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Published: January 8th 2016
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TUESDAY 5.1.16 Nairobi to Kajado STAGE 1. Expected: 81kms Elevation 1080m. Direction S to Tanzania. Distance Kms 82.02 kms; Total Dist to Date 82.02 kms;
Road Condition: Rugged 4WD Dirt Track. Weather blue sky, sunny 24 C; Time in Saddle: 5 hrs Speed: av 16.4 kphMax speed
46 kph Cadence rpm 69 Elevation: up 1080 m. Total up to Date 1080 m.
Fitbit Data ( doesn't record cycling, but equates it to walking,etc) 32,907 steps, 25km, 312 flights of steps, 3300 calories.
Today we left Nairobi, roads were secondary and devoid of traffic, BUT were full of rock, deep divets and soft sand. The road traversed Masai country and we saw many shepherd boys herding their goats, sheep and cattle. Many people were walking along the roadside, no idea where they came from as there was very few buildings. Most were very friendly. The kids were boisterous in their greetings. The trees are largely thorn bush in that classic windblown shape seen in photos of Kenya. The thorns are exceptionally sharp. Stuck one in my thumb whilst trying to lock up the bike for the evening. Everyone is pretty tired, as most of the afternoon we had a headwind. Tomorrow is
50%!l(MISSING)onger and 100%!d(MISSING)irt. Some people saw Zebra, i saw animals I thought were horses under a distant tree, they were the Zebra. Others saw them roadside! Campsite is well grassed and there was a refreshing cold shower. As we are on the equator, the sun sinks about 6.30 and rises about 6.15. Writing this in the sunshine
at 6 pm. Temp is getting cooler. It was great to get on the road today and seems to have settled the group anxieties. WEDNESDAY 6.1.16 Kajado to Bushcamp STAGE 2 Expected: 113 kms Elevation 638m . Direction S to Tanzania. Distance Kms 112.79 kms; Total Dist to Date 194.81 kms;
Road Condition: Rugged 4WD Dirt Track. Deep sand, water obstruction Weather blue sky, sunny 27c Time in Saddle: 6.23 hrs Speed: av 17.7 kphMax speed
39.8 kph Cadence rpm 70 Elevation: up 638 m. Total up to Date 1718 m.
Fitbit Data ( doesn't record cycling, but equates it to walking,etc) 42,521 steps, 32.27km. 181 flights of steps, 4074 calories.
Today was another tough day. Riding on dirt with big rocks, loose rocks, deep sand, deep truck tyre divets and thorns is much more difficult than riding on paved roads!! I must
ask myself again, what was I thinking. It always seems like a good idea 2 months after the last ride.
The bike slipped today causing me to sprawl and slide along the dirt. A few skinned spots, but nothing serious. Just one more dint in confidence !! The trouble with these roads is if you take your eye off the road for a moment, to admire the view, you end up like I did. Again many locals walking the roads, appearing from seemingly no where. A few young boys this afternoon used a couple of riders as target practice for rock throwing. Hopefully a one off. Apparently a popular pastime in Ethiopia
To some extent the scenery is similar to the NT ( kakadu) desert sand, wind swept trees, boggy roads.
No animals sighted although the support truck driver claimed Giraffe, Baboon, Gazelle and Zebra. I feel that it is promotion, much like the bears, moose, etc in north america!!
The night sky here is brilliant, full of stars. Amazing how city lights dull the display.
THURSDAY 7.1.16 Bushcamp to OLIOTOKITOK STAGE 3 Expected: 81 kms Elevation 798 m Direction S to Tanzania. Distance Kms 81.54 kms; Total Dist to
Date 194.81 kms;
Road Condition: Rugged 4WD Dirt Track start, then highway. Weather blue sky, sunny 33c Time in Saddle: 4.22 hrs Speed: av 18.6 kph Max speed
39.6 kph Cadence rpm Elevation: up 638 m. Total up to Date 1718 m.
Fitbit Data ( doesn't record cycling, but equates it to walking,etc) 24,046 steps, 18.25 kms . 127 flights of steps, 2820 calories.
Today was a much tougher day than expected. It was 95%!o(MISSING)n paved highway. Traffic was reasonable. But it had a gradual 4%!c(MISSING)limb over the last 30 kms and in the heat, 33c, no breeze, it was tiring. Tomorrow is a rest day, hooray!
There is always many, many people wandering the highway and standing around in the towns. No idea what they do for a living. Have not seen any real farming, other than masai herding their Animals. The unemployment rate is in the mid 20s.
Saw my first Zebra today, a heard of about 10 at about 500 metres distance. I distinctly saw stripes! Signs for animal crossings but I think it is tourist propaganda as nothing else seen.
Also saw my first Masai elder in colourful robes, long stick, huge earlobes and
earrings. Would have loved a photo, but it is frowned on. Having said that, a young masai in street clothes took my photo. Some weird sight presumably!
The campsite is a little overgrown and my tent is on a 10% gradient. Must sleep with my head at the high end.
FRIDAY 8.1.16. REST DAY
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Barbara
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Loving reading the journal again & great photographs! Keep safe & enjoy the experiences! Love from us all xx