Distance:   81 km     Total Ascent:   1,312 metres

Huge first real day of riding. It was good we had a bit of practice yesterday with the local traffic as getting out of the city was another exercise in holding your nerve, making eye contact with erratic drivers, motorcyclists & donkeys.  All whilst avoiding the potholes.

Flat & pretty straight for the most part with the guys putting on exceptional speed and disappearing into the distance so they missed the excitement of the very loud BANG – which was my rear tube having a massive blow out.  Luckily I stayed upright and was able to keep my line – as there was a fair bit of traffic around.  

Happily Enrico & the support vehicle came to my rescue and were impressed with the 20cm rip in the tube!  I think I must have been taking one for the team as just 15km later the new tube had a flat.  I took the executive decision that I’d shuttle the remaining 14kms to lunch where we could fix it again.

Beautiful location by Lake Takerkoust and a welcome break but the day was heating up to the low 30°s and our 28km climb was still to come.

Everyone found the day tough with the high temperature – even electrolytes and many bottles of water didn’t prevent cramps for a few of the group.

Very happy to arrive at our beautiful hotel and any concerns I may have had about using an e-bike were completely negated with the knowledge that I have 30 more days of similar terrain and distance.