118 km traveled, 448 m total ascent, 29°C maximum.
We were buffeted by cross/headwinds all day, which made the journey more taxing. Also, lunch was mysteriously set at 85 km, further than expected for a 118 km ride.
The sun starting to peek over the clouds behind me as I rode due west. Strange thing about the southern hemisphere: as the sun moves from east to west during the course of a day, it passes to the north, and not south. It was disorienting, and it took me a while to get used to that.
Typical Namibian roadside rest stop with small picnic table.
The tarmac in Namibia is generally well-maintained and potholes are repaired, but there is no rideable shoulder. One notable difference is that exploded truck tire fragments have been collected, and are not strewn all over the side of the road.
Hard to miss this quirky tractor on a stick marking a farm/ranch.
Entrance to the town of Gobabis (G with H sound) near the end of our route today.
Typical homes on the outskirts of town.
Many of us stopped at the local Spar to pick up a cold soda and some ice cream, and stowed away other snacks to get us through the next couple days.
Gobabis with its wide main boulevard and palm trees reminded me of something I might see in small town Arizona.
Entrance to our campsite 8 km past Gobabis. Xian is pronounced with that tongue-clicking sound again.
Bonus at our campsite: a litter of two-week-old golden labrador retriever puppies.
Universally, everyone thought today was hard. This was a combination of coming off 217 km yesterday, the headwind today, and the protracted ride before we arrived at lunch. We all arrived at camp by mid-afternoon, so there was time to chill at the bar before dinner.
Last year, it was dangerous riding for TDA bikers for at least 40 km before Windhoek. TDA decided to bus us into Windhoek this year. So tomorrow is a bus transfer day, followed by a rest day. We are all glad to get 2 days’ break from long hours in the bicycle saddle.
A peacock strolling our campground.
Universally, everyone thought today was hard. This was a combination of coming off 217 km yesterday, the headwind today, and the protracted ride before we arrived at lunch. We all arrived at camp by mid-afternoon, so there was time to chill at the bar before dinner.
Last year, it was dangerous riding for TDA bikers for at least 40 km before Windhoek. TDA decided to bus us into Windhoek this year. So tomorrow is a bus transfer day, followed by a rest day. We are all glad to get 2 days’ break from long hours in the bicycle saddle.
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