Round and round we go

Stage: 55
Day Total: 126.1 km
** Unofficial Race Day **

Song of the Day: Arab Strap – Not Quite a Yes

Tending to one’s pre-ride business in the darkness preceding sunrise is a solitary activity; each rider’s routine is unique. I was surprised to receive a visit from Paul Spencer as I was taking down my tent. Not much was said other than “Coke stop ride today. Paul Wolfe suggested it”. Interesting. Immediately I thought perhaps he was fatigued from the previous 2 days riding with local guy Mike and wanted a recovery day before tomorrow’s “Mando” day into Mbeya. With little patience remaining for the “business as usual” approach monotony the race wants to continually present, I did not hesitate to give my consent. I was tired too and could use an easy ride ahead of the Mando day that will serve as my final day as a full-time racer on this tour. Besides, coke stops are where some interesting events seem to transpire.

Off we went, the usual suspects riding merrily along at a comfortable pace: Jorge, Paul W, Paul S, and myself. 10km into the ride there was little difference in the feel of the ride so I offered up an alternative: “Let’s all agree to wait and clock-out when the last of us arrives at camp. That way we can take off and do whatever we want today and still get the same time. No offense, but I’m tired of riding with you guys.” Immediate agreement from Paul S and Jorge sealed the deal and as we neared two other riders stopped in the road, I hit the breaks to see what they might be investigating. I was wasting no time in enjoying my temporary (and soon to be permanent) emancipated status.

The two riders, Daniel from Canada and Ryan from S. Africa (living in Ireland), had stopped to investigate a train of ants that spanned the road. This was a colony of note, with three distinct units amongst their ranks and a visibly noticeable construction project to their credit. They had evacuated a large deposit of earth to form a small trench across the road and were now using it as a highway to transport what appeared to be food and construction materials to their shelter at the edge of the dirt road. Had this been a race day I would never have noticed this. I spent a few minutes explaining to them the day’s “gentleman’s agreement” and with their consent, carried on riding with them for the next 40km.

Experts at the more leisurely “expedition” style of riding, they called me off of the road for a tea break after an hour or so. Experience had refined their routine and they quickly had the location of the local “restaurant” in this village of about 100 people. Into a small mud house we went, and out came the tea and fresh chapati bread. Divine! This was the good life I was missing and immediately strengthened my resolve towards the decision I made on racing the previous day. Humor was plentiful as other riders trickled in, all with the same general response: “What the hell are you doing here, Scott?” Apparently the race had defined me. No matter, plenty of time remains to change that.

The balance of the day was relaxed, scenic, and memorable. Countless conversations with fellow riders, a number of stops alongside the road to take in the views and local culinary treats. Towards the end of the day I caught up with UK Paul and we swapped stories of our days which ended up being surprisingly similar.

Tomorrow’s 111km stage into Mbeya is significant for a number of reasons: if I win, I will have won the section; it is my final day as full-time racer; it ends an 8-day stretch of riding that included the most scenic days of the tour. I am looking forward to the challenge of the stage and view it – at least partially – as a race to the start of a new tour for me.