and amenities made this feel like a full rest day. Tomorrow’s ride is a short 105km and the last race day until Nairobi (the final riding day is non-race due to the fact we will ride in convoy) which means the fireworks will fly. We also will cross the equator and I am curious to see how this landmark is designated. We shall see. For now, it’s back to the cozy confines of the tent.